When it comes to amazing holiday destinations, there really is nothing like visiting Scandinavia. Now, of course it is important to remember that Scandinavia covers Norway, Sweden, and Denmark (and possibly Finland, depending on how strict you are being with the definition), and each of these countries has their own distinct delights, attractions, and reasons why they should be first on your list. And if you are deciding to spend your money and your time travelling to the Nordic region, you are going to have to make some tough choices about where and when you go.
If you have never been to any Scandinavian countries before, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed when it comes to planning your trip. We have put together a list of the essentials that any pop culture devotees need to know about, whether you want to hit the capital cities, get out into the amazing countryside, or see the Northern Lights! You will also find some tips for how to enjoy your downtime while you travel. Let’s get started.
Visiting In Summer?
One of the most important things that you need to remember if you are planning a visit to Scandinavia is that a lot will hinge on when you go. Most Scandinavian countries enjoy beautifully sunny summer months, although you can definitely expect lower temperatures than other European countries that are further south. Of course, climate change has meant that these nations have been seeing warmer weather in the summer than usual, but you may still want to take a jumper with you just in case. There will also still be rain showers, so pack an umbrella too! One of the other main attractions of visiting Scandinavia during the summer is the extremely long days, as the sun barely sets.
Visiting In Winter?
If you decide to visit Scandinavia in the winter, then you will need to prepare yourself for cold, rain and snow. If you want to get involved in some winter sports, you will be able to experience everything from ice fishing to sledding. However, if you do decide to visit during the depths of winter, then you will not be seeing much daylight. Cities further south in Scandinavian countries such as Stockholm will enjoy about five and half hours of sunlight. If you decide to head up to Lapland, there are only about four hours where you will be able to see the very low winter sun. If you are someone who suffers from seasonal affective disorder, you will want to factor this into your trip.
Do You Want To See The Northern Lights?
One of the main attractions that Scandinavia has to offer is the famous Northern Lights. The north of this region is one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis. If you had your heart set on visiting during the summer, then we are sorry to say that your odds of seeing the Northern Lights are very low indeed. You will need to plan your visit for between October and March, as the longer nights and clear skies offer the best visibility. The tourism industry in Scandinavia offers plenty of different options for seeing them depending on how far into nature you want to get. You might want to consider a sled dog experience that will take you out into the woods for a crystal-clear look at one of nature’s most beautiful phenomena, for example.
Plan To Travel Outside Of The Cities And Prepare For Downtime
Wherever you go in Scandinavia, you are going to see some amazing scenery. It is important to remember that, even though there are plenty of wonderful attractions to be found in the region’s metropolises, it is the countryside that is going to take your breath away. In Norway, you should absolutely get out and see the amazing fjords that most of us have only ever seen on TV, and Sweden is a stunning mixture of mountains, forests, and lakes. If you can, try to make sure that you get a mixture of city time and outdoor time. If you are heading outside of the city then it is worth hiring a car, but public transport is reliable and relatively cost-effective too. Trains are a great way of getting around cheaply, and Scandinavia has great cell service which is hardly surprising given that it is the home of some of the best-known cellphone brands! If you are planning on spending a lot of your time on trains and other forms of public transport, then you should think about how you could spend those idle hours. Playing a few games at an online casino is a great way of passing the time and staying awake if you are suffering from jetlag! If you want to find an online casino that you can trust while travelling, look at Jackpot. They offer bonuses without requirements, a great range of games, and daily cashbacks.
Check Opening Times
When you have a clear idea of when you are visiting, it’s time to start planning your trip in a bit more detail. But something that you need to take into account before you get too attached to any attractions or museums is that the opening times and holiday closures may take you by surprise. Many attractions, especially in the big cities, will be open all summer to maximize on tourist business. But if you are heading out into the countryside, remember that many businesses close during their summer to take advantage of the beautiful Scandinavian summer. As in many other cities, Monday is a day that a lot of attractions and restaurants will close their doors to give their staff a break, so make sure that you check before you commit to anything.
Start Saving Now
Scandinavian countries have a reputation as being one of the more expensive places to spend your holiday, and this is not a myth. When you are planning your trip, you need to do your research to find hotels, restaurants and bars that will not break the bank. It is worth noting that alcohol is particularly expensive in most Scandinavian countries, so you will definitely be able to save a few Euros by cutting back on the amount that you are drinking. You will also be able to find a lot of free attractions in both Stockholm and Oslo, especially if you are an art or history lover, but an adult ticket for the ABBA museum in the former will set you back about 25 dollars. When it comes to eating, think about hitting the street markets for some amazing fresh food that you can enjoy outside by the harbor instead of paying for a table at a touristy restaurant.
English Is Widely Spoken
Finally, a quick answer to one of the most pressing questions that a lot of people have when they are travelling abroad. Yes indeed, English is widely understood and spoken in Scandinavian countries, but it is worth noting that some regions are not exactly known for being chatty. If you get a terse response or just a nod, don’t take it personally. However, it is always worth looking up a few key phrases to help you out if you get stuck.
