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Argentina travel guide

Top Ski Destinations in Argentina

If you’re looking for unforgettable ski packages as part of a vacation, the slopes of Europe are among the best in the world, but you also shouldn’t overlook Argentina.  Here are the top ski destinations:

Bariloche, Argentina—most people don’t think of the Southern Hemisphere as a skiing hotspot, but the Andes mountains are the second-highest range in the world!  The actual skiing is at nearby Cerro Catedral, but the town of Bariloche is where you’ll settle between hitting the slopes.

Photo by Andre Charland

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Sweden Things to Do

Sweden in May

May starts to see warm weather and the locals welcome it with a summer-like picnic on Labor Day (May 1). The wildflowers are in bloom and it’s wonderful to visit the countryside. Also, many summer activities start to open but you can still take advantage o the off-season fares.

Weather

The month of May is much prettier than the Swedish summer because all the wildflowers burst into bloom now. The weather is getting warmer , but you must pack a light jacket for the day and a warmer one for the evenings. Layering is probably the best approach for spring weather. Don’t forget the comfortable shoes.

Sample temperatures

Gothenburg avg high 15C/60F; avg low 6C/44F
Malmo avg high 15C/60F; avg low 6C/44F
Stockholm avg high 15C/60C; avg low 5C/41F
Uppsala avg temp 9C/48F

>>read more about Weather in Sweden

Flights and accommodation

May falls during the off season, so finding an affordable flight to Sweden is possible. However, please remember to book both the flight and accommodation in advance, although prices aren’t as high as during the summer.

Things to do

The month kicks off with Labor Day (May 1) , a public holiday celebrated with festivals and parades. It’s a day when the locals plan a summer-like picnic.

The best thing about May is that most of the summer activities are open – except for the scenic train rides – and the nature is absolutely amazing as the wildflowers are in bloom. It’s too cold though to consider camping or spending time on the beach – unless you plan to have a picnic – but otherwise you can enjoy other activities, such as: fishing, hiking, diving, biking, golfing or horse riding.

Spend some time in the capital and try some of the things to do here, such as: exploring the Old Town , watching the changing of the guard and spending time in the parks. You can also plan a day trip to the islands of the Stockholm Archipelago.

In late May, catch the Stockholm Archipelago Fair, an outdoor event with Swedish food and music. You can also buy traditional handicrafts.

By the last week of May, in Bjoürkliden, it’s possible to see one of the most impressive natural phenomenons in Sweden: the Midnight Sun. It is the exact opposite of the Polar Nights –hence is also known also as Polar Days – and it can only be seen from late May until mid July. Unfortunately, by May, it’s not possible to see the Aurora Borealis anymore.

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Sweden Things to Do

Sweden in August

Warm days, music festivals, outdoor activities – that’s Sweden in August. You can visit the cities, too but don’t be surprised to find some cultural venues closed unless there’s a special event taking place. However, traveling to Sweden in August also means the flights are expensive, so plan accordingly.

Weather

August offers pleasant weather , with warm, sunny days. But remember to pack a sweater for the evenings and nights out. The weather is great for exploring the outdoors and taking scenic rides. Short sleeves are perfect during the day and don’t forget the comfortable shoes.

Sample temperatures

Gothenburg avg high 18C/66F; avg low 12C/55F
Malmo avg high 20C/68F; avg low 12C/55F
Stockholm avg high 20C/68C; avg low 11C/53F
Uppsala avg temp 15C/59F

>>read more about Weather in Sweden

Flights and accommodation

August is another popular month to visit Sweden, thanks to being able to explore the outdoors and attend festivals. However, flights to Sweden are expensive and booking in advance doesn’t solve the problem all the time. On the plus side, many hotels offer discounts, so accommodation won’t always break the budget. Make sure to book the flight and hotel / hostel in advance.

Things to do

While locals tend to abandon the cities and go to the countryside to relax, travelers can experience the less crowded cities at a leisure pace. Some of the things to do in Stockholm include spending time in the Old Town , watching the changing of the guard and exploring the parks . You can also plan a day trip to the islands of the Stockholm Archipelago or soak up the sun on the two city beaches.

Also in early August, you can watch the Stockholm Pride, the largest GLBT event in Scandinavia.

Another interesting event takes place in mid-August in Växjö: The Emigration Festival. It focuses on the country’s most popular emigration area. Visiting the House of Migrants adds more historical facts to this interesting mix of cultures. Växjö can be easily reached both from Gothenburg and Malmo.

And while you are in the area, don’t miss the The Way Out West Festival in Gothenburg, taking place each year in mid-August. It’s not a very old music festival but it’s been called one of the best of its kind in Europe.

Summer is also the best time to enjoy nature and try activities such as: fishing, hiking, diving, biking, golfing, scenic train or boat trips and horse riding. You can also enjoy water sports.

A scenic ride on the Lapland train is an excellent way to see the country. The train runs from Malmö in Sweden to Narvik in Norway and takes you across the Arctic Circle. While in August you cannot see the Midnight Sun anymore, visiting this part of the world is an amazing adventure any time of the year. The single fare for the entire length of the journey is 799 SEK / €90. Youth (under 26) and pensioners get 15% discount. Interrail and Eurail cards are valid for travel on the Lapland train.

Another interesting scenic ride is on the Islandsbanan which runs from Kristinehamn to Gällivare. The train operates between middle of June and the end of August. You can create your own itinerary as it’s possible to hop on/off the train as it makes some stops along its round. The Inland Railway Card is a great options for those planning the trip independently. Some examples of single fares are: Kristinehamn – Mora 306 SEK / €34; Östersund – Gällivare 962 SEK / €107.

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Sweden Transportation

Getting from Gothenburg to Stockholm

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden, a university city which offers plenty of museums , an interesting hilltop fortification , historical buildings and parks.

Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and a major transportation hub. It’s scenic, located on 14 islands and offers plenty of things to do and see.

Summary

If you cannot score a cheap high speed train ticket – either by booking in advance or by getting a student/youngster discount – then the buses and regional trains are the best options. Airfare is not very high either, but you also need to take into account the transfer to/from the airport.

Flights from Gothenburg (airport code: GOT) to Stockholm

Gothenburg is served by two airports, but Landvetter Airport (GOT) is the main airport and the one operating flights to/from Stockholm. It is located 25 km from the city center, to which it’s connected by bus. It is hub for the following airlines: City Airline, Scandjet and TUIfly Nordic.

Stockholm is served by four airports but only two operate flights to/from Gothenburg:

  • Arlanda Airport (ARN): it is the main international airport serving Stockholm, located 37 km from the city center, to which it’s connected by express rail, regular rail, express buses, regular buses and taxis. It is hub for many airlines including: Norwegian Air Shuttle, Scandinavian Airlines and TUIfly Nordic. Flights to/from Gothenburg are operated by Norwegian Air Shuttle and Scandinavian Airlines.
  • Bromma Airport (BMA) : it is a small airport serving Stockholm, located just 10 km from the city center, to which it’s connected by buses. It is not hub for any airline. Flights to/from Gothenburg are operated by Malmö Aviation.

In mid-July 2012, expect to pay from €31 one way on Norwegian Air Shuttle, flying between Stockholm Arlanda and Landvetter Airport. The travel time is 55 min. A return flight during the same time of the year starts at €61 on the same airline. By mid-October 2012, expect to pay from €42 one way (same route). Remember that when you fly low-cost carriers, it’s cheaper to buy the ticket 4 to 8 weeks before departure.

>>book a flight to Sweden

Trains from Gothenburg to Stockholm

SJ operates high speed trains, intercity trains and regional trains between the two cities. The high speed trains depart Stockholm daily at 8:10 a.m., 9:21 a.m. , 10:10 a.m., 12:10 p.m. , 2:10 p.m., 4:10 p.m and 6:10 p.m. The single fare starts at 316 SEK / €35.22 but depend on the time of departure and how far in advance you purchase the ticket. The travel time on the high speed train is 3h 15 min.

The single fare on the regional train is 335 SEK / €37.34 regardless when you travel (time of the day). The travel time on the regional train is 4 h 50 min.

On the way back, the single fare on the high speed train can cost as little as 145 SEK / €16.16 (because you are booking in advance) and do depend on the time of the day when you travel. The first high speed train departs Gothenburg at 5:07 a.m. daily.

Note: Remember to run the search between Göteborg and Stockholm (although when you type the name in English, the site automatically writes it in Swedish)

>>read more about Train Travel in Sweden

Buses from Gothenburg to Stockholm

The following bus companies operate between the two cities:

  • Swebus Express : operates 7 direct buses per day, with departures from Gothenburg between 7:50 a.m. and 11:15 pm . The travel time is between 7 h and 7 ½ h. The single adult fare starts at 359 SEK / €40 and depends on the day and time of travel. On the way back, catch the buses from Stockholm between 8:05 a.m. and 10:45 p.m.
  • GoByBus and Bus4You : together they operate 3 buses from Gothenburg (Göteborg Nils Ericson Terminal) to Stockholm and 9 buses on the way back. Buses depart Gothenburg at 7:40 a.m. , 10 a.m. and 12:25 p.m. The adult fare starts at 419 SEK / €46.70 and depends on the time of the day when you travel. The travel time is between 6h 15 min and 6 ½ h. On the way back, the cheapest fare is 379 SEK / €42.25 and you can catch buses between 7:50 a.m. and 5:30 p.m daily from Stockholm (Cityterminalen).

>>read more about Bus Travel in Sweden

Driving from Gothenburg to Stockholm

You can certainly rent a car and drive the 471 km (shortest route) between Gothenburg and Stockholm. The travel time is about 5 h 10 min on Route 40 and E4. There’s a slightly longer route on E20, which takes about 5h 45 min.

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Sweden Things to Do

Sweden in July

Summer is the most popular time to visit Sweden, thanks to the warm temperatures. Early summer – including July – is famous for the natural phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun, the reason for which both locals and travelers visit Northern Sweden. You can also plan to do some sightseeing in the cities, explore nature or try your luck at various sports.

Weather

Sweden’s climate is hard to classify because it is influenced by the Gulf Stream. The country has a lot of sunny days but it never gets hot in the summer. July is the warmest month , making summer – June to August – the best time to visit the country.

The cafes, most attractions and museums are open. However, the major cultural venues are closed during summer, unless there’s a festival or special event. Most locals and tourists flock to the north of Sweden to see the Midnight Sun. It is the exact opposite of the Polar Nights – known also as Polar Days – and they only occur in early summer (May to July). Even in the South, daylight can last until 11 p.m. and the sun rises around 3 a.m. Although the daylight lasts almost through the night, it’s not as warm as during midday, so bring a sweater.

Sample temperatures

Gothenburg avg high 19C/67F; avg low 12/55F
Kiruna – excellent to see the Polar Days: avg high 17C/63F; avg low 7C/46F
Malmo avg high 20C/68F; avg low 12C/55F
Stockholm avg high 21C/70C; avg low 12C/54F
Uppsala avg temp 16C/60F

>>read more about Weather in Sweden

Flights and accommodation

Summer – and July makes no exception – is the most expensive time to fly to Sweden. It’s high season and finding an affordable flight is impossible. To compensate, hotels have some discounts now. Do make sure to book the flights and accommodation in advance.

Things to do

Summer is the time when locals abandon the cities and go to the countryside to relax and reconnect with nature (at least for a week). If you don’t like crowds , now it’s the time to visit the cities. However, certain cultural venues might be closed unless there’s a festival or special event taking place.

The things to do in Stockholm include exploring the Old Town , watching the changing of the guard and spending time in nature. You can also plan a day trip to the islands of the Stockholm Archipelago or enjoy the two city beaches.

But the reason travelers come to Sweden in early summer is the Midnight Sun. Also known as Polar Days, the natural phenomenon is the exact opposite of the Polar Nights. The further north you go, the shorter the nights are and in some places the sun never sets (for up to 6 weeks). Even in the south part of Sweden, the suns sets around 11 p.m. only to rise again at 3 a.m. In early July, head to Bjoürkliden, Abisko, Kiruna or Gällivare to catch a glimpse of this phenomenon. All these places can be easily reached by public transportation.

You can take a scenic ride on the Lapland train , which runs from Malmö in Sweden to Narvik in Norway. It takes you across the Arctic Circle so you can experience the Midnight Sun. The single fare for the entire length of the journey is 799 SEK / €90. Youth (under 26) and pensioners get 15% discount. Interrail and Eurail cards are valid for travel on the Lapland train.

Summer is also the best time to enjoy nature and participate in activities such as: fishing, hiking, diving, biking, golfing, scenic train or boat trips , horse riding or trying water sports. Camping in one of the national parks is a lovely way to experience nature.

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Sweden Transportation

Getting from Stockholm to Helsinki

Scandinavia is a superb area in Northern Europe, offering plenty of things to do. Many travelers prefer to visit all of the Scandinavian countries during a single trip, which means there’s the need to find the best rates for getting between the cities (and mostly between the capitals).

Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, a picturesque city located on 14 islands and offering plenty of things to do, whether you look for history, nature, nightlife or shopping.

Helsinki is the capital of Finland, rebuilt by the Russians along the lines of a miniature St. Petersburg. It still has a small town feel but it’s actually an international metropolis. The best time to visit is during summer. Don’t miss visiting the Suomenlinna Fortress, the “Gibraltar of the North”, which used to be one of the greatest sea fortresses in the Baltic Sea.

Summary

The only viable options for traveling between Stockholm and Helsinki are the ferries and the planes. Take into account the transfer fares (to/from the airports; to/from the ferry terminals) when you compare the fares. Overall, a deck seat in the summer might be the cheapest option.

Flights from Stockholm (airport code: ARN) to Helsinki

Helsinki is served by the modern Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport (HEL), which handles both domestic and international travel. It is located 20 km from the capital, to which it’s connected by buses and taxis. The airport is hub for many airlines including: Air Finland, Blue1, Finnair, Flybe Nordic, Norwegian Air Shuttle and TUIfly Nordic.

Stockholm is served by four airports, but only two of them operate flights to/from Helsinki:

  • Arlanda Airport (ARN) , which is the main international airport serving Stockholm. It is located 37 km from the city, to which it’s connected by express rail, regular rail, express buses, regular buses and taxis. It is hub for many airlines including: Norwegian Air Shuttle, Scandinavian Airlines and TUIfly Nordic. Flights to/from Helsinki are operated by Blue1, Finnair and Norwegian Air Shuttle.
  • Bromma Airport (BMA) is a small airport serving Stockholm, located just 10 km from the city center, to which it’s connected by buses. It is not hub for any airline. Flights to/from Helsinki are operated by Finnair ( Flybe Nordic).

For flights in mid-July 2012, the cheapest ticket is offered by Norwegian Air Shuttle, flying between Arlanda and Helsinki. The single fare is €32 and the flight time is 55 min. A return flight during the same period starts at €70 (Finnair). By mid-October flights get a bit more expensive, the single fare starting at €42 on Norwegian Air Shuttle.

>>book a flight to Sweden

Trains and ferries from Stockholm to Helsinki

Just look at the map and you’ll see there are no direct train connections between the two cities. However, you can travel by ferry and train.

There are three possibilities to get by train and ferry between the two cities and all requite a stop along the way (in Turku satama). The travel time is between 13h and 14 h. They are listed by Obb Scotty , but tickets cannot be purchased online.

Buses from Stockholm to Helsinki

Buses aren’t a viable option either. There would be a possibility to mix train and bus, going via Luleå or Boden, then to Haparanda or Kemi, before continuing further to Helsinki. Still, unless you want to see more of the country, the travel times are long and it’s not a good option.

By ferry

There’s the possibility to take the ferry between the two cities. Viking Line operates a direct ferry every day between Stockholm and Helsinki. It departs Stockholm at 4:45 p.m. and Helsinki at 5:30 p.m. every day. The travel time is 16 h and 15 min.

During the cold time of the year (September to May) you need to book both a passenger ticket and cabin. The passenger fare is €40 one way for travel between Saturday and Thursday and €70 for travel on Friday. The economy cabin is €21 one way per person from Saturday to Thursday and €48 on Friday.

During summer, the passenger fare is €50 one way every day of the week. In the summer, there are also some dock seats sold (passenger fare only). The economy cabin is €47 one way per person every day.

Driving from Stockholm to Helsinki

You can rent a car and travel by road and ferry between Stockholm and Helsinki. There are two routes, one through Sweden, the Åland Islands (Finland) and Finland mainland; and the other through Sweden , Estonia and Finland. In either case you’ll be traveling through countries which are part of the Schengen area, so you won’t pay any surcharges when you rent the car; however, make sure to let the car rental agency know which countries you plan to cross and ask whether it’s possible to do that.

Both routes take about the same time and involve ferry crossings and toll roads. Viking Lines operates ferries between Helsinki and Stockholm. During summer the price for crossing with a car is €74 one way (€45 the rest of the year). Add the passenger fare and cabin fare to the car price, too. Packages for car and 2-4 adults are also available. The ferry departs Helsinki once a day, at 5:30 p.m. and arrives in Stockholm at 9:45 a.m.; on the way back, catch the ferry from Stockholm at 4:45 p.m. every day.

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Sweden Transportation

Getting from Oslo to Stockholm

Many travelers choose to visit the capitals of the Scandinavian countries during a single trip. That’s means, they fly into one of the major airports – typically the one which the cheapest fares offered – and then travel between the countries by land.

Oslo is the capital and the largest city in Norway. It’s known as the most expensive city in the world to love in (and visit). So saving some money while visiting is something everybody is looking to do. There are a lot of interesting buildings to visit while here and when you decide the city has offered enough, you can always plan a walk in the forest.

Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, a very picturesque town located on 14 islands. There are a lot of things to do here, such as visiting museums, spending time in nature or exploring the shopping opportunities.

Summary

The buses are the cheapest way – from €25.50 one way – to get between Oslo and Stockholm, but pay attention to companies (some are more expensive than trains!). Trains aren’t very expensive either but the fares depend on how far in advance you purchase the ticket (you can easily get away with fares from €36 one way). If you fly outside the high season , it’s possible to find cheap flights – from €39 one way – but you also need to add the cost of transfer to/from the airport.

Flights from Oslo (airport code: OSL) to Stockholm

Oslo is served by three airports, but the flights to/from Stockholm are operated only from Gardermoen Airport (OSL). This is the main airport serving Norway’s capital and is the second busiest in Scandinavia. It is located 35km from the capital, to which it’s connected by express train, regular train and buses. The airport is hub for many airlines, including: Scandinavian Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia and TUIfly Nordic.

Stockholm is served by four airports, but only two of them handle flights to/from Oslo:

  • Arlanda Airport (ARN): is located 37 km north of the city and is the largest airport in Sweden. It is hub for many airlines including: Nextjet, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Scandinavian Airlines and TUIfly Nordic. It is connected to the city by express train, regular train and buses. Flights to/from Oslo are operated by Norwegian Air Shuttle and Scandinavian Airlines.
  • Bromma Airport (BMA): is a smaller airport, located just 10 km from the city center , to which is connected by express and regular bus. It is not hub for any airline but low cost carriers prefer to use this airport. Flights to/from Oslo are operated by Flybe Nordic.

It’s slightly cheaper to fly into Arlanda than into Bromma (not considering the additional baggage taxes, for example). The flight time is 1 h and, in late June 2012, expect to pay from €55 one way to Arlanda on Norwegian and from €59 one way to Bromma on Flybe. The cheapest return flight would be €96 in late June but fly into Arlanda and out of Bromma.

By mid-October 2012, it’s much cheaper to fly into Bromma. Single fares start at €39 on Flybe, while return flights start at €81 (fly in/out of Bromma).

>>book a flight to Sweden

Trains from Oslo to Stockholm

SJ – the largest Swedish train operator – offers two direct trains per day between Oslo and Stockholm. The trains depart Oslo at 7:25 a.m. and 3:49 p.m. daily and the single non-refundable fare is 325 SEK / €36. On the way back catch the first train from Oslo at 8:25 a.m. and the last at 12:21 p.m. The single non-refundable fare starts at 213 SEK / €23.70 but it does depend on how much in advance you purchase the ticket. The travel time is between 5h 40 min and 6 h 7 min. Connecting trains (with a change along the way) are also available but not worth it.

Buses from Oslo to Stockholm

The following bus companies offer direct links between the two cities:

  • Swebus : offers 5 departures per day , out of which 3 are direct. Buses leave Stockholm at 8:45 a.m. , 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m. , 10:30 pm. and 10:45 p.m. The single non-refundable fare starts at 199 SEK / €22.10 on the connecting bus; and 229 SEK / €25.50 on the direct bus. The travel time is between 7 h 30 min and 8 h for the direct buses. On the way back, catch the direct buses from Oslo at 8:45 a.m., 1 pm. and 10 p.m. The same fare applies.
  • GobyBus and Bus4You operate , together, 2 buses per day from Oslo, departing at 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 am . The travel time is 10 h and 12 h 25 min respectively. The single fare is 649 SEK / €72.20 for an adult. On the way back, catch the bus from Stockholm at 7:50 a.m. The single fare is 799 SEK / €89.

Driving from Oslo to Stockholm

You can rent a car and drive the 523 km between the two cities. Although Norway is not part of the European Union, both Norway and Sweden are part of the Schengen area, so taking a rental car across the border should imply paying surcharges. However, make sure to ask the rental company whether you are allowed to cross the border.

The travel time is about 6 ½ h and the route has tolls.

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Sweden Transportation

Getting from Copenhagen to Oslo

Many tourists choose to visit all the Scandinavian capitals during a single trip; which means they also need to get between them fast, easy and cheap. Getting between Copenhagen – Denmark’s capital – and Oslo – Norway’s capital – by land requires you to cross Sweden, which means you can also plan to spend some time here.

Copenhagen is well known for its nightlife, cultural scene , shopping opportunities and museums. It’s a lively city and a pleasure to visit.

Oslo is the third largest city in Scandinavia and is the most expensive city in the world to live in (and visit). There are interesting buildings to visit and museums to check out. Spend some time in the parks or take a walk in the forest.

Summary

The cheapest option to travel between the two capitals is the bus. Tickets start around €40 one way (cheaper for those under 30 years old). Trains are more expensive and they also take about 8 h to travel between the two cities.

Flights from Copenhagen (airport code: CPH) to Oslo

Copenhagen is served by Kastrup Airport (CPH) , which is the main international airport serving the capital of Denmark. It is located only 8 km from the city center and is hub for many airlines, including: Norwegian Air Shuttle, Scandinavian Airlines, Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia and TUIfly Nordic. The easiest to get to/from the airport is by train.

Olso is served by three airports but most flight from Copenhagen land on Gardermoen Airport (OSL) , which is the main airport serving Norway’s capital. It is hub for many airlines, including Scandinavian Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia and TUIfly Nordic. High speed trains, regular trains and buses are available to get to/from the airport. Flights to Gardermoen from Copenhagen are operated by Norwegian Air Shuttle and Scandinavian Airlines.

Starting with July 2012, there are also flights from Copenhagen to Moss Airport, Rygge (RYG) , which is also an international airport, but it’s preferred by low cost carriers. It is located 60 km from the capital , to which is connected by trains and buses. It is hub for Ryanair. Flights to Rygge from Copenhagen are operated only by Danish Air Transport).

The flight from Copenhagen to Gardermoen takes 1h 15 min and the single fares start at €62 in late June 2012 (on Norwegian). A return flight during the same period starts at €135. The same fares apply in mid-October 2012, too.

Trains from Copenhagen to Oslo

Both SJ – the largest train operator in Sweden – and Bahn.de – the German train operator – list the train between the two cities, but only on SJ you can find the prices , too.

There are 5 departures from Copenhagen per day which require only a change along the way (in Göteborg / Gothenburg, Sweden). The total travel time is about 8 h and the single non-refundable fare is 816 SEK / €90.70. Trains leave Copenhagen at 5:32 a.m. , 6:32 a.m., 8:32 a.m, 11:32 a.m. and 1:32 p.m.

On the way back from Oslo, you can catch two of the day trains (with one change along the way) at 7 a.m. or 1 p.m. The single non-refundable fare is 1018 SEK / €113. There’s also a night train, which leaves Oslo at 3:49 p.m. but requires two changes (Katrineholm and Malmo). The single non-refundable fare is 509 SEK / €56.54 for a seat. The couchette fare starts at 587 SEK / €65.

Buses from Copenhagen to Oslo

It’s generally a good idea to purchase the tickets only but some operators also sell them in the bus (for an extra fee). One of the companies offering direct links between the two cities is GoByBus (Attention: the site doesn’t offer English!), which offers three connections per day , leaving Copenhagen at 8:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 10 pm. The travel time is 8 ½ h. The single adult ticket starts at 349 SEK / €38.80. And the youngster ticket (under 30 years old) starts at 279 SEK / €31 one way. On the way back , catch the bus from Oslo at 10:30 a.m. and 10:50 p.m. The same fares apply.

Driving from Copenhagen to Oslo

You can rent a car and drive the 607 km (shortest route) between Copenhagen and Oslo. The route passes through Sweden, so you need to ask the rental company whether you can take the car across borders. Norway is not part of the European Union – like Denmark and Sweden – but is part of the Schengen area, which means you shouldn’t pay surcharges or have problems crossing the border in a rental car.

The travel time on E20 and E6 (shortest route) takes about 6 ½ h but it does depend on the traffic (so take into account more like 7 ½ h drive time plus stops along the way).

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Sweden Transportation

Getting from Copenhagen to Malmo

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and although it’s served by an important international airport, if you fly from certain European destinations it’s cheaper to fly into Malmo and then travel to Copenhagen by land. If you plan to visit Copenhagen, don’t miss its museums and the palaces.

Malmo is the third largest city in Sweden , easily explored by bicycle. Visit the three squares – Gustav Adolf, Big and Little – which are located in the heart of the city , and don’t miss Malmöhus Castle, either.

You can either visit Copenhagen as a day trip from Malmo, or the other way around, depending on where you prefer to set your base.

Summary

Considering the short distance between the two cities, it’s not necessary to fly. In fact, many fly into Malmo if they want to visit Copenhagen, because it’s possible to find cheaper flights from certain European destinations. The cheapest way to get between Copenhagen and Malmo is by bus, with fares starting at €5.50 one way. Trains aren’t very expensive either, as fares start at €12 one way.

Trains from Copenhagen to Malmo

SJ – the largest Swedish train operator – lists both their trains and those operated by Öresundstågen (the Danish train operator). There are trains departing Malmo every 20 min , night and day. The high speed train operated by SJ takes 28 min and the single fare starts at 135 SEK / €15 (non-refundable). The other trains take 35 min and the single fare starts at 107 SEK / €12 (non –refundable). On the way back, the same fares apply and trains run on the same schedule.

Buses from Copenhagen to Malmo

The following bus companies operate buses between the two cities:

  • GoByBus (attention: the website doesn’t offer English!): there are two departures from Malmo daily, at 6:05 a.m. and 5:55 p.m. The travel time is 55 min and the adult fare is 49 SEK / €5.50 one way. The youngster fare (under 30 years old) is the same. On the way back, catch one of the three buses from Copenhagen, leaving at 8:30 am., 1 pm. and 10 p.m. The same fares apply.
  • Gråhundbus (attention: the website doesn’t offer English!) operates bus 999 between Copenhagen and Malmo . The single fare is 80 DKK / €10.80 and you can also get a one day return ticket for 120 DKK / €16.20. There are seven departures per day.

Driving from Copenhagen to Malmo

You can rent a car and drive the 46 km between Copenhagen and Malmo on E20. Both countries are part of the European Union and the Schengen area, so you won’t be paying any surcharges. But it’s best to ask the rental company if you can take the rental car across the border.

The route has tolls and the travel time is about 40 min (but depends on the traffic).

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Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do Transportation

Germany in May

In Europe, May is probably the most beautiful month of Spring. Sure, the weather is not reliable, but the warm and sunny days are gorgeous, allowing for outdoor activities and exploring the cities.

Weather & temperatures

May falls during spring, which is know for being pretty unreliable when it comes to the weather. But , the flowers are in bloom, the parks are green and the days are warmer and longer.

The best way to prepare for this weather is to pack layers. And don’t forget an umbrella or a waterproof coat.

Sample temperatures

Berlin avg high 18C; avg low 7C
Dusseldorf avg high 18C ; avg low 8C
Frankfurt avg high 18C ; avg low 8C
Hamburg avg high 16C; avg low 7C
Munich avg high 17C ; avg low 6C

>>read more about Weather in Germany

Flights and accommodation

May falls during spring when the prices for both airfare and accommodation start to go up in spring although they aren’t as high as during the summer. It’s still a good idea to make the reservations some months in advance.

Things to do

Kick off the start of the grilling season in Europe with Labor Day (May 1), a public holiday when everyone loves to spend time in nature. You can pack a picnic basket or just enjoy a day at the beer hall with friends.

Or, you can put on your walking shoes and explore Munich at your own pace. Do some people watching, visiting some churches and soak up the atmosphere.

>>read more about Things to do in Munich

Head to Bonn on May 5 for Rhine in Flames, a festival during which the Rhine valley is illuminated by fireworks.

Or go to Hamburg for the annual celebration of the harbor (3 days festival in mid-May). The festival features dragon boat races and a parade of historic ships.

By the end of the month make sure to be Berlin for the Carnival of Cultures , a four day street fair with exotic food and drinks and of course, parties. The highlight is the parade on Sunday when you can see colorful costumes.

And while here you can take a walking tour of the city, walk by the Berlin Wall, visit a museum or spend time in the park.

>>read more about Things to do in Berlin

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