Just how expensive is Scandinavia?
 

Greetings Fodorites, <BR> <BR>Can you please help me out? I'm trying to get a rough idea of costs on a trip to Scandinavia. We are looking at two weeks, most likely split between Norway and Sweden. <BR> <BR>We are BUDGET travels who need to scrip and save before each trip. Our favorite type of accomodation is B&B's and we usually spend around $40 or $50 a night. We often picnic lunch and then spend around $25 to $35 for a nice but by no means extravagant dinner. Is this type of budget do-able in these two countries? <BR> <BR>Many thanks for any information you may be able to offer on this subject! <BR> <BR>the turnip

Norway was definitely one if the most expensive places I've visited, but it was also so incredible that I'd hate for anyone to not go because of the cost. I don't recall ever finding anything resembling a "nice" dinner in the $25-$30 range, but there are other options such as snack bars and cafes. And of course picnics are a great option. But food is expensive...a few numbers that stand out: $8.50 for a small tossed salad at a cafeteria in a shopping mall, $20 for a pizza, over $100 for dinner for 4 at TGI Friday's... <BR>One bargain you will find: fresh shrimp and seafood at the Bergen fishmarket. Buy boiled shrimp only hours after it was caught at a fraction of the price you'll pay at the US. You can buy a big bag for a few dollars and eat it right there for lunch. KK

<BR>for rutabaga, i mean turnip.

Thought I would top this to get a fresh perspective with the dollars decline.

If you go to Oslo, there are lots of fantastic ethnic/Norwegian-ethnic fusion restaurants in the Gr&oslash;nland/Gr&uuml;nerl&oslash;kka area that will give you a filling meal for around 100 NOK. Steer clear of Karl Johansgate.

Atually I would say that if you leave the Karl Johan area and the Aker Brygge area by walking 5 blocks into the city I'm sure you'll find a lot better prices.... And if you want a decent meal, most caffees and pubs also has a kitchen that serves food... In the 60-90NOK range for a main course per person...

Sindre

&quot;Message: Atually I would say that if you leave the Karl Johan area and the Aker Brygge area by walking 5 blocks into the city I'm sure you'll find a lot better prices.... And if you want a decent meal, most caffees and pubs also has a kitchen that serves food... In the 60-90NOK range for a main course per person...&quot;

You'll find better prices and most likely better food.

The turnip - I live in Oslo? What kind of food do you like? I can give you names/addresses of some restaurants. The places locals go to, not tourists.

I visited Norway last year. Coming from Hawaii I thought I was well adjusted to expensive prices for accomodations, food, etc. Frankly, Norway is expensive. Paying about $7 or $8 for a beer in a pub was a surprise, and $30-$40 for dorm hostel rooms. Wow. It is possible to eat at reasonable prices (picnicing, menu specials, carry-out from cafes or bakeries, etc.). Alcohol is extremely expensive. Clothes, souviners, etc. were also much more expensive than in other European countires. I think you may have a hard time finding rooms for 2 people in the price range you've indicated (depending on the cities you visit, of course). Consider getting a private room for two in a hostel or B&amp;B and booking well in advance, as budget accomodations seemed to fill up very early. On the plus side, Norway is very beautiful, I met loads of interesting people, and had a fantastic trip.