Scandinavian Destinations

Scandinavia, a beautiful region with a rich history, is a wonderful destination for a winter vacation. If you are interested in traveling Scandinavia, you can visit up to seven different countries:
  • Denmark.
  • Finland
  • Greenland
  • Iceland
  • Norway
  • Russia
  • Sweden.

Types of Scandinavian Tours

While in Scandinavian countries, tours you can take include:
  • adventure tours in Finland, Iceland, Norway and Greenland (anywhere from $600 to upwards of $2100 for a half-week stay)
  • bike trips in Denmark
  • canal cruises of Sweden
  • coastal cruises of Norway or Greenland
  • escorted tours ($1,800 to almost $8,000, depending on the length of the tour and cities visited)
  • EURail train trips in Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway
  • ferries between Helsinki-Stockholm, Oslo-Copenhagen
  • fjord tours in Norway ($200 to $800, depending on how many days the tour is)
  • independent or self-drive tours
  • "nutshell," or day tours ($220 to $500, depending on the cities and the month you visit).

Touring cities is not the only attraction Scandinavia has to offer. If you are looking to add some more adventure to your vacation, consider:

  • hiking along glaciers
  • researching your genealogy
  • staying in an igloo
  • taking a dog sled across the ice and snow
  • taking a helicopter over fjords and the Baltic Sea whale-watching.

Costs of Staying in Scandinavia

The peak travel season in Scandinavia occurs during the summer months because days are long and the weather is warm. Winter is typically a less popular time to visit Scandinavian countries, as they are particularly cold with far less daylight during the winter months. However, some still chose to visit Scandinavia in the winter to see the Northern Lights, ride dog sleds or go on an Arctic safari.

The cost of your Scandinavian vacation will depend on whether you are traveling during the peak summer season, the country you are visiting and the type of accommodations you choose. Typically, hotel rates start around $250 per two-night stay. Rooms in fine hotels cost upwards of $1,000 per night.

In Denmark's capital city, Copenhagen, two nights at a hotel can cost any from $200 to $1,000. Stockholm, Sweden's capital, has hotels with comparable prices. However, a single bed at the four-star Grand Hotel can cost more than $1,100.

Oslo, the capital of Norway, is more expensive. A modest double room costs $200 to $300 for a two-night stay. Single rooms cost $400 to $500, but in a nice hotel like downtown's Hotel Augustin, a single room costs more than $3,500 during peak season. To get the most accurate hotel rates, call your hotel of interest directly and ask for quotes.

Keep in mind that hotel accommodations aren't the only things that can be pricey as you travel this region. The cost of food, transportation and entertainment can also cost you a pretty penny in Scandinavian countries. For example, a bag of Swedish cheese puffs can cost more than $5.00.

According to Mercer Consulting's 2007 survey of the world's most expensive cities, many Scandinavian cities ranked in the top 50, with some even ranking in the top 10. Some of the most expensive cities in the Scandinavian region include:

  • Moscow, 1st
  • Copenhagen, 6th
  • Oslo, 10th
  • St. Petersburg, 12th
  • Helsinki, 22nd
  • Stockholm, 23rd.

Costs of Cruising Scandinavia

Taking a Scandinavian cruise can be a nice alternative to a traditional vacation. As you are planning your Scandinavian cruise, ask yourself the following questions:
  • Do I want a northbound, southbound or roundtrip Scandinavian cruise?
  • How long do I want to be on the ship: six, seven or 12 days?
  • When do I want to go: winter, spring, summer or fall?

Scandinavian cruise prices are cheaper in the winter than they are in the summer. For example, a six-day Norwegian cruise in January can cost as little as $1,300 for a double cabin inside the ship. The same trip will cost closer to $1,600 in July.

Iceland expedition voyages can also vary dramatically in price. For an eight-day/seven-night trip to Disko Bay, costs are between $4,300 and $11,200 in June. Prices increase as the summer grows warmer. The same trip may cost between $6,200 and $12,400 in July or August.
 
Resources
 
Mercer Consulting, Inc. (2007). Moscow tops Mercer's cost of living list; London is close behind. Retrieved February 12, 2008 from the Mercer Consulting Web site.
 
Northerner Scandinavia (n.d.). Iceland Hotels. Retrieved February 12, 2008 from the Scandinaviantravel.com Web site.
 
Scanam World Tours, Inc. (2007). Adventure Travel. Retrieved February 12, 2008 from the scandinaviantravel.com Web site.
 
Scanam World Tours, Inc. (2007). Cruises & Ferries. Retrieved February 12, 2008 from the scandinaviantravel.com Web site.
 
Scanam World Tours, Inc. (2007). Travel Tips. Retrieved February 12, 2008 from the scandinaviantravel.com Web site.