Accommodation
Scandinavia has plenty of different accommodation to offer, ranging from inner city five star hotels and country style manor houses to mountain lodges and fishermen's shacks in the archipelago to private accommodation and apartments. Camping, family & youth hostels, bed & breakfast, and farm holidays are also popular types of accommodation.
For more detailed information about accommodation in specific regions in Scandinavia go to ‘destinations and attractions’ and do a refined search under ‘places to stay’.
Hotels
Sweden, Denmark and Norway have a wide choice of high-standard hotels in all price categories, including everything from luxury hotels to small, family operated hotels and old Royal Licence inns.
Most hotels include a generous buffet breakfast in the room rate which is a good value for money. If you are staying more than three days in the same hotel, often a full service with all meals included is available.
Most hotel chains offer special deals for families at weekends throughout the year and special summer (June – August) prices. There is usually only a nominal extra fee for children who sleep in their parents' room.
A comprehensive list of hotels in Scandinavia can be found at the Swedish, Danish and Norwegian Travel & Tourism Council websites or under ‘destinations and attractions’ and ‘places to stay’ on this website.
Hotels that are adapted specifically for disabled visitors are indicated with a symbol.
Castles and Manor Houses
All over Scandinavia, especially in the countryside of the southern region of Sweden and most parts of Denmark, there are about 300 historically and culturally fascinating castles, chateaus and manor houses from various historic eras. Many of these castles have been lovingly transformed into hotels, conference facilities and retreats, offering stylish and historic accommodation. They offer their guests a unique accommodation and retreat experience.
For more detailed information, local tourist boards will be able to advise you about the availability and location of castle and manor house accommodation in their particular region. You can find links to their websites under ‘destinations and attractions’ for the specific regions.
Cottages and Cabins
Staying in cottages and cabins is very popular especially in Norway where you can experience a unique traditional stay that cannot be compared to a trendy hotel. You will easily find cabins to rent throughout the whole country.
Take advantage of this unique style of accommodation when you visit Norway’s coasts, fjords and mountain landscapes.The cottages and cabins vary from luxury to standard.
For more detailed information, local tourist boards will be able to advise you about the availability and location of cottages and cabins in their particular region. You can find links to their websites under ‘destinations and attractions’ for the specific regions.
Camping
Camping is as popular as it is in Australia. Camp sites are often located in beautiful surroundings and most Camping is as popular as it is in Australia. Camp sites are often located in beautiful surroundings and most offer good basic facilities. Many camp sites offer small cabins that can be booked in advance where bedding often is available for a small fee.
Scandinavia offers a little over 1500 beautiful camp sites all around the three countries, ranging from mountain camps in the north to beach camps in the south. In Norway the camp sites are even classified with 1 - 5 stars depending on their standard and facilities.
In Sweden, the majority of the camp sites require a membership card. The most common and accepted card is the Camping Card Scandinavia. The card is free, but you need a validity stamp for the current year you are camping. (SEK 125 for 2007). Many camp sites also accept Camping Card International, CCI.
In Denmark no caravans are allowed on the campgrounds.
For more detailed information about camp site and specific regulations etc, please refer to the related links or visit the Swedish, Danish and Norwegian Travel & Tourism Council websites.
Family & Youth Hostels
Youth hotels in Scandinavia offer an excellent type of accommodation. Often referred to as ‘vandrarhem’, they can be found all over Scandinavia. They offer a great deal and are affordable and suitable for any traveller's needs and wants. They offer a great atmosphere and are equipped with 2, 4, and 6-bed rooms which often have their own bathroom. All of them have great kitchen facilities. At some youth hostels breakfast buffets are available, but at some you have to be completely self sufficient.
Most youth hostels in Scandinavia are affiliated with International Youth Hostel Federation (STF), Hostelling International (HI) or VIP Backpackers Resorts International.
The average price for one night is around $50 but members of STF, HI, or VIP Backpackers Resorts International are entitled to discounts through their membership cards.
For more detailed information, please refer to the related links or visit the Swedish, Danish and Norwegian Travel & Tourism Council websites.
Bed & Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast establishments are not as widespread in Scandinavia as they are in Australia or the UK. In Scandinavia they are often referred to as ‘pension’ or ‘husrum’. You can find most B&Bs in the cities, but in the last years, signs of B&Bs have popped up in the countryside.
Most local tourist offices will be able to tell you if there are any local bad & breakfast places in the region you are in; or just look out for signs along the road.
Farm Holidays
A farm holiday is particularly popular in Norway. The general concept is that you make it yourself.
Farm holidays are perfect for families that want to escape the cities and enjoy outdoor activities such as riding, hiking, canoeing, bush walking, or just relaxing. In Norway you can find farms of all sizes that offer this type of stay and they are referred to as "seter" or "støl".
For more details and information, please go to Visit Norway’s website.
Fishermen's Shack's
Fishermen's shacks, or ‘rorbu’ as they are called in Norway, are well-equipped apartments that are located along Norway’s coastland, especially up north where the fishery industry is most active. The shacks were originally used by fishermen during their long fishing seasons but most of them have today been lovingly transformed into accommodation.
Fishermen’s shacks are very popular for tourists as well as for Norwegians who want to experience something different.
For more details and information, please go to Visit Norway’s website.
Mountain Lodges
Mountain lodges are a very popular type of stay when going skiing or hiking, especially in Norway and Sweden. Some lodges function like hotels and some are like self-service apartments.
For more detailed information, please visit any of the provided related links or visit local tourist offices which will be able to advise you about the availability and location of mountain lodges in their particular region.
Kros
If you go to the suburban areas of Denmark, you will find accommodation facilities called Kros. The Kros have great atmosphere and charm. Kros vary from large-scale facilities with pools and conference rooms, to classic ones with thatched roofs that are typical of Denmark, and many serve delicious meals. Kros exist throughout Denmark.
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