Now that technology has made remote work easier and more flexible, folks have become increasingly interested in working outside the office. People aren’t just looking to work from home, though – they’re making plans to work across the world, flitting from country to country without having to settle permanently in one place. Here’s a digital nomad’s guide to thriving in Scandinavia.
One location digital nomads have been flocking to is Scandinavia. This region, which primarily consists of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark but can also include Finland and Iceland, is full of natural beauty, walkable communities, and accessible public transportation, with plenty of opportunities to unplug and unwind. We’ll dive into what specifically makes this area so attractive for digital nomads, and how to prepare for your Scandinavian travels as a remote worker.
Reasons Why Digital Nomads Love Scandinavia
Besides the super cold winters and high taxes, living in Scandinavia has some pretty great perks. First, for those who hate driving, public transportation is affordable and accessible for all. Copenhagen offers the Metro, which runs 24/7, along with buses that run frequently. Stockholm even offers the Stockholm Card, granting free public transportation and free entry to 75+ museums and other popular public attractions. Buses in Stockholm are eco-friendly as well, running on biofuels like ethanol to lower carbon emissions.
Probably the biggest reason digital nomads adore Scandinavia is the sheer beauty of the region. The crisp air, towering mountains, and crystalline fjords create an environment where creatives get inspired and cogs in the corporate machine can relieve themselves from their computer screens for a lengthy kayaking session. Here, you can experience the Northern Lights, take a scenic bike ride, or relax in a hot spring with some new friends. Other incredible Scandinavian outdoor opportunities include:
- Hiking in Jotunheimen National Park in Norway;
- Mountain fishing in Tärnaby, Sweden;
- Alpine skiing at Mt. Åreskutan in Sweden;
- Touring Volcano Thrihnukagigur in Iceland.
Scandinavian countries are home to some immaculate architectural wonders. In Denmark, you can visit a series of magical castles, like Amalienborg in Copenhagen, a Rococo wonder with intricate landscaping. Sweden has plenty of amazing buildings too, like the art museum Artipelag, which boasts a contemporary structure that complements the nature surrounding it. Another visual structure in Sweden that attracts awe is the Icehotel, which is part art exhibition, part lodgings constructed of pristine ice and snow.
How to Prepare for Scandinavian Travel
Just like you would with any trip, getting prepared for traveling requires lots of planning and research. Here are some of the main things you should do before making your way to Scandinavia.
A Digital Nomad’s Guide to Thriving in Scandinavia, article continues below image.
Get the right attire
The perfect selection of clothing depends on when you plan to travel to Scandinavia. If you’re aiming for winter, you should bring plenty of warm layers with materials like fleece and wool. Outerwear should be waterproof and well-insulated, and undergarments should be long thermals for maximum warmth. Springtime will require less bulky clothing, but you should dress for warmth, as the temperature tends to average between 25℉ and 40℉. Summer will reveal the best temperatures, allowing you to store your coat in the closet and bring out the sundresses and t-shirts. However, by autumn, you should be prepared to layer up again.
Organize your paperwork
Naturally, you should have your passport handy for Scandinavian travel. In Norway, for example, digital nomads must apply for an Independent Contractor Visa, which allows travelers to live and work in the country for up to a year. Common remote jobs for digital nomads in Scandinavia include freelance writers, web developers, and ESL teachers. You must provide proof that your business either operates outside of Norway or if your employer or client is in Norway, you must confirm all business arrangements were made before you arrived in Norway.
Create a financial plan
Since you’ll be far away from home and family, you should have contingency plans in place for everything, along with creating a detailed financial plan so you’ll have more than enough money for your travels. Using an online bank that does not have traditional operating systems with brick-and-mortar locations is ideal. Many of these banks offer 24/7 customer service access and reduced ATM fees or a fee reimbursement program. Always have local paper currency on hand in case your cards fail as well.
More than this, you should have a set budget in place. Use separate bank accounts for bills and leisure expenses so you don’t run into a financial rut overseas. If you are self-employed, have plenty of savings in case your income drastically reduces at some point while traveling.
Assuring Job Security and Productivity Abroad
Be sure that your remote job is solid and will provide stability during your travels. Though it can be tempting to slack off during your travels, find ways to stay productive and disciplined. First, you should wake up early and resist the urge to sleep in. If you need motivation to wake up, plan a workout first thing in the morning. It can give you the mental and physical boost you need to stay focused throughout the day.
Creating a daily schedule is the perfect way to keep yourself on track as well. Outline your tasks for the week and divide them into practical, daily plans. You can utilize project-tracking software like Asana to keep track of unfinished projects, edits, and tasks that must be delegated.
During work hours, stay on top of meetings by setting reminders, checking your technology for audio and visual malfunctions, and participating actively. Respond to your coworkers respectfully and give them time to relay their thoughts in full. This will assure your supervisors that approving your digital nomad lifestyle was the right choice.
A Digital Nomad’s Guide to Thriving in Scandinavia, written exclusively for Daily Scandinavian by Ainsely 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): © Pixels