Scandinavia trip

My son and I decided to take a two week backpacking trip to Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark in late spring early summer of 2023. Thinking of doing the hostel option for lodging and not renting a car. Anyone out there backpack these countries and what advice can you give?

The fact that you mention renting cars and staying in hostels, and you plan to backpack four different countries in just two weeks, suggests you have not looked closely at this website. The kind of backpacking we do around here involves walking trails to get from one place to another, carrying all our food, water gear and clothes with us, sleeping in tents, and generally hanging out in places cars would be of no use because there are no roads.

I'm moving your inquiry to the off-topic forum because some of our members also backpack in the way you wish to and someone might be able to offer the sort of the advice you're seeking. Have fun on your trip!

I did what you are planning to do, but that was back in 2000, so my experience is much too far in the past to be useful. I did have a wonderful time, traveling mostly by 2nd class Scanrail pass (does it still exist? or was it only for seniors?) but also by Hurtigrute (from Bodo to Stamsund) and by bus in the Lofoten Islands (don't miss those!).

Hostels in the cities require reservations long in advance, and if you want to try unusual ones such as Af Chapman in Stockholm, reserve at least a year ahead. I ended up in a hotel in Stockholm due a foulup at the AYH international reservation office; you are far better off to make reservations with each hostel directly.

Don't expect a language problem; everyone studies English in school and they can even chose British vs. American English. They do appreciate it if you learn a few words of their languages, especially "thank you."

I didn't go to Finland; the other three countries, for me, were plenty enough for a 3-week tour.

Thank you for the great info and it is great to have some idea even thought was a while ago.