Scandinavia Travel Tips: Here’s What You Need To Know Before You Go (2025)

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Mary from the Three Week Traveller is here to share all of her top tips for traveling to Scandinavia! 

Scandinavia is a region in Europe that consists of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark – three countries that share so many similarities yet so many differences! Their respective languages and currencies might sound and look similar, but the cultures in each country are quite distinct.

In this travelers’ guide to Scandinavia, I’ll help you prepare for a trip to this part of the world, based on my personal experience. From packing to the best places to see, the foods you absolutely need to try to the best time to go to Scandinavia, this guide is full of tips to help you prepare and make your trip unforgettable. 

Table of Contents
Which Countries Make Up the Scandinavia Region?
Scandinavia Travel Tips
Best Places to Visit in Scandinavia
Basic Things To Know About Scandinavia
FAQs
Conclusion
About the Author

Which Countries Make Up the Scandinavia Region?

First things first: there are only three (3) countries in the Scandinavian region: Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Often, people assume that Iceland and Finland are part of Scandinavia because they share some cultural similarities. Finland and Iceland are not, however, part of Scandinavia. 

To make things a little more confusing, there’s another geographic grouping that includes the Scandinavian countries AND Iceland and Finland; they’re known as the Nordic countries. Note that the Faroe Islands and Greenland – both are part of Denmark – are also considered Nordic countries.

Scandinavia Travel Tips

Anyone who’s planning to go on a trip to Scandinavia quickly learns that it can be quite expensive. While we can’t do much about it, since this region has such great infrastructure, efficient services, and easy communication with the locals even if you don’t speak their language, traveling here can be affordable if you’re thoughtful about it.

In this section, we will discuss one-by-one things to expect, finding cheap flights, when to go, places to see, food to eat, and how to get around and plan your trip without breaking the bank.

Packing For a Trip to Scandinavia

There’s no one-size-fits-all packing list for Scandinavia, because the gear you’ll need depends on when you go and what you will be doing. That said, make sure to pack a sweater; summer nights can still be chilly, even in southern Scandinavia.

Scandinavians love to spend time outside and have great infrastructure for hiking, camping, and enjoying nature. If you’re planning to go hiking, I suggest you pack sturdy shoes with decent tread. Trails tend to be slippery even during the summer months. 

You can avoid traveling with heavy ski or other winter equipment if you rent them at your destination, helping you save on baggage fees.

A note on fashion: You can wear whatever you want on your vacation. But, if you want to blend in, you should know that Scandinavians love wearing darker shades and muted colors. Wearing bright colors will definitely make you stand out in a crowd.

Affordable Flights to Scandinavia

The best way to find cheap flights to Scandinavia if you are coming from North America, South America, Africa, and even Asia is to fly to either the Netherlands, Germany, or Iceland. Then, book a separate flight to either Oslo, Copenhagen, or Stockholm on a budget airline. 

Of course, always compare the total price of these tickets with a flight directly to your end destination. If you can book a single ticket, it’s usually a nicer experience overall. Be sure to leave at least several hours to make a connecting flight booked on a separate ticket. A full day is even better. 

If you are traveling within Europe, Ryanair, SAS, Norwegian, and EasyJet are the airlines you want to check. You can also check tickets for trains or buses, but it will usually take a lot longer to travel by ground than to fly. 

Serious budget travelers may prefer an overnight train or bus to save on accommodation for a night on their trip. Just keep in mind the arrival time the next morning!

Best Way to Get Around Scandinavia

One of the best things about Scandinavia is the quality of the transportation infrastructure. Train routes, roads, and public transit are generally safe to use, high quality, and reasonably priced. 

The best way to get around rural Scandinavia is by renting a car, especially for Denmark or if you are planning to only explore areas not too far from the capital cities. For travel within and between the capital cities, public transit is your best bet. 

When planning your route, I suggest that you check a mix of flights, trains, buses, and ferries. Pay attention to the total cost, travel time, and relative convenience of each option. While you can take a 17 hour train from Stockholm to Kiruna, Sweden, you might prefer to pay a little extra and fly instead to save a day of your trip. 

Hitchhiking is not unheard of in Scandinavia, but I would only recommend it for very experienced travelers. It can be hard to find a ride because the main highways are not accessible by foot and the speed limit (up to 120 km/h) is pretty fast. Unless you have lots of time and/or a backup plan, I suggest you rely on other forms of transport. 

Best Time to Travel to Scandinavia

When is the best time to travel to Scandinavia? It really depends on the activities you want to do. 

Scandinavia is a year round destination, with a mix of winter and summer activities (not unlike Colorado!). If you want to go cross country skiing or see the Northern Lights in Norway and Sweden, late fall and winter are the best times to visit.

On the other hand, if you want to enjoy music festivals, Scandinavian beaches, hiking, camping, and road trips, spring and summer are the best times to travel to Scandinavia. Spring and summer are also the best times for urban sightseeing, when the days are longer and the weather is more pleasant. 

Be aware that the winters in Scandinavia are quite cold, especially in the northern/Arctic regions. For Arctic trips, pack plenty of warm clothes, including insulated boots and a heavy jacket to stay safe in the frigid temperatures. 

Is it Safe to Travel to Scandinavia

Yes, Scandinavia is one of the safest regions in the world, and most travelers won’t have any issues with safety and security during their visit. 

In 2023, Wikipedia’s Global Peace Index listed Denmark as the second most peaceful country in the world. Norway ranked 24th in the world, and Sweden ranked 28th. For context, on the same scale, Ireland ranked third overall and the US ranked 131st (out of 163 countries). In case you’re wondering, in 2023 Iceland topped the list as the most peaceful country in the world. 

When I first traveled to Scandinavia, it was in Denmark. I found myself enjoying the nightlife a little too late into the night and ended up heading back to my hotel at 3am. While it was dark and cold, I didn’t feel uncomfortable or unsafe in any way while waiting for the bus. The driver was a woman, too, which helped me feel even safer.

Must Try Foods in Scandinavia

I love Scandinavian food. Many of the Scandinavian foods are potato-based or meat-based dishes, due to their Viking heritage, but don’t let that deter you – there are plenty of things to try. Every time I have a flight that connects to one of their airports, I make sure I pick up some pastry and bread during my stop if I don’t have time to dine.

Here’s a list of the best food to try in Scandinavia:

• Chokladbollar – Swedish chocolate treats shaped like balls, typically rolled in coconut 
• Rugbrød – Scandinavia have the best rye bread, you can have it in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden
• Kardemummabullar – Swedish cardamom buns 
• Frikadeller – Danish fish and meat-based meatball
• Smørrebrød – Danish open-faced sandwich with fish, meat, eggs, spread
• Koldskål/Filmjölk – Buttermilk or fermented milk, typically eaten for breakfast
• Swedish Meatballs – Pork and beef meatballs, usually eaten with a cream gravy
• Smörgåstårta – Swedish sandwich cake
• Kjøttkaker – Norwegian meatball
• Lefse – Norwegian dessert
• Bergensk fiskesuppe – Fish soup from Bergen, Norway
• Pickled herring – Can be found anywhere in Scandinavia

How to Long to Spend in Scandinavia

Scandinavia is the type of place where you could travel for a few months and still never see it all. Still, I recommend spending at least 10 days in Scandinavia, especially if you’re flying from another continent. This will give you time to see several landscapes, cities, and cultures. 

Sweden and Norway are both relatively large countries, with big differences between their northern and southern regions. For a trip that includes Sweden and/or Norway, you’ll probably have to pick specific cities to include in your itinerary because you simply won’t have time to see it all. Denmark is a bit smaller and more accessible, so you’ll be able to see more of the country in a shorter amount of time. 

If you’re stuck trying to plan your Scandinavian itinerary, a great start would be visiting the capital cities – Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm. Of course, your itinerary can be flexible to suit your interests; people might skip Oslo and go to Bergen to see the fjords or skip Stockholm to explore Lapland.

For travelers with a week or so to spend in Scandinavia, you can certainly still have a great trip! I recommend focusing on the cities or regions that are most interesting to you. Keep in mind that the best place to see the northern lights is in the far northern part of Scandinavia like Abisko, Sweden or Tromsø, Norway.

Best Places to Visit in Scandinavia

This post would be incomplete if I didn’t talk about places to see in Scandinavia. There are so many places to explore in the region, and most people have limited time. So, here’s my list of the top places to visit, assuming you have one week to see each country. 

You can check out an itinerary for 3 weeks in Scandinavia for more information and ideas as you plan your trip. 

Denmark

In a week, you can visit the following places in Denmark by car, train, and/or bus. Denmark is such a small country, you can rent a car in Copenhagen and then drop off the car in Copenhagen again.

• Copenhagen – Nyhavn, Christiania, Amalie Garden
• Odense – Hans Christian Andersen House and Museum, Egeskov
• Aarhus: Old city (Den Gamle By), ARoS Museum, Dokk1
• Skagen – Coastal town in the northern Denmark where Skagerrak and Kattegt sea meet

Norway

In a week, you can visit the following places in Norway. Due to its size, you might have to take a flight depending on the places you want to see – especially if you want to travel to Svalbard.

It’s such a large country (and there’s so much to see!). If you have more time, you can easily spend three weeks in Norway.

• Oslo – Viking Museum, Maritime Museum, The Royal Palace, Akershus Fortress
• Tromsø – Floya Mountain to see the Northern Lights (seasonal), Arctic Cathedral, Southern Beach, Senja
• Svalbard – Longyearbyen, Svalbard Museum, Pyramiden, Barentsburg
• Bergen – Fjords, Bergenhus Fortress, Bergen Art Museum, Nordnes Park

Sweden

In a week, you can visit the following places in Sweden. Depending on your preference and time, you can do a mixture of flying, taking the train, and using a bus:

• Gothenburg – Dutch-style canals, music festivals, Kosterhavets Nationalpark
• Stockholm – art, culture, and history museums, Uppsala, Drottninggatan and Klarabergsgatan
• Lapland – Kiruna, Abisko
• Malmø – Mamohus Slott, Turning Torso

Basic Things To Know About Scandinavia

Although Scandinavia is a very beginner-friendly place to visit, there are some basic things you should know before you go. From the national currencies, local languages, and cultural tips, here is some basic information about Scandinavia that will be helpful for any traveler. 

Scandinavian Currencies

The first thing to know about Scandinavian currencies is that none of the Scandinavian countries use euros, a popular currency for countries in the European Union (note to reader: Norway is not in the EU). 

Instead, they each use their own currencies. The currencies across Scandinavia are easy to remember:

• Denmark – DKK, which stands for Danish Kroner
• Norway – NOK, which stands for Norwegian Krone
• Sweden – SEK, which stands for Swedish Krona

Luckily, the words for “Kroner,” “Krona,” and “Krone” are pretty similar and therefore easy to remember. They also have similar exchange rates (though not identical) against the US Dollar. However, they are not interchangeable. 

If you need to, you can exchange the currencies at the borders or airports, or currency exchange shops. However, you can’t use Norwegian Krone, for example, to pay at the stores or restaurants in Denmark.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Scandinavia, so you shouldn’t need much cash when traveling in this region. 

Scandinavian Languages

Languages across Scandinavia are also quite similar to each other, but each is still distinct. You’ll probably quickly notice some changes in the spelling and pronunciation from one country to the next, though the alphabet/characters have some differences, too. 

Because Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish are all North Germanic languages, the grammar and the root of words are quite close to each other. 

If you can speak, read, or understand one of these languages, it can be handy – especially if you want to connect with the locals. However, don’t worry if you only know a few words in the local language – many Scandinavians speak English fluently.

Should you come across a person who doesn’t speak English, just try to find someone else to ask. More than likely, you’ll find someone who can speak English and will help you. 

Here are some basic words that will be useful for your trip:

🇬🇧 ENGLISH	🇩🇰 DANISH (Dansk)	🇳🇴 NORWEGIAN (Norsk)	🇸🇪 SWEDISH (Svenska)
Thanks	Tak	Takk	Tack
Hello/Hi	Hej	Hallo/Hei	Hej
How much is this?	Hvor meget koster dette?	Hvor mye er dette?	Hur mycket är det här?
Where is the bus stop?	Hvor er busstoppestedet?	Hvor er busstoppet?	Var är busshållplatsen?
My name is…	Mit navn er..	Mit navn er…	Mit navn er…

Scandinavian Culture

Many parts of the world are said to have “warm cultures” with “friendly locals.” The types of places where people will greet you with a big smile and go out of their way to make you feel welcome and comfortable. 

It’s quite the opposite in Scandinavian culture. I mean, people are not rude or mean towards tourists or anything like that. Instead, Scandinavian culture values personal space and privacy very highly, which often comes off as rather cold – especially to those who have lived or traveled in regions with warmer cultures. 

For example, handshaking is the right way to introduce yourself – save the kisses on the cheek for France or Spain. Likewise, don’t just start small talk with someone next to you on a train, bus, supermarket, or while on a walk. A simple nod of your head or a smile is sufficient. 

Scandinavians have been practicing social distancing since long before the COVID-19 pandemic. People in this region value personal space and are unlikely to stand or sit too close to you.

If you look lost or couldn’t find the place you are going to, the chances that a Scandinavian will come up to you and ask if you need help is quite low. Instead of waiting for help, just approach someone and politely ask for assistance. You’ll probably find that they’re happy to help you. 

Visa Requirements

Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are all members of the Schengen States. This means the visa requirements are similar to those of the Schengen Schengen members, like France or Spain. People holding a US passport and passports from many other countries that were previously visa-exempt will need to apply for an ETIAS visa, beginning in early 2025. 

If you have questions about the visa requirements to enter the Schengen Area, I suggest that you consult the European Commission’s website. You can also consult the embassy or consulate for the main country that you would like to visit. 

Note: this blog post is for informational purposes only. If you have questions about your visa status or the travel documents you’ll need, I encourage you to contact the embassy or consulate for clarification. 

FAQs: Scandinavia Travel Tips

Planning your trip to Scandinavia and still have questions? Here are the answers to some of the top queries from other travelers. 

What is the Best Month to Visit Scandinavia?

There’s no single best month to visit Scandinavia. For warm weather, May is a great time to travel to Scandinavia because the weather is starting to get warmer but the crowds tend to start in June. For northern lights, December to February is the best time to go. You might even consider splurging on a stay in an arctic dome/glass igloo while you’re there!

What is the Best Way to Travel Within Scandinavia?

Within Scandinavia, it’s best to explore different methods of transit for each leg of your trip. There’s no single best way to get around within Scandinavia because it really depends on where you’re coming from and where you’re headed. Check flights, car rentals, trains, and buses for each route. When I’ve traveled in Scandinavia, I’ve used all of these methods – sometimes all within the same trip!

Is visiting Scandinavia expensive?

Yes, traveling in Scandinavia can be rather expensive. Hotels, transportation, food, and activities can all add up. Be sure to price out your trip well in advance of travel so that you’re not caught off guard by the prices. It’s also a good idea to cook some meals during your trip if you’d like to save money on restaurants. 

Conclusion: Scandinavia Travel Tips

Scandinavia is one of the best places to visit in Europe. Beautiful architecture, delicious food, fabulous transportation systems, rich culture, fascinating history, and scenic views are all reasons you might be pulled to Norway, Denmark, and Sweden!

I hope you enjoyed these Scandinavian tips. Personally, I can’t wait to visit these places again, it’s definitely one of my favorite regions in the world, and I will never get tired of exploring it.

About the Author

Mary of the Three Week Traveller started traveling in 2013, and she has now explored 34 countries across 5 continents. Her goal is to get to Antarctica before she turns 40, and her dream activity is to dive through the two tectonic plates in Iceland. Mary’s favorite destination is Vietnam, and the country that she highly recommends for everyone to see is Turkey.