Opening hours & public holidays

Opening hours vary by country and individual establishment, but generally the following hours apply:

Weekdays (Monday-Friday): 9:00/10:00–17:00/18:00
Late shopping (some bigger cities): Until 19:00–20:00
Saturdays: 10:00–16:00/17:00
Sundays: In Norway, most shops are closed on Sundays due to stricter trading laws, except for smaller convenience shops and in certain tourist areas. In other Nordic and Baltic countries (Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania), many shops in major cities are open on Sundays, though often with shorter hours, while shops in smaller towns tend to have more limited opening hours.

Supermarkets typically have longer opening hours than other shops, often from 7:00–22:00.

Supermarkets are often open on Sundays in most places throughout the Nordics and Baltics, but with reduced opening hours. The exception is Norway, where trading laws are stricter and most supermarkets are closed on Sundays, except for smaller convenience shops.

Alcohol sales are regulated across the Nordic and Baltic countries, and restrictions vary by destination.

In Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland, higher-strength alcohol can only be purchased in state-run monopoly shops. These typically have limited Saturday opening hours and are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Lower-strength alcoholic beverages are more widely available at supermarkets within permitted hours.

State-run alcohol monopoly shops by country:

• Norway: Vinmonopolet (alcohol content above 4.7%)
• Sweden: Systembolaget (alcohol content above 3.5%)
• Finland: Alko (alcohol content above 5.5%)
• Iceland: Vínbúðin (alcohol content above 2.25%)

Denmark, Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania: There is no state alcohol monopoly. Alcohol is widely available at supermarkets and specialty shops.

Across all countries, alcohol sales are not permitted outside regulated hours, and additional restrictions may apply on major public holidays such as Christmas, Easter and Midsummer.

While exact dates vary slightly by country, the following holidays are widely observed:

• New Year’s Day – January 01
• Easter – Maundy Thursday through Easter Monday
• Labour Day – May 01
• Midsummer – June (major closures, especially in Sweden and Finland)
• Christmas – December 24–26
• Constitution / national days (see list below)

Below you will find a list of public holidays according to country:

Each Nordic and Baltic country celebrates its own Constitution or national day. These are public/bank holidays, and most stores, museums and restaurants are closed for the day. Public transport typically runs on a reduced Sunday/holiday schedule.

• Norway – May 17
• Denmark – June 05
• Sweden – June 06
• Finland – December 06
• Iceland – June 17
• Estonia – February 24
• Latvia – November 18

Lithuania – February 16 (State Restoration Day) &  March 11 (Restoration of Independence Day)

Midsummer is a major public holiday in Sweden and Finland.

In Sweden, Midsummer (midsommar) is celebrated on the Friday between June 19–25 and is one of the biggest holidays of the year. The most traditional celebrations take place in rural villages, at summer houses and in public parks or community grounds.

Expect to see:

• A decorated maypole (midsommarstång)
• Folk music and dancing
• Flower crowns
• Traditional meals with herring, new potatoes and strawberries

Many city residents leave for the countryside, so urban centres can feel very quiet. Some open-air museums and local communities arrange public celebrations that visitors can join.

In Finland, Midsummer (Juhannus) is celebrated on the Saturday between June 20–26, with festivities beginning on Friday. The best places to celebrate are at lakeside summer cottages, coastal areas and small towns and rural communities.

Typical experiences include:

• Large bonfires (kokko), especially by the water
• Sauna traditions
• Boating and swimming
• Relaxed gatherings with family and friends

In Swedish-speaking areas of Finland, you may also find maypole traditions similar to those in Sweden.

Most shops, banks, restaurants and museums are closed on public holidays. Restaurants may be closed or operate with reduced opening hours, and public transport usually runs on a reduced Sunday/holiday schedule. Alcohol sales may be restricted.

For our winter tour destinations, restaurants, museums and activities are usually open during the Christmas period, with the exception of the afternoon of December 24 and the full day of  December 25.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on specific opening hours:

• Check the official website of the museum, restaurant or attraction you plan to visit.
• Ask at your hotel reception.
• Contact the local tourist information centre.

Opening hours vary by city and season, so checking in advance is always recommended.