We are four persons (Couple in late 30s and two kids aged 11 and 8) - Indians.
We are planning to travel to two countries out of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland on a family vacation.
Period of travel is for 17 days in mid May 2013 including travel time from India.
We wont be self driving. Journey through rail and ferries are preferred. We are also open to the idea of using domestic flights.
Budget would be moderate on a scale of budget - moderate - luxury though we understand that some of these countries are costly.
Art museums are not on our must see list.
We had earlier been to Germany and Austria in Europe.
Nature and History attracts us.
Something of interest for the kids is desirable.
Ideas sought for 15 days family vacation to two Scandinavian Countries
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What we offer should be a complement of what you know from guidebooks. Which guidebooks have you read?
I need inputs to frame my decision regarding the countries to visit considering the period of the year, accompanying kids and our constraints as mentioned in my previous post.
Had gathered information through internet but in an unstructured manner.
Thanks
which two countries should we concentrate in may 03
You could do something similar to what we did in June of this year:
fly into Stockholm 4 nights
fly to Oslo 3 nights
train to Bergen stopping in fjords for 2/3 nights
Bergen 2 nights
fly to Copenhagen 4 nights
fly home from Copenhagen
Iceland and the Norwegian fjords are a nature-lover's delight, we were there last month and I can't describe how beautiful it was. Your kids should enjoy Iceland's geysers and hot springs, maybe horse riding too. But all these places are extremely expensive, so be forewarned.
I am also planning Norway for 2weeks,starting
Trodnheim 2days
Trodnheim adalsenes 2 days
Adela's. Bergen,need advise ,how to go
Bergen ford area,gigrfjord Arab ,2 night,need suggestion ,where to stay,how to book,and transport
Bergen flam area,again transept and stay advise
Falm Oslo
I drive car but w,d like to use public transport
Dr yatin
Yatin_Desai,
You might find sites such as this one useful in planning a trip using public transportation:
http://www.internations.org/norway-expats/guide/moving-to-norway-15586/public-transportation-in-norway-3
For touring by car, you might want to take a look at my trip report; click on my name to find it.
I am afraid there is no budget or even moderate in Scandinavia. Costs are sky high for everything - typically almost double those of the rest of western europe.
I think they are beautiful countries with a ton to see and do - but definitely a high budget trip.
I found Stockholm and Copenhagen to be by far the most interesting cities. And there are interesting day trips from both.
Oslo is cute - but small. The fjords are gorgeous - but I find the countryside in Norway to be flat and dreary - lots of scrub oak and not much to look at.
Before you go too far with your plans I would look at very specific costs. I haven't been in 3 years - but have been reading and apparently even the most basic meal is about US$ 40 per person - so $160 for dinner for your family.
Just went this past June to Scandinavia...still expensive. Nearly $50 for lunch at Subway in Oslo. One 12" sandwich, one six inch sandwich, 2 chips and one drink (I always just have water). I about fell over when I did the math in my head. That same meal runs about $18 or less here in the US.
Alok and Desai...I don't write trip reports; instead these are classified only as Familiarization through Photos. May give you some ideas, as most places mentioned above appear in these pix somewhere.
stu
http://picasaweb.google.com/stuarttower/NorwayScenes2002?authkey=Gv1sRgCJuHk6iIgbSEgAE#
https://picasaweb.google.com/stuarttower/Stockholm#
https://picasaweb.google.com/stuarttower/Denmark#
http://picasaweb.google.com/stuarttower/Finland#
We spent a month in Iceland with three kids, two of similar age. It is a nature and adventure paradise and more affordable now than it has ever been especially if you choose cheaper hostel style or sleeping bag accommodation.
It's a very easy travelling destination, and every kind of adventure you want available to you from the totally free to the most expensive and elaborate.
We've a season of posts and information on Iceland for families on our blog here:
http://familyadventureproject.org/category/destinations/western-europe/iceland/
or contact me via forum or website for more specific advice. If you like nature and adventure it is up there in our top destination in the whole of Europe for family adventure travel.