15 top tips for visiting Norway on a budget
Norway is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most expensive tourist destinations, but don’t let that deter you if…
Theme parks in Scandinavia
Scandinavia is more known for its outdoor natural attractions than its theme parks, but there are plenty of amusement parks…
Great reads: the best books set in Scandinavia
We’ve all been doing lots of reading and armchair travelling this summer, and some of our favourite books here at…
Getting from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík city centre
You’ve landed in Iceland, picked up your bags, passed the passport check, and now you’re ready to explore the land…
30 cheap and free things to do in Kristiansand, Norway
Norway’s fifth-largest city, Kristiansand, lies at the country’s southern tip. A lively beachside town with good ferry connections to Denmark,…
The best lakes in Sweden
With almost 100,000 lakes in Sweden, it’s no surprise that Swedes love nothing better than to head to the water…
Popular posts
The 12 best fjords in Norway
Norway is the undisputed king of fjords, with more than 1,100 of the things dotted along its massive coastline. Here are 10 of the best.
Stockholm Archipelago: six of the best islands to visit
Even if you’re just in Stockholm for a few days, a trip into the amazing archipelago can be a real highlight. Try these islands first.
QUIZ: Which Scandinavian country suits you best?
Like the idea of visiting Scandinavia but not sure which country will suit you best? Try our fun quiz to…
Seeing the northern lights in Norway
Despite the bone-numbingly cold temperatures, Norway’s far north has become the place to be in winter. This is a beautiful…
Stockholm Pass: is it worth buying?
If you’re planning a trip to Stockholm, you might have already seen adverts for the Stockholm Pass. It’s an all-in-one…
110 cheap and free things to do in Stockholm
The Swedish capital is famously expensive but we’ve still managed to create this epic guide showing 110 cheap and free things to…
Getting from Copenhagen to Malmö
Until a couple of decades ago, crossing the water between Copenhagen and Malmö always involved a flight or ferry ride….
The best Stockholm boat tours and cruises
Stockholm stretches across fourteen separate islands, which are separated by twisting canals and open waterways. No matter where you go…
Tours in Scandinavia
Guided sailing trip from Stockholm (full day)
There’s no better way to see the islands of Stockholm’s beautiful archipelago than on this guided, full-day sailing trip.
Alternative Tour in Copenhagen
Learn how hippies took over a military base and how a historic working class district transformed into a hip neighborhood of entrepreneurs and artists.
Copenhagen Inner City Day Trip
See important sites of Copenhagen with a local guide. Visit royal palaces and the seat of the Danish Parliament and sail for 1 hour on a harbor cruise.
Sculpture Park Walk in Oslo
Visit the sculpture park of Gustav Vigeland and drive to the the famous skiing arena of Holmenkollen, and appreciate the views of the city from above.
Northern lights photo adventure in Abisko
Capture the magical northern lights on this one-of-a-kind photography tour in the Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland. Cameras included!
Guided Full-Day Tour to Nærøyfjord & Flåmsbanen from Bergen
Experience the Nærøyfjord, one of the narrowest fjords in the world and travel by road, rail, and water while admiring the panoramic views.
Discount passes
Exploring the fjords near Bergen with a Fjordcard
If you’re planning a trip to Norway and have researched a trip to the Western Fjords, you’ve probably come across…
The Bergen Card: is it worth buying?
If you’re planning a trip to Bergen, you may well have heard about the Bergen Card, which gives free entry…
The Copenhagen Card
Pay for the Copenhagen Card upfront and then save money by getting free access to a whole bunch of attractions across the city.
Sweden
Stockholm for kids
Most of what’s written about Stockholm focuses on the city’s refined, adult side – from museums and galleries to design…
The best Swedish islands: our top 12
There’s a lot more to Sweden than the mainland. When you include all of the little rocky outcrops and sandy…
The best hiking trails in Sweden
Sweden has a lot of wide, open spaces, which makes it one of the best countries in Europe for hiking….
Denmark
Where to go swimming in Copenhagen
Summer days in Copenhagen can get surprisingly warm, and when the sun is shining brightly a nice cool dip can…
Camping in Denmark: all you need to know
Clean air, rolling countryside and great big beech trees that rise majestically out of the land, providing shelter from the…
Free museums in Copenhagen
Until recently most of the state-run museums in Copenhagen were completely free to visit, which made it possible to spend…
Norway
15 top tips for visiting Norway on a budget
Norway is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most expensive tourist destinations, but don’t let that deter you if…
30 cheap and free things to do in Kristiansand, Norway
Norway’s fifth-largest city, Kristiansand, lies at the country’s southern tip. A lively beachside town with good ferry connections to Denmark,…
The best beaches in Norway
Norway may not be the first place that leaps to mind for a beach holiday, but on a sunny summer’s…
City guides
Odense
A fairytale city
Aarhus
Denmark’s second city
Oslo
Busy city with big adventures nearby
Copenhagen
Cool as a cucumber
Stockholm
Europe’s prettiest capital
Gothenburg
Sweden’s second city
Kiruna
Heaven for aurora spotters
Malmö
The beautiful south
Where to stay in Scandinavia
The best hostels in Oslo
Staying at a hotel in Oslo certainly isn’t cheap, so if you want to keep costs down you might want to…
10 amazing hostels to stay at in Scandinavia
We all know that accommodation in Scandinavia can be pricey. But there are also some great hostels that you can…
Cheap places to stay in Tromsø
Tromsø has really experienced a boom in tourism over the last couple of years! Here are some of the best cheap places to stay.
Planning your trip
How to do Sweden on a budget
When you arrive in Scandinavia, you’ll notice that seemingly small purchases add up quickly, putting a strain on your wallet….
Camping in Sweden: the ultimate guide
Fancy getting close to nature? You could stay in one of Sweden’s rural hostels or hotels. But when camping is…
Sauna etiquette in Sweden
Like fika, sweating away life’s problems in a baking-hot sauna is an essential part of the Swedish experience. And the…
Cost of living in Sweden
Sweden has a reputation for being expensive. In many ways it’s deserved, but even with the relatively high cost of…
A new kind of travel guide to Scandinavia
Routes North was started to help people discover all of the amazing stuff that Scandinavia has to offer, regardless of their travel budget. The site covers the whole region, from cool cities like Stockholm, Oslo, Gothenburg and Copenhagen, all the way north to the frozen reaches of Swedish Lapland. Our travel guides are all researched on the ground by writers who know the area inside-out and speak the local lingo. Apart from money-saving tips and advice on planning a trip, you’ll find independent accommodation reviews, detailed guides to museums and other attractions, plus tips on where to eat and drink. Our travel forum is the place to get your Scandinavia questions answered. Routes North is the only Scandinavian travel guide that pays its own way. We don’t take freebies or discounts, so you can always trust what you read on the site.