Budget Travel to Scandinavia?! A 12-Day Nordic Adventure in Denmark and Norway
If you're looking to save money while chasing the Northern Lights in Scandinavia, my 12-day trip to Denmark, Norway, and Tromsø in Northern Norway is definitely worth referencing! You don't need to stay in expensive glass igloos to experience the aurora and snow activities up close. Plus, you can take stunning photos for social media. Beyond snowy landscapes and starry skies, the itinerary also includes the fairytale-like Nyhavn in Copenhagen, art appreciation in Oslo, husky sledding, and whale watching in icy waters. Every stop showcases the dreamy winter scenery of Scandinavia, perfect for those who want to save money while enjoying an in-depth experience!
🗓️ Full Itinerary Guide
Day 1 Hong Kong → Copenhagen
Upon arrival at the airport, don't miss the Thai-style fried noodles at the airport—it’s a great start to the trip. Then check into the hotel near the airport.
Day 2 Copenhagen → Tromsø
Stay at the centrally located Skaret by Vander hotel, which offers convenient self-check-in (note: no staff assistance). The hotel has a kitchen for cooking, and there's a supermarket downstairs, making it easy to save money on daily essentials! After check-in, explore the city center and enjoy dinner. (Raketten Bar & Pølse hot dogs are very authentic!)
Day 3 Tromsø Husky Sledding + Aurora Tour
In the morning, join a husky sledding day tour for an exhilarating snow adventure! At night, head out for an aurora tour. The starry skies and aurora amidst snowy mountains are unforgettable. The guide even took us to Sommarøy Island, the world's only place without a 24-hour time system—a truly unique experience!
Day 4 Cable Car + Arctic Cathedral + Aurora Tour
Take a cable car to enjoy panoramic city views, then walk to the Arctic Cathedral, a striking architectural gem under the snow. If you missed the Northern Lights the previous night, you can try another aurora tour. Book early, and if the weather isn’t ideal, you can join another group.
Day 5 Reindeer Sledding + Sami Cultural Experience
After reindeer sledding, experience Sami culture in a traditional tent. Be sure to wear warm clothing—down jackets, snow boots, hand warmers, and gloves are essential!
Day 6 Tromsø → Oslo
Stay at Citybox Oslo hotel, which is conveniently located and offers simple self-check-in. However, the rooms are quite basic, so choose carefully.
Day 7 Oslo Art + Seafood
Visit the National Gallery (Universitetsgata 13)—check the opening hours and avoid visiting on closed days! Don’t miss Edvard Munch’s masterpiece "The Scream." Then head to Fiskeriet Youngstorget restaurant (Youngstorget 2b) for their amazing fish soup and fish & chips—highly recommended!
Day 8 Oslo → Cruise → Copenhagen
Take a cruise to enjoy the snowy Nordic coastline and arrive comfortably in Copenhagen.
Day 9 Copenhagen Nyhavn + Christmas Market
Nyhavn is open year-round, with colorful buildings and a festive Christmas market that exudes European charm. Perfect for leisurely strolling and taking lots of photos.
Day 10 Tivoli Gardens
Address: Vesterbrogade 3. This classic amusement park features stunning Christmas lights 🌟 and plenty of rides! Great for family fun!
Day 11 Frederiksborg Castle
A fairytale-like castle with a water backdrop, perfect for photography. Inside, you’ll find displays including royal Christmas plates—beautifully crafted and intricate!
Day 12 Little Mermaid Statue + City Center Castle → Airport → Hong Kong
Visit Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid statue and city center castle to wrap up the trip before heading to the airport for your flight back to Hong Kong.
🏨 Hotel Tips
Tromsø: Skaret by Vander—Convenient location with a kitchen for cooking, ideal for saving money. Note: fully self-check-in.
Oslo: Citybox Oslo—Digitalized processes, very convenient city center location. Rooms are basic but reasonably priced.
Copenhagen: Hypernym Hotel & Suites—Spacious rooms with kitchens, but the heavy iron bathroom doors can be a hassle 😅
⚠️ Essential Gear & Tips
- Warm clothing is a must; you won’t survive snow activities without proper gear!
- Portable chargers (you’ll use them a lot, especially for aurora photography!)
- Book all day tours (sledding/aurora tours) in advance!
- Plan to join one or two aurora tours to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in case of bad weather.
⚡ Transportation Notes
City centers in Denmark and Norway are very accessible, mainly relying on walking, metro, and buses. Most attractions are easy to reach.
🍽️ Food Recommendations
In Tromsø, try the seafood platter at Fiskekompaniet and the signature hot dogs at Raketten Bar & Pølse.
In Oslo, don’t miss the fish soup and fish & chips at Fiskeriet Youngstorget!
Around Nyhavn in Copenhagen, there are many local restaurants and bakeries (Hart’s cinnamon rolls are amazing!). At the Christmas market, the grilled salmon and meat platters are must-tries! (For more details, check out my other post.)