Need to Know
Currency
Language
Visas
Money
Mobile Phones
Time
When to Go
High Season (Jun–Aug)
AAll attractions and lodgings are open.
AHotels in many parts are often substantially cheaper.
ASummer budget accommodation is open.
ABoat cruises run.
ANumerous festivals held.
Shoulder (Apr, May, Sep & Oct)
AExpect chilly nights and even snow.
ANot the cheapest time to travel as summer hostels and camping grounds have closed.
AMany rural attractions close or shorten their opening hours.
Low Season (Nov–Mar)
AOutside cities, many attractions are closed.
AHotels charge top rates except at weekends.
AJanuary to April is busy for winter sports.
ADays are short, and cool or cold.
Useful Websites
Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com/scandinavia) Destination information, hotel bookings, traveller forum and more.
Go Scandinavia (www.goscandinavia.com) Combined tourist-board website for the four mainland Nordic countries.
IceNews (www.icenews.is) Presents the latest English news snippets from the Nordic nations, principally though Iceland.
Direct Ferries (www.directferries.com) Useful booking site for Baltic and Atlantic ferries.
Important Numbers
| General emergency number | 112 |
| International access code | 00 |
Daily Costs
Budget: Less than €150
ADorm bed (HI membership gets you good discounts): €15–40
ABike hire per day: €10–25
ALunch specials: €10–18
ANational parks: free
Midrange: €150–250
AStandard hotel double room: €80–160
AWeeklong car hire per day: €35–60
ATwo-course meal for two with wine: €100–150
AMuseum entry: €5–15
Top end: More than €250
ARoom in boutique hotel: €150–300
AUpmarket degustation menu for two with wine: €200–400
ATaxi across town: €20–40
Exchange Rates
| Denmark (DKK) | Finland (€) | Iceland (ISK) | Norway (NOK) | Sweden (SEK) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | A$1 | 4.99 | 0.67 | 85.10 | 6.28 | 6.37 |
| Canada | C$1 | 5.11 | 0.69 | 87.19 | 6.44 | 6.53 |
| Eurozone | €1 | 7.45 | – | 126.98 | 6.37 | 6.51 |
| Japan | ¥100 | 5.63 | 0.76 | 95.94 | 7.08 | 7.19 |
| New Zealand | NZ$1 | 4.55 | 0.61 | 77.53 | 5.72 | 5.81 |
| UK | £1 | 8.47 | 1.14 | 144.46 | 10.67 | 10.82 |
| US | US$1 | 6.24 | 0.84 | 106.30 | 7.85 | 7.96 |
For current exchange rates, see www.xe.com.
Opening Hours
Opening hours vary significantly across Scandinavia; see individual countries for opening hours.
Arriving in Scandinavia
Copenhagen Kastrup Airport The metro and trains run very regularly into the centre (15 minutes). Around 300kr for the 20-minute taxi ride.
Stockholm Arlanda Airport Express trains run all day to Stockholm; airport buses are cheaper but slower. Think 500kr for the 45-minute taxi drive.
Oslo Gardermoen Airport Regular shuttle buses make the 40-minute journey to the centre. Trains run from the airport into the centre of Oslo in 20 minutes. A taxi costs 700kr to 900kr.
Helsinki Vantaa Airport It's a half-hour train ride from the airport to the centre. Local buses and faster Finnair buses do it in 30 to 45 minutes. Plan on €45 to €55 for the half-hour taxi trip.
Keflavík Airport (Reykjavík) Buses run the 45-minute journey into Reykjavík. Taxis charge around kr16,000.
Getting Around
Getting around Scandinavia's populated areas is generally a breeze, with efficient public transport and snappy connections. Remote regions usually have trustworthy but infrequent services.
Bus Comprehensive network throughout region; only choice in many areas.
Train Efficient services in the continental nations; none in Iceland.
Car Drive on the right. Hire is easy but not cheap. Few motorways, so travel times can be long. Compulsory winter tyres.
Ferry Great-value network around the Baltic; spectacular Norwegian coastal ferry, and service to Iceland via the Faroe Islands.
Bike Very bike-friendly cities and many options for longer cycling routes. Most transport will carry bikes for little or no charge. Hire is widely available.
Planes Decent network of budget flights connecting major centres. Full-fare flights are comparatively expensive.