Dreaming of a Scandinavian trip like the Robredos? Here's what to know before traveling for a hassle-free experience
Now that travel is booming and seat sales are popping up here and there, it's time to plan your much-deserved vacation.
Recently, the Robredos—Leni, Aika, Tricia, and Jillian—have shared snaps from their Scandinavian trip, where Nordic buildings, cozy-looking snow, and simply picturesque views were aplenty.
If you want something different, a Scandinavian trip will surely offer you a straight-out of storybook experience. Here’s everything you should know before visiting Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Estonia.
Travel requirements
The Philippine passport has visa-free entry to 67 countries, but Scandinavian countries aren’t one of them.
Those who intend to apply for a visitor’s visa must first prepare documents such as a Philippine passport, application form, travel medical insurance, proof of financial means, proof of travel arrangements, proof of ties in the Philippines, proof of occupation, and proof of accommodation.
Those who are travelling with their spouse and/or children must also present their marriage contract and birth certificates. Additional requirements are also needed depending on the purpose of your trip.
Processing may take 15 days or more from the date the embassy received the application. But to be sure, the Royal Norwegian embassy advises travellers to submit their application six months ahead of their scheduled departure.
On COVID-19 guidelines, Scandinavian countries—specifically Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Estonia—no longer impose strict COVID-related restrictions, but it’s safe to still practice minimum health protocols and assess overall health before traveling.
Places to visit
Like the Robredos, kickstart your journey in Oslo, Norway. Enjoy the walkable city while feasting your eyes around the modern structures that are embraced with nature. While in the area, head outdoors and visit world-renowned museums and galleries, such as the Munch Museum or the Kon-Tiki Museum.
Discover as well the countryside, such as Noresund, and recreate Atty. Leni’s photo in front of Olberg Church.
In Denmark, as you walk around the street of Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Denmark, you simply admire its iconic vintage-looking colorful façade. According to Atty. Robredo, it is also best to visit the Black Diamond Library, which is famous for its architecture and aesthetics.
Get the chance to see in person the Little Mermaid bronze statue and the Rosenberg Palace, which holds over 400 years of the country’s royal treasures and Royal Regalia.
Cap off your Denmark tour and explore its local delicacies in food markets in Torvehallerne.
Hop to the Swedish destination, Stockholm, and explore the capital city like a live museum. Shop around in style and explore the streets of Drottninggatan.
Don't forget to add to the list Stockholm’s Old Town (Gamla Stan). Here, you can simply admire the colorful buildings, stop over as well in Royal Palace and the city’s Cathedral.
Explore the art-filled city of Helinski in Finland and visit the rock church, or you may also opt to ride a boat and visit the historic UNESCO World Heritage site Suomenlinna (Sveaborg), a sea fortress.
The last stop would be Tallinn in Estonia, a two-hour boat ride away from another UNESCO-listed Historic Centre Old Town. Continue the grand Baltic itinerary and explore the Toompea Castle and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
So, are you ready to file that vacation leave?