EF Ultimate Break Denmark, Sweden, and Norway: Packing, Tips, & Free Time Guide
Before I get into it, I wanna add a quick hello!
My name is Alex! I've been traveling with EF Ultimate Break for several years now and have done a ton of their trips. I've heard nearly every question in the book about traveling with EF, and if I don't know the answer, I'll gladly find it for you!
I've been to over half of the US states and 20+ countries and counting. I love planning my own trips when I'm not traveling with EF, so I have lots of other resources here that you're more than welcome to pick through.
I'm a backpack die hard, coffee and craft beer lover, adventure seeker, and just here to see as much of this big beautiful world that I can!
Packing Essentials:
• Carry on or checked luggage? In short -- this is really up to you and your personal travel style. I'm a carry-on backpack only girlie, but I know not everyone loves that life! You know yourself best!
If you do check a bag, I would suggest taking precautions/keep these things in mind:
• Keep at least 1-2 changes of clothes in your carry on bag in case of your checked luggage getting lost. I will say that on 4/6 of my group trips abroad, there was always at least one person who lost their luggage and had to wait 1-3 days for it to arrive.
• Always keep medications and essentials in your carry on.
• Be aware that you may have to lug your suitcase up flights upon flights of stairs, a ton of sand, and who knows what else. Nothing wrong with this, just something to keep in mind.
• Adapter? My recommendation always is to use a universal adapter! This way, you can use and reuse in many places across many different countries without worry. I have one recommended that is a tried and true for me on my Amazon Essentials list, linked below!
• Do I need hiking boots? In my opinion, no. I did take hiking boots my first time around, simply because they're warm, reliable, and well broken in. However, this is very much a city trip. There's not much hiking unless you go out seeking it.
• General packing? For an 11 day trip, you're most likely going to want 8-10 base outfits, though you could always pack more. As a general carry on tip, I like to pack clothes that are often interchangeable as tops/bottoms. This way, you're able to mix it up if you need to re-wear anything. Another option and way of packing I like and find helpful is to pack specific for each day and plan ahead. You know you want to wear your flowy dress for the welcome dinner, so that outfit is already planned for you. You know you want to be comfy on the plane perhaps, so that day is done. Etc, etc, day by day.
To list it all out, I would recommend bringing (minimum) 8-10+ outfits (pants/tops combo or dresses/rompers), 10+ underwear, 12+ socks (they may definitely get wet), toiletries, prescriptions, chargers and adapter, 1-2 jackets minimum, and a trusty reusable water bottle. Of those outfits, most travelers like to wear something nicer for the Welcome Mixer and the Farewell Dinner. "Nice" in this case is totally up to you! Truly, whatever you're comfortable in will be just fine. If this means a full gown, so be it. If this means jeans and a nice top, that's absolutely okay too!
Because this trip is 11 days long, I'd personally recommend packing for that full amount of time, so that there's no worry of the hassle of doing laundry. 10-11 days is right about at the max I'd pack for in full. If you're short on space in your bag, I'd suggest packing for 6-7 days worth and be sure to do laundry around your halfway point. Once you receive your list of accommodations from EFUB at 30 days prior to departure, you'll be able to check out your accommodation's website and see which ones offer laundry services. If you decide to do laundry, I recommend taking detergent sheets with you. I have a pack listed on my Amazon essentials at the end of this guide.
Free Time Suggestions
Copenhagen, Denmark:
• Optional Add-On Excursion: Danish Food Tour
I highly recommend this excursion! Food tours in general can be a bit hit or miss, but this one was quite fun! There is a TON of food included and even more alcohol, if that's your vibe. Spoilers ahead:
(Skip to the next bullet point if you'd rather be surprised)
• Tivoli Gardens: I'd definitely recommend this, as I'd like to personally give it another shot. My friend group within our group decided to go here, but for whatever reason, we left at different times. My side of people spent the majority of our time chasing around the other half. I'm not sure why we didn't just go do our own thing (fomo, I guess). So on that note, go have fun!!! Don't spend your time waiting around for others. Lesson learned for me, and I can't wait to report back on this in June 2024 when I return for the second time!
• Freetown Cristiania: A neighborhood that governs itself full of anti-establishment free spirits! Our TD actually took us here! Some stands there are selling... a fun time so to speak. Note that many areas in this neighborhood there is NO PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO allowed. This includes the main shop area and some surrounding buildings (there will be signs to let you know). There are still some awesome opportunities to document what you see! I have some of my favorite shots from here.
• Church of Our Savior: 400 steps later, you'll get the best view of the city! I did not do this in 2018, just saw it from the outside, but I'm adding it to my list for this next time around!
• Lego Store: Did you know Denmark is the home of Lego? Stop at their store in Copenhagen!
• Extra excursions our TD organized: These will vary based on who you have as your TD, but some examples for us included ice carving (about $40 USD, I believe), a "snacks" style food tour (free - snacks provided by our TD), and a trip to the ice bar (just looked it up to get a price, and it's unfortunately closed at this time). For the first two excursions, however, they took place right at our hostel! An instructor literally brought giant ice blocks to the rooftop, and we carved it right there! Our snack adventure also took place on the rooftop. In addition to the delicious snacks, we were also given the opportunity to try Aquavit, a staple liquor, and surströmming, which is the infamous smelly fish. It's said that even opening a can of it can make some... lose their lunch. Which is why we were sent to the rooftop, haha! From those of us who tried it -- it smells much much worse than it tastes. It tastes extremely salty, but that's about it.
• Visit Conditori La Glace: an elegant Danish pastry shop dating all the way back to 1870
• Eat the "El Macho" fries at Generator Hostel: you're going to have to trust me on this one. I know EFUB moved this trip to Ultimate Plus, so we will not be staying at this hostel as I did before, but it's more than worth the trip to check out the Petanque Bar inside the hostel! If you've stayed in hostels before, you know how lively they can be! This is one of those, and they just so happen to have some of the best fries I've had! They also have many games available, shuffleboard, live music, and other events!
• Nyhavn: You'll be able to visit here during your walking tour with EFUB, but I highly recommend taking some extra time to explore here yourself! It's quite beautiful and one of my favorite streets to photograph in the world!
Stockholm, Sweden:
• Optional Add-On Excursion: Urban Kayaking
I did every excursion on my first trip here. On this second go around, this excursion is the only one I will not be doing again. Before anyone takes that the wrong way, I'm not saying "don't go." I'm glad I did it once, but I'll leave it at that one time. Kayaking in urban areas is about the same in any situation, so I feel once you've done it, you're good haha. It was a fun group activity though, and would still encourage anyone to go have a great time doing it!
I will add that we have the LEAST amount of time in Stockholm, and I think this contributes to my decision as well. Stockholm felt very rushed compared to the other cities, and most of my group seemed to agree on that. So, this time around, I'm going to explore Stockholm a bit more on foot! Based on the updated itinerary, it looks like the first day in Stockholm will be all group activities until after dinner, and the second day will be a full free day with the optional excursion.
• ABBA Museum: A couple people in my group did go here, and they loved it! If you're an ABBA fan, I'd definitely say the stop would be worth it! Their pictures looked so fun! I was told that here they also have some great interactive exhibits! You can dance and sing with a hologram version of ABBA themselves, see their actual wardrobe outfits from tour, and even play interactive games!
• Eat Swedish Meatballs OF COURSE:
• A fave among many groups is Meatballs for the People. It seems fairly large with a good variety.
• However, I'd encourage you to check out smaller places in smaller groups. Six of us went to Gastabud Stockholm near Gamla Stan, and it was INCREDIBLE. I will definitely be going back here again, but I'd like to fit in Meatballs for the People as well so that I have some more comparison. Be sure to make reservations at Gastabud, as I think we simply got lucky. The restaurant inside was full, but there were two "patio" tables outside and they allowed us to sit there (after looking at us like we were crazy - considering it could rain at literally any moment and was not particularly warm out). I say "patio" because it was a sidewalk, and two chairs were sitting in the actual roadway. But hey, we made it work, and it was SO worth it!
• Make a stop for Fika: also known as a coffee break in the day!
• Check out the metro stations: this one may come off as a bit odd at first, but there is some beautiful artwork as murals at the metro stops! Most notable are the T-Centralen (beautiful blue vine work) and Stadion (rainbow).
• Try kardemummabullar: a traditional spiced roll! Be sure to arrive early, most bakeries will sell out quickly. Trust me, they all sold out, and we ended up at 7-eleven to get some! Not the worst, but an unfortunate choice for our only morning in Stockholm
• Icebar: While the ice bar in Copenhagen may now be closed, there's one here in Stockholm if that's still of interest to you! You'll get a cozy coat/cape and gloves while you drink out of an actual ice glass as well.
• Visit the Östermalms Market Hall: known as one of the best food halls in the world, there is guaranteed to be something for everyone here!
Bergen, Norway:
• Optional Add-On Excursion: Ulriken Cable Car
Definitely do this! On hopefully a clear day, you'll get stunning views of the entire city as well as have some time to explore at the top. Of course this one is weather dependent, but I'd definitely encourage everyone to go for it.
• Try a skillingsboller: otherwise known as a traditional Norwegian cinnamon roll!
• Bryggen: another stop that you will hit on your walking tour, but I'd also encourage you to check it out without the crowds. The best shots I got were from an early morning exploring.
• Dark & Stormy: the cutest little bar we found! Inside is very elegant, but their outdoor patio (heated) has a great casual feel and is a great place to socialize with your group. (Perhaps with others, but it was fairly slow when we went, so I think it depends on the day of the week!)
• Visit Gamlehaugen: the castle in Norway belonging to the Norwegian Royal Family
• Fantoft Stave Church: one of Bergen's most recognizable sights was originally built dating back to 1150! You may have even seen its replica in Rapid City, South Dakota, U.S. I will definitely be going here on my next visit!
• 3 Kroneren Pølsebu: Hot dog stand featuring local staple: reindeer hot dogs! Tip: Get it as is with everything on it. Best and cheapest eats I had in Bergen, hands down!
• Want an escape from city living? Do the Vidden hike. At 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) one way, this moderate hike stretches from Fløyen to Ulriken. It is accessible by either hiking up or riding the cable cars at either end point. Note that weather is colder at the top of the mountains and there are few bathroom stops upon leaving the cable cars areas. As this itinerary has changed a bit, I'm unsure if one could fit this on on the day of your cable car excursion. Check with your TD for more information on this once your trip gets closer! I would also suggest waiting until day of to make a final decision -- to account for weather.
• Fjåk Chocolate Shop & Cafe: I have not yet been here, but I hear their hot chocolate is fantastic!
• Swim in a seawater pool at Nordnes Sjøbad: An adult single ticket costs 90 NOK ($8.64 USD at current exchange rate) in summertime.
• Extending your trip in Bergen? Here are some extra activities I'm considering doing myself this time around! (They would mostly take an entire day though, so not sure they'd fit into EF's itinerary alone.
• Folgefonna Glacier: This is a couple hours from Bergen, near Odda (which is also fairly close to Trolltunga, my next point of interest)!
• Hike Trolltunga: One of the most famous hikes in Norway, this is not for the faint of heart or novice hiker. From the main trailhead at P2 in Skjeggedal, the round-trip hike is 27 km (16.7 miles) with an ascent of almost 800 metres. (2,625 ft). The estimated hiking time is estimated at 8–12 hours. There is an additional trailhead that would cut off about 7km of the hike, but it is still a strenuous hike.
• See puffins: the best time to see them is June-August, but they begin arriving in spring and can sometimes stay into September. Most of their breeding locations are further north, but the closest area to Bergen is Runde Island (It's not THAT close, but the closest of the best options). Do not touch wildlife and always stay on trail. It is illegal to go off trail, as you can damage or even destroy the puffins' nests.
*Please follow Leave No Trace principles in nature! Example: pack in what you pack out, do not disturb nature by bringing things home, do not leave trash (including t.p.), do not touch wildlife or get too close, etc!
The biggest money saver I've found is to really utilize happy hours and street food. The latter may be harder to come by here, but one of my favorite meals was a reindeer hot dog out of a lone hot dog stand! Happy hours at your hotel are also not to be passed by! Easily the cheapest beers of my trip, and bonus that you get to socialize! On that note also, don't sleep in and miss out on your included breakfast.
• Zander K is the hotel we stayed at in Bergen, and I wouldn't be surprised if EFUB chose to keep this for their upgraded itinerary! It's one of the best accommodations I've had across several EF trips. It also had the best included breakfast of ANY hotel I've had on any tour.
• Are any of the buildings in Bryggen under construction? No? Maybe take a closer look!
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