6 Things To Keep in Mind When Visiting a Scandinavian Country for the First Time

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6 Things To Keep in Mind When Visiting a Scandinavian Country for the First Time

If you’re looking for a vacation destination for your next getaway, consider visiting any of the Scandinavian countries. Whether you’re visiting Denmark, Sweden, or Norway, you’re guaranteed to see unforgettable sights and meet amazing people. If this is your first trip out to these parts, here are 6 Things To Keep in Mind When Visiting a Scandinavian Country for the First Time.

Get these things squared away to have the best trip possible.

6 Things To Keep in Mind When Visiting a Scandinavian Country for the First Time
If you plan to hike and see the sights, then bring your layers but also take your walking shoes and hiking boots and ensure they’re comfortable because you’ll be in them a lot. Photo: muckbootcompany.

1. What To Pack

What you pack for your Scandinavian trip will depend on where you’re going and what you plan to do during your visit. Those who plan to lounge and relax can pack lighter clothing, but you should pack short and long-sleeve tops because the weather can be on the cooler side. It’s advised to wear layers even during the warmer months because you can always take something off as the day gets warmer or you go to a different place.

Click the image below to learn about the Scandinavian all-season packing list.

6 Things To Keep in Mind When Visiting a Scandinavian Country for the First Time
Learn more about the Scandinavian all aeason packing list. Click the image.

If you plan to hike and see the sights, then bring your layers but also take your walking shoes and hiking boots and ensure they’re comfortable because you’ll be in them a lot. Those planning to spend a lot of time outside should also pack or plan to buy a raincoat because there’s often a chance of rain. The sun can also be harsh up north, so take sunglasses and a hat, and plan to put on sunscreen.

6 Things To Keep in Mind When Visiting a Scandinavian Country for the First Time
Whether you’re taking those shorter flights or flying home at the end of your trip, you’ll want to make sure you are comfortable when you travel. Photo: Consumer reports.

2. Stay Comfortable While Flying

Many people decide to make a whole adventure out here, and they desire to travel between at least two Scandinavian countries. Whether you’re taking those shorter flights or flying home at the end of your trip, you’ll want to make sure you are comfortable when you travel.

You may get drowsy during longer trips, so pack your blanket and small pillow and bring an eye mask if that helps. During the flight, drink some water and try to avoid alcohol so you stay hydrated. Every once in a while, get up, walk, and stretch your legs to keep the blood flowing. If you’re often anxious on flights, then know that you’re not alone, but you don’t need to be afraid. Bring some mindfulness tools like a journal so you can write down your feelings, and bring headphones so you can listen to relaxing music.

Fear of flying? Click the image below to get some tips on curing flying anxiety.

6 Things To Keep in Mind When Visiting a Scandinavian Country for the First Time
Want to cure flying anxiety? Click the image.

3. Keep It Clean And Eco-Friendly

Regardless of which Scandinavian country you visit, you’re almost guaranteed to see some of our planet’s most beautiful landscapes and vistas. They’re the kind of sights that you’ll someday want your grandkids to see, so to keep it pristine, make sure to be responsible, clean up after any messes, and make your vacation eco-friendly.

6 Things To Keep in Mind When Visiting a Scandinavian Country for the First Time – the article continues below the image.

6 Things To Keep in Mind When Visiting a Scandinavian Country for the First Time
Regardless of which Scandinavian country you visit, you’re almost guaranteed to see some of our planet’s most beautiful landscapes and vistas. Here from Dalen Hotel. Photo: De historiske.

That means reducing your carbon footprint and creating less waste by using recycled water bottles that you can refill repeatedly. Also, try to avoid the urge to rent a car and instead try public transportation so you’re not unnecessarily polluting the air with exhaust fumes. Whenever possible, cook your own food. It’s tempting to eat out for every meal while on vacation, but doing so may drive you to eat more processed or packaged foods, which generate waste to produce.

6 Things To Keep in Mind When Visiting a Scandinavian Country for the First Time
Don’t forget to pack your FitBits, Apple Watches, and other technological devices and install the apps that can help you along the way. Here’s the Apple watch, series 8, with walking stats.

4. Bring Your Wearable Tech

You’ll be so busy exploring the wonder of these Scandinavian countries that you’ll need some help from digital tech to keep track of it all. Don’t forget to pack your FitBits, Apple Watches, and other technological devices and install the apps that can help you along the way. Using wearable tech can improve your quality of life, and help you track your wellness while you are vacationing. For instance, while you’re doing all that hiking across amazing landscapes, you can use your fitness tracker to see how many calories you’re burning along the way. Plus, you can monitor your heart rate and other factors to know when to take a break.

Wearable tech can be incredibly helpful when you have a health condition and want to keep an eye on your stats while you’re far from home. Bring your blood pressure and ECG monitors and keep them with you at all times to keep your health in check during your wonderful trip.

6 Things To Keep in Mind When Visiting a Scandinavian Country for the First Time
The beauty of Scandinavian cuisine is that it’s diverse. Photo: Holmedal kantineservice.

5. Try The Food

No vacation is complete without trying the local food and the Scandinavian countries are famous for their cuisine, so prepare to be dazzled. The beauty of Scandinavian cuisine is that it’s diverse, and there’s something for everyone, so try everything. While there’s a lot of variety, there are certain delicacies that you should try based on the country you visit.

Learn more about Scandinavian food and drink by cliking the image below.

6 Things To Keep in Mind When Visiting a Scandinavian Country for the First Time
Learn more about food and drink in Scandinavia by clicking the image.

When in Sweden, try a dish with lingonberries, try the seafood in Norway, pork in Denmark, bilberries in Finland, and fish dishes in Iceland. Although you should try each, don’t let this list limit you. Try the smaller local restaurants, and you’ll surely have a meal you won’t forget. While you’re traveling, meet and talk with some of the locals and ask them about their favorite spots.

6 Things To Keep in Mind When Visiting a Scandinavian Country for the First Time
Fruit Flowering Kvalvik, Ullensvang, Hardanger, Norway Foto: Oddleiv Apneseth/Nordic Council of Ministers

6. See The Natural Beauty

We’ve mentioned the amazing beauty that you can behold in any Scandinavian country, and it’s true. You can turn your head almost anywhere and see something unique. With that said, there are certain natural wonders that you simply must explore, including Mons Klint. That’s an amazing cliffside destination where you can walk along the water, venture through the forest, or go fossil hunting and find souvenirs that are millions of years old.

Another must-see destination is Lappeenranta in Finland, which is the country’s largest lake. While there, you can walk along the waterside or bike through the trails. If you’re more adventurous, you can take a canoe or kayak, travel down the incredible river, and behold the beauty surrounding you. There are tons of great sights to see, so ask your tour guide for the best spots. Don’t forget to take your camera.

Remember these essential tips for your next visit to some or all of the amazing Scandinavian countries. Plan your trip ahead of time and pick out some of the best sights and make it a trip to remember forever.

6 Things To Keep in Mind When Visiting a Scandinavian Country for the First Time6 Things To Keep in Mind When Visiting a Scandinavian Country for the First Time, written dedicatedly for Daily Scandinavian by Ainsley Lawrence. Ainsley is a regular contributor to Daily Scandinavian. She is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest. Ainsley is interested in better living through technology and education. She is frequently lost in a good book.

Feature image (on top) © Norris Niman / Unsplash

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Journalist, PR and marketing consultant Tor Kjolberg has several degrees in marketing management. He started out as a marketing manager in Scandinavian companies and his last engagement before going solo was as director in one of Norway’s largest corporations. Tor realized early on that writing engaging stories was more efficient and far cheaper than paying for ads. He wrote hundreds of articles on products and services offered by the companies he worked for. Thus, he was attuned to the fact that storytelling was his passion.