Discover the beauty of the icy countries with Northern Europe tour

Northern Europe - a land of majestic nature and countless stories of medieval European culture. Therefore, if you intend to travel to Northern Europe, travelers should prepare and refer to experiences of Northern Europe tour. Here are valuable information that travelers cannot ignore when coming to this land.

1. Which countries are included in Northern Europe?

Europe has always been a dream destination for travel enthusiasts. Not only the luxurious cities in Western Europe or the romantic lavender fields, vineyards in Southern Europe. Europe also has a region that attracts travelers no less, that is Northern Europe.

Map of Northern European countries.

Northern European countries are located in the northern part of Western Europe and extend to the North Pole. Northern Europe is an ancient land with many architectural works from the Middle Ages. Countries in the Northern European region include Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Svalbard, and the Åland Islands.

Most of the Europe tours 2024 offered by Mytour currently include many tours to Northern European countries. You can refer to more information if needed.

Travelers on Northern Europe tours can easily travel to many countries in the region thanks to the Schengen visa. Therefore, it is undeniable that this is a promised land that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

2. Must-visit Destinations on Northern Europe Tours

Wondering where to go on your Northern Europe tour? To ensure you don't miss out on any exciting destinations, check out the following information!

2.1 Denmark

Denmark is one of the most famous countries for romance in Northern Europe. When you go on a Northern Europe tour to Denmark, you will enjoy the picturesque scenery with historic buildings and castles.

2.1.1 Copenhagen Capital

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is famous for being one of the most livable cities in the world. Travelers on a Northern Europe tour to Copenhagen will enjoy a green living environment with plenty of trees, flower gardens, and parks, scattered throughout the country.

A special feature that makes Denmark a happy and livable country is that most people here choose bicycles as their main means of transportation. They often reuse old items and use natural materials.

Copenhagen Capital is also attractive to tourists with its harmonious blend of modern and classic features. Visitors can easily come across neighborhoods dating back to the Middle Ages. Along with that are the intricate canal systems that add to the poetic beauty when combined with the houses.

Colorful Copenhagen.

Denmark is also the homeland of many fairy tales that visitors will see the childhood image when they come here. Besides, don't miss the chance to visit the famous ancient castles.

Some famous ancient castles in Copenhagen include Christianborg (the seat of Parliament, Supreme Court, Prime Minister's Office), Amalienborg (Winter Palace), Charlottenborg (Royal Summer Palace).

2.1.2 Old Towns

After visiting the capital Copenhagen, tourists can move to the ancient town of Old Towns. True to its name, this town is famous for its small wooden houses designed in the traditional architecture of Denmark.

If tourists like taking photos or pursuing a vintage style, don't forget to check-in. Here, there are handicraft shops, souvenir shops from the 18th-19th centuries, toy museums, clock museums, and textile museums.

2.1.3 Faroe Islands

When it comes to the beautiful scenery to admire in Denmark, tourists cannot miss the small islands of this country. One of them is the Faroe Islands.

Impressive natural scenery.

When visiting Faroe on a Northern Europe tour, tourists will see lush green trails or the image of wandering sheep grazing. These experiences will bring a sense of peace and relaxation to tourists.

2.1.4 West Jutland Coastline

One thing that makes Denmark even more special is amber. Tourists can find amber on the West Jutland coastline. Amber is a fossilized tree resin that is yellow or reddish-brown. It may contain pieces of bark or insects trapped inside.

Most amber dates back thousands of years. Tourists on a Northern Europe tour to Denmark often buy items made of amber as souvenirs or gifts for loved ones.

2.2 Sweden 

Sweden is one of the three most populous countries in the European Union. Tourism in Sweden has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its tranquil countryside, friendly people, and unique cuisine.

While on a Northern Europe tour, you can explore some of the most beautiful national parks in the northern part of the Arctic Circle. This is where the sun still shines at midnight in the summer. And the Northern Lights sparkle brightly in the cold winter night sky.

Sweden is a beautiful country in Northern Europe, located on the Scandinavian Peninsula. Sweden has a long and fascinating history alongside its natural beauty. There are many attractions to experience from the capital Stockholm to the city of Gothenburg that tourists should not miss when on a Northern Europe tour.

Sweden is a beautiful country in Northern Europe.

Furthermore, Sweden is one of the most advanced countries in the world. Renewable energy here accounts for over half of the country's electricity. Whether you enjoy modern life, want to adventure in the wilderness, or experience world-class living, Sweden has it all.

2.2.1 Stockholm

A Northern Europe tour would not be complete without visiting Stockholm. It is one of the most livable cities in the world with a pristine natural environment. The 'green city' is a fond term for this destination.

2.2.2 Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden after Stockholm and is a popular tourist destination not to be missed. The city is a testament to the proud history of the Swedish people.

2.2.3 Visby Old Town

Visby Old Town also attracts many tourists thanks to its almost perfectly preserved beauty from the Middle Ages. Travelers on a Northern Europe tour can admire the entire city with its grand cathedral in the center and the surrounding residential and transportation systems.

Moreover, those who love the ancient beauty of Europe can also visit Gamla Stan street. Here, visitors can stroll and enjoy coffee at colorful cafes with ancient European architecture.

Visby Town - the ancient gem of Sweden.

Furthermore, visitors to Sweden should not forget to explore the ancient castles. The most famous castle for tourists is Kalmar Castle.

This castle was renovated and rebuilt in 1180. Visitors will admire the characteristic architecture of most castles. They will have the opportunity to explore the life of ancient kings and learn about the most modern fortress in Europe under King Magnus Ladulas.

2.3 Iceland

Iceland is a must-visit destination on the journey to conquer Northern Europe. Iceland with its volcanoes and glaciers carries a mysterious beauty. This place is also known as the kingdom of the 'Ice Queen' by travel enthusiasts.

Moreover, you can admire the Black Sea. A place with a pristine coastline influenced by drifting icebergs during your Northern Europe tour to Iceland.

In particular, you will be amazed by the rare and spectacular phenomenon of the Northern Lights at night. Many travelers choose Iceland as a destination in their Northern Europe tour to explore unique natural phenomena that are not found everywhere.

2.4 Norway

Thanks to the sun shining for more than 20 hours a day, Norway almost has no darkness. This place is known as the land of the midnight sun.

2.4.1 Oslo 

Oslo is the oldest city in Scandinavia. Travelers may be surprised by the development of Norway's cultural, economic, and political center. At the same time, they can enjoy the picturesque rural scenery, towering mountains, tall trees, and picturesque beaches.

The city of Oslo with its modern lifestyle.

Over hundreds of years, the city has preserved its ancient culture and architectural structures with the characteristic charm of ancient Europe. It is a place with large, imposing, and magnificent ancient villas, resembling those in fairy tales. Among them are splendid churches like Saint Mary, the Bergenhus fortress, the Rosenkranz tower, the Edvard statue, and more.

2.4.2 Alta

Alta is known as the 'Town of the Northern Lights' because this natural phenomenon occurs here from late September to early April. Another reason it attracts astronomy enthusiasts is the presence of the world's first Northern Lights Observatory.

If you're interested in exploring natural phenomena, Alta is a must-visit on your Northern Europe tour.

2.4.3 Geiranger Fjord 

This is one of the most spectacular fjords in the world. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

Many artists have painted beautiful pictures depicting the grandeur of this region. The glistening waterfalls, towering cliffs, and natural scenery here have captured the hearts of countless travel enthusiasts.

2.5 Finland

Finland is not only renowned for its excellent education system but also boasts the world's highest happiness index. Finland is a favorite tourist destination for millions of visitors each year due to its stunning natural landscapes and comfortable temperatures.

Finland is one of the happiest countries in the world.

Visitors to Lapland, especially in winter, will experience the splendor of Europe. The sky is covered with white snow, accompanied by characteristic wooden buildings near pine trees.

Visitors to Finland can also visit areas such as:

1. Helsinki

Helsinki is the largest city in Finland. It attracts people not only for its natural beauty and beaches but also for its numerous outstanding architectural structures at the port. Visitors can also explore some attractions along the harbor, such as the Helsinki White Church.

2. Porvoo

Porvoo is the second oldest city in Finland after Helsinki, with many ancient and rustic elements. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe the stunning beauty of the city with its red wooden buildings along the river.

The peaceful city of Porvoo.

This creates a peaceful and quiet environment, ideal for those who want to relax in Finland on their Northern Europe tour. Additionally, you can enjoy many delicious Finnish dishes and specialties, as well as learn about traditional crafts.

3. Åland Islands

The Åland Islands are a group of islands in the Baltic Sea located in a central position. Havaland means 'Land of Water'. This was the original name of the land in Old Norse. The ferry transports passengers between the Åland Islands and Helsinki for about €50 per person.

Here, visitors can explore attractions such as the Pommern ship museum, the Åland Maritime museum, Kastelholm Castle, and beautiful walking paths. Additionally, don't miss the dessert pancake with stewed plum and whipped cream, a culinary specialty of the island.

4. Kuokkala Church

Kuokkala Church is a unique iconic structure with a contemporary design that blends tradition. The building utilizes various materials such as slate, precious wood, copper, granite, and meticulous construction processes to create this masterpiece.

Kuokkala Church with its unique architecture.

The green and sustainable design is what makes the church impressive. The daylit structure is made entirely of spruce wood, allowing the church to reflect sunlight. This enhances the captivating allure of Kuokkala Church.

2.6 Atlantis Path

This is hailed as the road of the century, attracting a lot of attention from tourists. The road stretches 9km between Kristiansund and Molde. Travelers will feel extremely thrilled with its steep inclines. From afar, the road resembles a graceful ribbon in the sky.

3. Tips for Northern Europe Tour

What should we keep in mind when going on a Northern Europe tour? Let's find out!

3.1 Visa

It can be said that the visa for a Northern Europe tour is one of the easiest visas in the world. Because it allows travelers to move around many different countries without having to apply for a visa from each country.

To go on a Northern Europe tour, travelers need to apply for a Schengen visa. The highlight of this visa is that travelers can easily travel to 26 European countries (including 22 EU countries and 4 countries in the EFTA association).

After obtaining the Schengen visa, travelers only need to go through immigration procedures once in the first month. When travelers arrive in the next countries, they do not need to go through additional procedures in those countries.

Schengen visa.

The Schengen visa approval process can take from 7 to 15 days. However, it may take about 3 to 4 weeks for travelers to receive the visa. Therefore, if travelers intend to go on a Northern Europe tour, they should arrange their time to complete the visa procedures before the departure date.

If travelers cannot arrange their time to apply for a visa, it can lead to many troubles. For example, delays in the itinerary and related issues such as flight tickets, hotel booking time,...

The cost of processing a Schengen visa for adults over 12 years old is 80 Euros, and for children from 6 to 12 years old is 40 Euros.

3.2 Flight tickets 

There are no direct flights from Vietnam to the countries in Northern Europe. Travelers will have to have a layover in a third country such as Germany, Thailand, or France. Direct flights from Vietnam to France or Germany can be mentioned as Vietnam Airlines, Air France. The round-trip ticket price for a direct flight from Vietnam ranges from 16 to 28 million VND.

To buy cheap flight tickets, travelers should choose transit flights and stop in 1 - 2 places before arriving in Northern Europe. Because transit flights are often much cheaper. However, the downside is the long waiting time.

Airline tickets for exploring Northern Europe.

An important experience when going on a Northern Europe tour is to get the best flight ticket prices for the beautiful Northern Europe exploration journey, you should plan and hunt for tickets 2 - 3 months in advance.

Some airlines in the Northern Europe region that can be mentioned are Norwegian, SAS, Finnair, Wizzair... Among them, Norwegian is the most famous low-cost airline.

3.3 Transportation when arriving in Northern European countries

You must have an accurate, clear, and specific itinerary for the date of departure and mode of transportation to book suitable train tickets, bus tickets. Train and bus tickets in Europe are becoming more expensive when a person travels closer to the destination.

Summer is the busiest tourist season in Northern Europe, so book tickets as early as possible. If you buy train, bus tickets, sometimes you will have to pay extra for a seat. If you don't buy in advance, if there is an empty seat on the train on the departure day, you will sit there.

Although trains and buses are usually on time, you should arrive at the station 30 minutes early to prepare. Buses provide free wifi and toilets on board, so it's quite convenient.

Transportation when arriving in Northern European countries.

In Northern Europe, you can rent a car for convenience and more experiences. Traveling by Campervan is an ideal choice. Campervan is similar to a mobile home in that it has a kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom inside.

3.4 Best time to travel to Northern Europe

From May to September is the ideal time to book a tour to Northern Europe. The weather is mild during this time, with average temperatures ranging from 13 to 20 degrees Celsius, and plenty of sunshine.

In Northern Europe, the sun shines for about 20 hours a day during the summer. This gives you plenty of time to explore and enjoy the wonderful outdoors.

Autumn (September, October) in Northern Europe is truly romantic with golden leaves, although it often rains. Winter is extremely cold, with snowfall and the sun shining for only a few hours each day, making the atmosphere gloomy and bleak.

3.5 How to choose accommodation when traveling on a tour to Northern Europe

Accommodation in the northern area is very expensive; double rooms range from 50-80E/person (equivalent to 1,900,000VND). Below are some money-saving tips:

The hotels here are very modern and up-to-date.

• Choose a hotel/guesthouse within 1 km of the central subway/train/bus station so you can walk from the station and save taxi money.

• Choose a dorm room: Dorm rooms in Northern Europe are priced from 25-40E/person (equivalent to 600,000 - 1,000,000VND).

• Airbnb is ideal for large group gatherings of friends or family.

• Hostel: The price for one night is usually 30-45E (equivalent to 700,000 - 1,100,000VND). Note: Many guesthouses in the North do not provide sheets, blankets, pillows so you have to bring your own or rent from the guesthouse for 5-10E/time (120,000 - 240,000VND).

3.6 Dining experience when traveling to Northern Europe

A restaurant lunch in Northern Europe costs about 30-50E per person (equivalent to 700,000-1,900,000VND). These food-saving methods will help you save money:

• Get food from the supermarket and prepare it in the hostel. Most hostels in Northern Europe do not include breakfast, but there are communal kitchens with cooking facilities for you to prepare your own breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
• Fast food restaurants like McDonald's and Burger King.
• Bring canned food, instant noodles, dry noodles... from Vietnam. 

Additionally, in Northern Europe there are some distinctive dishes that travelers should try when going on a tour of Northern Europe. Some dishes reflect the culture of the region such as Mustamakkara black sausage, Frikadeller meatballs from Denmark, smoked reindeer meat in Finland, Norway's famous grilled salmon, hot Bacalao and Skyr - Iceland's dessert. 

A tour of Northern Europe will surely bring memorable experiences. Travelers can not only admire the beautiful nature but also experience the distinctive cuisine of Northern Europe. If you want to explore this land, contact Mytour now via Mytour hotline for detailed advice. We currently have very preferential prices for tours of Northern Europe.