Summer Vacation - True Scandinavia

What to pack for summer in Scandinavia

Visiting Scandinavia during summer is exciting: lots of outdoor adventures, breathtaking landscapes to explore, amazing things to see, and beautiful people to meet. The list of things to do and places to discover are our biggest priorities until we have to start packing for vacation. Then, we all have a mental bullet list with us – some have actual lists – of things that we must take with us. But do you know what to pack for summer in Scandinavia? If it’s your first time going to Sweden, Denmark, or Norway, we suggest that you read this humble guide, as you may be missing something important that will be needed when arriving there. If you are a veteran, however, keep reading as well. Maybe you will discover something you didn’t know before. Either way, people may be surprised about some of the things on this list, others may think we missed something. One thing’s for sure, you should be well prepared. You cannot count on a typical warm sunny summer trip. In Scandinavia, all types of weather are possible between June and September. What will you be doing there? The Scandinavian summer is ideal for hiking, mountain climbing, biking, bird watching, sightseeing, swimming, the list goes on and on. So, what will you be doing on your trip there? It’s an important question to ask yourself before you begin picking your clothes. Let’s list a few things based on your activities there: Prepare for the weather Summer in Scandinavia can get really warm, but also a bit chilly at times. Always check the weather before going on a holiday there. In Scandinavian countries, it rains, and when it does, it will get chilly for sure. So: The midnight sun During summer, the sun is out for a long time in Scandinavia. The sun can stay up there for 20 hours, and in some places, it will not set until the summer is over. Keep that in mind when deciding what to pack for summer in Scandinavia. Needed accessories If you enjoy photography, then you already know this, but accessories are important when traveling. When packing for your vacation to your holiday in Scandinavia, remember to take your camera, for sure, but also: Where will you be staying? If staying at a hotel, don’t worry about this paragraph. But if staying at hostels, then don’t forget to pack: Extra things to consider Some of the things above will depend on your personal preference. They are not necessary to pack with you. But others, like bug spray, are indeed a must. On the same note, sunscreen is really important, as the sun can be harsh all day in some places. Make your life easier and take some of those with you. Additionally, consider what kind of bag you are taking with you and where you will be staying while in Scandinavia. For instance, if you are going on a camping trip, hard shell suitcases are inappropriate for this purpose. The recommendation is a carry-on backpack or a duffel bag, but make sure they are water-resistant: this way, you will be fine in most situations. Finally, do consider adopting a lifestyle that is about living every day with mindfulness and awareness, as it can make traveling an even more deep and more beautiful experience. A good introduction to this way of life is the 10 Ways to Start Consciously Living post by Maia Conscious living. So, what do you think? Did we miss anything? Are you getting some bug spray and sunscreen right now? Let us know in the comments.

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Cheap Vacation Destinations in Scandinavia

Leave a Comment / Scandinavia / True Scandinavia

The numbers don’t lie; it is expensive to travel throughout Scandinavia. This makes sense, given the fact that they have a high currency exchange rate and high levels of taxation. So it’s important to research ways to save money before anyone visits Norway, Sweden, or Demark. On the other hand, this is a region you can trust is clean, safe, and strikingly beautiful – the recipe for a perfect holiday. Scandinavians are famous for being the happiest humans in the world. But rest assured. Like everywhere else in the world, there are cheap vacation destinations available. A great place to start when cutting back your expenses is by relying on public transportation. Thankfully, there are high-quality trains available all throughout Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. There’s a Scandinavia-wide train pass that you can purchase. What you get is an unlimited amount of train rides. There’s free Wi-Fi, clean and comfortable facilities, discounted tickets for youths and seniors, and discounts at tourist attractions, ferries, and hotels. Moreover, it’s better for the environment and allows for relaxation time. You can purchase a train pass at a train station or online at Eurail.com. Malmo, Sweden Slottsträdgården in Malmö, Sweden Many people prefer to visit the two largest cities of Sweden, Stockholm, and Gothenburg. But if you want a cheap vacation in the city, you should check out Sweden’s third-largest city, Malmo. Instead of driving, catching a taxi, or traveling by train or bus, it’s a smaller city, so it’s typical to travel by foot. Malmo is described as a city of parks, so it includes free or cheap tourist attractions and beautiful views. Some of the parks available offer family-friendly activities. Such as playgrounds for kids of all ages, water playgrounds, skatepark and rock-climbing. Also, there is a carousel, petting zoo, terrarium, miniature golf, a children theater, changing entertainment programs, castles, cafes, restaurants, and picnic areas. The Malmo Konsthall is free of charge. It is a contemporary art museum that hosts many lectures, theater, film screenings, and poetry recitals. As well as the art installations and statues of famous Swedish figures throughout Malmo. Skuleskogen National Park, Sweden Skuleskogen National Park, Sweden Instead of booking a hotel, which is one of the most expensive aspects of traveling in Scandinavia, live like a true Swede and go wild camping. It’s legal, safe, and completely free to camp anywhere you choose in Sweden. Skuleskogen National Park is the most popular place for camping. The views are astonishing and there are several bus and train lines to take you directly to one of the entrances. They offer cabins, wind shelters, eco-toilets, and wood supplies, free of charge. You can hike throughout the area, swim freely, and discover caves and waterfalls. You are limited to what you can carry, so that’s something to consider. Otherwise, there are available campgrounds with spas, pools, and saunas, but they will charge a fee. Odense, Denmark Hans Christian Andersen’s house in Odense, Denmark If you’re a fan of The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina, or The Princess and the Pea, then consider going on a cheap holiday in Odense, Denmark. This is the hometown of the Danish author and national treasure, Hans Christian Andersen. Visitors are welcome to tour his childhood home and they can also visit a museum of the work he completed there. This city also offers a Viking castle, local history museum, art museum, cathedral, and abbey. Another way to save money when you travel is by purchasing food in markets and making your own meals instead of visiting a restaurant or ordering food for delivery. Odense makes this easy. There is a local market every Wednesday and Saturday morning. You can purchase local fruits, vegetables, and meat as well as regional delicacies, like smoked cheese and dark rye bread. Then, you can take a walk on the coastline and enjoy a picnic on the beach. Skagen, Denmark Skagen has some of Denmark’s best beaches Denmark’s northernmost town, Skagen is where the Baltic and North Seas collide but do not mix. This town attracts two million travelers each year. It’s the country’s main fishing port, so, if you’re interested in fishing, you can catch the local herring and make yourself a typical Danish meal. It’s most famous for The Rabjerg Mile, which may look like a desert, but is actually the largest migrating coastal dune in Northern Europe. The Church of Saint Lawrence of Rome, a 14th-century church, can be seen there. It is mostly buried under the sand and all you can see is its tower, however it still is an undeniably remarkable attraction. Walking or hiking through the sand dunes is safe. There is a beautiful trail, free of charge, and open all year round. The tallest hill stands 40 meters high. The dunes also host the Rubjerg Knude lighthouse, which the city moved in 2019 so it wouldn’t fall into the sea. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse for a phenomenal view, but note it requires 200-or-so steps, and then visit a bird museum and café inside. Trolltunga, Norway Trolltunga, Norway Like other Scandinavian countries, travelers tend to visit the capital, Oslo, but the best and cheapest experiences are found in nature. Trolltunga (The Troll’s Tongue) is one of Norway’s most popular hikes and is famous for a thin cliff overlooking a fjord and mountains. It’s a 10–12-hour hike, not including breaks and the travel time to and from housing, but you can choose to only hike one section of the trail. There are shuttle buses that will take you directly to the different entrances. Also, guided tours are available. If you are not interested in camping, the closest housing is the Trolltunga Guesthouse. It has high ratings of cleanliness, comfort, and affordability. Alesund, Norway Ålesund, Norway Alesund is a small city, so there’s no need to pay for transportation; it’s easy to walk around. While you wander, you can marvel at the Art Nouveau, a unique style of architecture all throughout

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5 reasons to visit Scandinavia this summer

2 Comments / Denmark | Articles, Nature Attractions, Norway | Articles, Scandinavia, Sweden | Articles / True Scandinavia

With winter finally gone and spring already kicking, it’s time to start thinking about summer. There’s no better time in the year to take a good vacation and relax after all of the craziness of the last year. Things are still hectic out there, but not in Scandinavia. The summer is coming, and it is going to be short and sweet: not the time for worries or stress. It is the time to visit Scandinavia this summer. It is the time for a summer holiday in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, some of the most beautiful countries in the world. If you wish to visit Scandinavia in 2022, there’s no better time than June, July, and August. Summer in Scandinavia is mild, with temperatures ranging from 12 °C (55 °F) to 26 °C (80 °F). People would say that it’s a very balmy summer, relaxing and warm, but not searing hot. With a warmer climate, travelers have started to come out in the open, and nature is flourishing again. That being said, you can imagine that there are many, many reasons for visiting the Scandinavian countries this summer. To make your life easier, we handcrafted a list of the top 5 reasons why you should have your summer holiday in Scandinavia: 1) Incredible nature to explore We start off with the obvious: nature is at its most beautiful during summer. The wildlife is already booming again. That means the forests and the mountains are full of life and activity. If you enjoy watching or want to be in contact with the wild, summer is the best time. Adventure into the wilderness is easy to reach with trails, and once there, camping is perfect. More on this topic later. During the summer months in Scandinavia, you can experience something truly unique: the Polar Day (the Midnight Sun or Aurora Borealis). This is the phenomenon when the sun never sets, staying up for 24 hours straight, and it happens around June 21 st . The rest of the summer months are very sunny most of the day, and nights are very short. So, you can go watch the incredible Scandinavian fauna for 18 hours non-stop if you want. Not only that, but here you will find the very famous Fjords. Fjords are beautiful landscape formations. Summer is the time to visit them if you want more to see than snow and ice. Speaking of ice, some of the most wanted places to visit during summer are the glaciers, guaranteed to blow your mind if you ever go there. 2) Easy to plan and organize your vacation So, a big part of the summer holiday is getting ready for your trip. Some people will be obsessed with planning, organizing, and getting everything right before even getting on a plane. If you’re one of those, here is some great news: visiting Scandinavia is a very straightforward and practical experience. At least on what planning your trip is concerned, you will not have any trouble getting visas or finding transportation (everything can be done online on very user-friendly platforms). The Scandinavian countries have some of the most advanced infrastructures in Europe. They are all very inter-connected with each other. First, you can visit Norway, then visit Denmark, finishing up with a visit to Sweden. You will never once worry about having an internet connection or all the modern comforts we got so used to. Also, most people in Scandinavia speak English, so your trip can be even easier to organize once there. It’s the perfect destination for travelers who want to set up every vacation detail beforehand and see them come true. Sweden, Denmark, and Norway are also ideal destinations for those that don’t want to plan or organize much. You won’t waste your time with details because it’s so easy to arrange your trip there. 3) Very safe to visit with family or alone The Scandinavian countries are generally safe places to visit, with low crime rates and without a lot of turmoil. While common sense is always recommended for any traveler, especially when traveling abroad, Scandinavia is highly regarded as a prime destination for solo travelers because of how safe it is. It’s not uncommon to find people traveling alone or backpacking the countries without worrying about safety. That being said, Scandinavia is the ideal place for families, especially those with children. There are plenty of incredible things to do and see, with tours and excursions for all age groups. Cities and towns are safe and clean, and the people are always friendly and happy to help. Great infrastructure means that you can go camping or hiking in the beautiful wilderness and help is not far away if you need it. But usually, the most dangerous thing that can happen during your summer trip there will be the fact that you can have some trouble sleeping with the long days, or if you forget to take bug spray with you. If feeling safe is a big thing for you, Scandinavia is a good fit for your summer vacation. 4) Great city destinations and cultures People tend to mix up all of the Scandinavian countries into just one entity. But in reality, there are 3 different countries with many unique cities, towns, and scenic places. Different cultures, cuisines, nightlife, architecture, art, and history are waiting for you to discover. There are a lot of great museums, restaurants, and trendy boutiques in every city that you visit, with a vibrant nightlife unique to this part of the world. Even if you have never thought about going to Scandinavia, we’re sure that you’ve heard about their cities before. Take Norway for example. Oslo is highly regarded as a gorgeous place, with an architecture combining the old and the new in one, while Bergen is also known as “The City of the Seven Mountains” and the Fjord capital of Norway. In Denmark, we have Copenhagen: one of the most luxurious places on earth and a major tourist

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The Best Beaches in and near Copenhagen

1 Comment / Denmark | Articles, Outdoor Activities, Scandinavia / True Scandinavia

When it comes to finding the perfect summer escape, few Scandinavian cities provide the options as those found along the coastlines of Denmark. Maybe you are looking for something a little more low-key or the opportunity to experience some of the world’s most breathtaking views. There is a beach for everyone. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best beaches in and near Copenhagen. Along with an overview of what you can expect when visiting these picturesque locales. Amager Beach park Amager Beach Park is a wonderful beach if you love sand and water sports. The seaside restaurants have a good selection, especially for those who love seafood. There is an outdoor gym that overlooks the sea. It is fun to work out while looking at the waves washing onto the shore. The park also has many grassy areas where you can relax in the sun or run around with your dog. If you like volleyball, there are nets set up so you can play with friends or strangers. Kiteboarding is popular here during the summer months. Kastrup Søbad This beach is a little gem if you’re looking for a cheap, beautiful place to spend a lazy afternoon. It is located in the northern part of Copenhagen. Kastrup Søbad is surrounded by lush green trees and grassy areas—a stark contrast to the busy city life in the area. The sandy shoreline makes it easy to walk or sit on your towel and relax while watching kids play in the water or people flying kites up and down the coast. One of the favorite things about this beach is that they have showers and toilets, so you can make it an all-day sort of thing. You can pack lunch from town (e.g., good sandwiches at Lumskebugten) and take some time to enjoy yourself before heading back into town for dinner. And what’s even better than enjoying nature with all its great amenities? Nothing! Charlottenlund Beach Park This public park has plenty of facilities and amenities. You can find restaurants, changing rooms, toilets, as well as picnic areas, grassy fields, and a playground for the kids. The main attraction here is the impressive selection of outdoor activities—both on land and on the water—that you can enjoy all year round. Special swimming areas are available for children, as well as a jetty that extends into the sea. Swimmers have easy access to these areas from designated entry points along both sides of the beach. The shallow waters make it ideal for families with little ones learning to swim. However, be aware that waves can become high during stormy weather. Once you have enough sun, head back to the land where there is plenty more to do. There is an amusement park with rides like roller coasters and bumper cars; tennis courts; sprawling lawns where visitors can play badminton or volleyball; basketball hoops. There are also public barbecue grills and snack bars with food trucks serving everything from hot dogs to laksa noodles. You will often find live street performers such as stilt walkers entertaining visitors on summer evenings. Just visit Main Beach Road right by the water edge. Nordhavn Beach Park It is the best beach in Copenhagen for several reasons. First, it’s an easy train ride from most parts of the city. Not only that, but it also has a station that gets you right to the entrance of the park. Second, there are so many things to do! There is a pool, which comes in handy when you need to cool off on a hot summer day. There are plenty of spots to relax with friends and maybe even bring your dog along. If you are looking for something more active to do, you can always grab a volleyball and challenge someone else on the beach. Alternatively, you can go running along with one of the three scenic paths that wind through the coastal forest. You can also take a dip in Lake Nordhavn after working up a sweat at the sports facilities. Or simply enjoy a family picnic in one of seven different picnic areas scattered across twenty-six acres. Islands Brygge Located in the center of Copenhagen, Islands Brygge is home to many of the city’s most popular attractions. It’s also just a short walk from the National Gallery, which houses some of the world’s most famous paintings and sculptures. You will find plenty to do on your visit to this area: you can watch the sunset over the water or enjoy dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. If you are looking for something different, try walking along Christianshavn Canal instead! This canal runs right through Christianshavn, which is one of Copenhagen’s oldest neighborhoods. You’ll find plenty of interesting sights along the way. Bellevue beach Bellevue beach has a lot of things going for it: safe swimming, toilets and changing rooms, volleyball nets, nearby parking, and a train station. It’s also close to Bellevue town center. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the sun while you watch swimmers and surfers practice their skills. You can also take advantage of all the activities offered at Bellevue Botanical Garden and Gardens Amalienborg. Such as biking and jogging paths, playgrounds for children, tennis courts, picnic areas, and an outdoor cafe where you can eat lunch or dinner overlooking the water. Svanemøllen Strand It’s relatively large and tends to be busy during summer afternoons. You can also see some ship traffic on the water. The beach has a big grassy area surrounding, great for picnicking and lounging. Also, there are a lot of trees, which can make this place feel more like an enclosed garden than a beach park. Surrounding areas have some nice restaurants if you get hungry or thirsty while there — check out Bella Sky Hotel if you’d like to stay in the area for dinner! If you’re visiting in late spring or fall, be aware that the water temperature is likely to still be

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