Nordics — Copenhagen, Stockholm, Norwegian Fjords
A Nordic travel guide for UK working holidaymakers. Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Bergen, Helsinki. It's pricey, but worth every penny — everything you need to know about travelling the Nordics.
KRW amounts shown next to GBP prices use the ECB reference rate £1 = ₩2,003 as of 2 Apr 2026. They are reference figures only and may differ from your actual bank, card, or remittance rate.
The Nordics are expensive. But in terms of design, nature, and quality of life, they offer a world unlike anywhere else in Europe. Midnight sun in summer, Northern Lights in winter. And from the UK, it's just a 2–3 hour flight away.
Getting There from London
| Destination | Airlines | Flight Time | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copenhagen | SAS, Norwegian, Ryanair, easyJet | 1h 50m | £30~70 (approx. ₩60,099~₩140,231) |
| Stockholm | SAS, Norwegian, Ryanair | 2h 20m | £30~80 (approx. ₩60,099~₩160,264) |
| Oslo | Norwegian, Ryanair | 2h 10m | £30~80 (approx. ₩60,099~₩160,264) |
| Bergen | Norwegian, Widerøe | 2h | £40~100 (approx. ₩80,132~₩200,330) |
| Helsinki | Finnair, Norwegian | 2h 50m | £40~100 (approx. ₩80,132~₩200,330) |
💡 Nordic Flight Tips
- Norwegian Air — Nordic budget airline. Flies from London Gatwick. Can be as low as £30 (approx. ₩60,099) if booked early
- SAS Go Light — Their cheapest fare with cabin bag only. Ryanair-level pricing
- Stockholm Skavsta Airport warning — Used by Ryanair. It's an 80-minute bus ride from central Stockholm (SEK 169/approx. $16). Arlanda Airport is far more convenient for the city centre
- Oslo Torp Airport — Also Ryanair. Two-hour train ride from Oslo. Gardermoen is the main airport
The Price Reality
If you're planning a Nordic trip, brace yourself for sticker shock. It's more expensive than the UK.
Price Comparison (Rough Guide)
| Item | UK (London) | Copenhagen | Stockholm | Oslo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beer (pint/0.5L) | £5~6 (approx. ₩10,017~₩12,020) | £7~9 (approx. ₩14,023~₩18,030) | £7~8 (approx. ₩14,023~₩16,026) | £8~12 (approx. ₩16,026~₩24,040) |
| Restaurant main | £12~18 (approx. ₩24,040~₩36,059) | £18~25 (approx. ₩36,059~₩50,083) | £15~22 (approx. ₩30,050~₩44,073) | £20~30 (approx. ₩40,066~₩60,099) |
| Coffee (latte) | £3~4 (approx. ₩6,010~₩8,013) | £4~6 (approx. ₩8,013~₩12,020) | £4~5 (approx. ₩8,013~₩10,017) | £5~7 (approx. ₩10,017~₩14,023) |
| Hostel (dorm) | £20~35 (approx. ₩40,066~₩70,116) | £25~40 (approx. ₩50,083~₩80,132) | £25~35 (approx. ₩50,083~₩70,116) | £30~50 (approx. ₩60,099~₩100,165) |
| Public transport (single) | £2~3 (approx. ₩4,007~₩6,010) | DKK 24 (£2.60 (approx. ₩5,209)) | SEK 42 (£3 (approx. ₩6,010)) | NOK 42 (£3 (approx. ₩6,010)) |
⚠️ Budgeting for Nordic Prices
Norway is the most expensive of the lot. Order a beer at a restaurant and you'll easily spend over £10 (approx. ₩20,033). The survival strategy: buy groceries at the supermarket and cook at the hostel kitchen. Tap water is perfectly safe everywhere, so don't waste money on bottled water.
Denmark: Copenhagen
Must-See Spots
| Attraction | Admission | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nyhavn | Free | Iconic colourful harbour. Canal-side stroll |
| Tivoli Gardens | DKK 165 (approx. £18 (approx. ₩36,059)) | The world's first amusement park, opened in 1843. Beautiful evening lights |
| Christiania | Free | Self-governing commune. Hippie culture, unique vibe. No photos on the main street |
| Strøget | Free | One of Europe's longest pedestrian streets. Shopping + walking |
| Rosenborg Castle | DKK 130 (approx. £14 (approx. ₩28,046)) | Crown jewels collection. The King's Garden nearby is free |
| The Little Mermaid | Free | Smaller than you'd expect. Photo op. On the Langelinie waterfront |
| Rundetaarn (Round Tower) | DKK 40 (approx. $4.60) | 17th-century observatory. Panoramic views of Copenhagen |
Copenhagen Food
| Dish | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Smørrebrød | DKK 70~120 ($9~16) | Open sandwich. Herring, salmon, or roast beef |
| Hot Dog | DKK 35~45 ($4.50~6) | Copenhagen street food staple. Grab one from a sausage cart |
| Kanelsnegle | DKK 30~40 ($4~5) | Danish cinnamon roll |
| Flæskesteg | DKK 100~150 ($13~20) | Danish roast pork. A must during Christmas season |
Day Trip to Malmö (Sweden)
Cross the Øresund Bridge from Copenhagen and you're in Malmö, Sweden. 35-minute train ride (DKK 115/approx. $15).
- Turning Torso — Scandinavia's tallest building. Worth seeing from the outside
- Malmö Castle — Free (museum inside is paid)
- Lilla Torg — Charming square lined with cafes and restaurants
- Half a day is plenty. You can literally have breakfast in Denmark and lunch in Sweden
ℹ️ Copenhagen Card
48 hours DKK 609 (approx. £65 (approx. ₩130,215)), 72 hours DKK 749 (approx. £80 (approx. ₩160,264)). Free entry to 80+ attractions + unlimited public transport. Covers Tivoli, Rosenborg, canal cruises, and more. Visit 2–3 paid attractions and it's already paid for itself.
Sweden: Stockholm
A city built across 14 islands. Old Town charm, world-class museums, and a stunning archipelago.
Must-See Spots
| Attraction | Admission | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gamla Stan | Free | The Old Town. Narrow alleys, colourful buildings, Royal Palace |
| Vasa Museum | SEK 220 (approx. £16 (approx. ₩32,053)) | A fully intact 17th-century warship on display. Stockholm's most popular museum |
| ABBA The Museum | SEK 295 (approx. £22 (approx. ₩44,073)) | A must for ABBA fans. Interactive exhibits |
| Stockholm City Hall | SEK 140 (approx. £10 (approx. ₩20,033)) | Where the Nobel Prize banquet is held. Guided tours only |
| Fotografiska | SEK 220 (approx. £16 (approx. ₩32,053)) | Photography museum. Great exhibitions and a cafe with amazing views |
| Archipelago | Varies by boat route | 30,000 islands. Half-day to full-day boat tours |
Stockholm Food
| Dish | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Meatballs (Köttbullar) | SEK 130~180 ($12~17) | Yes, the IKEA thing — but the real deal is on another level. Served with lingonberry jam |
| Cinnamon Roll (Kanelbulle) | SEK 35~50 ($3.30~5) | The cornerstone of Swedish Fika culture |
| Herring (Sill) | SEK 100~150 ($10~14) | Pickled herring in various marinades. Try it at Östermalms Saluhall |
| Toast Skagen | SEK 120~180 ($12~17) | Shrimp + mayo + dill open sandwich |
💡 Swedish Fika Culture
In Sweden, Fika isn't just a coffee break — it's a way of life. A cinnamon roll (Kanelbulle) and a coffee, enjoyed slowly at a cafe. Make time for it like a local. Recommended cafes: Vete-Katten, Rosendals Trädgårdskafé.
Norway: Oslo & Bergen
Oslo
| Attraction | Admission | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vigeland Park | Free | 212 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland depicting the cycle of life |
| Oslo Opera House | Free (exterior/roof) | Walk up onto the roof. Fjord views |
| Munch Museum | NOK 160 (approx. £12 (approx. ₩24,040)) | Home of the original "The Scream" |
| Holmenkollen Ski Jump | NOK 170 (approx. £13 (approx. ₩26,043)) | Observation deck + ski museum. Panoramic views of Oslo |
| Aker Brygge | Free | Redeveloped harbour district. Restaurants, cafes, waterfront walks |
Bergen
The gateway to Norway's fjords. A historic Hanseatic trading port.
- Bryggen — UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hanseatic-era wooden buildings along the wharf
- Fløyen — Take the funicular up (NOK 120/approx. £9 (approx. ₩18,030)) for sweeping views over Bergen and the fjords
- Fish Market (Fisketorget) — Fresh seafood. Try the salmon and king crab (pricey)
- Bergen Card — 24h NOK 330 (approx. £24 (approx. ₩48,079)). Covers major attractions + transport
Norwegian Fjords
The highlight of any Norway trip. Dramatic cliffs carved by glaciers flanking deep inlets.
| Fjord | Highlights | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Geirangerfjord | UNESCO. Waterfalls + cliffs. The most dramatic | Bus 7–8h from Bergen, or guided tour |
| Nærøyfjord | UNESCO. Narrow and deep inlet | Part of the Norway in a Nutshell route |
| Hardangerfjord | Orchards + fjord scenery | Close to Bergen (2h) |
Norway in a Nutshell
A curated route that packs Norway's highlights into a single day.
- Route: Bergen → Voss → Gudvangen → Flåm → Myrdal → Bergen (or Oslo)
- Includes: Train, bus, ferry, and the Flåm Railway (one of the steepest railway lines in the world)
- Price: NOK 1,960~ (approx. £140 (approx. ₩280,462)~). Varies by season
- Booking: visitnorway.com or Fjord Tours
⚠️ Fjord Travel Seasons
- May–September — Peak season. Best weather and all tours running
- October–April — Some ferries/tours suspended. Unpredictable weather. But Northern Lights are possible
- Winter fjords are still beautiful, but access is limited and it gets seriously cold
Finland: Helsinki
Must-See Spots
| Attraction | Admission | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Suomenlinna Fortress | Free (ferry approx. $5.50 return) | Sea fortress. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Half-day walk |
| Helsinki Cathedral | Free | White-domed landmark. Great photo from Senate Square |
| Kamppi Chapel (Chapel of Silence) | Free | Oval wooden chapel. A quiet space for contemplation |
| Design District | Free (streets) | Finnish design shops and galleries. Marimekko, Iittala |
| Oodi Library | Free | Public library opened in 2018. Architectural gem. Rooftop terrace views |
Sauna Culture
In Finland, sauna is a non-negotiable experience. Population: 5.5 million. Saunas: 3 million.
- Löyly — Public sauna by the Helsinki waterfront. Jump in the sea afterwards. Approx. $23
- Allas Sea Pool — Harbourside swimming pool + sauna. Approx. $20
- Etiquette — Finnish saunas are traditionally nude, but tourist spots are generally swimwear-friendly. Bring a towel either way
Day Trip to Tallinn (Estonia)
A 2-hour ferry from Helsinki. Perfectly preserved medieval Old Town. Prices are roughly half of Finland's.
- Return ferry: Tallink/Viking Line $22~44
- Tallinn Old Town: UNESCO World Heritage Site. Half a day of wandering is enough
- Add a day to your Helsinki trip and you get two countries for the price of one
Nordic Money-Saving Tips
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | What to Expect | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 15~25°C | Midnight sun — daylight until 10–11 PM. Peak season for outdoor activities | Fjords, archipelago, outdoors |
| Autumn (Sep–Oct) | 5~15°C | Shoulder season begins. Autumn colours. Prices drop | City breaks on a budget |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | -5~5°C | Northern Lights, Christmas markets. Only 4–6 hours of daylight | Aurora hunting, saunas, indoor culture |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 0~15°C | Off-season. Unpredictable weather but cheapest prices | Budget travel |
ℹ️ Midnight Sun vs Northern Lights
- Summer midnight sun (Jun–Jul) — In Stockholm and Oslo it stays light until 10 PM. In Tromsø (northern Norway) the sun doesn't set at all for weeks. More daylight = more sightseeing time
- Winter Northern Lights (Oct–Mar) — Visible across the Nordics, but Tromsø (Norway) and Finnish Lapland are the prime spots
- If the aurora is your main goal, Iceland may actually be more accessible (see separate guide)
Suggested Itineraries
Option A: Copenhagen + Malmö — 2 Nights / 3 Days
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | London → Copenhagen. Stroll Nyhavn, shop Strøget, dinner: Smørrebrød |
| Day 2 | Morning: day trip to Malmö (35-min train). Afternoon: back in Copenhagen. Tivoli Gardens (evening) |
| Day 3 | Christiania, Rosenborg Castle, Torvehallerne market (food hall). Afternoon: depart |
Option B: Stockholm + Archipelago — 3 Nights / 4 Days
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | London → Stockholm. Wander Gamla Stan, Royal Palace area. Dinner: Swedish meatballs |
| Day 2 | Vasa Museum, ABBA The Museum (or Fotografiska). Afternoon: Södermalm neighbourhood |
| Day 3 | Archipelago boat tour (half-day to full day). Picnic + swim on an island (summer) |
| Day 4 | Östermalms Saluhall (food hall), Fika cafe crawl. Afternoon: depart |
Option C: Norwegian Fjords — 4 Nights / 5 Days
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | London → Bergen. Walk Bryggen, Fløyen viewpoint, Fish Market |
| Day 2 | Norway in a Nutshell (Bergen → Flåm → Myrdal → Voss → Bergen) |
| Day 3 | Bergen → Oslo (1h flight or 7h train — the train journey is stunning) |
| Day 4 | Oslo: Vigeland Park, Opera House, Munch Museum |
| Day 5 | Aker Brygge stroll, brunch. Afternoon: depart |
Budget Summary
Estimated Cost for 3 Nights / 4 Days (Per Person)
| Category | Copenhagen | Stockholm | Oslo + Bergen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (return) | £60~120 (approx. ₩120,198~₩240,396) | £60~130 (approx. ₩120,198~₩260,429) | £70~140 (approx. ₩140,231~₩280,462) |
| Accommodation (3 nights) | £75~120 (approx. ₩150,248~₩240,396) | £75~110 (approx. ₩150,248~₩220,363) | £90~150 (approx. ₩180,297~₩300,495) |
| Food | £50~80 (approx. ₩100,165~₩160,264) | £45~75 (approx. ₩90,149~₩150,248) | £60~100 (approx. ₩120,198~₩200,330) |
| Attractions/entry | £30~60 (approx. ₩60,099~₩120,198) | £40~70 (approx. ₩80,132~₩140,231) | £40~80 (approx. ₩80,132~₩160,264) |
| Local transport | £10~20 (approx. ₩20,033~₩40,066) | £10~20 (approx. ₩20,033~₩40,066) | £20~40 (approx. ₩40,066~₩80,132) |
| Total | £225~400 (approx. ₩450,743~₩801,320) | £230~405 (approx. ₩460,759~₩811,337) | £280~510 (approx. ₩560,924~₩1,021,683) |
💡 Fjord Tour Budget
Including the Norway in a Nutshell tour (£140+ (approx. ₩280,462+)) will significantly bump up your Norway budget. But the fjords are the whole point of visiting Norway — this isn't where you want to cut corners. Save on food instead (supermarket shopping + hostel cooking).
The Nordics are expensive, but you won't regret going. Clean cities, jaw-dropping nature, unique culture. Visit during the summer midnight sun and your days feel endless — maximising every hour. Use the money-saving tips above and it's more affordable than you might think.