Getting There
My trip planning started as a joke and quickly became the best impulse purchase I've ever made. My sorority sister and I joked about running away to Europe, and by May we had bought roundtrip tickets to Stockholm, Sweden for Dec. 26 to make the most of the 2-weeks of vacation we get from university.
Using Expedia, we found round-trip tickets for $500 each. These tickets were much cheaper at this time of year due to it being freezing and snowy, however, you can't expect anything else from some of the northernmost countries in the world.
Despite the winter weather, we didn't face any delays or issues flying with Lufthansa. Nor were we given any issues with carrying on our backpacks and personal items without paying for additional baggage.
I hope in this guide you can find some guidance on where and how to start planning you trip or ideas for a trip already in the works!
College or University Student?
Unbeknownst to us Expedia has a student program in which discounted flights and hotels are offered for students with valid IDs.
Learn more here: https://www.expedia.com/student-travel-discounts
Game Plan
Itinerary
Travel Day 1-2: US -> Stockholm Arlanda
Day 2-3: Stockholm
Day 3-5: Oslo, Norway
Day 5-7: Dublin, Ireland
Day 7-9: Berlin, Germany
Day 9-10: Prague, Czechia
Day 10-12: Copenhagen, Denmark
Travel Day 12-13: Copenhagen -> Stockholm Arlanda -> US
Packing List
While what all you require depends on who you are and the adventures you plan to have, traveling in the winter required a little more preparation. Attached below is a list of my most critical items on this trip.
Backpack with Storage and Organization: With backpacking comes a tight squeeze. I purchased this backpack (https://www.amazon.com /gp/product/B0BNMBBZBN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1) from Amazon which was expandable with a variety of pockets. This kept all my stuff organized as well as caused no issues in travel (I did pay for a carry-on on Ryanair). The zippers are good quality, but I also backed them up with some mini-bag locks for peace of mind.
Water-Proof Boots: The streets of Scandinavian cities are full of slush and ice, while Western Europe faces heavy rain this time of year. In both regions, a pair of boots which didn't leave my feet soaked and freezing was crucial. I chose the ones linked here (https://www.amazon.com/gp/ product/B0CCJZX796/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) from SODA and was more than able to walk 15+ miles a day in as my only pair of shoes throughout the entire trip.
Universal Travel Adapter: Necessary for any international travel, this adapter (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075KLHMJT/ ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1) was perfect for use in all visited regions and allowed for charging of multiple devices at a time, as well as featured a USB-C port.
Travel and Border Considerations
Between countries we took both trains and flights (via Ryanair). From a travel ease perspective, the trains allowed for downtime between countries and a place to sleep on nights we traveled rather than spending on a hotel. Since trains lack the same security as airports, it made our quick traveling in and out a lot easier.
In regard to the flights, we both had American passports which made the border control process quite easy. Accompanied with the fact we were students; we didn't run into many issues at border control and didn't need any sort of visas.
If you expect to travel past 2024, be sure to do prior research on the changes coming to the visa and entry requirements for the US in the coming year. If you do not hold an American or Schengen passport, be sure to research what forms, approvals, or additional documentation may be required of you.
Breakdowns by Country
Stockholm, Sweden
Free Walking Tour Stockholm
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This tour will introduce you to the sites and buildings of Gamla Stan (Old Stockholm). The guides are informative and provide great recommendations to eat, drink, and visit during your trip. The tour ends outside of several small places which sell coffee, pastries, and my personal favorite, mulled wine. These tours are free to register, however, operate on a tip what you want basis!
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Meatballs for the People
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If looking for authentic Swedish meatballs, this is your spot! They offered a wide variety of meatballs (including but not limited to vegetarian, bear, and reindeer). It gets quite busy so be sure to get there early or order take-out ahead!
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Skansen
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I didn't get to visit this park due to the cold, snowy weather, however, if came highly recommended from guides I interacted with.
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Oslo, Norway
Jul i vinterland
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Christmas markets in Norway begin as early as November and stretch to the end of December. Featuring rides, food, vendors, and an ice-skating rink. There's something for everyone. The diverse food selection made it perfect for meals each day without ever getting the same thing.
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Nobel Prize Museum
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The Nobel Prize Museum is a quick-stop with a large impact. The collection exhibits the history of the award, recipients, and a rotating exhibit. At the time of my visit, the rotating exhibit focused on women's activism which I much enjoyed!
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The Royal Palace
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Go at 1:10 to see the changing of the guards and walk the grounds up to the palace.
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Akershus Fortress
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This historical site is a cool visit for a quick walkthrough. If looking for more of an adventure, visit early in the morning and enter by wrapping down the docks past the shipyard to see the sunrise, then walk from behind up to the site.
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Dublin, Ireland
Mulligan and Haines
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A high energy, 2-story pub with a variety of pints.
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O'Sheas Restaurant
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A nice, quaint restaurant off of Temple Bar. Looking for a cheap, good meal after seeing the iconic Temple Bar? O'Shea's is for you.
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National Museum Of Ireland
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A mid-size museum housed in a beautiful building. Stand-outs in this museum are the infamous "bog bodies" and the Viking collections.
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Irish Whiskey Museum
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Featuring a tour on the history of whiskey with a tasting at the end, this museum had personable and knowledgeable guides and an all-around wonderful experience. The whiskey tasting at the end applied facts learned on the tour to the flavors and notes so you can find your own whiskey preference!
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Berlin, Germany
Wall Museum - Checkpoint Charlie
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This museum has so much content. From relics of the wall to relics of modern conflict, this museum keeps current with the events currently to pass while also providing a history of the Berlin Wall. A must visit for any history buff. The shear amount of stuff was slightly overwhelming; I spent hours in the museum and still missed entire rooms. Don't shy away from exploring as much or as little as you want.
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Berlin Wall Memorial
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A sobering reminder to the impact of the wall and the people lost in attempting escape.
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Topography of Terror
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The outdoor exhibit to this museum provides a timeline of WWII and the atrocities committed in a rise to power. Inside, more accounts of the people lost, and perpetrators are provided in large detail.
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Augustiner am Gendarmenmarkt
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Great food, great beer! The sauerkraut was delicious, and a must eat is looking for affordable, traditional German food.
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Prague, Czechia
Museum of Communism
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As a museum fanatic, this museum offered a wide display of artifacts and learning. Providing a perspective of the history of Czechia and it's experience with communism, this museum is enlightening into the effects of communism on community and country. A large museum, give yourself time to work through the multitude of rooms.
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Prague Christmas Market
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Taking place from the beginning of December to January each year, the Prague Christmas market is a must-see display of food, crafts, and culture. Be sure to try the chimney cakes and warm mead!
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Charles Bridge
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Walking across the bridge leads to a whole new view of the city and winding streets to explore filled with food and shops.
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Prague Astronomical Clock
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Arguably the most iconic landmark in Prague, the clock tends to be busy during the day and early evening. For uninterrupted view and photos, go early in the morning before shops open!
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Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
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This tour will introduce you to the sites and buildings of Copenhagen including all the palaces and royal residence you can imagine. The guides are informative and provide historical context to the history of the oldest (newest) cities in the world. The tour ends in the center of the royal residences, a street away from the iconic Nyhavn. These tours are free to register, however, operate on a tip what you want basis!
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Amalienborg
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In the streets leading up to the palace, the changing of the guards at noon each day is accompanied with music. Stand-by to watch the change or listen to the band from streets away!
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Nyhavn
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An iconic walk of Copenhagen, this harbor features colorful buildings and a variety of restaurants making it perfect for a stroll.
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Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
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An impressive collection, this fine arts museum boasts paintings, but more impressively, rooms upon rooms of sculptures such as Perseus Slaying Medusa. The Egyptian exhibit also features recovered sarcophagus. Even for less avid art lovers, the breathtaking garden in the center of the building is worth the entrance.
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Looping Back
The beauty of European countries is the railways. Taking advantage of these can make your travel a breeze and reduce your carbon footprint. To return for our departure flight in Stockholm, we took an overnight train from Copenhagen to Stockholm. At $45, it wasn't luxurious, but it got us to Stockholm Central with plenty of time before our flight and eliminated our need for a hotel overnight.
TL; DR
Each country has so many sites and experiences to offer. If traveling in the winter, lookout for historic Christmas markets which will provide fresh, authentic food and handmade crafts/goods. Furthermore, taking advantage of free walking tours is a great way to get acquainted with the city and historical context.
The pace, activities, and eateries of your trip should fit your needs and desired experience. Taking a break to grab a coffee and a pastry is never a bad idea. Don't skip over the bakeries...some of the best pastries I've ever had were things I couldn't pronounce.
Happy adventuring!
Looking for personalized recommendations or trip planning? Contact me for information and pricing!
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