Budget scandinavian trip

[Ginfa]

My family and i (ages 12 and 15 and husband age undisclosed!) are looking at doing 10 days or so in scandinavia this summer. We are auite active and like kayaking paddleboarding etc but too much “sitting aroind relaxing” leads to sibling arguments.. we originally looked at a few days in helsinki and then a stay in a cabin but also looking at the swedish archipelgo too - we like places not too touristy ideally! Anyone been and can share their wisdom? I know its more expensive than some parts of southern europe so we are looking at the budget end

If you like hiking, my husband and I hiked the first stretch of the Kungsleden and camping was free, scenery awesome and you can spend what you save on the camping in Stockholm at the end to contrast the deprivation of the wilderness with the fun of a city!

Probably not very helpful, but we took three weeks in summer 2023 to take our campervan from York to South West Sweden, via Northern Germany and Denmark.

We took the ferry from Dover to Dunkirk then drove across. It was A LOT of driving, and we broke the long drive by stopping to visit relatives of my (German) husband both on the way out and way back. It wasn't a cheap holiday by any imagination but it was so worth it.

Is campervan hire once you get to your location an option worth considering?

We went to Sweden a couple of years ago when our kids were 12& 14 so similar to yours. Had a great time. A couple of things to bear in mind. The summer holidays suddenly stop in mid August. Museums close, ferry crossing are reduced etc, so aim to go before that if possible. Also Sweden is about 6 times as big as Scotland, so just stick to 1 area if u can.
There is loads to do in Stockholm. Vaxholm is a good starting point the archipelago. We stayed in this air b&b (views are to die for) but there is also lots of camping. They have a go ape style place on the island.
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/10469225?adults=1&children=0&enable_m3_private_room=true&infants=0&pets=0&check_in=2024-04-18&check_out=2024-04-23&source_impression_id=p3_1705095370_mtrOWBWa%2FWj9P6cZ&previous_page_section_name=1000&federated_search_id=b121cee8-bab2-40cf-b96b-8fe441f17e7c
We also stayed in brilliant eco place west of Stockholm which was excellent value for money, although you would need to hire a car to get there. They organise beaver safaris, canoeing, traditional hot tub, bike rides etc. It is all bespoke and they will alter the schedule according to the weather.
www.edensgarden.se/

That is a lot of driving - we have done the overland trip in reverse several times - central Sweden to Ystad or Trelleborg, Ferry to Germany, Germany to Holland, sailing from either Hoek of Holland or Rotterdam to either Harwich or Hull. One year we broke the journey to have 4 days in Amsterdam and then took the Amsterdam-Newcastle ferry.

There has been talk of a new ferry between Norway and Scotland but nothing has happened yet. I'm hoping it will happen as I want to visit the Shetland islands but cannot face 5 days travel each way

We did consider Hull-Rotterdam but the ferry would have cost ~ £800 (we take the dog which bumps the price up) compared to ~£250 for Dover-Dunkirk.

We've seen rumours of a Newcastle-Norway route starting up in 2026, but initial reports suggests it'll be more of a cruise rather than ferry so I don't know how that will work alongside dog & campervan for us.

Will take days to drive, though!! Depending where in Sweden you go.

Look out for special lunchtime offers in restaurants - they often do cheap, filling 2 or 3 course meals for lunch.

Supermarkets are a bit more expensive than here.

British Airways tickets are currently £150 return during summer holidays, so no need to drive.

I go to Finland every summer and it’s wonderful there. Helsinki ofcourse, it’s fab in summer and lots to do. Suomenlinna is a must visit.

Visit Turku for stunning archipelago and I’m always recommending Naantali (near by) as it’s such a charming, historical small port.

I’m also recommending the cruises from either Helsinki or Turku. Either to Stockholm or to Tallinn. There’s mini cruises, overnight ones and also a hydrofoil (might be Tallinn only) for a day trip.

Finns love their cruises, many go several times a year! The buffet which is all you can eat & drink is a carnage though 😂🫠 it’s a real insight into the Finnish mentality 😮‍💨😂

Cruise lines are Viking Line and Silja Line.