I am interested in feedback from others who have attended Rick's Best of Scandinavia tour and when you feel is the best time to go? I have heard that July and August are the best times, but they tend to also be crowded. I would also like to know if you extended your trip through Iceland at the beginning or end of the tour and what would be your recommendations?
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
154 posts
Iceland is a fun addition to any trip to Europe. If you go in July and August the biggest plus is how late the sun will set. You can be out at 11:30pm and basically be in what feels like mid afternoon sunlight. I personally would add time on the way to Europe but that is because I find most people are just ready to get home at the end of trips. I am curious to see what other travelers have to say but if you are interested in visiting Reykjavik for about 48 hours that is a great and easy addition. If you want to see more of the island then you would need about a week to truly enjoy it. Happy Travels!
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5527 posts
I haven't taken these tours but I lived in Sweden for several years.
July and early August are the best times to visit. Scandinavia is really not crowded when compared to other places in Europe, so I wouldn't use that as criteria for a decision.
I visited Stockholm and Helsinki this past August for vacation and did a one night stopover in Iceland. on the way home. That really only gave me enough time to spend the evening in Reykjavik and soak in the Blue Lagoon the next day before flying home. If you are planning to stopover, I'd allow a few nights.
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2788 posts
I have taken the RS Best of Scandinavia tour and chose to take one in July/August due to the weather. You can go to that tour's web site and click on "Weather" to see what the average weather is monthly for the year.
If you choose to fly Islandic (sp?) Air, I believe they are still flying B-757s which only have one isle which is not enough for me flying from Seattle to Europe. Too much competition for that one isle. However, one of these yearly trips I take to Europe, I just might take the IA flight but just from Seattle to Iceland and spend some time there.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23278 posts
Because of the far north location (think Alaska) and daylight issues, July and August are best time as everyone else has said.
Posted by
OP
Denver, CO
2 posts
Thank you for your replies - will plan to go in July.
Posted by
98 posts
We went on the Best of Scandinavia tour in July 2014. Crowds were very manageable. The only two places I felt were a little overcrowded were Copenhagen and Bergen. Copenhagen because everyone loves it. Bergen had a tall ships sailing festival when we were in town. It was crowded but also a little extra exciting. The weather was MUCH warmer than I expected.
Posted by
98 posts
We went on the Best of Scandinavia tour in July 2014. Crowds were very manageable. The only two places I felt were a little overcrowded were Copenhagen and Bergen. Copenhagen because everyone loves it. Bergen had a tall ships sailing festival when we were in town. It was crowded but also a little extra exciting. The weather was MUCH warmer than I expected.