Sweden, Norway and Denmark are the countries that make up Scandinavia. Although all the Nordic countries (Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland) have Scandinavian roots, only Norwegians, Swedes, and Danes identify as Scandinavian.
Besides the rich cultural heritage, this region is known for its scenery as shown in Live Scandinavia.
What is the best time to visit Scandinavian countries?
The best time to visit Scandinavian countries is usually summer, between June and September. It’s the time when the days are longest, and it’s warmer outside to go hiking and sightseeing.
Fjords, Forests, Mountains and Lakes
One of the fascinating features in Scandinavian countries is the landscape. When you visit Norway, the perfect way to explore this beautiful country is by sailing along the beautiful fjords. These fjords formed along the coast during the Ice Age, millions of years ago. Some of the largest are Sognefjord, Nærøyfjord, and Hardangerfjord.
If you visit in the winter, you will enjoy the incredible views of snow-capped mountain tops. The forests of Lapland, dense with snow, add to the magical views during this season. During the warm months, the valleys are a brilliant shade of green that will leave you mesmerized.
Finland and Sweden are a little similar. They both have vast forests and lakes, although Sweden has fewer lakes. Sweden’s coast has thousands of islands, which add to the breathtaking views.
Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun
Sighting the Aurora Borealis, also known as polar lights, is on the bucket list of most people who visit Scandinavian countries. The stunning swirls of purple, green, yellow and blue colours across the dark skies is one of the highlights of a visit to Sweden, Finland and Norway.
Also called the aurora borealis, or the polar lights, the northern lights are a natural display of coloured light caused by solar winds. You have a chance to see this unforgettable show if you are in the right place, and if the conditions are right. Unfortunately, some people have failed to see this spectacular display because they visited at the wrong time.
It is critical to note that the northern lights are visible only when the skies are pitch black. Statistically, this is in spring (March and April) and Autumn (September and October). However, the Northern lights have been sighted in the long nights between November to February. The Norwegian Lapland and Lofoten Islands are some of the best locations to view the northern lights.
Another splendid natural phenomenon is the midnight sun. If the weather is ideal, the sun remains visible long past midnight. In Norway, there are 76 days of the midnight sun, usually between May 14 and July 30. If you are in Northern Sweden or Nordkapp during this period, you are likely to encounter the midnight sun.
Winter Sports
Seasonal changes don’t dampen the mood of Scandinavians. There is always something to do, especially in winter. Visiting during winter doesn’t mean you’ll have no choice but to stay in your hotel room. There are plenty of outdoor activities you can enjoy. You can explore the boreal forests in Sweden, race across the Finnish Lapland, ice fishing, or get on a reindeer sledge to find the northern lights.
Visit the Swedish Archipelagos
One of the star attractions in Sweden is the large group of islands, commonly referred to as archipelagos. The Gothenburg and Stockholm archipelagos are some of the most popular. The Stockholm archipelago has more than 24,000 islands of different sizes. You can explore the coves and beaches with a boat or ferry. You can also hike or use a kayak. Some of the larger islands even have restaurants serving some of the local and international cuisines.
Plenty of Opportunities to Cut Costs
There is a perception that travelling to Europe is costly. Although this is generally true, Scandinavian countries offer travellers various opportunities to take advantage of low or no-cost activities. For example, the northern lights can be viewed at no cost! All you have to do is show up at the appropriate time of the year.
You can also access some of the local attractions, like museums, at no cost if you possess a city card. With such a card, you can get free local transportation, discounted services, and even coupons to your favorite attractions. These cards are available online and can be purchased for the duration of your stay.
The cost of air tickets to Scandinavia varies significantly. This is one area you are likely to make significant savings, as long as you have flexible travel dates. Weekend flights tend to have surcharges, so you can avoid the extra charge by travelling between Monday and Thursday.
If you have been planning for years to visit Scandinavia, this is the year to stop procrastinating. Plan early, and you’ll discover that visiting the Scandinavian countries is not just cheaper than you think, but even more enjoyable.
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