If you’ve explored most of Europe and ready to explore the Nordic countries with their spectacular volcanic and glacial landscapes, Viking history, white nights and stunning Northern Lights. You should know before the best time to visit Scandinavia before planning your vacation:
The best time to visit Scandinavia
Northern Europe includes several countries, including the Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark). Also Iceland and often even Northern Ireland and Scotland are considered to be part of the Nordic countries. So, depending on the destination you want to visit, as well as your favorite activities, these are the right times to visit the Nordic countries:
- Visit the Scandinavian Peninsula and Iceland in May and September if you want to escape the crowds but still enjoy friendly weather to explore the glacial and volcanic landscapes.
- If you still prefer temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius to explore the Nordic countries freely, June-August are the perfect months – and so you can also experience the midnight sun, because the closer you go to the Arctic Circle, the more you will enjoy more light in a day.
- For those who want to see the Northern Lights in the Nordic countries, the best time to do so is during the winter months, which also come with extremely low temperatures.
If you want to visit as many of these countries as possible but don’t have much time, we recommend a cruise holiday in the Nordic countries – this way, you’ll travel comfortably and enjoy spectacular landscapes without being need to spend dozens of hours driving, or changing hotels every night.
Costs to visit the Nordic countries
It is well known that the Nordic countries are some of the most expensive countries in the world, and the standard of living here is very high.
In addition to the expenses associated with the tourist package (accommodation, transport, meals, visits), it is important to allocate an extra budget for small daily expenses, for souvenirs and even for tipping – because in most restaurants a 10% tip is expected.
Protection
If you choose summer for a trip to the Nordic countries, don’t forget to add at least one pair of sunglasses to your luggage – you’ll need them even during the “night”, because the sun never sets in the Arctic Circle. In addition, it is important to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays, which are quite strong – so don’t forget a cream with a high sun protection factor, ideally 50.
