Early Aug or Late Sep visit
Dec 30, 2016, 7:38 am
#1
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Join Date: May 2002
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Early Aug or Late Sep visit
I'm in the very early stages of planning a trip to the Nordic Countries. (any and all tips welcome)
I remember when I went to Europe in September, there were plenty of places that were packed with people. How would a visit in Aug vs. Sept compare? Crowd wise, would a September visit (21st) be much better? I know the temps will be cooler but I'd rather put on a jacket than deal with crowds.
Secondly, is there a particular time (like many places in Europe) that a lot of places are shut down because it's the time when everyone goes on holiday?
Thanks
I remember when I went to Europe in September, there were plenty of places that were packed with people. How would a visit in Aug vs. Sept compare? Crowd wise, would a September visit (21st) be much better? I know the temps will be cooler but I'd rather put on a jacket than deal with crowds.
Secondly, is there a particular time (like many places in Europe) that a lot of places are shut down because it's the time when everyone goes on holiday?
Thanks
Dec 30, 2016, 1:43 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 67
Generally, the nordic countries doesn't shut down during holidays. However, early august would be the time when school kids are still on summer leave and parents are on vacation so expect a bit more crowding at beaches, at outdoor bars etc.
I don't think it would make much different which of the two times you chose. Early aug will be the beginning of the best part of nordic summer, late september would mean lower temperatures and more darkness.
If you're going very far north (as in the northern parts of Sweden and Norway) I'd suggest august because of the amount of sun you'd get.
In any event, welcome!
I don't think it would make much different which of the two times you chose. Early aug will be the beginning of the best part of nordic summer, late september would mean lower temperatures and more darkness.
If you're going very far north (as in the northern parts of Sweden and Norway) I'd suggest august because of the amount of sun you'd get.
In any event, welcome!
Dec 30, 2016, 4:55 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 536
Actually late September is one of the best times to visit Lapland as there are autumn colors and mosquitoes plaguing the northern summers are mostly gone. It won't be warm but not yet freezing either. For the southern part of the Nordics I'd say August is better because of the weather. I don't think tourist crowds are big problem anywhere in the Nordics.
Dec 31, 2016, 4:21 pm
#5
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After mid-August when the schools start, many venues may already close for the winter or have more limited opening times. OTOH since July is the most important vacation month, things have already somewhat calmed down.
I generally refrain from giving these kind of advice as YMMV, but on this question the answer is IMO August.
I generally refrain from giving these kind of advice as YMMV, but on this question the answer is IMO August.
Jan 19, 2017, 6:02 pm
#6
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I visited Stockholm this year in the first half of September. It seemed an ideal time - hotel prices had come down as it was no longer peak season, but the temperature was still nice and the crowds were lighter than they would have been a few weeks earlier.