Overview: A guide to traveling to four countries in Northern Europe during December; Denmark, Sweden, Germany and Iceland. Please note, this guide is utilizing a layover in Iceland.
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Destinations
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National Foods to Try:
Copenhagen, Denmark
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https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/capital-region/copenhagen/restaurants
Foods to try:
Pastries, Danishes
Hot dogs
Smørbrød (open faced sandwich)
Fish
Pork
Danish beer
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Berlin, Germany
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Foods to try:
Turkish and Greek food
Currywurst
Doner kebab
Jelly donut
Beer with flavor added
Eisbein - pork knuckle
Bouletten -
Kassler - thick boiled ham
With cheese noodles
Ka- Potato pancake with applesauce on top
Turkish simit (pastry) with Turkish tea
Turkish bakery breakfast (sukush? Turkish?)
Dong Xuan Center - viatnamese food store
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Malmo, Sweden
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Foods to try:
Kanelbulle
Filmjölk
Toast Skagen
Foraged berries
Husmanskost
Prinsesstårta
Lingonberries
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Keflavik/Reykjavik, Iceland
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Foods to try:
Kjotsupa
Lamb (Stew)
Hot Dog (Lamb)
Seafood (Lobster Soup)
Skyr (Cake)
Fermented Shark
Ice Cream
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Flight Info
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Copenhagen, Denmark
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Berlin, Germany
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Malmo, Sweden
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Keflavik/Reykjavik, Iceland
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If your layover is in Iceland and you are flying Icelandair
Icelandair allows a free stopover for up to 7 days due to Iceland promoting tourism
Check out Reykjavik if you can
There is an option to buy bus tickets from the airport to Reykjavik on an Icelandair flight
Keflavik is a nice option too
Blue Lagoon is near the airport
Hot springs with geothermal seawater surrounded by volcanoes
Will not be open at times due to volcanic activity
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Stay Info
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Copenhagen, Denmark
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Berlin, Germany
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Airbnbs available
St Christopher’s Inn Berlin Alexanderplatz
Generator Hostel
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Malmo, Sweden
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Airbnbs available
Going for a day trip
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Keflavik/Reykjavik, Iceland
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Airbnbs available
Hotel at airport (ideal for layovers)
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Flights and Transportation
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Copenhagen, Denmark
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Uses officially marked taxis
Denmark doesn't have Uber or Lyft
Bikes are very popular and common, along with renting bikes
4 metro lines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Easy way to go all over town
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Berlin, Germany
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Clever Shuttle
A bus taxi: rideshare eco-taxi where you share the ride with other peeps, almost like a bus
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Malmo, Sweden
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Malmo is walkable
Can walk to most landmarks
Bikes are very common
Most hotels offer bike rentals
Bike rental apps: Donkey Bike or Malmö by Bike
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Keflavik/Reykjavik, Iceland
City Center area is walkable
Location: from Old Harbour to the Hlemmur bus terminal
Electric scooters are available
Bus transportation in Reykjavik is easy, cheap, and gets you to the best spots in the city
Straeto, Reykjavik’s public transport company: bus routes, times, and fares
Regular bus ticket: 480 kr (3.30 USD) during the day and 960 kr (6.55 USD) at night
Buses travel up and down Hverfisgata street, but it's best to wander Laugavegur, the main shopping street, on foot
There’s no Lyft or Uber
Travel Between KEF airport and Reykjavik
Airport transport bus service:
Shuttle bus is fairly priced and travels to and from Keflavik Airport frequently
Ride time: 45 to 60 minutes
Taxi:
Starting price is around $110 USD
Reykjavik
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Bus transportation in Reykjavik:
Regular bus ticket: 480 kr (3.30 USD) during the day and 960 kr (6.55 USD) at night
Airport transportation:
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Bus service:
Shuttle bus is fairly priced and travels to and from Keflavik Airport frequently
Ride time: 45 to 60 minutes
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Taxi:
Starting price is around $110 USD
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Important Info
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Copenhagen, Denmark
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General
Mixed gender bathrooms are normal
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US Department of State for Denmark PASSPORT VALIDITY:
BLANK PASSPORT PAGES:
TOURIST VISA REQUIRED:
VACCINATIONS:
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY:
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT:
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Berlin, Germany
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General
Danka - thanks
Skoal - cheers
Prosit - drinking to one’s health
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US Department of State for Germany PASSPORT VALIDITY:
BLANK PASSPORT PAGES:
TOURIST VISA REQUIRED:
VACCINATIONS:
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY:
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT:
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Malmo, Sweden
General
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US Department of State for Sweden PASSPORT VALIDITY:
BLANK PASSPORT PAGES:
TOURIST VISA REQUIRED:
VACCINATIONS:
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY:
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT:
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Keflavik/Reykjavik, Iceland
General
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US Department of State for Iceland PASSPORT VALIDITY:
BLANK PASSPORT PAGES:
TOURIST VISA REQUIRED:
VACCINATIONS:
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY:
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT:
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General Prep
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Bring cash
Alert credit cards and banks of travel
Practice DuoLingo phrases (not required)
Tipping not expected but rounding to 10% for exceptional service is nice to do
Take photos of documents
Print out to back up (passport, ID, Covid card), leave copy at home and take one with
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Budget and Personal Expenses
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Copenhagen, Denmark
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Stays
Transportation
Food
Other
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Berlin, Germany
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Stays
Transportation
Food
Other
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Malmo, Sweden
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Stays
Transportation
Food
Other
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Keflavik/Reykjavik, Iceland
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Stays
Transportation
Food
Other
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Flights and Transportation
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Train: Copenhagen to Malmo - $12/person
Train: Berlin to Copenhagen
EasyJet Flight: Copenhagen to Berlin - about $100 round trip
EasyJet Flight: Copenhagen to Berlin with 2 bags - about $215 round trip
Small cabin bag: 1 x under seat cabin bag (max. 45 x 36 x 20 cm)
Large cabin bag: 1 x large cabin bag (max. 56 x 45 x 25 cm
Recommended Establishments & Activities
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Coffee Shops & Breakfast Spots
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Museums, Castles & Memorials
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Copenhagen, Denmark
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Berlin, Germany
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Overview: A guide to traveling to four countries in Northern Europe during December; Denmark, Sweden, Germany and Iceland. Please note, this guide is utilizing a layover in Iceland.
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Device Compatibility This article is best viewed on a desktop, not mobile devices. |
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Destinations
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IntroWhy traveling to Northern Europe in the middle of winter is worth it Although it’s very cold, Copenhagen during the holidays is beautiful. There are winter activities, both inside and outside, including ice skating and socializing over board games. There’s a huge hygge culture in the winter with an abundance of heat lamps, blankets to wrap up in, and faux fur draped over seating areas. The city is decorated in red woven hearts and twinkling Christmas lights; it’s truly charming. To me, visiting a place outside of peak tourist times (usually winter) is beneficial because it gives me a more realistic feel of how it is to live in that place outside of summer. If you can handle the winter, then the summertime will be much better. More reasons to visit in December
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Important Info | ||||||||||
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Copenhagen, Denmark | General
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Berlin, Germany | General
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Malmo, Sweden | General
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Keflavik/Reykjavik, Iceland | General
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General Prep |
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Stay Info | |
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⭐ Pro tip: If you want to make friends with people traveling from Australia, staying at a hostel and socializing in common areas increases your odds significantly. I recommend hostels in Europe, not the US. | |
Copenhagen, Denmark | |
Berlin, Germany |
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Malmo, Sweden | Airbnbs available
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Keflavik/Reykjavik, Iceland |
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Flights & Transportation | |
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Copenhagen, Denmark |
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Berlin, Germany |
Travel between Copenhagen and Berlin
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Malmo, Sweden |
Travel between Copenhagen and Malmo
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Keflavik/Reykjavik, Iceland |
Travel Between KEF airport and Reykjavik
Reykjavik
Flying Icelandair If your layover is in Iceland and you are flying Icelandair
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Budget & Personal Expenses | |
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Copenhagen, Denmark |
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Berlin, Germany |
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Malmo, Sweden |
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Keflavik/Reykjavik, Iceland |
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Flights and Transportation |
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National Foods | |
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Copenhagen, Denmark | https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/capital-region/copenhagen/restaurants Foods to try:
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Berlin, Germany | Foods to try:
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Malmo, Sweden | Foods to try:
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Keflavik/Reykjavik, Iceland | Foods to try:
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Recommended Establishments & Activities
Coffee Shops & Breakfast Spots | Museums, Castles & Memorials | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Theaters & Theme Parks | Bars, Beer Gardens & Breweries | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Katarina
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Copenhagen, Denmark
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Danish Architecture Centre
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Castles: Website
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Christianborg Palace
800+ years of history and today, the palace is home to the Parliament, the Prime Minister's Office, and the Supreme Court
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Rosenburg Castle
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Royal Library Gardens
Garden haven, small pond, looks like a medieval garden with hedges
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Grocery & Retail Shops | Food Halls & Markets | |||||||||
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The Wall
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Malmo, Sweden
Malmö Castle
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Malmö Castle was built from 1537 to 1542 on top of ruins from an old fort
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Theaters & Theme Parks
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Bars & Breweries
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Cinema [find name and insert]
Tivoli Gardens
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Amusement park dating from 1843
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Lichtblick-Kino
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Copenhagen, Denmark
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Berlin, Germany
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Notable Neighborhoods | Notable Eats | ||
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Keflavik/Reykjavik, Iceland |
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Grocery & Retail Shops
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Food Halls & Markets
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Copenhagen, Denmark
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Stroget Shopping Mile
5 minutes from Christiansborg
Shopping area with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants
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Fotex Foods
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Netto
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Botanical garden shop [find name and insert]
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Stortorget
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Malmo, Sweden
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Eclectic, urban mall offering eateries and high-end stores
Berlin, Germany
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Flea market [find name and insert]
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TorvehallerneKBH
Fresh food market
Coffee Collective
Roert KBH (smorrebrod)
El Mercado (tapas)
Ma Poule (ham shop)
Tante T (tea)
Omegn & Venner (cheese shop)
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Christmas Market by NyHaven
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Christmas Markets
Gluhwein
Hot Toddies
Currywurst
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Malmö Saluhall
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Notable Neighborhoods
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Notable Eats
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Lava at Blue Lagoon
Art Districts & Murals | Music Venues | ||||
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Nyhavn Harbor
Nautical vibe, colorful shore-side with tall ships docked along the quays
Neighborhood with orange houses [find name and insert]
Freetown Christiana
An intentional community and commune in the Christianshavn neighborhood
Functioning alternative society
No photos
Don’t interact with dogs due to recent tension there
Cars are banned, bicycles are the main mode of transport, and horses roam free
Pusher street is a little weird and the locals aren’t supporting it due to recent gang violence - can be avoided
Christmas Market (and maybe regular market?) is before pusher street and an exit exists next to the market
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Berlin, Germany |
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Malmo, Sweden
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Keflavik/Reykjavik, Iceland |
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Copenhagen, Denmark
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Berlin, Germany
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Hofbrau Munchen (well known)
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Zeit Fuer Brot (amazing bakery)
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Turkish place for breakfast (find name)
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Doner place near laundromat for currywurst and doner [find name and insert]
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Tours & Other Activities | Hot Springs & Bath Houses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Clemens Kott & Husman
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Art Districts & Murals
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Music Venues
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Copenhagen, Denmark |
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Berlin, Germany
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Malmo, Sweden |
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Keflavik/Reykjavik, Iceland |
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Copenhagen, Denmark |
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Berlin, Germany
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Malmo, Sweden |
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Keflavik/Reykjavik, Iceland |
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Tours & Misc Activities
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Hot Springs & Bath Houses
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Copenhagen, Denmark
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Berlin, Germany |
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Malmo, Sweden |
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Keflavik/Reykjavik, Iceland
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Copenhagen, Denmark
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Berlin, Germany |
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Malmo, Sweden |
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Keflavik/Reykjavik, Iceland Blue Lagoon Iceland
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One Bag Packing List Example
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Pack:
Thin scarf thing
Merino wool gloves
Sweater blue cashmere
Thermal shirts (4)
Green shirt
Grey Henley
Red down puffer vest
Yoga pants (3)
Sweater black merino wool
Wool skirt
Merino wool socks
Thermal leggings for skirt
Loungewear items
Socks, panties, bras
Waterproof boots
Swimsuit (Reykjavik hot springs?)
Berlin clubbing outfit (tbd)
Socks, panties, bras
Waterproof boots
Second pair of shoes (tbd)
Swimsuit
Toiletries (see subtask for full list)
Bag/purse thing
Phone
Wallet
Pen
Wearing to airport:
Adidas
Long black water resistant down coat (maybe)
Yoga pants
Thermal shirt
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Toiletries
Day cream
Night cream
Tylenol
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Deodorant
Conditioner
Shampoo
Face wash or scrub
Body wash
Flossers/floss
Razor
Sunscreen
Brush
Tampons
Earplugs
SPF chapstick
Makeup
Foundation
Sponge with holder
Mascara
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Itinerary Example
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Copenhagen, Denmark
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Day 1 (Monday)
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Group leaves home airport
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Day 2 (Tuesday)
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Group arrives in Copenhagen at noon/around midday
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Day 3 (Wednesday)
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Chill in Copenhagen
Daytrip to Hven (Island in Sweden)
Ferry to Hven:
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Day 4 (Thursday)
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Go to Tivoli
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Day 5 (Friday)
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Leave for Berlin in the morning via flight (ideally Friday for weekend clubbing)
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Berlin, Germany
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Day 5 (Friday)
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Leave for Berlin in the morning via flight
Arrive in Berlin
Club night in Berlin
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Day 6 (Saturday)
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Day in Berlin
Club night in Berlin
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Day 7 (Sunday)
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Leave Berlin to Copenhagen via 7 hour train and sleep OR fly out
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Copenhagen Leg 2
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Day 7 (Sunday)
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Leave Berlin to Copenhagen via 7 hour train and sleep
Be back in Copenhagen by (insert time)
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Day 8 (Monday)
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Wake up in Copenhagen, go to Malmo for the day
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Malmo, Sweden
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Day 8 (Monday)
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Go to Malmo for the day, then come back to Copenhagen
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Copenhagen Leg 3
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Day 8 (Monday)
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Come back to Copenhagen from Malmo
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Day 9 (Tuesday)
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Chill in Copenhagen
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Day 10 (Wednesday)
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Chill in Copenhagen
Go to Aire Ancient Baths
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Day 11 (Thursday)
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Depart in the evening to Iceland
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Keflavik/Reykjavik, Iceland
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Day 11 (Thursday)
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Arrive in Iceland evening to midnight
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Day 12 (Friday)
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Itinerary Template | |||||||||||
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| Download and print the Northern Euro Trip itinerary template ✨ | ||||||||||
⭐ Need to know
⭐ Summary
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Copenhagen, Denmark | |||||||||||
Day 1 (Monday) | Group leaves home airport | ||||||||||
Day 2 (Tuesday) | Group arrives in Copenhagen (hopefully morning or midday)
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Day 3 (Wednesday) | Chill in Copenhagen
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Day 4 (Thursday) | Chill in Copenhagen
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Day 5 (Friday) | Leave for Berlin in the morning via flight (ideally Friday for weekend clubbing) | ||||||||||
Berlin, Germany | |||||||||||
Day 5 (Friday) | Leave for Berlin in the morning via flight
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Day 6 (Saturday) |
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Day 7 (Sunday) | Leave Berlin to Copenhagen via 7 hour train and sleep OR fly out
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Copenhagen Leg 2 | |||||||||||
Day 7 (Sunday) | Leave Berlin to Copenhagen via 7 hour train and sleep
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Day 8 (Monday) | Wake up in Copenhagen, go to Malmo for the day
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Malmo, Sweden | |||||||||||
Day 8 (Monday) | Go to Malmo for the day, then come back to Copenhagen
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Copenhagen Leg 3 | |||||||||||
Day 8 (Monday) | Come back to Copenhagen from Malmo
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Day 9 (Tuesday) | Chill in Copenhagen
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Day 10 (Wednesday) | Chill in Copenhagen
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Day 11 (Thursday) | Depart in the evening to Iceland | ||||||||||
Keflavik & Reykjavik, Iceland | |||||||||||
Day 11 (Thursday) | Arrive in Iceland
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Day 12 (Friday) | Fly to home airport in evening |
One Bag Packing List Example
Pack
Thin scarf thing
Merino wool gloves
Thin merino wool hat
Sweater blue cashmere
Thermal shirts (3)
Yoga pants (3)
Wool skirt
Technical fleece
Merino wool socks
Long down puffer
Thermal leggings for skirt
Loungewear items
Socks, panties, bras
Berlin clubbing outfit
Shiny black leggings
Lace black top
Light crop black hoodie
Second pair of shoes
Socks, panties, bras
Waterproof boots
Bag/purse thing
Headphones
Ear plugs
Swimsuit
Phone
Wallet
Pen
Wearing to Airport
Adidas
Long black water resistant down coat (maybe)
Yoga pants
Thermal shirt
Toiletries
Tylenol
Medications
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Deodorant
Conditioner
Shampoo
Body wash
Flossers/floss
Razor
Brush
Tampons
Chapstick
Makeup & Skincare
Foundation
Sponge with holder
Mascara
Eye shadow crayon
Day cream
Night cream
Face wash or scrub