In pictures: Nordic states gripped by winter freeze

Nordic countries have recorded their coldest temperatures of the winter, with areas of Sweden and Finland dropping to as low as -40C this week. Here we select some of the most striking photos of the winter freeze.

The Nordic states are used to cold winters but in Sweden it is rare for temperatures to plummet below -40C

Sweden's far north is seeing some of its iciest temperatures for years - here in Vittangi temperatures have dropped as low as -30C

A few joggers in the capital Stockholm have braved the snow and wind

This man was not prepared to give up his swim in Helsinki, although some places in Finland have recorded their lowest winter temperatures

A man walks on the frozen sea in Helsinki

Heavy snowfall has blanketed parts of southern Norway since New Year's Day. Here people remove snow from a car in Kristiansand

Some parts of eastern Denmark could see up to 70cm (26 inches) of snow by Thursday. These cyclists defied a snowstorm in Aalborg

In several parts of Denmark, including Jutland, police have urged the public to avoid the roads if possible

Buses continued to operate in the Danish town of Randers but the armed forces were deployed in the region to help emergency services

All photos subject to copyright.