Finding Cheap Flights to Scandinavia

To get the best price, fly into major hubs like Oslo (OSL), Copenhagen (CPH), or Stockholm (ARN) rather than smaller regional airports. Use a tool like Google Flights to track fares 3-6 months in advance and prioritize budget carriers like Norwegian or SAS for inter-regional connections.

  1. Use hub airports as your primary entry. Don't search for flights to Tromsø or Bergen directly from home. Search for round-trips to CPH (Copenhagen), OSL (Oslo), or ARN (Stockholm) first. These cities have the most international competition, which keeps ticket prices lower.
  2. Monitor prices with alerts. Create a Google Flights tracker for your target cities. Set the alert 4 months before your intended departure. Once you see a dip below $600 for a round-trip from the US or €200 from Europe, book immediately.
  3. Consider the 'stopover' strategy. Look for Icelandair flights that allow a free stopover in Reykjavik. This essentially gives you two destinations for the price of one flight, often at a competitive price compared to direct transatlantic routes.
  4. Book regional legs separately. If you need to reach a specific destination like the Lofoten Islands, book a cheap flight to a major hub first. Then, book a separate ticket on a local carrier like Widerøe. This is almost always cheaper than a single ticket booked through a global airline alliance.
Which airline is cheapest for Scandinavia?
Norwegian Air and SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) consistently offer the most competitive rates, especially for connections within the region.
Is it cheaper to fly on a weekday?
Yes. Mid-week flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) are typically 15-20% cheaper than Friday or Sunday departures.