Six Reasons to Blow Your Budget in Scandinavia

If it wasn’t for the fifteen dollar Whoppers and the budget blowing nights on the town, Scandinavia would probably be the most popular part of Europe when it comes to tourism. There’s just something about the four Northern countries that blows the mind of the average traveller.

Burning sky in Sweden by Per Ola Wiberg

If you’re looking for somewhere cheap, it’s the last place that you should go. But if you are looking to experience some the best scenery and dining that Europe has to offer, head North. Here are six reasons I believe Scandinavia to be worth every penny.

The Northern Landscapes

The top of Scandinavia is not easy to get to. Budget airline routes are scarce by European standards and train journeys are long, even by European standards. But in terms of awe inspiring landscapes, vast empty spaces, and fjords that have to be seen to be believed, the north really can’t be beat. If you’ve got the time and the seasons are on your side, there are few better places in the world to drive and drive and drive.

High Prices but Exquisite Quality

Another thing that I like about Scandinavia is that though the prices are high, the quality usually follows suit. In other words, most establishments do seem to at least attempt to justify their ridiculous prices. Expensive hotels are generally pristine and modern. Fine dining is the very definition of fine.

Hotel 71 Nyhavn – one of the most expensive hotels in Denmark (Copenhagen) by Casper Moller

Camping is Free

An excellent way to cut down on the cost of a trip through Scandinavia is to go camping. Provided you are not in the immediate vicinity of somebody’s home i.e. not in anyone’s garden, you can set up a tent wherever you like, completely free.

In most countries, this sort of camping would involve hiding and excessive fines if unsuccessful. But in Scandinavia, it’s considered your right to set up a tent wherever you choose. Of course, given the climate, this is very much a Summer activity.

Cross Country Skiing

Though the ski resorts of Scandinavia are not really up to the standards of their Swiss and French counterparts, when it comes to cross country skiing, the countries of Scandinavia are in a league of their own.

Not only does the flat landscape lend itself perfectly to the activity, the snowfall is both powdery and plentiful. And I have yet to find a city other than Helsinki where business men ski to and from work. It’s like being on another planet. A much better one.

Cross Country Skiing in Sweden by Ina Widegren

The Nightlife

You might be forgiven for thinking that the nightlife would be somewhat tame in countries where the alcohol is taxed so severely. Luckily however, any such concerns would be very much unwarranted. Saturday nights in Stockholm are at times downright scary in terms of debauchery.

In fact, if there’s a university in town, you can expect to find a party atmosphere regardless of what Scandinavian city you find yourself in. Most people in Scandinavia love to drink and love to party. The cost just seems like some sort of strange after thought.

The Midnight Sun

Finally, there is the midnight sun. Each Summer, should you head way north, you can expect to say goodbye to the darkness for up to ninety days. It doesn’t do much for your sanity, it doesn’t do much for your sleep, but it is something that just about everyone should experience once in their lives. It is worth noting however that anything more than a week is likely to lead to both insomnia and irrational smiling.

Mike Johnson is a well known NSW based travel writer who is currently writing for www.onemilebeach.com.au.

Tags: airline routes, budget airline, burning sky, denmark copenhagen, empty spaces, excessive fines, exquisite quality, fjords, hotel 71, hotels in denmark, moller, northern countries, northern landscapes, places in the world, ridiculous prices, scandinavia, train journeys, whoppers, wiberg

Category: Travel Tips