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Renting a car in Scandinavia: Everything you need to know

Tor Kjølberg

June 8, 2021

Renting a car in Scandinavia: Everything you need to know

The first thing you must do before renting a car in Scandinavia is to research the set rules and regulations. Do this well in advance of commencing your trip. Once you do that, you can start with the rental process of your vehicle. Learn more about renting a car in Scandinavia and learn everything you need to know.

Plan well to give yourself ample time to secure the vehicle that you want. Your desired vehicle will not only provide you with peace of mind, but the process will also save you money. You will then have a choice between different types of vehicles from various rental companies. You will also be able to compare the different rental companies’ fine print with each other. If you do not plan and pitch up at the first rental company, they will overcharge you almost every time. Your vehicle choice might not be available, and after a long flight, you would not be interested in reading the fine print anymore.

Go through the following checklist with care when you’re planning to rent a car in Scandinavian countries.

Should you ever need to rent a car in Scandinavia, Discover Cars has updated information.

Age restrictions
Age restrictions vary depending on the country where you plan to rent the car and also the type of car. For instance, to rent a car in Sweden, you have to be at least 18 years old and you must have had your license for 2 years. While in Norway, you have to be 19 years old and have held your license for 1 year. In Denmark, you have to be 21 years old and also have held your license for 1 year. It would be best if you had your international driving permit. Getting an international driver’s permit allows you to easily get around in a foreign country.

Best Car Rental Companies In Dubai

Rules of the road
In all Scandinavian countries, trolleys, buses, and passengers disembarking have the right of way. If a bus passenger exits at a crossing, you must wait until they have crossed the street before proceeding. Whether the weather is cloudy or clear, dipped headlights are required during the day.

Renting a car in Scandinavia: Everything you need to know, continue reading

Related: Spectacular Driving in Norway

Parking and Tolls
Scandinavian countries don’t have any toll highways. But when you’re driving in Copenhagen, you must show a one-hour parking disc (which you can find in petrol stations, banks, tourist information centers, etc.) on your dashboard if meters are not available. Parking is prohibited on major roads of Norway, however, there are numerous municipal lots. Parking meters are color-coded, with yellow meters allowing one hour of parking, gray meters two hours, and brown meters three hours. In most Swedish cities, they have both metered on-street parking and timed ticket machines from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m

Speed limits
Speed limits differ slightly in Scandinavian countries. The speed limit for driving in the city for all the countries is 31mph/50kph. While for driving on highways, Sweden and Denmark’s speed limit is: 68mph/110kph, while for Norway: 55mph/90kph

Insurance
Fire and third-party liability insurance are mandatory when renting a car in Scandinavian countries. Because the cost of car rental insurance varies greatly depending on the period of your rental and also the laws of the nation where you rent the car, you should choose carefully before making your reservation.

Before you sign the agreement
Check the car carefully, and make sure any damage appears on the rental agreement. You may even take some photos of the damage. If something is not working in the car, or if there are switches or controls that you do not understand, ask for help and explanation. A good idea would be to keep fuel receipts if any issue appears later. And also take a picture of the fuel gauge when you leave the car.

Accidents and breakdowns
Everyone in most of Scandinavia is compelled by law to assist in the event of an accident, even if they were not engaged in the disaster. You can access emergency services in any Scandinavian country by dialing 112, the European Emergency Number.

Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Avis, Thrifty, and Sunnycars are some of the most popular car rental brands in Sweden. Be alert and keep your eyes on the various road signs and drive safely.

Ensure that you choose the right vehicle to hire
Are you traveling with children or a lot of gear? Choose a large sedan or SUV. Remember, European cars are smaller. Be sure to order the size you need in case you do not get an upgrade. Looking to save money on rental rates and gas? Reserve the smallest available model. Make sure about any age restrictions regarding drivers of rental vehicles.

In many countries, manual transmissions are the norm, and you’ll have to pay a premium for an automatic and reserve it in advance. Familiarize yourself with the local rules of the road long before you get there. Know which side of the road to drive on, who has the right of way in a traffic circle, and whether you’re permitted to turn right (or left, in some countries) on a red light.

This information can be found in an up-to-date guidebook. Smartphone mapping apps can be expensive to use and hard to access, depending on your cell phone plan. Take a printed road map as a backup. Renting a GPS unit from your rental car company is another option; set it to English if you don’t know the local language.

Having only one driver reduces the cost hugely, but you might want to consider adding a second driver. Make sure what your car hire company’s rules are.

Renting a car in Scandinavia: Everything you need to know, written exclusively for Daily Scandinavian by Alesia Hundermort. Alesia is working as a Construction Manager, She relocates to different locations and stays for several months to oversee a project. While being there for work she also takes this opportunity to explore the area. Alesia also likes to write and share her experience with the online audience.

Feature image (on top): Aurlandsfjord viewpoint, Western Norway. © Innovation Norway

How Traveling to Europe and Scandinavia Will Change in 2022

Tor Kjølberg

June 3, 2021

How Traveling to Europe and Scandinavia Will Change in 2022

Travelers to Europe in 2022 will need to get an ETIAS visa waiver before entering the EU. Read How Traveling to Europe and Scandinavia Will Change in 2022 and find out what you will need to do to get ready for this change.

2022 will be a milestone year for traveling to Europe as it will mark the launch of the ETIAS visa waiver.

Until now, entering the EU Schengen Area has just involved a passport check and little else for travelers from the US, UK, or Canada. However, this will change next year and ETIAS will become a mandatory step from 2023 onwards for visitors from visa-exempt countries.

However, getting an ETIAS waiver will be a fast and simple process and once you have it registered it can be used multiple times for up to 3 years. More importantly, it’s going to make travel to Europe more seamless and secure.

Read on below to learn more about:

Why ETIAS will be introduced next year
Who needs it
How to apply for your electronic visa waiver online
The most important travel tips for 2022
What Is ETIAS and Why Is Travel to Europe Changing?

ETIAS (Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System) was first proposed in 2016 as a means to enhance the border security of the Schengen Area and reduce illegal immigration into the bloc.

Since then, it has been enshrined in EU legislation and work carried out to make it a reality from 2022 onwards.

As part of the passenger screening goals of the project, those visiting Europe without a visa for trips of under 90 days within a 180-day period will need to register with the system prior to arriving.

This will be done via an electronic visa waiver. This will give authorities the chance to properly check passengers to ensure they don’t pose a threat to EU residents or have a history of overstaying on visas.

To find out more check here for further information.

Who Needs an ETIAS Visa Waiver?
Anyone traveling to Europe from one of 62 visa-free countries will need an ETIAS visa waiver to visit the 26-country Schengen Area. This will be a mandatory requirement from 2023 onwards.

This includes nationals from the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Visitors from these countries will need to hold a valid ETIAS authorization prior to visiting any Schengen countries.

How to Apply for ETIAS
The application for ETIAS can be accessed and completed fully online. It will only take 10-20 minutes to complete the form for most people applying.

It is also expected that approval or denial will be given within 24 hours of submission. However, passengers are advised to apply at least 72 hours before departure in case mistakes or discrepancies occur on their form.

When filling out the application you will be asked to provide data, such as your:

Name
Nationality
Date of birth
Passport information
Arrival country in the EU
Answers to background questions

Once done, you will need to pay a small administration fee by debit or credit card and enter a working email address.

The latter is especially important as it will be your primary source of contact with the EU authorities during the process. It is also how you will receive the approved visa once it is authorized.

After you have received an approved visa waiver it is then electronically linked to the passport you registered during the application process. The waiver itself is valid for 3 years from its date of issue although you will need to reapply if your travel document expires or is replaced during this time.

What to Know Before Traveling to Europe in 2022
If you want to visit the EU and countries such as Denmark, Norway or Sweden it will be possible to apply for ETIAS once the system goes online in late 2022. It will become mandatory for eligible passengers from 2023 onwards.

Your visa waiver will be checked when you first arrive in the Schengen area. After you have passed through border security you will then be able to visit all 26 countries in the passport-free zone for up to 90 days with no further documentation checks.

It isn’t necessary to print your ETIAS authorization although it’s advised to keep a physical or digital copy just in case. As the document is electronically linked to your passport the authorities will be able to see whether visitors have the correct entry authorization during the immigration process.

ETIAS is going to be an essential change to prepare for in 2022 and 2023. However, there are many benefits that the system will bring and travelers can expect a faster, more efficient, and more importantly, safer experience of visiting Europe in the future.

How Traveling to Europe and Scandinavia Will Change in 2022, written for Daily Scandinavian by ETIAS, The European Travel Information and Authorisation System,

All illustrations © ETIAS, except feature image (on top): Møllestien, Aarhus, Denmark. Photo by Steffen Muldbjerg / Unsplash .

Scandinavian Celeriac

Tor Kjølberg

June 1, 2021

Celeriac has been known in Scandinavia for centuries, but has been used sparingly, mostly as a flavoring for soups and stews. The root is not widely eaten anywhere else, except in France. Read more about Scandinavian celeriac.

Celeriac is too strong-flavored to become a universal favorite, and it is rarely eaten on its own, bit for those who love it, celeriac is a marvel, and do not mind if it is served as the main vegetable. However, many don’t love it, particularly children. Adults share childhood memories of how celeriac floating among the diced carrots and leeks was the scare of the week. The carrot and leek were acceptable, end edible, but the celeriac was considered nothing but a punishment. Even worse were the celeriac ‘steaks’, a slab of boiled, breaded and fried celeriac that health-conscious housewives believed to be good for you.

Related: Scandinavian vegetables

How it grows
In other parts of the world, a similar taste is achieved by celery, or the herb parsley-celery, or par-cel, which is actually the ancestor of them both.

They are all biennials and umbellifers, like carrots, and will flower in their second year. The celeriac has been selected for its swollen roots, over millennia, and looks very much like celery when growing, except that part of the root above the ground and most growers will mulch the roots to keep them pale. The leaves of celeriac taste like celery, only much stronger, and are very useful as pot-herb, or chopped like parsley and scattered over winter-dishes.

Celeriac is a greedy feeder, and must be sown indoor in February, as it grows extremely slowly.

Appearance and taste
The taste of celeriac is so overwhelming that it is often used more like a herb than a root. Its flavor, a cross between that of celery and a parsley root, with overtones of parsley leaves and lovage. The root can be used in any size, from tennis-ball to monumental football, like other roots, a very young, small celeriac is the most delicious and tender. The roots have a tendency to become spongy in the middle, due to a lack of minerals while growing, so choose one that is very firm and heavy, with no soft spots. They keep forever wrapped in plastic in the fridge.

Culinary uses
Celeriac is used as flavoring in stews, soups and braises; celery adds a similar, but milder flavor, though celery is seldom used in Scandinavia. Celeriac can also be mashed and made into fries and gratins, because of its starchy nature. Try a 50/50 potato-celeriac mash, or include it as part of a mixed root bake.

When raw celeriac has a delicate nutty taste and, if very finely diced, it’s beautiful in a salad. Even children seem to like it raw, or made into chips as an alternative to the more usual potato. These will never become crisp but the frying brings out the sweetness and a caramelized melting quality that children love. They are very good with game,

Coarsely grated, raw celeriac, coated in a vinegary homemade mayonnaise or crème fraiche, spiked with mustard, is a delicious accompaniment for venison, and very good in sandwiches with all kinds of cold cuts. When very young, in late summer, and only the size of a tennis-ball, celeriac can be braised whole in butter, or simmered in stock and served as a very interesting accompaniment for fish and beef, or in their own as a starter. A whole large celeriac is difficult to handle and clean. The roots make up a tangle at the bottom, and if you cut them all off, there is not always much left. The easiest way to clean a celeriac is to cut it into thick slices and peel the slices individually.

Related: Scandinavian Beetroot

Celeriac soup with cardamon

In this soup you get the full advantage of celeriac’s spectacular taste. The topping makes a good spicy contrast to the velvety soup.

1 teaspoon cardamom seeds, picked from whole green pods
2 medium celeriac
2 leeks
2 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon of salted butter
3 heaped tablespoons Madras curry powder
1 liter very strong chicken or fish stock.
Salt and coarsely ground black pepper

for the topping
200ml whipping cream
50g fresh ginger, finely grated
Finely grated zest of 1 orange
Juice of 1 lime

Serves 6

First, whip the cream for the topping in a bowl. Press the juice from the grated ginger by wringing it through a handkerchief, add this with the other seasonings to the cream, which will thicken and be soured by the seasonings. Set aside.

Grind the cardamom seeds to a fine powder.
Rinse the celeriac and leeks and cut into large chunks
Fry the leeks and garlic gently without browning in the butter: when they become translucent and fragrant, add the curry powder and cardamom, and fry a little more.
Add the celeriac and stock and season sparingly with salt and pepper. Add water just to cover the vegetables. If necessary, simmer until the vegetables are very tender.
whizz in a food processor until smooth Adjust the seasoning, then eat while really hot with the cream on top.

Scandinavian Celeriac, written by Tor Kjolberg

Feature image (on top) Photo by coop.no

How To Use A Historical Scandinavian Favorite: Honey

Tor Kjølberg

May 26, 2021

How To Use A Historical Scandinavian Favorite: Honey

Honey has been a part of Scandinavian history since the time of the Vikings. It is thought that these Norsemen collected honey from wild bees in the forest during their travels. It was an excellent source of energy to fuel their long journeys. Learn how to use a historical Scandinavian favorite: Honey.

The popular drink of the time, Mead is said to have been brewers with honey, water, and yeast. Some historians think it is the oldest alcoholic beverage in history. But honey is not just a food of the past. Today there are infinite ways to use honey. Whether it’s for health, beauty, or taste, Scandinavian honey could have a use, or many, in your life.

Sore Muscles
Whether you’ve had a tough workout or you’re just feeling a bit sore, honey can help. Honey has anti- inflammatory properties that can help with reducing swelling in the body. This swelling is what often causes the annoying soreness that just won’t go away. Putting a bit of raw honey in your tea or on top of your yogurt will do the trick! This treatment is best paired with other stretching and massaging practices for the ultimate pain relief.

Oral Health
We all know that sugar is bad for our teeth. It can cause plaque build-up, rotting, tooth-rotting, and enamel breakdown. But not to fear, there are sugar replacements that can taste just as good. Some dentists recommend swapping honey for traditional sugar to make your foods sweeter. Certain types of honey are said to actually help your teeth. Some of its oral health benefits include antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. Additionally, honey contains a molecular structure that is easier for the stomach to digest. So, on top of cleaner teeth, your stomach will have a good time as well.

Cough Syrup
If you’re feeling sick and over-the-counter medications aren’t your thing, there is still hope. Honey has been used for many years as a replacement for cough syrup. Whether it’s mixed with a tea or taken by the spoonful, it’s soothing properties can cause some much-needed relief. One study shows that honey can relieve coughing better than medications with dextromethorphan (DM), a popular ingredient in over-the-counter cough suppressants.

Hair
If you struggle with dry or brittle hair, honey may be your saving grace. As honey is a natural antioxidant, it promotes scalp health and hair growth. It has properties that stimulate the hair follicle resulting in longer and stronger hair. Many people advocate for honey as a hair conditioner. Its moisturizing effects help soften strands. As a humectant, a substance that reduces moisture loss, honey can protect hair from drying out. Its clarifying effects work to thoroughly clean the hair. It gets rid of any gunk that may have built up, leaving your hair shiny and luscious.

Acne
While it isn’t the miracle cure for acne, honey can help inflamed and irritated skin. Raw honey has antibacterial properties which can help sooth blemishes and reduce skin inflammation. It contains hydrogen peroxide which works to remove any bad bacteria that could be furthering the redness and irritation. It is important that when using honey as an acne fighter, you opt for the raw variety. While nearly all honey produced in the Scandinavian region is raw, there are some processed kinds out there. Raw honey is natural and unhated, which allows it to keep all of its incredible benefits.

First Aid
Aside from cosmetic purposes, honey is a useful substance in first aid. Honey has an acidic pH between 2.2 and 4.5 which helps aid in the healing process. Acidic pHs work promotes the release of oxygen through the blood which speeds up healing. Its acidity also reduces the presence of substances that could impair healing. Its high sugar content draws water out of wounds, which helps in reducing swelling. It encourages the lymphatic system to flow to the wounded area, allowing for a more holistic method of healing. Its ability to fight bacteria that builds up in wounds helps keep the injured area clean and reduces the risk of infection. Its antibacterial properties have helped fight dangerous bacterias like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE).

How To Use A Historical Scandinavian Favorite: Honey Bottom Line
Honey is an incredibly diverse tool that has beneficial properties in many different areas. For centuries, Scandinavian people have turned to the sweet substance for cosmetic, cooking, and healing purposes. The average person most likely has this elixir sitting in their pantry. Give it a try and see what it can do for you!

How To Use A Historical Scandinavian Favorite: Honey, written exclusively for Daily Scandinavian by Molly Edwards. Molly is a devoted mom, passionate writer, and budding solopreneur. As a mother of two boys, she hopes to inspire parents to stress less and enjoy the big, beautiful world a little more.

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Exploring Scandinavia

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Scandinavian Explorers

Exploring Scandinavia

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Scandinavian Celeriac

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How To Use A Historical Scandinavian Favorite: Honey