There are so many wonderful places in the world to visit, and one of the most exciting has got to be Scandinavia. Scandinavia is the regional term for the landmass that comprises the nations of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, as well as, more broadly, Iceland, Finland, and the Faroe Islands.
In the past decade, Scandinavia has become a hugely popular tourist destination, thanks largely to its interesting history, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals. Though Sweden has historically proven the most popular, with the largest number of foreign tourists in 2016, the others are catching up fast. Here are six top tips for those planning to visit Scandinavia for the first time.
- You’re going to need warm clothing
One of the first things to know about Scandinavia is that some areas are cold. Like, crazy cold. We’re talking Alaska-style cold here. This is why you need to make sure you pack as much warm clothing as you possibly can. If you’re visiting several different countries, you might like a mix of different styles, but be sure you make warm clothing a priority.
- Create an itinerary
Coming up with an itinerary is so important, because it’s the best way of fitting in all the wonderful things you want to see and experience while you’re here. There are a lot of ideas and inspiration you can use for the perfect planning, but you should definitely check out Rick Steves’ Scandinavia Itinerary for some ideas on where to go and what to see.
- Budget your trip carefully
Budgeting is also a major consideration because Scandinavia is not a cheap place to visit. Due to the extra tax they put onto things, you could wind up paying a lot more as a tourist. This is why you have to make sure you get sensible with your budgeting, and that you work out how much everything is going to cost you.
One of the things that helps with this is choosing your accommodation wisely. Going for an Airbnb arrangement could wind up saving you a lot of money in the long run.
On top of this, consider any medical emergencies. Eight out of ten of the most expensive countries in the world for medical and healthcare are in Europe, according to 1Cover. Make sure you factor this into your budget, with the right insurance and perhaps even an emergency fund.
- Try to get to each country
It’s important to sample everything Scandinavia has to offer you – from whale watching, to the Fjords, to the Northern Lights. This is why you need to try to visit each country while you’re there. Even the smaller countries here have a lot to offer – did you know that overnight stays in Iceland increased by 10% in August of this year? There’s definite appeal in all countries across Scandinavia, so don’t limit yourself.
- Coffee is a big deal
There are a lot of things in Scandinavia that prove popular, but coffee is an absolutely massive one! Did you know that the Swedish coffee market raked in close to $640 million dollars this year? It’s clear that Scandies are big java junkies, so we would certainly recommend checking some out. It’s hot, which might be a reason behind their love for it, and many countries embrace the “fika,” a Swedish term for a coffee break.
- Embrace ‘Hygge’
Hygge is one of the most important parts of Scandinavian culture because it is the essence of their identity. The word is a Danish and Norwegian term for contentment and coziness. You know that feeling of bliss and relaxation when you know you’re safe on your trip, you have no immediate worries, and you can look forward to the future? This is something Scandinavians place a lot of stock in, and you should embrace it during your visit to get the best possible experience.
Scandinavia is one of the most breathtaking areas in all of Europe, and somewhere that definitely warrants exploration and discovery. There are so many wonderful things to explore here, and you can see that there’s a lot to do as well.
These six tips should help anyone looking to maximise their first ever trip to Scandinavia, but if you feel there’s anything we’ve missed, please let us know in the comments section.
