Exploring Sweden: Budget and Cost Considerations for Tourists

Traveling to Sweden can be a rewarding experience, exploring its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and historical sites. Understanding the cost can help you plan your trip more effectively. Let's break down the expenses, from budget-friendly scenarios to more comfortable options.

The Comfortable Scenario

For those who want a luxurious and comfortable trip, our couple has been dreaming of such a trip to Sweden for years. Here's a detailed breakdown of what such a trip might cost:

Flight: Flying into Arlanda Airport. The cost for round-trip economy flights from London is approximately 500 Euros per person, including airport transfers. Rental Car: Renting a mid-size car, such as a Volvo V60, typically costs around 100 Euros per day. This allows for easy exploration and flexibility. Accommodations: Reserved in nice hotels along the route, at a cost of approximately 150 Euros per night, with breakfast included. Meals: Buffet lunch: Approximately 15 Euros per person. Civilized restaurant dinner with wine and three courses: 100 Euros for two people.

The total daily cost for two people in this scenario is about 400 Euros, making the two-week trip approximately 6000 Euros.

Reducing the Cost

Cost can be significantly reduced without compromising on enjoyment:

Smaller Car Rental: Renting a smaller car instead of a mid-size one can save about 50 Euros per day. Skipping Dinner: By skipping the dinner, you can reduce the daily cost by around 100 Euros. Cheapest Hotels: Choosing the cheapest possible hotel can further reduce the cost by about 50 Euros per night.

With these adjustments, you can achieve a recommended daily budget of 200 Euros, making the two-week trip approximately 3000 Euros for two people.

The Cheapest Way to Travel to Sweden

The cheapest way to travel to Sweden relies on your starting point:

Starting from Helsingor: Just hop on the ferry. You can see Sweden before you board, and you won't have to spend much. The cost is negligible, but you should note that prices might have increased since last time. Starting from Copenhagen: Take a train or bus via the bridge/tunnel. This is a bit further but quicker. Again, the cost is minimal. Starting from Turku: A ferry is a bit more expensive due to the additional distance, but you still won’t spend much. Note that prices for ferries often increase over time. Border Crossing: There are places where you can walk across the border, making the journey virtually free. However, not all borders are open all the time, so planning ahead is essential. Fiji: Flying from Fiji would be extremely expensive, making this an impractical option for most travelers.

Living as a Tourist in Sweden

Even as a tourist in Sweden, you can still save money by adjusting your lifestyle:

From Denmark: You'll need to take a boat or cross the bridge, which can cost a few Euros. From Australia: You would need to cross half the world, making the trip very expensive. Overall, 50 Euros per day can get you a comfortable stay, but with some comfort, a few hundred Euros per day may be more appropriate.

Whether you're planning a luxurious trip or trying to minimize costs, understanding the expenses will help you make the most of your visit to Sweden.