Nordic Aurora Chasing Guide
The five Nordic countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland) offer diverse experiences. This guide helps you grasp the essentials and plan your trip with ease.
I. Core Choices: Which country suits you best?
* **Norway:** King of natural scenery. Highlights include fjords (Bergen, Stavanger), the three iconic rock formations (Preikestolen/Kjeragbolten/Trolltunga), and the Lofoten Islands. Suitable for outdoor enthusiasts and photography aficionados.
* **Iceland:** An otherworldly experience. Features include the Ring Road (Route 1), the Northern Lights, blue ice caves, and black sand beaches. Ideal for adventurers seeking unique and extreme landscapes.
* **Finland:** Fairytales and design. Highlights include Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, glass igloos for viewing the Northern Lights, and Helsinki's design district. Suitable for families and couples.
* **Sweden:** Urban aesthetics. Capital Stockholm (Metro art, Old Town), and the southern province of Skåne. Suitable for city wanderers and design enthusiasts.
* **Denmark:** Hygge lifestyle. Copenhagen (Nyhall, Organ Church), Legoland. Suitable for leisure travel and food lovers.
II. Classic Route Recommendations
* Classic Fjords + City Route (7-10 days): Copenhagen/Stockholm → Norway in a Nutshell (Oslo-Bergen) → Bergen.
* Ultimate Iceland Ring Road Route (8-12 days): Reykjavik → Golden Circle → South Coast (Vik Black Sand Beach, Glacier Lagoon) → East Fjords → Lake Mývatn → Akureyri.
* Aurora Chasing Route (Winter, 7-9 days): Sweden + Finland: Fly to Stockholm → Kiruna (Ice Hotel) → Abisko → Rovaniemi, Finland → Glass Igloo Area.
III. Budget and Season
* Best Season:
* May-September (Peak Season): Pleasant climate, long days. The Norwegian fjords and Icelandic inland are only open during this time, perfect for self-driving.
• October to March (Off-season): Focus on the Northern Lights, snow and ice activities (icebreakers, dog sledding), and Finnish glass igloos. Tromsø, Norway, is also a popular Northern Lights destination.
• Budget (per person/day):
• Budget: 800-1200 RMB (hostel + self-catering).
• Comfort: 2000-3500 RMB (mid-range hotel + dining out).
• Luxury: From 5000 RMB.
IV. Key Pre-Trip Preparations
• Visa: Schengen visa. Apply to the country where you will stay the longest. It is recommended to book 1-2 months in advance.
• Currency: None of the five countries are in the Eurozone, but credit cards are accepted nationwide; cash is not required.
• Transportation:
• Airplane: For long distances, Scandinavian Airlines or Norwegian Air are recommended; domestic flights are frequent.
• Train/Ferry: Trains between cities are comfortable; for fjord areas, ferries are necessary; Scandinavian cruises offer a well-established experience.
• Clothing: Follow the "onion layering" method. Even in summer, a windproof and rainproof jacket is necessary.
V. Avoidances and Tips
1. Alcohol Control: High alcohol taxes and restricted sales. Supermarkets only sell low-alcohol beer; for spirits, go to state-run liquor stores like Bolaget or Vinmonopolet, and pay attention to their opening hours.
2. Dining: Eating out is expensive. A typical meal costs around 200-400 RMB per person. Consider buffet lunches (cheaper than dinner), supermarket sandwiches (like REMA 1000 or Lidl), or trying hot dog stands.
3. Driving: In Norwegian fjords, be aware of ferry connections; in Iceland during winter, rent a 4WD vehicle and check the weather forecast regularly.
4. Accommodation: It's recommended to book apartments or cabins with kitchens in advance. Norway and Finland offer excellent experiences.