About Scandinavia Holidays - There’s something about a Scandinavia holiday that goes beyond any... Read More
holiday experience elsewhere in the world. Thomas Cook India’s
Scandinavia Tour Packages have been designed to highlight the best of all that Scandinavia has to offer. We add convenience to your Scandinavia trip by taking away all the intricacies of planning. Thomas Cook India’s Scandinavia holiday packages come in many sizes. Your Scandinavia tour can be 8 nights and 9 days long or you could make the most of your vacation to Scandinavia in 12 nights and 13 days. From a starter pack at INR 3,19,125 to a grand INR 4,07,688 there are packages to fit every pocket. Look forward to a memorable holiday experience with a Scandinavia tour package from
Thomas Cook India.
Thomas Cook India follows a standardised set of procedures which ensure that you get a consistent booking experience from any of our branches across the country. You can even book your Scandinavia holiday package online on our website. Your Scandinavia tour package has been created by our team of in-house experts who truly know how to create a world class holiday experience.
Markedly different from any other international holiday destinations, the countries in Scandinavia enjoy most of their holidays outdoors. With easy connectivity with all the major cities in India such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad, your Scandinavia trip gets off to a great start. Read on to find a handy tour guide to the stunning Scandinavia.
Scandinavia Holiday Packages
Scandinavia comprises of five countries; Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The home of legendary Gods, thrilling quests and epic wars is an amazing holiday destination full of varied experiences. The people in Scandinavian countries are big on outdoor fun and all their games and activities are made for the great outdoors. The breath-taking landscapes lend a spectacular background to the outdoors. Beautiful by day and stunning by night, the bewitching outdoors of Scandinavia latch on to your imagination and spur you forward on adventurous explorations.
Most people think that the aurora borealis is the biggest attraction of Scandinavia. Yes, the first glimpse of the celestial dance of light is a wondrous moment, incomparable to anything else in the world. But the biggest attraction here is the culture and the people, who together make Scandinavia what it is. After all, the legends of the Vikings have fascinated us for centuries! Here, nature shakes off her shackles and is allowed full access to the lay of the land. The awe-inspiring fjords of Norway and Iceland’s surprisingly green beauty stand testament to nature’s bounty. Thomas Cook India has all-inclusive Scandinavia holiday packages that offer you the most comprehensive tour of the five Scandinavian countries.
The Best Time to Visit Scandinavia
Summer is the best time to visit Scandinavia. The sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall during winter make it challenging to withstand the weather. Although that is exactly the season when adventure seekers start streaming in for some of the best skiing and snowy adventures. If you can brave the winter cold, you’ll be treated to the most spectacular light show on earth, the aurora borealis. Between April to July, the summer temperatures range between 20°C to 30°C all over Scandinavia. Denmark, Norway and Sweden are cooler than Finland which averages in the upper 20s all through the summer. When summer finally arrives after a freezing winter, Scandinavians venture outdoors. Trekking and camping are the most popular summer pastimes. As a tourist you can enjoy sightseeing to the fullest.
But, considering the popularity of summer, it gets crowded during the season. For this reason, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are also good times to be in Scandinavia. You can enjoy almost all the activities that you can in summer with a couple of added advantages, lower prices and no crowds. Hike the stunning Faroe Islands and take a mini vacation along the Danish coast. Go surfing in Finland and take a time out at Sweden’s sandy resorts. Explore Norway’s fjords which have been blessed with an otherworldly beauty that’s simply magnificent.
How to Reach Scandinavia
Flying is the only way you can reach Scandinavia from India. The region has several airports that are internationally well-connected. Denmark’s Copenhagen International Airport sits just 20 minutes, by train or metro, outside the city. Though there are regular flights between India and Copenhagen, there are no direct flights. You will have at least one layover on your way to Denmark. Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport is a 45-minute drive from its capital Reykjavik. Again, there are no direct flights from India and all flights have at least one stop along the way.
Finland has the Helsinki Vantaan Airport to handle international flights. You can find a flight to inland from India quite easily, but no direct flights. The shortest flying time to Finland is 13hrs and 25mins. Norway has two main international airports. The Oslo Gardermoen Airport is a 20-minute shuttle ride away from the capital. The Bergen Flesland Airport is good option if you’re starting your trip along Norway’s west coast. There are no direct flights from India to either of these cities, but there are more flights available for Oslo than for Bergen. If you’re headed to Sweden, you’ll land at the Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Like the other countries of Scandinavia, you won’t find any direct flights to Sweden either. From the airport, the Arlanda Express train will take you into the city in 20 minutes.
Where to Go in Scandinavia
In between the 5 countries that make up Scandinavia, you have a wide range of choices to go sightseeing. Each country has it places to visit and things to do. Due to its location Scandinavia is home to many fascinating natural phenomena like the midnight sun and the northern lights. Here are a few places that you must visit while in Scandinavia.
Copenhagen, Denmark
The capital of Copenhagen is a trendy city that lives on the cutting edge of latest trends in music, design and fashion. It is an amazing place to explore by bike or boat. When you’re in the cycling capital of Europe, grab a bike and enjoy the city at its leisurely best. Copenhagen offers a varied sightseeing experience. From historic 12th-century castles to the hippest cafes, the capital has it all. The Danish Royal Gardens and Amalienborg are must-visit attractions as are the Tivoli Gardens. Get yourself a ‘Copenhagen Card’ not only gives you free admission to city’s best attractions, but also allows you unlimited use of the city’s excellent public transport system.
Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden’s capital city is spread out over a series of 14 islands and has an amazingly lively waterfront as a result. With cafes and pubs lining the water’s edge, it is the best place in the city to feel the city’s social pulse. Stockholm revers its traditions and has lovingly preserved the old town for the ages. But the newer part of the city is full of landmark contemporary architectural designs. This coexistence of the new and the old is the essence of this vibrant city. Stockholm is also home to a large number of museums that preserve parts of their culture and traditions. A guided tour of the city is one of the best ways to explore them all.
Oslo, Norway
Oslo is an amazing international city that has a sizeable collection of museums and art galleries. From Viking adventures to the Koi-Tiki expeditions, you will find a bewildering array of interesting exhibits in the city’s museums. The Botanical Gardens, with over 5,500 plant species from all over the world, are a treat for nature lovers. The Songsvann Lake is an oasis of calm in the middle of Oslo’s hustle and bustle while the Østensjø Lake on the eastern edge provides a beautiful backdrop for unhurried walks. Don’t forget to check out the Holmenkollbakken ski jump which is a major hub of the sport. Keep a day aside for island-hopping between the nearby Oslofjord islands.
Helsinki, Finland
Finland’s capital is also its largest city and the uncrowned cruise capital of Scandinavia. Helsinki is best enjoyed on foot or a bicycle. The city centre itself is a beautiful example of Neoclassical design and boasts of wide boulevards and beautifully maintained parks. The fortified islands of Soumenlinna are a short 20-minute ferry ride away from the city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage monument that now houses a museum, a park and an arts venue. The Market Square in the heart of Helsinki is a bustling slice of local life while the Temppeliaokiu Church is a labor of love carved out from the Scandinavian bedrock. Do visit the Seurasaari island to experience the living open-air museum.
Reykjavik, Iceland
The land of fire and ice is a wonderful blend of contemporary design married to old traditions. And nowhere is it more apparent that at the Hallsgrímskirkja Church which sports a design unlike a church anywhere. Its massive 25-ton pipe organ and its design are the highlights of this attraction. Downtown Reykjavik is a wonderful place for shopping or enjoying a quiet walk along the water’s edge. The Harpa Concert Hall will astound you with its eye-catching design while the Perlan Museum of Icelandic Natural Wonders will stun you with its strap, ultra-modern design. Take a stroll through the Old Harbour area to soak in the essence of the true Icelandic culture.
Food in Scandinavia
There’s a common streak that runs through the culinary culture across Scandinavia. Though each country has its own unique twist on flavours and textures, they all emphasise on using fresh nutritious ingredients that are either grown or sourced locally. While the flavour palette may change from country to country, the freshness and nutrition aspects don’t. Here are some dishes that you should try in Scandinavia.
Denmark
Meat is a staple of Danish cuisine. Denmark’s national dish, Stegt Flæsk Med Persillesovs, is a simple rustic dish. Crispy fried pork served with sides of boiled potatoes, pickled beetroot and a flavour-packed parsley sauce. It is easily available in restaurants everywhere and can be eaten at any time of the day. The Karbonader is yet another simple dish which is a pork patty served with carrots and peas in white sauce.
Sweden
Swedish cuisine is all about bread, meat and seafood. The Knäckebröd is a crisp bread that has a 500-year-old tradition behind it. It is a hearty side dish that is usually topped with ham, cheese or caviar. Raggmunk is a potato pancake fried in butter and served with pork or lingonberries. The Swedes enjoy their Gravlax (dill-cured salmon) with a healthy helping of mustard sauce. Be sure to try the Smörgåsbord, the Swedish buffet featuring all national favourites.
Norway
Norway’s cuisine has been heavily influenced by its culture and Norwegians love to cook their meals from scratch. Pickled Herring is one such dish which has its roots in the Viking culture. It is a simple dish featuring brined herring treated with salt and vinegar. Fårikål is Norway’s national dish which features lamb or mutton slow cooked over a few hours with a bunch of vegetables. Kumla is a tender potato dumpling enjoyed with a side of meat and sour cream. Do try the Krumkake which is a much-loved dessert all over.
Finland
The Finnish cuisine is a hearty fare that mostly uses meat and sea food along with number of unusual ingredients like reindeer. Poronkäristys is a herb-infused preparation of sautéed reindeer served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries reduction. Lohikeitto is a rich salmon soup that is usually eaten with a side of rye bread. Lihapiirakka is an unusual meat pie stuffed with minced beef and cooked rice, though there are variations that use pickles, sausages and fried eggs. Leipäjuusto is a slightly sweet cheese that is baked and served hot with a topping of bright-orange cloudberry jam.
Iceland
Traditional Icelandic cuisine is inspired by local, easy-to-source ingredients such as fish, lamb, potatoes, bread and dairy. Kjötsupa is the traditional lamb meat soup that combines the tougher parts of the lamb and veggies with Icelandic herbs. Plokkfiskur is mild fish stew that uses boiled haddock or cod fillets and is served with mashed potatoes. Hákarl is fermented shark meat that is buried in sand for 3 months, hung up to dry for 3-4 months and fermented for about 6-9 weeks before being consumed. It is an acquired taste though.
Things to Do in Scandinavia
Outdoor activities are the most favourite pastime in Scandinavia. From trekking and surfing in summer to skiing and snowboarding in winter, the outdoors are a big part of daily life. The striking landscapes of Scandinavia for the perfect backdrops for your adventures. Here are some things to do in Scandinavia that are highly recommended.
Denmark
Denmark combines its rich history with its share of nature’s brilliance to offer a profusion of experiences. The Copenhagen Zoo is a good place to start your sightseeing. First opened in 1859, it is one of the oldest zoos in Europe. It is home to 264 different species of animals. The Thy National Park lets you observe the local wildlife in its natural habitat and grants you access to grave sites dating back to the bronze age. Denmark has a substantial collection of castles and exploring them is a great way to continue your sightseeing journey.
Sweden
Sweden’s tourism experience is a combination of royal palaces, interesting museums, teeming wildlife parks and thrilling water sports. The Drottningholm Royal Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers you a peek into the life of Denmark’s royalty. The Kolmarden Wildlife Park where you can not only observe wildlife up close, but you can also enjoy a gondola safari ride. But one of the best things to do in Sweden is to spend a night or two in the famous Icehotel where everything, including the hotel itself, is made of ice. If you venture outdoors, kayaking is a popular adventure activity.
Norway
The ‘Land of the Outdoors’ in true sense, Norway is an adventurer’s delight. Take a train journey through some the most spectacular sights in Norway. Bergen Railway and Dovre Railway are two of the best rail journeys of Norway. Trek along the Geirangerfjord to satiate the adventurer and the nature-lover in you. Stay a prayer at the spectacular Arctic Cathedral sporting a full glass facade. Travel along the iconic Atlantic Ocean Road that takes you past idyllic villages and the rugged coastline. Visit the Kon-Tiki Museum and the Vigeland Sculpture Park to appreciate Norway’s art and history. But the highlight of a Norway trip are the northern lights which you can observe from near the Arctic Circle.
Finland
Finland is the most underrated Scandinavian country. But with its majestic forests and expansive landscapes, it can stand proudly with the others. Meet Mr and Mrs Santa Claus at Rovaniemi and learn to make gingerbread treats. Walk through history of Laplanders at the Siida Museum in Inaari. Explore the 15th-century Olavinlinna Castle and take a guided tour to learn about life back in the days. Experience the thrill of skiing at Levi where you get a choice between 43 different slopes! How about mining for amethysts? Go digging for amethysts at Lampivaara and you can even keep any you find, provided they are smaller than a fist.
Iceland
Iceland’s landscape has been shaped by ice and volcanoes over centuries. The Snæfellsjökull National Park is a place where you can observe both. You can not only explore a series of amazing lava tubes, but you can also walk on the Snæfellsjökull glacier. The Hornstrandir Natural Reserve is the perfect place for a picturesque hike with its wide-open spaces and flat terrain. Pamper yourself with a dip in the Blue Lagoon, which is one of the most famous attractions of Iceland. Let the heated seawater drain away the labours of your hike as you relax in the turquoise waters. Do visit the Viking World Museum which showcases the life of vikings through a series of exhibits.
Scandinavia FAQs
How many countries make up Scandinavia?
Scandinavia is made up of five countries; Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
Can I use a Schengen visa to visit Scandinavia?
Yes, you can visit Scandinavia using a valid Schengen visa.
When is the best time to visit Scandinavia?
The summer season is the best time to visit Scandinavia to experience everything that it has to offer. However, the shoulder seasons, spring and autumn, are good times to visit Scandinavia as it is uncrowded during these seasons.
How many days are required for a holiday to Scandinavia?
Scandinavia included five countries. You will need at least 12 nights and 13 days to be able to explore even a fraction of Scandinavia.
What currency is accepted across Scandinavia?
While the Euro is accepted in all the Scandinavian countries, each of them, except Finland, prefer to use their local currencies. Finland uses the Euro.
Denmark - Danish Kroner (DKK)
Sweden - Swedish Krona (SEK)
Norway - Norwegian Krone (NOK)
Iceland - Icelandic Krona (ISK)
Can I use my Indian driver's license to drive through Scandinavia?
Norway, Finland, Sweden and Finland will allow you to drive for 3 months to a year if you hold a valid Indian driving license printed in English. Denmark, however, needs a valid International Driving Permit along with a valid Indian driving license.
Which is the best place to start a road trip through Scandinavia?
There is no best single starting point for a Scandinavian road trip. Depending on what you want from your holiday, you can start your road trip from any one of the five countries.
Which Scandinavian country is the best?
Every country in Scandinavia has its share of unique attractions and experiences. A leisurely holiday to each one will help you make up your mind.
Which is the cheapest Scandinavian country?
Denmark is the cheapest to visit among the Scandinavian countries.
Which Scandinavian country is the most expensive?
Iceland is the most expensive Scandinavian country to visit.
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