Denmark, Sweden and Norway are expensive, but there are ways to save money in these amazing travel destinations.
To save money before you even arrive, familiarise yourself with Scandinavia’s geography. If you’re visiting south-west Sweden, for example, you’ll get better value by flying into Copenhagen airport, which is far closer than Stockholm airport – and also offers many more budget flight options from other European countries.
Similarly, hotels in Malmo in Sweden are considerably cheaper than those in Copenhagen, yet the train commute takes just 40 minutes across the spectacular Oresund Bridge.
The remarkable Oresund Bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark.Credit: iStock
Plan well ahead. Regional airline and train tickets are much cheaper the further in advance you book. Consider a single-country Interrail pass for train travel; value is especially good if you’re younger than 28 or older than 59.
Summer (June-August) is the most expensive time to travel. As long as you don’t mind cooler temperatures, April-May and September-October are fine months, and you’ll enjoy lower prices on hotels and transport.
Credit: Greg Straight
Don’t rule out winter either for a different experience, but pick the right weeks. Christmas is high-season, so are school holidays in the second half of February, during which Scandinavians head off on ski trips and family visits.
If you don’t mind basic travel, you can camp out almost anywhere you like in Norway and Sweden, and many wilderness cabins are free. All of Scandinavia has a great network of hostels, as well as a lively volunteering scene where you can swap light farm work or household chores for a free bed and some meals. It’s a great way to meet locals.
Eating out is expensive. If ever you’re going to book self-catering accommodation such as a hostel or Airbnb, do it in Scandinavia. Stock up at suburban supermarkets – preferably budget ones such as Aldi, Netto or Lidl – rather than downtown convenience stores.