Scandanavia has a reputation for being expensive, and it is certainly true that things like food and alcohol can be pretty price in places like Sweden and Iceland can be pretty expensive, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a great time in the region on a budget. There are lots of free and affordable activities and attractions just waiting for you there…
Hiking along the Fjords
There are few natural sights more beautiful then the fjords of Norway, I’m sure you’ll agree. So, if you’re looking for something affordable to do in the area that won’t kill your bidget dead, why not hike alongside them, seeing spectacular landscapes and meeting lots of welsoming locaals as you go? This is somethign probably best done in the summer when the hiking trails will be more accessible, but if you have a guide or you know what you’re doing, it’s a great experience to try out any time.
Marvel at the Midnight Summer
Another great Scandinavian summer experience that doesn’t have to cost you a single penny is watching the midnight sun in Sweden. If you head to Svalbard from Mid May until the 22nd of June, you will get to explore the area 24 hours a day without ever seeing night. Pretty amazing, right?
Sample Local Delicacies
You don’t have to hit the most expensive and impressive restaurants to get an authentic taste of the local Scandinavian cuisine. Slthough the food is likelyt o be more expensive than comparable fayre here, there are lots of street food vendors like the Slussen T-Bana in Stockholm who serve up delicious delicaies like fried herring and potatos in large pirtions for very fair prices, which means if you’re a foodie on a budget, you can still enjoy Scandanavia.
Take a Cable Car for Spectacular Views
Scandanavia is littered with picturesque mountains that offer aweinspirign views across the landscapes, so if you’re lookign for an affordable way to enjoy yourself when you’re on holiday there, take a cable car ride to the top, enjoy the views and spend some time checking out the local wildlife. Some of the best places to take a cable car ride include the Storsteinen and Fløyen mountains.
Hit the Museums
If you’re a culture vulture, you’r ein luck because although not all of them are, many of the museums and art galleries in the Scandanavian region are completely free to explore at leisure. Whether you’re into your Viking history or you’re a fan of world-class art, there will be something affordable for you to do. Highlights include Oslo’s Munch Museum where you can see his most famous painting The Scream and the Moderna Museet in Stockholm which houses works by Dali and Picasso amongst others.
Go on a Kayaking Adventure
Scandinavia is home to some of the clearest lakes surrounded by some of the most impressive, often snow-capped landscapes. So, spending some time on the water is pretty much a must. However, cruises and boat hire can be expensive. Luckily, there are no shortage of kayak rental companies wherever there is a lake nearby and that provides you with the perfect means for exploring the nature of Scandinavia at your leisure.
Relax in a Thermal Spa
There are also lots of thermal spas in Scandinavia, including the very famous Blue Lagoon in Iceland and many of them are perfectly safe for you to take a dip in. So if it’s relaxation and pampering you’re after, then all you have to do is seek out your nearest spa and spend some quality time taking in the warm waters.
Get On Your Bike
Scandinavia is far friendlier to cyclists than this country. On your travels, you’re likely to see numerous cycle lanes that make it very safe to get on your bike and explore, and of course, doing so is far cheaper than renting a car or using public transport. It also enables you to get a bit more off the beaten track and see parts of the countryside and cities that you might not otherwise. Sweden is especially friendly to the cyclist and travelling along the Gudvangen or Flåm with its numerous fjords is sure to be a beautiful experience.
Enjoy the Entertainment that Parkteatern Offers
Parkteatern is a series of free Scandinavian performances that range from jazz to opera with a healthy dose of theatre and more than a smattering of pop and rock for good measure. You don’t need any money to attend, but you will want to pack a picnic basket so you can spend all day having a fantastic time, experiencing new cultures, without having to spend so much as a penny. What could be better than that?
Chase the Northern Lights
Nature is almost free and there is nothing more beautiful. One of nature’s most amazing offerings certainly has to be the northern lights and it just so happens that Scandinavia is prime northern lights viewing territory. So, if you’re short of money but you don’t want to water your evening in your hotel room, become a Northern Lights chaser for the duration of your stay and not only will you benefit from the thrill of the chase, but you’ll be blown away by beauty when you’re rewarded with spectacular views of the best light show in the world.
Become a Sunset Enthusiast
Due to its location close to the arctic circle, Scandinavia is also home to some of the most spectacular sunsets on the planet, and since they are totally free, it would be a shame not to make the most of them while you’re there. Pretty much anywhere where you can see the sky is great for enjoying those fabulous pinky-orange sunsets, but some places, such as Bryggen Wharf in Bergen and Nyhavn in Copenhagen are even more magical due to the way the light lands on the marble and brick, creating a distinctly romantic atmosphere.
As you can see, there is many a memorable experience to be had in Scandinavia, even if you don’t have much money in your pocket, so what are you waiting for?
