Summer travel season is winding down, and while it seemed everyone was on vacation in Europe, the truth is the actual people stayed stateside for their summer vacation.
The good news is that if you are one of the many who kept your Europe trip off the table until after summer, your time has come.
With so many places to visit that are especially great in the fall, it’s hard to know where to choose.
One idea might be to visit the beautiful region of Scandinavia.
Normally referring to the countries of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden (but also sometimes Finland), the region of Scandinavia is perfect for a fall visit for many reasons.
From lower prices, fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, and the potential to see the Northern Lights, there are endless reasons to check out this stunning area of Northern Europe in the fall.
One plus for American travelers is that with convenient flight times, you can fall asleep as your plane leaves the East Coast and wake up already there.
Fight through the jet lag with some strong coffee and sightseeing, and a trip to Scandinavia can be one that you don’t need to take too much vacation time to pull off.
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Here’s Why Fall Is The Best Time To Visit Scandinavia:
Lower Prices
With more routes direct from the U.S., including the new low-cost carrier Norse Airways serving a popular New York to Oslo route, the options for getting to Scandinavia are better than ever.
A recent Expedia study has found that while many destinations across Europe have seen lower flight prices, Oslo and Copenhagen have seen them drop substantially.
It’s no secret that Sweden, Norway, and Denmark are on the expensive side, but a trip in the fall will bring lower prices for many things from accommodation to tours, as this is when the visitors are fewer, so taking advantage of this is a good idea.
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Fall Scenery
There is no denying that fall is a beautiful time of year around the world, but catching this season in Scandinavia is really something else.
Sweden, Norway, and Denmark’s foliage come alive this time of year, and the explosions of colors are something that has to be seen to be believed.
Norway’s fjords offer unmissable views in any weather, but seeing them in the fall is a real highlight. Wandering around the streets of Copenhagen as the orange and red leaves fall upon you is magical, and Sweden’s coastline is crisp and colorful, perfect for cozying up and watching the waves roll in.
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Fewer Crowds
As with many other European destinations that were jam-packed with tourists in the summer, fall is the time to visit Scandinavia if you are looking for crowd-free streets and quiet surroundings.
While you will still encounter other tourists here in the fall, it’s much less than you would in the summer and before the winter visitors arrive.
This means you have more space to enjoy the cities, and more room to spread out in the countryside as well.
Northern Lights
If catching the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, then the fall is a great time to head North to the Arctic Circle.
While it’s cold, it’s not nearly as cold as a visit later in the year, and your chances of seeing the lights dance above you in the sky are pretty high in the fall.
Norway’s Tromsø is a great place to try and witness this natural phenomenon, as is Swedish Lapland. A Northern Lights tour is often expensive, and while the price tag will still be high in the fall, it’s likely to be lower than in the winter.
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Local Foods and Festivals
Aside from the scenery, crowd-free streets, and better deals, Fall is when the people of Scandinavia seem to enjoy everything to the fullest.
Not only can they enjoy their beautiful countryside without the massive crowds of summer tourists, but they know that the long and dark winter will be coming soon.
Also, the fall is when the seasonal foods of the area are in their glory. In Denmark, the main crop at this time is apples, and in Norway, fresh crabs are in abundance to enjoy.
Local harvest festivals are a regular occurrence, and markets are in full supply of fresh local produce to enjoy.
