Northern Europe Guide
A Comprehensive Guide to Traveling to Northern Europe
Northern Europe
Why Northern Europe?
Northern Europe fjords and falls may be the most exotic frontier of the European continent. These independent people have built traditions of fierce beauty out of their Viking heritage and pristine surrounds. Adventure through Iceland, safari by sea in Norway’s Arctic, shop high design in Denmark, or experience the royal life in the United Kingdom. Whether glistening with a fresh coat of snow, or bursting with verdant green pastures, Northern Europe’s natural and architectural beauty will enchant at any time of year.
Northern Europe
Seasonality & Pricing
In Northern Europe, the seasons generally follow those of North America. However, winters in the Arctic can be much harsher. Keep in mind that the exact timing and intensity of these seasons can vary depending on the destination.
June to August: High Demand Season. Long summer days -- nearly 24 hours of light in Iceland and Scandinavia -- mean more chance for exploring their natural and geological phenomena. The waters in the Arctic around Greenland and Svalbard are also most passable in the summer, making it ideal for expedition cruising. This season is popular among tourists as it offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing, particularly in the UK and Ireland.
December to March: Low Demand Season, excluding Christmas and New Year holidays. Scandinavia and Iceland become winter wonderlands, ripe for dog sledding, Northern Lights viewing, snowmobiling, reindeer safaris, and other snow activities. Christmas Markets, too, create a particularly magical atmosphere in cities like London, Galway, Copenhagen, Tallin, Oslo, and Helsinki.
April to May & September to October: Shoulder Season. A wonderful time to travel to Northern Europe to avoid larger crowds. It's "green season" for those looking for exclusive tee times in the UK and Ireland. It's also prime wildlife viewing season in the Norwegian Arctic. And in England, travelers will find London exploding with art-forward exhibitions and the Lakes District exploding with autumnal colors.
Customized Itinerary Pricing
$1,600 - $1,800 per person per day
$1,100 - $1,300 per person per day (special rates apply during Christmas and New Year Holiday)
$1,400 - $1,600 per person per day
Regional
Considerations
Important considerations when traveling to Northern Europe:
- The Northern Lights are most easily visible in January and February but have been known to make their appearance as early as November and as late as March.
- Scandinavia and Iceland experience almost 24 hour days of light in the summer and 24 hours day of dark in winter.
- Whale watching in Iceland is best in summer from May to October, as well as during the month of December in winter.
- The Arctic is a year-round destination, but the waters are most passable during the Spring and Summer months (March to September).
- August is midge season in the Scottish Islands.
Northern Europe is best experienced with the experts at Ker & Downey – contact us to start your adventure.
Ker & Downey
Exclusive Experiences
Ker & Downey Travel Designers provide behind-the-scenes touring and exclusive access to the region’s royal history and remote wonders alike. Examples include:
- Scenic helicopter and sea plane transfers to remote points in Iceland, Ireland, and Scandinavia.
- Private exclusive-use lodges in Iceland, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia.
- Luxury expedition cruises available throughout the Arctic.
- Private castle accommodations in Ireland and the United Kingdom.
- Outdoor adventures and private whiskey tastings in the Scottish Highlands.
- Exclusive behind-the-scenes touring in London.
- Access to exclusive tee times in the UK and Ireland.
- Effortless logistics for multi-country itineraries in Northern Europe. Popular combinations include Greenland and Iceland; England, Scotland, and Ireland; Norway, Sweden, and Finland; Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
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