Scandinavian countries are one of the most overlooked travel destinations for Egyptians and Arabs in general. Maybe it's because of their geographical location up North where people think it's constantly cold, dark and snowing. Maybe it's because of their reputation for being one of the most expensive destinations in Europe. Maybe also due to some stereotypes embedded in the Arab mentality where Scandinavians are cold, have the highest rate of suicide, which automatically discourage anyone to go and visit. But I have to say that none of these are totally true. Despite their location, Stockholm or Oslo could be reached within 6 hours from the Middle East if you find a good connection. Food and accommodation are a bit expensive, but I would say the same as Paris or London. I visited Stockholm four times before in May, August, September and November and I was astonished with the beautiful weather, the sunshine mixed with a chilly breeze, and the long spring and summer days when the sun doesn't go down until 11pm. I have to say that each season has something new to offer.
If you are looking to experience a high standard quality of life, innovative designs, exotic food and breathtaking landscapes, this is a place you should visit at least once in a lifetime. The below tips will mainly focus on Stockholm and Oslo, but I am sure they can equally be applied if you are visiting Copenhagen or Helsinki.
So How To Prepare Your Visit?
1) Get to know Stockholm and Oslo first
Visit Stockholm and Visit Oslo are the official travel websites for both cities and I highly recommend you consult them before booking. The sites include a huge amount of information, very well designed, easy to navigate and will provide you with a first feeling of what Scandinavia looks like (if this is your first time to visit the region). Despite being to Stockholm many times, I personally still check the site before and during my trip as they offer interesting tips and ideas of things to do during the time of your visit.
Visit Stockholm and Visit Oslo are the official travel websites for both cities and I highly recommend you consult them before booking. The sites include a huge amount of information, very well designed, easy to navigate and will provide you with a first feeling of what Scandinavia looks like (if this is your first time to visit the region). Despite being to Stockholm many times, I personally still check the site before and during my trip as they offer interesting tips and ideas of things to do during the time of your visit.
2) Choose the right time of the year
Unless you are heading North to see the Northern Lights/ Aurora, it's obvious that it's better to avoid winter time in Scandinavia, as the weather is extremely cold but also days are too short. During some periods, the sun rises at around 9am and goes down at 2pm, which is very short to enjoy the day and take some nice pictures. Of course June and July are highly recommended as the days become very long and sunny till 11pm. But if you can't May and September are also great times of the year (although a bit chilly at night). Avoid August, as usually there are strong probabilities for rains and showers. Regardless of which time of the year you choose, make sure to have a jacket even in Summer, just in case.
Unless you are heading North to see the Northern Lights/ Aurora, it's obvious that it's better to avoid winter time in Scandinavia, as the weather is extremely cold but also days are too short. During some periods, the sun rises at around 9am and goes down at 2pm, which is very short to enjoy the day and take some nice pictures. Of course June and July are highly recommended as the days become very long and sunny till 11pm. But if you can't May and September are also great times of the year (although a bit chilly at night). Avoid August, as usually there are strong probabilities for rains and showers. Regardless of which time of the year you choose, make sure to have a jacket even in Summer, just in case.
3) Buy the Stockholm and Oslo Cards
To cut a little bit the expenses, getting the Stockholm Card / Oslo Pass is really a great deal (in some countries I wouldn't recommend buying these types of touristic cards, but it's really worth it in Scandinavia). The cards will give you a free access to almost all attractions, free use of all means of public transportation (including boats), and it's available from 1 to 3 or 5 days at a very reasonable price.
To cut a little bit the expenses, getting the Stockholm Card / Oslo Pass is really a great deal (in some countries I wouldn't recommend buying these types of touristic cards, but it's really worth it in Scandinavia). The cards will give you a free access to almost all attractions, free use of all means of public transportation (including boats), and it's available from 1 to 3 or 5 days at a very reasonable price.
4) Go cashless like Scandinavians
Since both Sweden and Norway are not within the Euro Zone, and both use two different currencies, try to use your credit or debit card for payments. First, you will avoid all the hassle related to currency conversions (for instance in my case from Egyptian Pounds to Euros than to Swedish or Norwegian Crowns). Plus I discovered that the banks exchange rates are much better than what you can find in exchange offices. And literally, there you can pay for anything you can imagine with a card, even a 1 Euro piece of chocolate. I remember I didn't even convert or withdraw any money during my visit to Oslo, and didn't need to do so.
Since both Sweden and Norway are not within the Euro Zone, and both use two different currencies, try to use your credit or debit card for payments. First, you will avoid all the hassle related to currency conversions (for instance in my case from Egyptian Pounds to Euros than to Swedish or Norwegian Crowns). Plus I discovered that the banks exchange rates are much better than what you can find in exchange offices. And literally, there you can pay for anything you can imagine with a card, even a 1 Euro piece of chocolate. I remember I didn't even convert or withdraw any money during my visit to Oslo, and didn't need to do so.