Heading north

As a Norwegian, I can only agree that Norway is very expensive to visit!

We generally regard Denmark as next most expensive and Sweden less expensive.   Not been in Finland for a while, but when we were there it was on a par with Sweden.

 Lidl, Aldi and other discount stores such as Netto are popular, though there are no Lidls or Aldis in Norway, for reasons which we have never understood.

Generally, supermarkets in Norway have good "special offers", so that can help keep costs down if what you want is on offer.

Most soft drinks and beers have a bottle or can deposit, so be sure to save and return them, note that they can only be returned in the country in which they were purchased.  Supermarket own brand drinks are much cheaper than branded, large bottles offer the best value.

Norway has been tightening up on what can be brought in due to most Norwegians spending a lot shopping in other countries, but other than alcohol and tobacco, they are unlikely to be interested in the relatively minor amounts of food that can be carried in a caravan or MH, we always stock up in Germany before going to Denmark, and in Sweden before going to Norway.

Site fees are not too bad, we have used ACSI in the past  and also paid full price in summer, ACSI is not big in Norway.  Expect to pay extra for showers in Denmark and Norway, and electricity is often metered, and expensive, in Denmark. 

You can check out site fees on the internet, Camping Sweden also has a good booking system.

For economy, forget eating out in proper restaurants, fast food and street food is not too expensive, and meals at IKEA are always good value.

Kj, are there any recommendations for local foods to sample without breaking the bank? Cakes, cheese, fish, anything really. 

The best French onion soup I’ve ever tasted was in the Esso Motel in Stavanger 

Ah we'll be seeing Stavanger, but not the motel!. Strange isn't it where memorable tasty food appears. 

We've had some wonderful North sea fish in Germany so I wondered what Norwegian specialities might be on offer. 

It is some time since I toured Norway but as I recall fish was not expensive although most of it was frozen.

peedee

Yes, the fish is usually very good, the fish market in Bergen is very famous, lots to choose from, the fresh  prawns are always tasty.

We do have some fish specialities, whether they would appeal is another matter........ Boknafisk is part air dried cod , which is then boiled and eaten with potatoes and bacon fat........cold cooked salmon is eaten with chives, sour cream and boiled potatoes......marinated herrings done in vinegar, sugar and lots of onions.

Fenalaar is leg of mutton, salted and dried, then thinly sliced to serve in a sandwich, reindeer and elk meat make delicious stews, and roast pork is very popular.

Kjottkaker are traditional pork and beef meat cakes, and generally an inexpensive meal, served with a creamy gravy and boiled potatoes.

If you like cheese, try the Jarlsberg, also widely available in UK of course, but one you will not find so easily here is Brun Ost or Geit Ost, traditionally a sweet brown coloured goats cheese, but nowadays often made with cows milk, there are several varieties available under different names.  The real goat milk ones are the most expensive.

Cakes........all sorts of cakes are very popular, Blotkake is traditionally made with fat free sponge layers called sukkerbrod, layered with fruit and vaniljecrem, and coated with fresh cream decorated with yet more fruit....delicious!

Then of course you must try the traditional Norwegian waffle.....always heart shaped and served with fruit "jams" or cheese.

Thanks very much Kj, I am looking forward to these things. Waffles here I come ! (Might avoid the cod but I love herrings.)  I will write it all down as I'll probably lose track of the posts. 

Sweden

2 years ago our daughter, whilst at university and studying International Business and Economics,

Partly swung with Brexit on the radar 'opted' to study in Sweden for 6 months -

WOW - quite apart from the eye watering prices for 'everything'        At the same time we were paying for her UK accommodation - for a direct comparison this was just under half of that in Sweden and Sweden included a small university uplift grant.  Quite simply what a country in every respect!

She attended Halmstad university with a 2 week break half way through her stay - we opted for a 2 week driving visit.

Now, having travelled all over Europe - having been stationed in Germany with the RAF for over 12 years - some of the costs, even by our standards came a little surprise.

Looking through rose tinted glasses 'the' Scandinavian way of living appears hard to fault - from their balanced working life through to their home life - BUT all this comes at a cost.

For us Sweden is the only country we've come across where by to 'spend a penny' - you pay using your Barcleycard!! - even when located in the high street.

We also took in whistle stop tours of Gothenburg and Stockholm - both cities quite amazing in their own separate ways - but both having the same 'common denominator - respective costs/expenses -

If you can get over these and don't keep comparing like for like - after day 3 we just gave up, you have to eat, live or what's the point in going if your not going to experience the local 'stuff' - So we decided to just wait for the credit card bill to hit the floor mat upon our return to home!!!

As previously mentioned - for an evening meal for 3 adults on average we paid around the £150 mark - a typical meal being chicken, chips, a salad each and 3 small beers.

Last night we went for fresh fish and a bottle of wine - that added another twelve to fifteen pounds per head, call it £200 for round figures - the restaurant was packed!!.

My suggestion - prepare well, go, enjoy, experience - be prepared to pay the prices or don't bother going and stay just in Germany.

We live here:

https://www.visitnordsjaelland.dk/nordsjaelland/oplevelser