Nordic countries

Eco-friendly travel guide to Nordic countries advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Nordic countries, Europe.

Norrström, Stockholm, Sweden

Air quality: 4.0 - 5.0 / 5

Bus connections: 4.0 - 4.5 / 5

Train connections: 4.0 - 5.0 / 5

Hitchhiking: 4.0 - 5.0 / 5

National parks: 4.0 - 4.5 / 5

Outdoor activities: 4.0 - 5.0 / 5

Locals' English level: 3.0 - 4.0 / 5

Safety: 4.5 - 5.0 / 5

Accommodation: US$40 - $1200

Budget per day: US$70 - $2000

Responsible Travel

The Nordic countries are a renowned bunch of nations which are popular across the globe for their immense wealth, high standards of living, technological advancements and rich culture. The term used for them literally translates to “Northern countries” as they are situated in the Northern part of Europe and also the North Atlantic. The countries that are usually counted amongst these nations are Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Finland and Denmark. The Faroe Islands and Greenland are also part of the Nordic countries as they are autonomous counties of Denmark. In total these Nordic countries include 5 sovereign states, 1 autonomous region, 2 autonomous countries, 3 dependencies and 2 unincorporated areas. When Greenland is taken into consideration, Denmark is the largest of the Nordic countries in terms of area but otherwise, the crown is handed over to Sweden. In terms of population too Sweden is the largest, being home to over 10 million people out of the total population of 27 million people living in the Nordic countries. Most of the countries are known to have robust industries and economic growth. The per capita income in most of these countries is the highest across the globe and the high taxations along with the high minimum wages ensure that even the weaker sections of the society are uplifted and provided with a good standard of living and are covered under welfare schemes by the government. Considering all of the above, it is absolutely clear that the Nordic countries seldom have major ecological issues to deal with. They almost overcome every single obstacle with beautiful and admirable use of technology and upright moral and civic values. Thus, as a tourist, when you visit any of these countries to enjoy the weather, the scenic destinations, and the breathtaking attractions, it is recommended that you be a “responsible tourist” at all times. It is vital that you undertake a slew of measures to minimise your impact on the environment for the duration of your visit and to help you with the same, given below in this section are a few things that you might want to keep in mind.

Come what may, attempt and utilise public transportation as much as could be expected. While there aren't an excessive number of alternatives and the solace of a private vehicle or a taxi is undeniably more prevalent, it is suggested that you utilise the streams, the cable cars, and the transports, these are proficient, savvy, and they positively assist you with lessening your carbon impression. Furthermore, the Nordic countries are renowned across the globe for their 5-star public transportation system and another alternative is to explore it by foot or on a bike as it will likewise serve to be a remarkable encounter.

A major part of mindful touring is living for your objective in such a way that you use the local assets in the most ideal conceivable manner and one such route for you to do that as a vacationer is to remain in an eco-friendly hotel or a green lodging. This will assist you with guaranteeing that you decrease your effect on the climate and picking a decent green inn will give you all the conveniences and offices in a substantially more manageable way. These Nordic countries have a higher percentage of green hotels compared to any other region in the world.

The local markets are known to be an only sometimes explored but here you will discover everything from artefacts to locally delivered merchandise that mirror the fine craftsmanship of the Nordic region. Also, this will help the local economy in a significant manner as you will put money straightforwardly into the pockets of the producers/makers and conceivably jump out the leeches who act as middlemen. This will additionally empower you to help these little businesses that don't work out of ravenousness and use the region's assets cautiously.

Likewise, attempt to explore local food at basic eateries to appreciate unbelievable Nordic cooking. Maintain a strategic distance from large corporations and fast food brands no matter what. The more modest bistros, cafés, and even food trucks will serve you probably the most real dishes, all the more in this way, in the event that you intend to prepare your own Nordic dinner ensure you get the fixings from local food markets and not hypermarkets. The freshest produce including vegetables, fish, and a wide range of meats will be found at these marketplaces, they will be evaluated suitably too and frequently serve to be the contrast between a decent home-prepared dinner and an extraordinary one.

Air Quality and Pollution

Despite the high levels of development and growth, most of the Nordic countries have excelled at balancing their emissions and their use of local resources. All the countries have perfectly executed sustainable development and this is very much evident from the low levels of air pollution in any of the major cities in these countries. The vehicles that are often used in all Nordic countries are highly efficient and they do make use of hybrid technologies. In the past decade, there has been exponential growth in the use of electric vehicles and this has greatly contributed to lower levels of emissions. Similarly, most of the Nordic nations have extremely strict laws in place for industrial emissions. Ultimately, the common citizens also work hard to ensure that they never indulge in practices that will end up harming the air quality in the region. Thus, all tourists who are visiting any of these countries need not worry too much, they are possibly going to experience the cleanest air in their lives and only those with pre-existing breathing ailments need to carry medicines and a few forms of protection.

Notwithstanding their northern area, the Nordic nations, by and large, have a gentle environment contrasted and different nations that share similar latitude. The environment in the Nordic nations is for the most part affected by their northern positioning, yet helped by the proximity to the sea and the Gulf Stream which brings warm sea currents and flows from the tip of Florida. Indeed, even far toward the north, the winters can be very gentle, however, north of the Polar Circle, the environment zone is the Arctic with cruel winters and short summers. The ocean affects the climate in the western beachfront zones of Iceland, Norway, Denmark and Sweden. The precipitation is high and snow cover during winters is uncommon. Summers are by and large cool. The further away that one gets from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream the colder it gets during the winters. Finland, a large portion of Sweden and the south-eastern part of Norway are impacted by the tremendous mainland toward the east which brings about warm and long summers and clear and cold winters, frequently with snow.

Respect the Culture

The principle social likenesses between the Nordic countries are that individuals will, in general, be exceptionally populist, lenient, genuinely at this point be easygoing, useful, reformist and humble. It is then reasonable to say that they believe these attributes to be temperate in others. Nordic culture puts a solid accentuation on equality between the genders, particularly in the working environment and with respect to splitting duty between the two guardians in effectively raising a family. Accordingly, it goes that it is legitimate manners to treat people the equivalent in social circumstances, albeit marginally conventional traditions, for example, hauling a seat out or holding a door open for a woman may in any case win. Proceeding with the topic of fairness, when meeting in more conventional conditions, or unexpectedly, it is legitimate manners to shake the hands, everything being equal, women and children presented. Albeit Nordic children don't normally warmly greet their friends, it is thought courteous to shake hands of more seasoned associates, particularly on first presentations. Keeping in touch during presentations and any discussion is pleasant, as it means interest and sharpness. Anyway, you ought to know that particularly in Denmark and Norway, respectful welcome, for example, "how are you?" or "how would you do?" are generally stayed away from. Nordic people will in general be more straightforward and brief in their discussions and consider such to be as unnecessary and without substance.

Beware of the way that Nordic people like to give each other individual space, thus backslapping, embracing, kissing and contacting the arms are just more normal between dear loved ones. Regard for more established ages is natural in Nordic countries, thus utilising honorific titles is utilised for elderly folks, while most will present themselves by their given name, simply their last name, or both. You should follow your host concerning how they wish to be tended to.

In more conventional conditions it is likewise an acceptable habit to indeed shake every individual's hand while leaving. In easygoing circumstances, it is more proper to either say your farewells separately or address the entire gathering. Albeit English is generally spoken in Scandinavia, never believe that everyone will promptly start speaking with you in English. Whenever welcomed into the home of a Scandinavian, it is appropriate behaviour to bring a little present for the host and his/her children. Chocolates, desserts or baked goods (particularly for children) are consistently famous tokens of appreciation, particularly in the event that they are characteristic of your nation of origin. Wine and any liquor will, in general, be over the top expensive in Norway and Sweden, so great quality alcohol is in every case generally welcomed. Blossoms are additionally a well-known blessing, despite the fact that you ought to know that inside every Nordic country, certain blossoms will convey an imagery with them, so it is ideal to check what is generally proper with your flower specialist first. Subjects of discussion at supper can address an assortment of subjects – Nordic people are incredible conversationalists and will truly attempt conversations with much earnestness. Offering earnest positive remarks about a particular town or districts scenes or milestones is an incredible subject of preservation, as Nordic people have a solid connection and with their old neighbourhood or locale.

Top 10 Places to Visit

The Nordic countries are collectively home to some of the best places in the world to visit. Hence, for a tourist, given below are some of the best places in the Nordic region to visit:

Stockholm: Sweden’s capital, the dynamic city of Stockholm sits on a progression of 14 islands. A picture taker's fantasy, its excellent waterfront structures stand out from a flawlessly saved old town, miles of open parkland and some great instances of contemporary design. In any case, it's not about the perspectives. Stockholm flaunts some top-class exhibition halls from the Academy of Fine Arts to the human satisfying Abba Museum in addition to a lot of castles, where you can wonder about the luxurious ways of life of the royals. Furthermore, obviously, it's Sweden's liveliest city, with a cool bistro culture and nightlife. Also its architect shops, hip bars and clubs and sumptuous food.

Gothenburg: Sweden’s subsequent city, Gothenburg might be on a basic level a mechanical port city, yet its wide roads, verdant parks, a-list historical centres and vivacious understudy populace make it a climatic spot to go through an end of the week. Bounce on one of the fun and effective cable cars that confound the city to visit its numerous parks, displays and alluring recovered areas, or jump on a ship and adventure further away from home to explore the islands of the southern archipelago. Add to this a buzzy nightlife, particular shops, an awesome fish market in a changed over the chapel, extraordinary road food trucks, the world's most unusual looking sauna and a portion of Sweden's more moderate convenience and you can't neglect to have an incredible stay.

Copenhagen: On the off chance that your impression of the Danish capital is of grim, glaring roads gathered from bleak Scandi Noir sleuth shows, reconsider. The encapsulation of cool, this is an in vogue and inviting waterside city with an exuberant and shockingly hip bistro, bar and music scene. Europe's cycling capital, it's an extraordinary spot to explore by bicycle, or by boat. From the noteworthy twelfth century mansion and amazing regal royal residences to the conventional Tivoli Gardens and option 'free town' of Christiania, the city's attractions are changed. What's more, lately, it's built up an unmatched culinary scene and brought forth the elegant New Nordic cooking, with its accentuation on local and occasional food.

Ærø: One of Denmark's prettiest islands, Ærø is a beautiful spot in the South Fyn archipelago, bordered with sandy seashores, and specked with conventional towns and interesting vivid houses. Its attractive capital, Ærøskøbing, is a delight, with cobbled roads and very much safeguarded houses, in addition to some good fish eateries and bistros selling local produce. Also, if this isn't sufficient to entice you, it even has its own whisky refinery, distillery and tobacco estate making hand-moved cigars – a voluptuary's fantasy.

Bergen: Known as the doorway to the fjords, Norway's subsequent city, Bergen is an appealing, laid-back spot, worth putting in a couple of days in its own right. Once in the past home to Hanseatic traders, the Bryggen locale which is protected by the UNESCO is an alluring spot to meander in the midst of winding cobbled paths, block stockrooms and old lumber shops and houses. The town additionally has a lot of galleries, covering an assortment of subjects from Viking ships through workmanship to the Norwegian Resistance. Add to this some extraordinary bistros and cafés and you might be enticed to wait longer prior to taking off to the fjords.

Tromsø: A previous fishing port and exchanging station inside the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is a distant station encircled by frigid mountains and an indented coastline of fjords and islands. Nonetheless, it's additionally an energetic college town with a sizeable understudy populace, which keeps its bistro, bar and club scene especially perfectly healthy. There are likewise some shockingly modest and agreeable spots to remain. The town's sights incorporate an emotional contemporary church building, an Arctic aquarium and an intriguing Polar Museum. Nature lovers, be that as it may, may like to explore the world's most northerly professional flowerbeds or take the funicular up to the highest point of close by Mount Storsteinen for fabulous fjord and city sees.

Lund: It very well might be one of Sweden's most established urban areas with a basilica dating from 1145 and a college from 1666, however, Lund has an exuberant current vibe. Maybe due to the huge understudy populace, it's a ground-breaking city with a lively expressions scene, forefront plan and innovation organisations, in addition to a heap of eco-accommodating developments, for example, transports run on biogas. There's no deficiency of culture here as well, including a cutting edge science focus, a huge outside exhibition hall in the downtown area and a pioneer workmanship display. Also, don't miss the Saluhallen, a previous market corridor, presently home to a portion of the city's most delectable bistros, cafés and slows down selling scrumptious local produce and delights.

Rovaniemi: In the event that you long for a colder time of year wonderland, at that point the area of Lapland is pretty much near making your fantasies come valid. On the off chance that you add to that the origin of Santa Claus, what else do you need? This is the northernmost part of Finland and an ideal spot to see Aurora Borealis, which can be seen 200 nights of the year. Try not to imagine that it's less mystical in summer! For a quarter of a year, the locale is washed by 24-hour daylight that incites the wonder called the Midnight sun, which calls for some out-entryway exercises, celebrations, social occasions, and so on.

Oslo: The capital city of Norway, is an intriguing cosmopolitan city that actually holds its little fishing town feel. It is a genuinely sublime where glossy high rises mix delightfully with unmistakable German engineering, where the energetic atmosphere converges with the absolute excellence of the normal scene, and where the prospering advancement doesn't overpower the exciting Norwegian wild. There are not many urban areas on the planet that can really beat Oslo with regards to open-air exercises, as the Scandinavian capital gives you everything, from winter sports, for example, skiing and skating to other charming exercises like kayaking, island trips, climbing, cruising, and substantially more.

Helsinki: Finnish capital and country's biggest city Helsinki is an ideal objective to visit whenever of the year. A large portion of the city sits on a promontory confronting the Baltic Sea. Helsinki is a city to explore by walking or on a bicycle. In the event that you end up being there, don't pass up Mannerheimintie (Mannerheim Street) which extends from the Central Railway Station and where you can see the sculpture of Marshal Mannerheim, the main man in Finnish history. You can see the Kiasma Museum also, the Parliament building and considerably more. Linnanmäki Amusement Park is an incredible spot to go in case you're searching for a touch of fun and unwinding subsequent to touring.

View of beautiful Stockholm

Explore

Without a doubt, the Nordic countries are some of the most intriguing places to visit and explore in the world. This has been mentioned repeatedly in the sections above and given below are some of the different types of places that you can visit in these countries. As a tourist, pull out a map and start planning your trip to heaven on Earth!

City Parks

The Palace Park: One of the Norwegian capital's first and biggest parks, encompasses the Royal Palace on all sides and highlights lush regions just as old, great trees. The Palace Park was grown at the same time with the development of the new Royal Palace. The castle planner, Hans Ditlev Franciscus Linstow, took dynamic part in the arranging of the park. Over the long run the main royal residence gardener, Martin Mortensen, assumed an inexorably significant part in the plan of the park scene. A few designs for the park were grown, all of which contrasted from the eventual outcome.

Djurgården: Dearest to both Stockholmers and guests, Djurgården is a quiet desert garden in Stockholm. The island has been in control of the crown since the fifteenth century. Like no other spot in Stockholm it gathers large numbers of the city's most well-known museums and social attractions (the Vasa Museum, Gröna Lund, the Abba museum and Skansen to give some examples) with green nature, parks, and family-accommodating exercises. Djurgården can be reached by transport, cable car or ship from focal Stockholm. In spite of the fact that on a delightful summer day a stroll along Strandvägen, from The Royal Dramatic Theatre to Djurgårdsbron, is strongly suggested.

Sibelius Park and Monument: Built to pay tribute to Finnish author Jean Sibelius (1865-1957), this oceanside park and remembrance is one Helsinki's significant attractions. The abstract landmark, entitled Passio Musicae, was made by pioneering artist Eila Hiltunen and is really a motor, melodic figure, a heap of 600 steel tubes that catch the breeze like a line organ. At the point when it was uncovered in 1967, it sparked a discussion about abstract art.

Djurgården

National Parks

Ängsö National Park: Probably the most open national park in the entire lot of Nordic countries, Angso is situated in the Stockholm archipelago. It is a nineteenth-century ranch kept up as per customary traditions, dabbed with interesting farmhouses and wooden wall. The ideal opportunity to visit Ängsö is in spring when the knolls of cowslips and wood anemones are in full sprout. You can take a guided visit around the island or simply explore it at your own speed, yet it's ideal to bring a cookout as there are no eateries. There is no convenience on the island except for you can enlist kayaks from a close-by island and oar around Ängsö.

Jotunheimen National Park: Jotunheimen deciphers as The Home of Giants in Norwegian and is the most famous climbing territory in the country. Which is nothing unexpected since it includes high edges, ice sheets, and moves up Scandinavia's most noteworthy mountain, the 8,100ft Galdhoeppigen. Another fabulous climb runs along the Besseggen, a mountain edge flanked by two lakes, one green, one blue, deified in Henrik Ibsen's play Peer Gynt. Summer exercises incorporate boating, climbing, fishing, horse riding – even elevated skiing down the Galdhoeppigen.

Thy National Park: Denmark’s first national park, set up a year ago, is a 12km-wide (7-mile) piece of land pressed between a swamp fjord and the North Sea. It bears the cost of a serene scene of sandhills and heaths, mixed with old fishing towns and pine timberlands. Cyclists can explore the area along with many bike courses, with numerous motels, inns and camping areas giving exceptional offices, for example, bolted parking rooms en route. This is likewise an extraordinary spot for fishing: fishermen can pick their best lake to get a trout or a carp. Winged creature watchers will go to the close by Vejlerne hold, the biggest fowl safe-haven in northern Europe, where they can see red-throated jumpers, spoonbills or Brent geese.

Ängsö National Park

Beaches

Horseid Beach: On the off chance that you're searching for stunning excellence that blends your spirit, at that point you should visit Horseid. Concealed between a mountain range on the Lofoten Islands, Horseid Beach is the ideal spot to absorb the late spring sun or camp under the colder time of year Aurora Borealis. It's a position of excellence, disengagement and isolation. What's more, no disconnected spot is not difficult to get to. Guests can get to the beach with a 2-hour climb or stroll from the boat ride at Reine.

Yyteri Beach: Known as a beach which can be visited for multiple objectives, you can encounter everything from volleyball to nature climbs. Around the end of summer, this is additionally a well-known surf and windsurfing objective, where the waves are the awesome May through October.

Selje Beach: Norway by a long shot may have probably the most stupendous normal spots on the planet. Selje is no exemption. Encircled by verdant fields and a little town, this beach is covered up on one side of a mountain. It's the ideal spot to get away from the real world and explore Norwegian history. At the point when you're not on the beach, head to the Selje Abbey ruins, a significant Christian site dating back to the year 1100.

Hietaniemi Beach: What was originally a landfill, Hietaniemi is presently a mainstream Helsinki area of interest. The reserve of sand was part of a sand stockpiling, which transformed into a beach in 1929. Since the sand "stuck" to the earth all over, the shoreline is abstract fit as a fiddle and not straight or sickle formed like most beaches. No compelling reason to fear, the beach and sea is liberated from garbage of any kind.

Horseid Beac

Landmarks

Geirangerfjord: Norway is a country brimming with fjords. With an expected check of around 1200, it must be an exceptional one to stand out from all the rest. The Geirangerfjord meets all the standards to make it Norway's lord of the fjords. More than nine miles in length and simply under a mile wide it has been assigned a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Encircled by steep precipices on the two sides, the Geirangerfjord is enhanced with a few exceptionally amazing cascades and probably the most picturesque climbing trails on the planet.

Lofoten Islands: The confined islands, which are north of the Arctic Circle, have been honoured with scenes which look as though they could just have been made by the most innovative of game architects. Distinct and steep mountain tops back the cold waters of the fjords which are so clear they mirror the blue of the sky and the beautiful, painted fishing cottages which line their shores. Add the additional subtlety of Arctic light by day or the aurora borealis by night and maybe a little piece of paradise has some way or another wound up in a distant corner of the earth.

Oresund Underwater Bridge: It extends for just about five miles across the Oresund Strait and is the longest street and rail line connect on the planet. Its overwhelming plan, nearly as notorious as the Golden Gate Bridge, is obvious from the air when you fly into Copenhagen. In any case, that reality isn't the one which makes it remarkably uncommon. What makes it unique is the way the sensational scaffold structure, what starts on the Swedish coast outside of Malmo, abruptly takes a slanting plunge and lowers underneath the waters changing over into the Drogden burrow. The more than two-mile long passage reappears on the Danish island of Amager.

Geirangerfjord

Museums

Vasa Museum: This oceanic museum on the island of Djurgården shows a sixty-four gun warship that sank during its first venture in 1628. The design on show is practically the total boat from the wreckage, which was adorned with many unique sculpted models. In addition to this there are quite a few more maritime exhibits, do check them out and dive into the history of Sweden.

Viking Ship Museum: View three real Viking ships, the Soeberg, the Gokstad, and the Tune, and study their set of experiences at Viking Ship Museum. The boats were worked somewhere in the range of 800 and 900 and were uncovered in the last part of the 1800s and mid-1900s. Presentations give data on how they were found and saved.

ABBA Museum: A vital cog of Swedish pop culture, a part of the Swedish Music Hall of Fame, ABBA The Museum contains interactive presentations zeroed in only on the band ABBA. The museum gives recognition to the band, which began in Stockholm, by displaying garments, movies, and then some other items belonging to the members of the band.

Den Gamle By: Opened in 1914, this open-air vacation destination explores different parts of Danish town culture, highlighting a complex of 75 notable structures. As you walk around this entertainment of a modest community, look in on the bread shop, drug store, goods dealer's home, and school.

Vasa Museum

Eat

The Nordic food depends on a basic cooking style, brimming with flavour however not extremely hot. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are the fundamental meals of the day everywhere on the landmass. Large numbers of the cooking styles and dishes utilised by the Vikings are as yet present in the local cooking today, and Nordic individuals are pleased with their Viking legacy, a reality that is additionally seen in the manner they protect the credibility of such food sources. All Nordic nations consider dinner to be a family occasion, where all the individuals from the family get back from school or work and partake in the feast together. A Nordic supper normally comprises of a fish or meat dish presented with potatoes. Probably the most famous dishes are:

Herring
Reindeer
Smørrebrød
Rye Bread
Meatballs
Potato Pancakes
Waffles

Drink

The Nordic countries are immensely popular across the globe for their impeccable drinks and beverages, mostly alcoholic ones. A few of the most renowned drinks that you must try on your trip to these countries are given below:

Glögg
Akvavit
Koskenkorva
Baltic Porter
Sahti
Karsk
Lakka
Cherry Heering
Brennivín
Salmiakki Koskenkorva

Tap-water

The entire Nordic region has an extremely high standard of living and much of this does also extend to the tap water that you shall find there. The tap water is known to be the purest in the entire world and there is nothing more safer than it, including bottled mineral water that is sold over the counter and at stores.

Activities

Home to dynamic miracles, open-air experiences and territorial treats like cured herring, the Nordic region brags of some of the world's most charming nations that each have their own extraordinary legacy and culture. From joining adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, rappelling, sky-diving, and sailing, to wandering and being mesmerised by the Northern Lights, this locale of the world offers to a wide range of explorers. Whenever you're visiting Sweden, Norway or Denmark try to put these undertakings at the highest point of your schedule.

Accommodation

Being perhaps the most developed part of the world, the Nordic region sees no shortages when it comes to accommodation. Every tourist can enjoy different types of accommodations based on his/her preference with respect to budget, amenities, location and overall luxury. Given in the sections below are some options worth considering from.

Green Hotels

When it comes to conserving the environment and sustainably using the surrounding resources, the hotels in Nordic countries are frankly impeccable. More so, there are many trend-setting Green Hotels that you can book yourself at, a list of a few worth considering are given below:

Fabriken Furillen, Sweden
Vauldalen Mountainhotel, Norway
Ylitalo Reindeer Farm, Finland
Hali Country Hotel, Iceland
Sallatunturi Tuvat, Finland
Vox Hotel, Sweden
Scandic Falkoner, Denmark
Hurdalsjøen Hotel, Norway

Hostels and Guest Houses

Hostels are usually a great choice for solo travellers and those who are on a budget. This is especially important in Nordic countries as they are extremely expensive to tour, hence, given below are a few options that are certainly worth considering:

Hostel Diana Park, Helsinki
Linnéplatsens Hotel & Hostel, Gothenburg
Saga Poshtel Oslo Central, Oslo
Generator Copenhagen, Copenhagen
City Backpackers Hostel, Stockholm

Apartments

Leasing apartments in Nordic countries is known to be a seriously simple choice. In any case, the rental rates are known to be very high and as tourists you might need to consider the choice on the off chance that you are living for significant stretches of time, or when you esteem your privacy while having a few companions living with you, that way you will dodge the extreme rates and unbending principles and guidelines of hotels and inns.

Couchsurfing

Couch Surfing is a generally practised idea in Nordic nations and a large portion of the youthful grown-ups are the ones enjoying it by being hosts and tourists. On the off chance that you have an extraordinary profile and you are dynamic, at that point you can approach a host and make reasonable courses of action, simply ensure you are pretty much as edgy as your host anticipates and that you should be helpful and assist with a couple of tasks and offer a token of appreciation toward the end, all things considered, perhaps even treat your host or cook him/her a meal that is native to your culture.

Camping

Regardless of where you go outdoors to camp in Nordic countries, the amenities and the campgrounds are five-star in the outdoors amicable camping district. To get a camping area, you must buy the Camping Card Scandinavia (applicable in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland) before you go outdoors, or at the first campground, you head to. The locations are scenic and camping solo, with a loved one, or with the whole family shall be experiences at par with one another.

Regions

Map of the Nordic countries

Denmark
The smallest Nordic country features hundreds of islands, rolling farmland, endless beaches and a more continental vibe.

Finland
A hundred thousand islands and lakes to explore in this bridge to the east. The most sparsely populated EU country, and the only Nordic country to use the euro, with a North Germanic tongue the first language only of a minority.

Iceland
Spectacular scenery of volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, and waterfalls on this North Atlantic island.

Norway (including Svalbard)
Famous for deep fjords, steep mountains, countless waterfalls, wooden churches, the Northern Lights and millennial maritime traditions. Norway's topography and nature have distinctive regional diversity.

Sweden
The largest Nordic country by area and population is home to endless forests, clear blue lakes and the beautiful archipelagos along its coasts.

Faroe Islands
An autonomous territory of Denmark in the Atlantic Ocean with a very distinct culture and sense of national identity. Especially known for its dramatic natural scenery and unique bird life.

Åland
An archipelago and autonomous territory of Finland in the Baltic Sea, where the Swedish-speaking population has its own distinctive culture and sense of quasi-national identity.

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark; geographically part of North America. The indigenous people, the Inuit, are also culturally and linguistically close to native America, but there is a strong modern Nordic influence.

Cities

Aarhus — a brilliant Open Air Museum containing historic buildings from towns and cities across Denmark, many from the 1800s
Bergen — old Hanseatic trading centre with wonderfully cute wooden buildings, a magnificent mountain setting, varied nightlife and tons of atmosphere
Copenhagen — a vast number of offers for cultural experiences, shopping and the inspiration of Danish design traditions. Lately it has become the gastronomical centre of the region, driving the principles of "New Nordic Cuisine" with many great restaurants and bars as a result. Also has picturesque canals, traversed by boat buses.
Gothenburg — a port and industrial city on the Swedish west coast, second in size in Sweden
Helsinki — the "Daughter of the Baltic", Finland's capital and largest city with its iconic cathedral
Oslo — museums of national importance, a beautiful setting, lively nightlife and cultural scene
Reykjavik — the northernmost national capital in the world
Stockholm — spread out over a number of islands, one of the most beautiful cities of Scandinavia
Turku — the gateway to the Archipelago Sea; the huge Castle and Cathedral are the two poles of historic Turku, between which just about every important site in the city can be found

Getting There and Moving Around

Reaching the Nordic countries is quite an easy experience. Most of the major cities are global cities which offer great connectivity via various modes of transportation to other big cities beyond the region. As a tourist, you can peruse through the information given in the sections below and plan your trip to any of the Nordic countries.

Air

Flying into any of the Nordic countries is relatively straightforward, pick a flight from your city of origin that lands exactly at your destination or to the nearest airport. All airports are well connected to nearby cities and towns. Hence, as a tourist, there is absolutely no need to worry, just some pre-planning shall do the trick.

The interior of Copenhagen Kastrup Airport

Bus

Each of the Nordic countries has an exceptional bus services and as a tourist, all you have to do is hop on to any of these buses that take you to your destination. These go across borders, offer different amenities and have varying tariffs, but you can surely count on them to be luxurious, safe and punctual barring bad weather conditions.

Bus in Oslo, Norway

Train

Scandinavian Rail connects most of the major cities in the Nordic countries. As a tourist, choose your route wisely, buy a ticket, and hop on to enjoy a comfortable ride to the destination of your choice. While these tickets might be slightly expensive, they are truly worth every penny as they offer a host of services on board.

Local train in Sweden

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking in Nordic countries is often known to be the safest in the world. The local people are kind, polite and friendly. Though some may rudely turn you down, more than a couple shall stop when you gesture and ride you to your destination. This involves no monetary transactions mostly and a nice gesture on your part shall be returning the favour by buying your host a cup of coffee or even perhaps a meal on the journey. An additional benefit of hitchhiking in Nordic countries is that most locals own and drive luxury cars which not only make the journey comfortable but an incredibly quick and safe one too.

Others

Beyond the above means of transportation, you could try renting a private vehicle and driving down to your destination in the Nordic countries, there are a few eco-friendly options such as electric cars. Renting hybrid-powered yachts and boats is also an option.

Sustainable Shopping

Sustainable shopping is a fundamental part of each eco-accommodating tourists' excursion. This is critical as you can straightforwardly add to the local economy and without any help bargain a hit to eager industrialists. Shop from local stores in the event that you wish to get a grip of bona fide craftsmanship and try not to contaminate covetous mega brands that operate for profit only. The laws in Nordic countries do curb exploitatory practises by conglomerates but it is yet recommended to directly benefit local shops and vendors.

Recycling

Recycling practises in the Nordic countries are nothing short of world-class. All of these countries are highly efficient in recycling their waste. With countries like Sweden and Norway recycling over 99 per cent of the waste generated. However, there is a small catch here as the waste generated is not completely “recycled” but it is “transformed”. That implies that it is used in other forms that would need the energy to function and further pollute the environment. An example of this is Sweden transforming its waste by burning in incinerators to generate energy which is further used for heating homes, powering electric vehicles and so forth. In addition to this, all of these countries are good at the basic recycling of plastics, aluminium cans, glass bottles and more. Thus, as a tourist, you do not need to worry about your waste ending up in a landfill or lying around and polluting the environment.

Waste

The waste collection system in Nordic countries is highly efficient. Right from private residences to commercial spaces and hotels, you shall witness an organised method, with standard protocols, colour coding and segregation techniques. These are taught to individuals from a young age itself and hence it is so effortless at present. More so, most of these Nordic countries are known to import waste from other European countries with low efficiency of recycling as well.

Work and Study Abroad

Working and studying in Nordic countries is truly a dream for many, so don’t be surprised if you see a few students and office-goers at every nook and corner of the major cities. They might even successful entice you into applying for a work/education visa for these countries.

Exchange Student

With some of the highest standards of education and the most reputed universities being based out of these Nordic countries, you shall find plenty of exchange students. There are various schemes, scholarships and incentives from the respective governments so if you too wish to apply, start surfing opportunities online.

Au Pair

Being an Au Pair in Nordic countries is relatively straight-forward, the local people are familiar with the concept, they are often looking for Au Pairs, there are plenty of listings online and above all the pay is good with a suitable arrangement for students and young individuals.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way of giving back to society without using money. If you wish to volunteer in Nordic countries you can find various opportunities on online portals and through word of mouth at workspaces, public places, universities and NGO advertisements. Simply pick a cause that you believe in the most and sign yourself up.