Budget-Friendly 12-Day Road Trip from Szamotuły through Sweden, Finland & Norway Featuring Suomenlinna, Lofoten & Glacier

Day 1: Poland to Sweden

Szamotuły to Ystad, Sweden on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local bakery in Szamotuły

Grab affordable freshly baked pastries and coffee from a local bakery to start your journey economically.
PLN15, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Świnoujście port

Enjoy a 5-hour scenic drive northward on the way to catch your Baltic ferry.
Fuel Cost Approx. PLN100, 5h

3:00pm

Ferry from Świnoujście to Ystad, Sweden

Relax aboard the ferry crossing the Baltic Sea – efficient and flight-free transport.
EUR150, 3h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pizzeria Bianco, Ystad

Enjoy affordable, tasty pizzas in a casual setting close to the ferry terminal.
SEK120, 1h30m
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Day 2: South Sweden Exploration

Ystad and Malmö, Sweden on June 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pressbyrån kiosk, Ystad

Quick and budget-friendly Swedish pastries and coffee at a convenient kiosk.
SEK40, 30m

10:00am

Drive to Malmö - explore public parks and beach

Visit Ribersborgsstranden and Kungsparken for free outdoor enjoyment and nature views.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Möllan Food Court, Malmö

Sample inexpensive local and international street food options in a lively setting.
SEK100, 1h

3:00pm

Drive to Stockholm (approx. 6 hours)

Enjoy countryside landscapes en route, with rest stops as needed.
Fuel Approx. SEK450, 6h

9:30pm

Late wallet-friendly dinner at MAX Burgers, Stockholm Central

Swedish fast food offering burgers and wraps – affordable after a long drive.
SEK80, 1h
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Day 3: Ferry to Helsinki

Stockholm, Sweden to Helsinki, Finland on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at 7-Eleven, Stockholm

Grab a budget breakfast combo on the go before ferry boarding.
SEK50, 30m

9:00am

Board ferry to Helsinki

Take the daytime FAST ferry (about 17 hours) or overnight option. For economic planning, the overnight ferry is best to save accommodation cost.
EUR160 (car+3 passengers), Overnight
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Day 4: Suomenlinna & Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at supermarket or hotel buffet

Opt for affordable breakfast sourced locally or included with accommodation.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Discover this UNESCO site with self-guided outdoor exploration and small museums; ferry from Market Square runs frequently.
EUR5 return, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch picnic on Suomenlinna

Buy sandwiches and snacks from supermarket in Helsinki before the ferry and enjoy a budget-friendly picnic with sea views.
EUR10, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Helsinki’s Design District on foot

Wander through galleries, shops and parks without entrance fees to admire Finnish design and architecture.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Street Food Market, Helsinki

Enjoy diverse and affordable Finnish and international dishes in a lively market setting open into the evening.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 5: Drive North Finland

Helsinki to Rovaniemi, Finland on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local bakery near hotel

Affordable pastries and coffee to start the long drive.
EUR10, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Rovaniemi (approx. 8 hours)

Scenic drive through Finnish forests and lakes; take breaks at free rest areas.
Fuel Approx. EUR120, 8h

4:30pm

Visit Arktikum Museum

Explore interesting Arctic exhibits; entry is affordable and museum closes by 6pm.
EUR16, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kotahovi Lappish Cafe

Enjoy budget Lappish dishes like sautéed reindeer in a casual café with reasonable prices.
EUR25, 1h30m

8:00pm

Check-in and overnight at budget guesthouse near Rovaniemi

Comfortable affordable lodging for restful night before early drive next day.
EUR70, Overnight
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Day 6: Finland to Lofoten

Rovaniemi to Lofoten Islands, Norway on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Simple, cost-effective breakfast to fuel your day.
EUR10, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Lofoten Islands (9 hours approx.)

Drive through stunning scenery entering Norway, stay alert for scenic stops and budget supermarkets en route for snacks.
Fuel Approx. EUR140, 9h

5:00pm

Check in at rorbu fishing cabin accommodation

Enjoy affordable authentic local lodgings with self-catering kitchen to save on meals.
EUR100, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner: Cook simple meal in cabin or grab takeaway at local kiosk

Self-catering reduces cost; local takeaway offers fresh fish at moderate prices.
EUR20, 1h
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Day 7: Lofoten Nature and Glacier

Lofoten Islands, Norway on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in cabin

Make breakfast using local groceries, cost-efficient and flexible.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Hike up Reinebringen

Enjoy some of the best panoramic views in Lofoten from this famous peak; entirely free and open all day.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Budget lunch at local café in Reine village

Try simple sandwiches or soup priced reasonably for visitors.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Glacier experience - Svartisen Glacier visit

Take guided tours to glacier area; book in advance to get best prices. Open seasonally.
EUR60, 5h

8:00pm

Dinner: Prepare simple dinner in cabin with local groceries

Save money cooking with ingredients bought locally.
EUR15, 1h30m
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Day 8: Lofoten to Tromsø

Lofoten Islands to Tromsø, Norway on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in cabin

Fuel your day with homemade breakfast using groceries.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Tromsø (approx. 6 hours)

Enjoy northern coastal scenery driving to Tromsø with stops for picnics from supermarket supplies.
Fuel Approx. EUR80, 6h

3:30pm

Check-in budget hotel or hostel in Tromsø

Affordable overnight lodging centrally located for sightseeing.
EUR90, Overnight

5:00pm

Visit Arctic Cathedral and Polaria Aquarium (purchase combined tickets for discount)

See striking architecture and Arctic exhibits; the cathedral closes at 6pm and Polaria at 6pm.
EUR20, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Tromsø’s budget café Egon

Casual dining offering pizzas and local dishes with friendly prices.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 9: Tromsø and Lyngen Alps

Tromsø, Norway on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local bakery

Grab affordable pastries and coffee from a local bakery before the day trip.
EUR10, 30m

9:30am

Day trip to Lyngen Alps

Enjoy self-guided hikes and glacier views; access to nature is free, with some paid guides available at reasonable prices.
EUR40 (optional guide fee), 6h

4:00pm

Return to Tromsø

Relax and unwind after your energetic outdoor adventure.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mathallen Tromsø (choose affordable menu items)

Northern Norwegian dishes with moderate pricing when picking a-la-carte options.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 10: Return south to Sweden

Tromsø, Norway to Umeå, Sweden on July 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Simple breakfast to prepare for long drive.
EUR10, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Umeå, Sweden (long day approx. 10 hours)

Scenic route with budget meal stops from supermarkets or kiosks.
Fuel Approx. EUR140, 10h

6:30pm

Dinner at Leone Italiano Pizzeria, Umeå

Enjoy affordable pizzas and pasta dishes for a cost-effective meal.
SEK150, 1h

8:00pm

Overnight stay at budget hotel or hostel

Economical lodging for restful night before final journey stretch.
SEK800, Overnight
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Day 11: Drive south to Poland border

Umeå, Sweden to Świnoujście, Poland on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or convenience store

Affordable grab-and-go options for breakfast.
SEK60, 30m

8:00am

Drive south towards Świnoujście ferry port, multiple stops

Long day drive with planned stops for picnics and refuelling.
Fuel Approx. SEK1000, 15h
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Day 12: Cross Baltic, return Szamotuły

Świnoujście to Szamotuły, Poland on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Ferry Świnoujście to Ystad Morning Crossing

Relax on the ferry back to Sweden, driving home after disembarkation.
EUR150, 3h30m

12:00pm

Drive from Świnoujście to Szamotuły (approx. 5 hours)

Complete your journey home after this memorable Nordic trip.
Fuel PLN100, 5h
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