A growing number of tourists plan to visit the naturally stunning Nordic nations that makeup Northern Europe. From smoking fish to the joy of winter weather, the area has a distinct culture. Here are the essentials you need to know prior to taking the trip to Scandinavia.
Money matters
In most cases, Nordic nations have their own currency, including the Norwegian Krone, Danish Krone, Swedish Krona, Icelandic Krona, and the Euro in Finland. Generally speaking, Scandinavian things are pricier than in other countries, especially alcoholic beverages.
Converting your cash into local currency and having a globally accepted credit card with chips is essential. Sweden is highly card-friendly. It is the second largest cash-free nation in the world, meaning most transactions in local markets use credit cards.
Planning a visit to Scandinavia from Canada can be an exciting adventure, with several key aspects you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. When selecting Scandinavia tours from Canada, make sure that the right time of year for you to visit – different seasons offer vastly different experiences in Scandinavia; whether looking for the magical Northern Lights during wintertime or the stunning midnight sun during summer, selecting an optimal travel date will have an enormous impact on the outcome of your itinerary.
Friendly locals
Every year, Nordic Countries top the World Happiness Report charts. In 2018, we saw Finland at the top of the list, Norway at #2, Denmark at #3, and Iceland at #4! Unsurprisingly, happy people are friendly, and travelers love meeting the locals. A majority of them speak fluent English when they travel to Scandinavia.
One way in which this positive culture can be seen is in the Nordic habit of celebrating everyday life. Hygge is an excellent illustration of this. Hygge is a beautiful example. Danish custom of Hygge celebrates the joys of cozy living, typically in the winter months; think hot chocolate with reading a good book, cuddling around an open fire after a day of exploration, and chat at an outdoor table to play games with the people you love. Find out more about their love for warm and cozy things in our explanation of the Danish word Hygge.
The preparations for a day on the Fjords
A cruise along the fjords is a must for anyone visiting the area. In reality, guests on our Scandinavian cruises usually consider their day cruising the fjords a tour highlight. Katie agrees. “It’s difficult to describe their beauty using words. You have to visit and experience the sensation of being surrounded by such a steep high cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
I was not expecting to be so awed. You are so tiny in the incredible beauty of it all! The chance to see the Fjords from the water is an amazing aspect of the experience it’s certainly a different and distinctive angle from which to view the Fjords.”
Some ways to benefit from it, such as taking a moment to relax and absorb the wonder of the whole thing. It’s essential to dress appropriately. Layers are an excellent idea for traveling, but they are particularly applicable when spending your day at the beach in Northern Europe. Prepare for a dry or wet day, sunny or cloudy, and warm or windy conditions. It could change rapidly in Norway. A variety of layers and options for water resistance are perfect.