My husband and I are going to pick up a car in Sweden this summer. We are trying to plan a trip around it. For 2 weeks we will be able to travel, before we get the car. Which countries are the best. Demark? Norway? Which is the best way to travel, as cheaply as possible. AND how do you connect it all together? I have bought Lonely Planet Book on Scandinavia, 2005 version, but are reading for ideas!
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3263 posts
Lucky you! Does volvo fly you over on SAS? The Scandinavian countries are expense and not terribly well-served by trains. Why not save Sweden and Norway for touring after you pick up the car, and go visit Germany for those previous 2 weeks before you get the car.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5806 posts
The major cities in Scandinavia are very well served by trains. If you want to travel into rural areas the car can be a better choice, but there is certainly plenty that you can see in two weeks without a car. Being in Scandinavia in the summertime, I'd stay there and enjoy the long days. Some places to consider are Copenhagen, Stockholm, taking the ferry to either Tallinn or Helsinki, Oslo, Bergen, and the route known as "Norway in a Nutshell" Will you have the car for any of your trip or are you picking up the car at the end of the trip? Also, are you flight cities fixed?
Posted by
OP
Livermore, ca, usa
2 posts
Thanks for your replies. Yes, Volvo is flying us over on their dime, on SAS. Great deal! I have been researching on-line and gathering tons of information. I am just struggling how to put it all together with train, ferries, affordable lodgings etc... I am tempted to sign up for a bus tour because of the ease in making reservations. Thanks for your ideas.
Posted by
Austin
976 posts
Debbie, take a look at Rick Steves Scandinavia guidebook. He has suggested itineraries that would work for you. I just bought the latest one- and hope you'll get better info than a 7 year old Lonely Planet book. I also check out travel DVDs from my local library and get ideas from those as to what I really want to see. If unsure, go to youtube and look for an amateur video of the attraction and judge it then. We did a European delivery and thought it was more fun breaking the car in during the vacation.