Scandinavia is a region in Northern Europe that is famed for its high standards of living, relative to the rest of the world.

Besides the strong economy, Scandinavia is an amazing region to visit. It has a rich history, and is one of the regions that shaped Europe into what it is today, both socially and politically. For instance, the Vikings, most people know of them from the movies like were from this region.

There are also lots of things to see and learn when visiting this beautiful region. That’s why when looking to visit Scandinavia, plan your visit in a manner that allows you to make the most of your trip. To help you out, here is what you must know when visiting Scandinavia.

1. Save enough money

Scandinavia has some of the highest standards of living in the world, and has much higher GDP per capita levels than the rest of the developed world. This also means that the region is expensive and if you want to have a good time, then you need to carry enough money, especially for accommodation.

However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t find budget hotels in the region. With a little bit of research, you should find hotels that meet your budget. Review sites like LiveScandinavia can help you find affordable accommodation for your stay in Scandinavia. The key thing is that, if you want to have the time of your life while touring this region, you need to start saving up.

2. You won’t see the northern lights from every location 

One of the biggest attractions of Scandinavia is the aurora, also known as the northern lights. This comes from the interaction of solar winds with the earth’s magnetosphere, creating a beautiful scene in the sky. However, if you are planning for a trip to Scandinavia, you need to ensure you go to the right places for you to see these lights. One of the best places to see these lights is in Northern Norway.

The further north you go, the more likely you are to enjoy watching these lights more clearly.

As such, make sure your tour company clarifies the areas that you will visit, and the visibility of the auroras if this is your primary goal.

3. Load up your card and other e-wallets

Scandinavia happens to be one of the most technologically advanced regions in the world. So advanced that in a country like Sweden, you might find it impossible to use cash. You either pay with your card or use any other e-payment method. In Finland, another highly advanced Scandinavian country, you won’t find a payphone anywhere. They were eliminated more than a decade ago.

As such, before you embark on a trip to Scandinavia, make sure to pay up your credit card and other e-wallets. To have an easy time on your trip check this article on using cash and e-money in the different Nordic countries.

It can save you from the inconvenience of being stuck in a foreign country simply because you can’t pay in cash.

4. There are lots of natural phenomena to enjoy in Scandinavia 

Besides the auroras, there are lots of other wonders of nature to enjoy in Scandinavia. One of them is the 24-hour day and the 24-hour night. If you happen to visit Norway, one of the most dominant Scandinavian countries in summer, you will experience 24-hour days. It’s breathtaking! On the other hand, you can visit in winter and get to experience 24-hour nights, a period when the sun never rises above the horizon. These are phenomena that will leave you awe and make a trip to Scandinavia worthwhile.

5. There are cultural and language differences in the region

Scandinavian countries have a lot in common with each other. However, they are also quite different from each other, and even within the countries, there are significant differences by region. For instance, you might find that the dialect in one part of a Scandinavian country differs from other regions.

These differences allow you to learn a lot about the people of this region and their culture. It is also noteworthy that most people in Scandinavia are fluent in English. As such, if you are from an English speaking nation, you should not have a problem interacting, while on a tour to the region.

6. The transport network is well developed

Scandinavia, by being one of the richest regions on the planet, has a fairly well-developed transport infrastructure. You can easily connect the region with ease, and without breaking the bank. As such before you embark on your trip, identify as many places as possible to visit, because connectivity is not an issue.

Have you visited Scandinavia? Please leave us a comment below, we would love to hear from you.