scandinavian countries

[pinktini32]

Two of my friends and I want to do a trip
of the scandinavian countries. We are
probably going to fly into Dublin because it
is cheapest for us (we have also been here
and love it). If anyone knows the best way
to get around from there please let me know.
We definitely want to see Norway, Sweden,
Finland, and Denmark. Any suggestions where
to stay or what to see? Thanks!

[mbo108]

Hey, welcome to the boards. Scandinavia is a great place to visit. I spent two weeks there in the Summer 2008. I wrote about some of it at this post here.

I also covered it more in depth (and with pictures!) on my blog - check it out.

We skipped Norway and opted to add Estonia onto the end of our trip after Finland.

As for traveling around its quite easy. Trains, Ferries, planes, car, whatever you need is readily available.

From Ireland you'll probably want to fly into either Norway or Denmark. I hate backtracking when I travel so I always try to come up with some route that maximizes time.

You could go Ireland --> Norway --> head south into Denmark --> Train from Copenhagen to Malmo, Sweden (did this - its really cool) --> Other trains up throughout Sweden --> Overnight Ferry to Finland (great way to go as it combines travel and hotel costs into one - plus the duty-free alcohol is the cheapest you'll find all trip). The overnight ferry actually links Stockholm and Helsinki which makes it even better if you're short on time or will mostly be sticking to the main cities.

Let me know if you have any more specific questions. We actually have our very own Finn on these boards (FinnAnn) so I'm sure she'll give you tons of info about Finland and Helsinki.

[joe7f]

Norway is brutal on your budget but it *seems* like it is the highlight of Scandinavia. (I haven't paid Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, or Finland a visit)

The combination of women, food, culture, and scenery can go head to head with just about any country on earth

Try a Laks med Egg Smoerbroed (Salmon and Egg open face sandwich) and a bar of Freia Melkesjokolade (their far superior equivalent of a Hershey's bar).

--Joey

[pinktini32]

Thank you both! I'm going to read
your blog later today when I have
more time, but I'll probably be asking
more questions once I talk to my
friends. haha thanks again

[worldwidemike]

Denmark's public transit system is VERY doable. You can get from place to place, quickly and efficiently. Everyone seems to speak English, too, if you don't speak any of the Scandinavian tongues...

worldwidemike

[tumblezweedz]

We only spent a long weekend in Stockholm, in February, but loved it. Very easy to get around, speaking no Swedish. We got the city card, which covered admissions to museums and all public transit, which was crucial for us in winter with four small children, but the city is pretty compact and walkable if it's not freezing cold out!

We stayed at the Af Chapman hostel, which is a great location and pleasant. We stayed on the boat, but ate at the breakfast room in the main building. Both would be fine, the novelty of the ship appealed to us.

[MeTurk]

Ryanair fly from Dublin to Finland. The airport is right in the middle of Finland though.