scandinavia trip planning

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Your Perfect Scandinavia Itinerary (1 week, 2 weeks, or 3 weeks)

As far as European travel destinations go, Scandinavia is easily one of the most captivating. This enchanting region is your gateway to out-of-this-world natural beauty, the northern lights , and an enviable lifestyle that’s considered to be one of the happiest and healthiest on the planet.

I could wax poetic about Scandinavia all day long, but don’t worry — I won’t waffle on. If you’re reading this post, I’m guessing you’ve already decided you want to explore this breathtakingly beautiful corner of Northern Europe and you’re looking for some itinerary inspiration. Mapping out a Scandinavia itinerary can be as frustrating as it is fun, so let’s dive right in! 

If you’re not sure what to do with your time in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, here are a few itinerary ideas that’ll give you a taste of the region’s greatest hits.

Travel to: Scandinavia

One-week Scandinavia itinerary

• Route: Copenhagen -> Stockholm -> Oslo

Thinking of visiting Scandinavia and only have one week to spare? Not to worry! You can still get a feel for the region by visiting its effortlessly cool capital cities over the course of seven days. 

The perfect introduction to Denmark , Sweden , and Norway , this route is great if you’re after a mix of stellar historical attractions, bohemian charm, and a dose of hygge for good measure. Get ready to explore everything from opulent palaces to top-notch museums and world-renowned cuisine in these stylish capitals. 

Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo are connected by frequent and reliable high-speed trains, so travelling between the cities is a breeze.

Two-week Scandinavia itinerary

• Route: Copenhagen -> Stockholm -> Oslo -> Bergen -> Flåm -> Sognefjord

With two weeks to spend in Scandinavia, you can travel through the contemporary capital cities and explore one of the most spectacular regions in this part of the world: the western coast of Norway .

Immerse yourself in Copenhagen’s superb cafe and culinary scene. Stroll through the cobbled, medieval streets of Stockholm’s Old Town. Learn about Viking history in Oslo. Take in the spectacular vistas on a train ride from Oslo to Bergen. And get ready to be blown away by the spellbinding scenery in Sognefjord. 

See Also: 11 Best Things to do in Stockholm While Travelling Solo

Three-week Scandinavia itinerary

• Route: Copenhagen -> Gothenburg -> Stockholm -> Oslo -> Trondheim -> Bodø -> Lofoten Islands -> Tromsø

Planning to spend three weeks travelling around Scandinavia? Lucky you! This itinerary will take you through the region’s capital cities before heading to Northern Norway for a glimpse of the country’s wild, unspoiled wilderness and (hopefully!) the northern lights.

You could follow this itinerary any time of the year, but Northern Norway is especially magical during the winter months — and, of course, it’s also the best time to see the northern lights . 

Speaking of the northern lights, Tromsø — a small city located 350km north of the Arctic Circle — is renowned for being one of the best places in Europe to witness the remarkable phenomenon that is the aurora borealis. If you have your heart set on seeing those otherworldly celestial lights dancing in the night sky, plan to spend at least a few days here to increase your chances of spotting them.

Want more itinerary ideas? Explore our range of Scandinavia tours and trips to find your perfect adventure now.

Can’t-miss sights and experiences in Scandinavia

Now that you’ve got your itinerary sorted, it’s time to start planning the most exciting part of your Scandinavia sojourn: everything you’re going to see and do in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Fuel your wanderlust and get even more amped up about your trip with these can’t-miss attractions and experiences.

• Sail Norway’s fjords. It’s no secret that Norway has some of the most astonishingly beautiful fjords on the planet. There are more than 1,000 fjords dotted around the country’s coastline, but Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord are two of the most famous.
• Visit Copenhagen’s famous landmarks. The colourful facades at Nyhavn, the famous Little Mermaid statue, and Tivoli Gardens are a few musts when you’re sightseeing in Denmark’s laid-back capital.
• Go island-hopping around the Stockholm Archipelago. Made up of roughly 30,000 islands, this is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and go hiking, sea kayaking, or cycling alongside fields of wildflowers and sweeping views of the Baltic Sea.
• Try an open-faced sandwich. Smörgås in Swedish, smørrebrød in Danish, smørbrød in Norwegian — the pronunciation of this traditional Scandinavian sandwich may change depending on which country you’re in, but one thing they all have in common? They’re delicious (and you have to try one while you’re in this part of the world).

• See the stunning landscapes of the Lofoten Islands. You’ve probably seen photos of the Lofoten Islands’ craggy mountains and idyllic fishing villages on Instagram, but nothing compares to seeing the rugged beauty of this remote archipelago in person.
• Explore Denmark’s fairy tale castles. Frederiksborg Castle (which can be visited on an easy day trip from Copenhagen) is a highlight for any castle fanatic, but there are plenty of grand palaces scattered throughout the country.
• Celebrate Midsummer in Sweden. Thinking of heading to Scandinavia in June? Try to plan your visit to coincide with Swedish Midsummer, an annual festival that celebrates the start of summer with traditional food, music, and a whole lot of pickled herring and schnapps.
• See the northern lights . Head to Tromsø — Norway’s gateway to the Arctic — for the chance to cross this once-in-a-lifetime experience off your bucket list.

Getting around Scandinavia 

Thanks to an extensive network of train, ferry, and bus services, travelling between Scandinavian countries is both easy and convenient.

Express trains are available between popular destinations (like Copenhagen and Stockholm, for example) and overnight trains are ideal for longer journeys. However, like almost everything else in Scandinavia, train tickets are expensive. Booking ahead and buying an Interrail or Eurail pass will help to keep costs down.

Buses are surprisingly comfortable in Scandinavia, and they offer a viable alternative to the region’s rail network. It’s also worth noting buses are the best transport method of choice when travelling to remote destinations or around the northern reaches of Sweden and Norway.

If you’re short on time — and if you’re planning to travel to the far north — hopping on a flight with a local carrier is your best bet.

Ferries are also an essential part of the Scandinavia travel experience, so don’t forget to pack your motion sickness remedies.

Keep in mind that it may be more difficult to get around the northern part of Sweden and Norway during the winter — especially if you’re planning to rent a car or travel by bus. It’s entirely possible to run into service disruptions or road closures due to inclement weather, so extra planning and preparation is necessary for a Scandinavian holiday in winter. 

What does your dream Scandinavian itinerary look like? Let us know in the comments!

Ashley Nitransky

Ashley is a Content Editor at TourRadar. When she’s not writing, travelling, or obsessively checking flight prices on Skyscanner, you can find her attempting to fine-tune her photography skills or watching a shark documentary.

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The Ultimate Scandinavia Itinerary | 12 Full Days, 6 Fantastic Stops

• Post author By Melissa
• Post date April 8, 2024
• 1 Comment on The Ultimate Scandinavia Itinerary | 12 Full Days, 6 Fantastic Stops

Scandinavia is a wonderful, safe, family-friendly region of northern Europe that will make for an unforgettable vacation. It is one of the more expensive areas of Europe to visit, but it is worth the money to see the natural beauty of this area.

We spent 12 days in Scandinavia and loved every single one of them. Our trip started in one of the most popular Scandinavian cities , Copenhagen, Denmark, and it ended in Bergen, Norway.

We were able to see parts of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, although by no means were we able to see and experience everything we wanted to in this region.

A lot of people have asked us about this trip, so I wanted to lay out all of the details in a full overview of Scandinavia… A complete Scandinavia itinerary – 12 days, 6 stops.

This Scandinavia itinerary briefly covers all the cities, towns, and villages we visited, the places we stayed, how much money we spent, and the attractions we were able to see.

Although you could easily spend 10 days in Norway alone, we only had 12 days for all of Scandinavia. So, this whirlwind travel itinerary covers a lot of ground.

Table of Contents

Useful things you will need for Scandinavia

Because you will be changing cities and hotels every couple of days, I recommend backpacking rather than bringing rolling luggage with you. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may also need rain gear. After all, Norway is lush and green for a reason. It rains a lot!

In fact, it rains a lot in Denmark and western Sweden, too. There is a good chance it will rain at least once during your 12 days in Scandinavia. Here are a few must-have items for your trip.

About Scandinavia and the Nordic North

The Nordic north region of Europe consists of five countries: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland , and Iceland . However, only three of those countries are considered Scandinavia: Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Although many throughout the world use the terms “Nordic” and “Scandinavian” interchangeably, they are not the same, and locals in Iceland and Finland will make sure to correct you if you make that assumption.

The Scandinavian region of the Nordic north refers to the ancient territory of the Norsemen.

While the five countries that make up the Nordic north are all similar in economic structure, politics, and history, for the purpose of this itinerary, the term Scandinavia refers only to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.  

How to get around Scandinavia 

The major cities and tourist sites in Scandinavia are well connected by trains, buses, and even boats. But for part of our Scandinavia itinerary, we decided to rent a car and road trip. This allowed us to visit some of the smaller, charming fishing villages in western Sweden that aren’t very accessible using public transport.

• We always book rental cars in Europe through Discover Cars , so we can compare prices and get the best deal.
• We book most our train tickets using RailEurope which partners with train companies across the continent.  

ALSO READ: AN HONEST RAIL EUROPE REVIEW

Overview of this Scandinavia itinerary 

Here is a brief outline of our 12-day travel itinerary for Scandinavia. We will get into more details below on each city or region. Keep scrolling to see a day-by-day breakdown of what to see and do on your Scandinavia trip.

Copenhagen, Denmark (Day 1-3)

• Where to stay: Steelhouse Hostel
• What you’ll need: Copenhagen Card

Gothenburg, Sweden (Day 4)

• Where to stay: Scandic No25
• Train ticket from Copenhagen to Gothenburg

Smogen (Day 5)

• Where to stay: Smogen Hafsvad
• What you’ll need: rental car

Weather Islands (Day 6)

• Where to stay: TanumStrand

Oslo, Norway (Day 7-8)

• Where to stay: Scandic Byporten
• What you’ll need: Oslo Pass

Flam, Norway (Day 9)

• Where to stay: Brekke Apartments
• What you’ll need:  Norway in a Nutshell transportation package

Bergen, Norway (Day 10-12)

• Where to stay: Hotel Oleana

The different regions you’ll visit during this Scandinavia itinerary

The Scandinavian peninsula is huge, so if you only have 12 days in Scandinavia, I’d recommend not trying to see it all.

You’ll need to narrow down your Scandinavia itinerary to just a few places otherwise you’ll spend all your time driving or on a train.

This 12-day Scandinavia itinerary takes you through the majestic fjords of Norway, to the rugged west coast of Sweden, and to the bicycle-friendly streets of beautiful Copenhagen.

Fair warning, it will leave you wanting to see more. You see, Scandinavia isn’t just big, it’s incredible! Here are some of the highlights you’ll see in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is one of the most family-friendly cities in the world. Not only is it home to one of the best amusement parks in the world, but outside of that, there are so many things to do in Copenhagen with kids .

From the vibrant, photogenic canal street, Nyhavn, to the stunning Rosenborg castle and its surrounding gardens, you will love exploring the streets and sites of Copenhagen.

West Sweden coast

Relaxing, serene, and rugged – the West Coast of Sweden will be a tranquil escape during your busy 12 days in Scandinavia.

The coast is dotted with quaint fishing villages and an untainted and primarily uninhabited archipelago begging to be explored.

Oslo, Norway

The capital city of Norway is a great place to get a grasp on Scandinavian culture, history, and Nordic life in general.

With countless museums spanning various interests like art, Viking history, and even skiing, Oslo, Norway is a chic metropolitan area with a friendly and extremely safe vibe.

Norway fjords

The fjords of Norway are practically supernatural. They are beyond majestic. I’d go as far as to say they are heavenly. The fjords are the number one tourist draw for Norway, and for a very good reason.

This area of Norway, near the village of Flam , is one of the most naturally beautiful regions of the world.

A fjord is a deep, narrow body of water surrounded by steep mountains. In the fjords, you’ll see countless waterfalls, enjoy scenic hikes, and feel completely immersed in nature.

Bergen and the west Norway coast

Bergen is a quaint city at the mouth of the fjords. Sitting on the southwestern coast of Norway, Bergen is the rainiest city in Europe.

It is surrounded by mountains and is often called the gateway to the fjords, as it is the starting point of many of Norway’s most popular and picturesque fjord tours. This colorful city has a whimsical, almost fairytale-like charm.

With a row of colorful wooden buildings lining the old wharf, the city is often a starting or ending point on many Norway itineraries, including this 12-day Scandinavia itinerary.

But what about Stockholm? 

Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in Scandinavia , so why isn’t it included in our itinerary?

Time constraints and distance are the two main reasons that Sweden’s capital city is not on our Scandinavia travel itinerary. 

If you have a full two weeks in Scandinavia, you could visit Stockholm for a couple days then fly to Copenhagen and follow the rest of our itinerary. Or, you can always add Stockholm to a trip that includes Helsinki, Finland and the country of Estonia, instead.

Our Personal Experience following this Scandinavia travel guide

We traveled across Scandinavia with our then 3-year-old daughter, so nothing on this itinerary is extremely strenuous.

Although the days are filled with a ton of activities, this Scandinavia 12-day itinerary isn’t so full that you won’t be able to simply sit and enjoy a gelato, a glass of wine, or a fika in Sweden.

Although there isn’t anything on this itinerary that a toddler wouldn’t be able to do, if you are looking to take part in more adventurous activities, like some of the longer, strenuous hikes in Norway, you can still follow this itinerary and just modify your activities each day. 

Day-by-Day Breakdown of our 12 Days in Scandinavia

This day-by-day breakdown of our itinerary gives you a rough idea of how you can feasibly spend 12 days in Scandinavia, what to see, how much time you will need, and how to get around the easiest.

Day 1 – Copenhagen, Denmark

You’ll start your 12-day Scandinavia itinerary in Copenhagen, Denmark. We arrived by plane mid-morning and took the train to the central train station (also known as Kobenhavn H). At the airport you can also pick up your Copenhagen Card .

You will want to buy one for the 2-3 days you are in Copenhagen, as admission to everything on this itinerary is included in the price.

From Kobenhavn H train station it is a short walk to Steelhouse Hostel, where we stayed in a private hostel room that was perfect for traveling with kids .

There are various other hotels and accommodations in the area, as well if hostels aren’t your thing. Regardless of where you stay, you’ll want to drop off your bags at your hotel so you can spend your afternoon exploring luggage-free.

Reserve your Copenhagen Card

Your first Copenhagen experience will be a Carlsberg Brewery tour. The self-guided tour takes a couple of hours. It’s interesting and includes beer! The brewery has a free shuttle bus which picks you up across the street from the train station and runs hourly until 5 p.m.

After the brewery tour, enjoy your two beers then either shuttle, take the metro, or walk back to your hotel and enjoy a late lunch or early dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.

• Where to stay in Copenhagen on a budget: Steelhouse Hostel
• Alternative hotel if hostels aren’t for you: Andersen Boutique Hotel

Day 1 Highlights

• Carlsberg Brewery tour
• Explore Vesterbro District 

Day 2 – Copenhagen, Denmark

This will be a busy day of sightseeing, so wear comfortable walking shoes and consider renting bicycles to get around the city faster like the locals do.

Start your day walking toward Stroget, the busy shopping district in Copenhagen. You’ll find plenty of places where you can grab breakfast along the way.

From there head to Nyhavn to stroll along the picturesque canal street before making your way to Amalienborg Palace to watch the changing of the guards at noon. Afterwards, you’ll hit up Kastellet, and the Little Mermaid, one of the most famous statues in Europe .

We walked back to Nyhavn afterwards for a late lunch along the canal and a boat tour. Afterwards, visit Christiansborg Palace, the Rundetaarn, and Rosenborg Castle. Dinner on day 2 will be Torvehallerne market.

Day 2 Highlights

• Amalienborg Royal Palace
• little Mermaid 
• Christiansborg Palace
• Round Tower
• Rosenborg Castle
• Torvehallerne Market

Day 3  – Copenhagen, Denmark

If you are visiting Scandinavia with kids, this day will be their favorite.

Start by taking the free shuttle to Den Bla Planet, the National Aquarium Denmark. It is the largest aquarium in northern Europe, so you can spend hours exploring and learning about marine life. This will take up a large part of your morning.

The rest of your day, including lunch and dinner, should be spent at Tivoli Gardens , the world’s second oldest theme park. It is amazing!

Day 3 Highlights

• Den Bla Planet
• Tivoli Gardens

Read about all of the Copenhagen attractions mentioned in this itinerary.

Day 4 – Gothenburg, Sweden

The fourth day of your 12-day tour of Scandinavia, you’ll take a morning train to Gothenburg, Sweden. The train ride takes roughly 3 ½ hours and requires switching trains in Malmo, Sweden.

Drop off your bags at your hotel and spend your afternoon exploring Gothenburg. You’ll want to check out the Feskekorka Fish Market and partake in the Swedish tradition of fika in the Haga district.

• Where to stay in Gothenburg: Scandic No 25
• Luxury hotel also near the train station: Clarion Hotel P ost

Day 4 Highlights

• Feskekorka Fish Market
• Gothenburg Botanical Garden

Day 5 – Smögen, Sweden and the west coast

After exploring Gothenburg, the second largest city in Sweden, you’ll get a break from the city streets on day 5 of your 12-day Scandinavia itinerary. This day will be spent exploring the charming fishing villages along the west coast of Sweden. Pick up your rental car and spend the day in rural, coastal Sweden.

Smogen is one of the most popular and picturesque fishing villages in west Sweden, primarily due to a pretty row of colorful fishing houses along the boardwalk. Make sure you enjoy a fresh seafood lunch while in Smogen. You can also stop at Bohus Fortress and the Pilane Sculpture Park.

• Where to stay in Smogen, Sweden: Smogens Hafvsbad

Day 5 Highlights

• Bohus Fortress
• Pilane Park

Day 6 – Fjallbacka, Sweden and Weather Islands

Fjallbacka and the Weather Islands are both equally fun to explore. In Fjallbacka, you can do an easy hike up Kungsklyftan and before catching a ferry to the Weather Islands.

The desolate islands are home to colonies of seals, so you may spot a few lounging on the rocky islands as you pass by in the ferry.

The ferry will drop you off at one of the only islands that is actually inhabited. Have lunch and walk around the island for a while to escape the crowds and recharge. Afterward, head to Grebbestad where you can relax and have fun in a huge indoor pool with a water slide at Tanumstrand Resort.

• Where to stay in Grebbestad, Sweden: Tanumstrand

Discover all the best stops in West Sweden .

Day 6 Highlights

• King’s Cleft Hike
• Weather Islands tour

Day 7 – Oslo, Norway

From Grebbestad, it is about a 2-hour drive to Oslo, Norway. On your first day in Oslo, you will want to visit the National Museum, Slottsplassen, the Nobel Peace Center and Frogner Park. Have dinner that night along Karls Johans Gate.

When you arrive in Oslo, you will want to drop off your rental car, and then drop off your luggage at the hotel.

I recommend staying somewhere near the Central Train Station and getting an Oslo Pass. It will save you a ton of money if you plan to visit multiple museums and attractions in Oslo.

• Where to stay in Oslo, Norway: Scandic Byporten
• Alternative hotel also near the train station: Comfort Hotel Grand C e ntral

Reserve your Oslo Pass

Day 7 Highlights

• National Museum
• Karls Johans Gate
• Nobel Peace Center
• Frogner Park

Day 8 – Oslo, Norway

There is so much to do in Oslo that if you have the time, you could spend 3 or 4 days exploring the city. Your second day will primarily be spent on the Bygdøy peninsula.

You can take an Oslofjord tour that morning, which departs near the Olso City Hall and the city’s famous opera house.

From there, you’ll ferry over to the peninsula to check out the Fram Museum, Kon-Tiki Museum, Viking Museum, and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History.

If you aren’t a big fan of museums, you can pick and choose which ones you want to visit, but I’d definitely recommend the Fram and Cultural History museums.

In the afternoon, you’ll want to catch a train to the suburb of Holmenkollen to see the Olympic Ski Jump and Ski Museum. It’s a great place to watch the sunset over the Oslofjord.

Check out our full Oslo itinerary and read more about the Oslo attractions we recommend.

Day 8 Highlights

• Oslo City Hall
• Oslo Opera House
• Fram Museum
• Viking Ship Museum (reopening in 2025)
• Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
• Holmenkollen

Day 9 Flam, Norway

On the ninth day of your 12-day Scandinavia tour you’ll catch an early train to Flam. This is a popular route that is part of the “Norway in a Nutshell” Package.

The train ride takes roughly 6 hours. You’ll change trains in Myrdal to board a smaller tourist train on the Flam Railway.

It is considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. When in Flam, you can hike to the Brekkefossen waterfall or kayak through the fjord.

You’ll want to spend at least one night in Flam, however if you have more time, this is another wonderful place to connect with nature and unplug.

• Where to stay in Flam, Norway: Brekke Apartments
• Alternative hotel with a bit more luxury (and a closer walk from the train station): Flamsbrygga Hotel

Check out all the great things to do in Flam .

Day 9 Highlights

• Flam Railway
• Brekkefossen hike

Day 10 – Norway fjord cruise

The best way to experience the Norway fjords is by water. A fjord cruise will take you from Flam to Gudvangen.

The 3 hour cruise takes you past countless waterfalls and gives you incredible views of one of the most stunning fjords in Norway. After the fjord cruise, you’ll board a luxury bus to the town of Voss.

The bus ride is equally picturesque and winds through steep canyons surrounded by mountains.

In Voss, you will transfer once again to a train that will take you to Bergen. All transportation on this day is also included in the “Norway in a Nutshell” package.

Book your Norway in a Nutshell package .

Day 10 Highlights

• Fjord Cruise and bus to Bergen

Day 11 – Bergen, Norway

You’ll have a few hours on day 10 to explore Bergen, but day 11 will be spent exploring all the city has to offer. You’ll want to see Bryggen, the Bergen fish market, and take the Fløibanen funicular and/or the Ulriken cable car to get a bird’s eye view of the city.

If you plan to do some hiking in Norway, Bergen is a great place to base yourself and you’ll want to pad the end of your itinerary with an extra day or so and do a day trip to hike some of Norway’s famous Trolltunga hiking trail.

• Where to stay in Bergen: Hotel Oleana
• Luxury hotel on the old wharf: Clarion Hotel Admiral

Day 11 Highlights

• Bergen Fish Market
• Fløibanen Funicular
• Ulriken Cable Car

Day 12 – Bergen, Norway

Finally, say goodbye to Scandinavia. Your 12-day experience in Scandinavia comes to an end. Depending on where you are from, you will fly out in the morning, afternoon, or evening to head home.

Spend your final hours shopping for those necessary souvenirs you won’t want to leave without, or if you have the time and like famous European churches , head to Fantoft to see a historical stave church.

Get more ideas of things to do in Bergen .

Day 12 Highlights

• Gamle Strandgaten -or-
• Fantoft Stave Church

Best way to get around Scandinavia

This is one of those trips that requires utilizing every single mode of transportation, trains, a rental car, bus, and a ferry.

You’ll have to take a train from Copenhagen to Gothenburg and rent a car in Gothenburg to explore the coast. That is really the only way to visit the quaint fishing villages along the coast.

Then you will travel by train, ferry and bus across Norway to see the fjords. But don’t worry, booking all those different modes of transportation doesn’t have to be difficult.

You can book all of your transportation across Norway by purchasing the Norway in a Nutshell package. Your rental car can be reserved here , and you can book your train from Copenhagen to Gothenburg here .

How much does a 12-day trip to Scandinavia cost?

If you’ve done any research about Scandinavia or the Nordic countries you probably already know that it is expensive.

We are neither luxury nor budget travelers. Like most families traveling with kids, we travel on a moderate-budget and book mid-range accommodations.

Comfort and convenience are important to us. We may splurge for a hotel or apartment in the right location, but eat street food instead of dining in restaurants.

For 12 days in Scandinavia during the off-season, not including flights, our family of three spent approximately $4,000 USD. That covered lodging, transportation, food, admission to attractions, and small souvenirs. Luckily, we got a great deal on our flights, too. Of course, this was several years ago, and with the cost of inflation, I’d definitely plan to budget about $6,000 USD if we did the same trip today.

I typically don’t discuss money or the amount we spend traveling, but in the interest of full disclosure and to help you plan effectively for your trip, I thought cost was an important part of the equation to include.

However, how much you’ll spend in 12 days in Scandinavia can vary greatly depending on how many people you are traveling with, the time of year you go, where you stay and eat, and what activities you add to this itinerary.

FAQs about traveling in Scandinavia

It’s only natural to have questions when planning a trip to Scandinavia – or anywhere else for that matter. Here are a few of the other most frequently asked questions that we have gotten about travel in Scandinavia.

How many days do you need for Scandinavia?

How many days you need in Scandinavia depends on what all you want to do and see there.

While you can easily follow this 12 Day Scandinavia itinerary and enjoy yourself, if you add an extra week to the itinerary, you can visit Stockholm or make your way up into the Arctic Circle and the Lapland in northern Sweden and northern Norway. And depending on the time of year, you might even get to see the Northern Lights!

What is the best month to visit Scandinavia?

Because Scandinavia sits so far north, the weather is most pleasant during the summer months. However, with the pleasant temperatures comes larger crowds. 

But, if you visit in early May or early September, you will miss most of the crowds and still have decent weather, although long sleeves and layers will likely be needed. 

Winter is cold and dark in Scandinavia, but your odds of seeing the bucket list-worthy Aurora Borealis from late fall to early spring is really good.

Have you visited Denmark, Sweden, or Norway? What would you add to this Scandinavia 12-day itinerary (besides 12 more days)?

Like it? Pin this Scandinavia itinerary to save it for later!

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Lovely post on the north countries…Enjoyed all the good information.

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Best of Nordic Countries in 3 Weeks – Scandinavia Itinerary

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links to the products we earnestly love and recommend, meaning at no extra cost to you, we might make a teeny-weeny commission if you click on the link and decide to buy something. The money will be used to sustain this little cozy blog we call our virtual home.

Planning a trip to Nordic countries? We’d be happy to help you craft a perfect Nordic itinerary or, Scandinavia itinerary (as some may call it), or Northern Europe itinerary.

Itinerary for Scandinavian Countries: An Introduction

First off, let me tell you that a trip to Scandinavia is going to be the best trip of your life. Why? Well, Nordic countries are consistently being listed as the top happiest countries, consistently. Plus, they are stunningly gorgeous!

Nordic Countries or Nordics or Norden consists of five beautiful Northern European countries of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland along with their associated territories of Svalbard, Greenland, Faroe Islands, and Åland Islands .

Why am I telling you this?

Because…

The terms Scandinavia (Scandia) and Nordics are used interchangeably by foreigners (I’ve been a culprit too before I explored the Nordic region) but they aren’t.

Finns and Icelanders are always quick to correct travelers who call them Scandinavians .

What’s the Difference between Scandinavian Countries and Nordic Countries?

The term ‘Scandinavia’ is commonly used ONLY for Denmark, Sweden, and Norway while the term ‘Nordic countries’ is used for Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Greenland, Faroe Islands, and Åland Islands .

However, the associated territories of Svalbard (Norwegian archipelago) and Greenland are technically neither Scandinavia nor Nordics.

The Scandinavian Peninsula (not to be confused with the Scandinavian Region ) geographically comprises Norway and Sweden only.

To sum up, Northern Europe consists of the Nordics (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland) and the Baltics (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania). Some definitions of Northern Europe also include the United Kingdom and Ireland .

I guess, this topic makes for another blog post. Let’s now move to Nordics itinerary, the sole reason you’re here 🙂

I’ll be using Scandinavia and Nordics, both terms in my post for the ease of getting found by people randomly searching the terms Scandinavia and Nordic Countries.

The Nordic region is one of the most beautiful and family-friendly regions in Europe. Also, it’s one of the most expensive regions in Europe. Believe you me, exploring the region is worth every penny.

Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway are part of Europe’s Schengen Region. Read everything you need to know to score a Schengen visa for your Nordics trip.

Scandinavia Itinerary: Summer in Scandinavia

We spent 3 weeks in Scandinavia during the summer. The summer is magical here. It’s the time of the year when the sun refuses to go down and shines through the entire day and night. Seriously.

Summer and winter are, in fact, two extremes in Nordic countries.

If winter in Nordics brings sub-zero temperatures, dark days, snow-covered landscapes, and Northern Lights ; summer brings endless days, nightless nights, vibrant landscapes, and Midnight Sun.

The desire to witness the Aurora Borealis dancing in the night sky is such a mad rush among travelers all around the world that they overlook the region’s beauty during summer.

Witnessing the Midnight Sun in summer is as magical as the Northern Lights in winter.

Having said that, the Nordics region deserves two essential trips – one in summer and one in winter and some more to drink in its ethereal beauty.

It’s time to plan your Scandinavia travel !

Scandinavia Itinerary 21 Days: An Overview

Our itinerary lets you explore four epic Nordic countries in 3 weeks.

♥ Denmark ♥ Sweden ♥ Finland ♥ Norway

This is what a brief Scandinavia itinerary 3 weeks looks like –

C openhagen (6 nights) – Ystad ( 2 nights) – Molle ( 1 night) – Helsinki ( 3 nights) – Rovaniemi ( 2 nights) – Oslo (2 nights) – Bergen ( 2 nights) – Hardanger (1 night) – Flam ( 1 night) – Oslo ( 1 night)

Day 1: Fly into Copenhagen Day 2: Explore Copenhagen Day 3: Explore Copenhagen Day 4: Explore more of Copenhagen Day 5: Day Trip to Dragor Day 6: Day Trip to Helsingor Day 7: Road Trip to Malmo (Sweden) via Orseund Bridge Day 8: Explore Ystad Day 9: Explore Skane County. Drive to Kullaberg (Molle) Day 10: Kullaberg to Kastrup, Copenhagen. Fly to Helsinki. Day 11: Explore Helsinki Day 12: Day Trip to Porvoo Day 13: Fly to Rovaniemi Day 14: Explore Rovaniemi Day 15: Fly to Oslo Day 16: Explore Oslo Day 17: Oslo to Bergen train Day 18: Explore Bergen Day 19: Hardangerfjord Day 20: Flam Day 21: Flam to Oslo Day 22: Fly back home

Before we elaborate on our Scandinavia itinerary let’s first discuss the basics of a trip to Scandinavia.

Scandinavia Trip Itinerary: Things to Know Before You Go

Best time to visit scandinavia.

It all depends upon your choices. If you’d love to witness the white nights and want to soak in the Midnight Sun, plan during the months of June , July , and August .

If you dream of sleeping under the Northern Lights , September to March is the best time to go.

The months of May and September see fewer crowds and thus, are less expensive in terms of accommodations.

How much does a Trip to Scandinavia cost?

Scandinavia is infamous for being the most expensive region in the world. To some extent, it’s true. Scandinavia can be exorbitant if you’re not watchful about how you spend your money.

There are ways to cut your costs in Scandinavia –

• A little planning goes a long way. You save money when you plan and book well in advance.
• Prefer apartments over hotels.
• Shop at local grocery stores and cook your own food. If cooking isn’t your thing, you can go for pre-made meals from supermarkets. Aldi, Lidl, Kiwi, Rema 1000, Netto, and ICA are some of the budget-friendly supermarkets in Scandinavia. K-Market in Finland and Coop Prix in Norway are good discount stores.
• Food Market Halls like Kauppahallit in Helsinki or Torvehallerne in Copenhagen are another great option to cut costs on food. They are way cheaper than restaurants yet a great local food experience.
• Take Self-guided city tours and look for free attractions. Almost, all major cities in Scandinavia have tons of free and budget things to do and see.
• Buy City Tourist Cards like Copenhagen Card or Oslo Card that save money on attractions and transport. They work wonders when it comes to saving time, money, and hassle. You can buy them online and collect them at the airport.
• Bring an eco-friendly reusable water bottle. It saves money plus the environment. A water bottle in Scandinavia costs about $5.
• The Everyman’s Right (Right to Roam) in Nordic countries except Denmark makes it easy to camp in the wild. You can save a lot of money on accommodation if you’re traveling to Nordic countries during the summer.
• We found Norway the costlier of all other Nordic countries. You can maybe cut your time in Norway and spend more time in other Nordic countries to save some money.

We roughly spent about $2500 per person for 22 days in Scandinavia.

Getting to and from Scandinavia

From Asia , the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and the UK, the most convenient way of getting to and from Scandinavia is to fly. If you’re in Europe, you have the option to travel by train, bus, car, or ferry.

From India, only two airlines fly directly to the Scandinavian capitals. Air India flies into Copenhagen directly from New Delhi while Finnair flies into Helsinki directly from New Delhi. There are no direct flights to Oslo and Stockholm from New Delhi.

There are a few airlines that fly directly to the Nordic capitals from North America . Norwegian Air flies into Oslo, Finnair flies into Helsinki, and SAS flies into Stockholm, and Copenhagen, direct from New York.

We use and recommend Skyscanner for the best flight deals.

Getting Around Scandinavia

With a flexible range of transport options, Scandinavia is easy to navigate.

We used a rental car for most of our time in Scandinavia though we tried other modes of transportation like flights, trains, buses, and ferries to make our trip more varied and interesting.

Renting a car in Europe has its own set of rules. You can read our detailed guide to renting a car in Europe which will help you get started .

We always use and recommend Discover Cars for our car rental needs wherever we travel in the world.

We traveled by train from Oslo to Bergen which is considered one of the world’s most scenic train journeys (you gotta experience it), took a ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki, and boarded flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi and Rovaniemi to Oslo.

I’d recommend taking a night train ( Santa Claus Express ) from Helsinki to Rovaniemi if you’ve more time on hand. Also, Norway in a Nutshell package is a great way to explore the dramatic fjords of Norway .

Make sure to book all your intercountry transportation tickets in advance.

It’s recommended to buy a Scandinavia Pass to get around Scandinavia on a budget .

A Detailed Scandinavia Itinerary: Explore Nordic Countries in 3 weeks

As always, our itinerary is packed with activities and leaves less time to just sit and do nothing. We love to explore and mini-me too loves to be on the move. She’s that restless.

This itinerary is made in a way that’ll fit all kinds of travelers, be they family travelers, or solo travelers, or couple travelers.

You can make slight changes and modify the itinerary as per your needs like it misses the famous hiking attractions in Norway (Trolltunga and Preikestolen) that can be added if hiking is what appeals to you.

First Destination: Denmark

Days to spend: 6 days.

You’ll start your Scandinavia exploration with the world’s most bike-friendly city and capital of Denmark, Copenhagen.

How to Get to Denmark

There are regular airline connections from the rest of the world to Copenhagen, Denmark. If you have got a direct flight, that’s awesome else book a flight with the least layover time.

You’ll fly into Kastrup International Airport in Copenhagen which is just about 15 minutes away from the city center.

You can rent a car at the airport or else you can take a train or bus to Kobenhavn H (Central Train Station) from where you can take a subway, bus, or taxi to reach your hotel or apartment in Copenhagen.

If you’re not renting a car, it’s best to book a hotel in and around the city center for ease of access.

Discover the Best Places to Stay in and around Copenhagen City Center, Denmark

Where to Stay in Denmark

Travelers usually keep Copenhagen as the base and prime destination in Denmark. Other cities worth visiting and spending a night or two in Denmark include Aarhus, Aalborg, Skagen, Ribe, and Odense. Dragor, Helsingor, and Roskilde can be visited on a day trip from Copenhagen .

Here are our recommendations for the best places to stay in Danish cities:

• Hotel in Copenhagen: citizenM Copenhagen Radhuspladsen
• Hotel in Aarhus: Villa Provence
• Hotel in Aalborg: Aalborg Hotel Apartments
• Hotel in Skagen: Skagenhus ved Kirken
• Hotel in Ribe: Den Gamle Købmandsgaard Bed & Breakfast
• Hotel in Odense: Hotel Odeon
• Hotel in Dragor: Dragør Hotel & Apartments
• Hotel in Helsingor: Charming and cozy annex
• Hotel in Roskilde: Ann’s cottage

Related Read: 10 Days in Denmark Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Copenhagen

Today, you’ll arrive at the Danish capital, Copenhagen. The day is at leisure.

You can explore the streets of Copenhagen and get familiar with the city depending upon the time you get here or can head to your hotel to relax after a tiring flight journey.

Where to dine in Copenhagen on day 1?

Laundromat Cafe is quite a nice place to have a quick bite. Kids will love it.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen : We recommend CopenhagenApartment and citizenM Copenhagen Radhuspladsen .

Read our detailed guide to the best hotels in Copenhagen .

Day 2 – Explore Copenhagen

Start early to beat the crowds and make the most of your day.

The attractions you’ll be visiting today include:

• Frederik’s Church
• Amalienborg Palace
• Rosenborg Castle
• Statens Naturhistoriske Museum
• Round Tower
• Christiansborg Palace

Where to dine and drink in Copenhagen on day 2?

• Breakfast: Bowl Market Copenhagen
• Lunch: Torvehallerne or Restaurant Amalie
• Coffee and Snacks: Original Coffee ILLUM Rooftop
• Taste the traditional Danish pastry at Conditori La Glace, one of the historic cafes in Europe .
• Dinner: Riz Raz

Special Recommendation: A scoop or two of organic ice cream at Hansens Is .

You can visit all the Day 2 attractions on foot. The day-wise itinerary is crafted in a way that needs minimal walking.

Transportation and many attractions are free with the  Copenhagen Card . It’s such a time and money saver!

Day 3 – Explore Copenhagen

This day is reserved for kid-friendly attractions. I mean, today you’ll explore the best things to do with kids and kids-at-heart 🙂

• Copenhagen Zoo
• Frederiksberg Palace
• Assistens Cemetery
• Jægersborggade
• Superkilen Park
• Experimentium

Recommended dining in Copenhagen for day 3:

• Coffee and Cakes: Hart Bageri
• Lunch: The Sixteen Twelve
• Dinner: The South Indian Frederiksberg

Day 4 – Explore more of Copenhagen or Take a Day-Trip to Roskilde

If you’re done with Copenhagen (which I doubt), you can take a trip to Roskilde .

Or you can explore:

• Freetown Christiana
• Gefion Fountain
• The Worker’s Museum
• The Copenhagen Lakes
• Tivoli Gardens

Food recommendations in Copenhagen for the 3rd day:

• Breakfast at Reffen
• Lunch: Restaurant Kastellet
• Coffee and Snacks: Mad & Kaffe
• Dinner: Tivoli Food Hall

Read our detailed 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary

Day 5: Day Trip to Dragør from Copenhagen

Head to Dragor , a cute little fishing town on Amager Island in Denmark.

The visit to this beautiful historic village gives you enough time to relax and take a break from the helter-skelter of sightseeing.

Make sure to take your kids to Den Blå Planet (National Aquarium Denmark), the largest aquarium in northern Europe. It’s on the way to Dragor.

If you plan to spend a night in this quaint village, we suggest booking the classic and beautiful Dragør Fort Hotel .

Where to eat in Dragor? Harborfront Dragør Strandhotel , and Restaurant Beghuset . Don’t forget to taste ice cream at Nam Nam Is .

Read our complete guide to Dragør, Denmark

Day 6 – Day Trip to Helsingor from Copenhagen

How can you visit Denmark and not visit Helsingor aka Elsinore , the home of Shakespeare’s Hamlet?

Encircled by Orseund, the Sound, and the expanse of water between Sweden and Denmark, Helsingor is a colorful town with cobbled streets and a rich history.

Kronborg Castle , a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Helsingor has been a perfect setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The castle hosts Shakespeare’s Festival every summer where international stars portray Prince Hamlet.

You can also visit the Maritime Museum of Denmark, the Culture Yard by AART , and the Danish Museum of Science and Technology .

Where to eat in Helsingør? Værftets Madmarked and Elsinore Street Food .

Note: You can add Aarhus to your Denmark Itinerary if you have an extra day or two. You’d love its Aros Aarhus Art Museum and Infinite Bridge.

How to Get Around Copenhagen? For the most part, Copenhagen is very well accessible by foot and public transportation. A rental car is good for day trips but not suggested for city excursions of course for obvious reasons. Guided tours are also a pretty good option to explore the city without any tension.

We love and recommend Discover Cars to rent a car wherever you go.

Second Destination: Sweden

Days to spend: 3 days.

On the sixth day of your Scandinavia adventure, you’ll say goodbye to Denmark as Sweden welcomes you with a friendly and warm smile.

How to Get to Sweden

Our itinerary needs you to have a rental car as you’ll be exploring the Swedish countryside which is otherwise inaccessible by public transportation.

It’s quite easy to get from Denmark to Sweden by air, bus, or train. There are buses and trains from Copenhagen to Gothenburg, Malmo, and Stockholm.

If you are planning to explore the far north of Swedish Lapland like Kiruna and Abisko, there are regular flights by Norwegian Air and SAS from Copenhagen.

Where to Stay in Sweden

There are umpteen good stay options all across Sweden. Stockholm, being the capital and major city of Sweden offers a variety of hotels, apartments, and hostels for all budgets. Gothenburg, Gotland(Visby), Kiruna, and Skane (Ystad, Malmo, Molle, and Helsingborg) are other popular destinations in Sweden.

Malmo can be easily visited on a day trip from Copenhagen.

Here are the hotel recommendations for popular cities in Sweden:

• Hotel in Stockholm: NOFO Hotel; BW Premier Collection
• Hotel in Gothenburg: Hotel Vanilla
• Hotel in Visby: Hotel Villa Borgen
• Hotel in Kiruna: True Nature
• Hotel in Ystad: Charming Townhouse
• Hotel in Mölle: Pensionat Strandgården
• Hotel in Helsingborg: The Vault Hotel

Day 7 – Drive from Copenhagen to Malmo | Explore Malmo | Drive from Malmo to Ystad.

Take a beautiful drive to Malmo from Copenhagen via Öresund Bridge .

Check with your car hire company if your rental agreement allows you to cross international borders. Our car hire company gave us a paper that we showed at the border check.

If you don’t have a rental car , you can take a train (ACP Rail) or a bus (Flixbus, Netbuss, or Gråhundbus) from København H (Copenhagen Central Station).

Whichever mode of transport you choose, it usually takes about 40 minutes to reach Malmo from Copenhagen.

Great coffee with cakes and croissants at Noir Kaffekultur , that’ll be all you need for a great head start.

You’d love to check Turning Torso, Malmo Castle, and St. Peter’s Church before you have lunch at Sajvva , a great place in Malmo for vegans and vegetarians like me.

Once done with lunch, fasten your seat belt for another beautiful drive from Malmo to Ystad.

It’s a real delight to drive the awe-inspiring Sweden countryside.

We stayed at a lovely holiday cottage in Löderups Strandbad.

That’s all we needed – I mean a secluded cottage in the middle of the lush forest with a beach nearby, a perfect summer holiday.

Spend the day taking long walks through the forest and soaking in the warmth of the Midnight Sun while sitting at the beach with a glass of wine while kids cycle, run around, and play with the sand.

It’s always good to add such destinations to your otherwise action-packed itinerary. Isn’t it?

Here, you need to visit the nearest supermarket as you’ll have to cook your own dinner at your cottage.

If the idea of cooking on a vacation scares you, check out the best hotels to stay in Ystad, Sweden.

Day 8 – Explore Ystad

Ystad, a gorgeous town located in Skane county on the southern coast of Sweden with its cobbled streets lined with medieval, pastel-colored half-timbered houses, white-sand beaches, centuries-old historical sights, and ravishing rolling countryside all around is well worth a visit.

I instantly fell in love with its beauty.

Kurt Wallander’s crime series by Henning Mankell was set in Ystad. If you’re a Scandi-noir and Wallander fan, you can take one of the Wallander guided tours to see all the locations where the scenes were shot.

Don’t forget to visit the largest film studio in Scandinavia, Ystad Studios .

Where to eat in Ystad? Villa Strandvagen , Maltes Mackor , and Glassmakeriet .

Where to stay in Ystad? We recommend Hotell Bäckagården and Charming Townhouse .

Day 9 – Explore More of Skane County | Drive to Kullaberg

There are a whole lot of things to do in and around Skåne County (Scania) but we chose a few of those as we only had a day to explore Skåne.

We started our day with Ales Staner , a ship-shaped henge. It’s located in the tiny and beautiful village of Kåseberga . Legend has it that the ancient stone ship stands on the grave of a mythic king, King Ale.

Forget about history, the site where the stones are erected in the shape of a ship is utterly impressive. As soon as you hike the hill, you can’t help but admire the views overlooking the Baltic Ocean.

Our next stop was Skånes Djurpark in Höör Municipality, Skåne – a must-visit with kids. The zoo has more than a thousand wild as well as tame Nordic animals – elks, foxes, wolves, lynxes, bears, seals, and many more.

Kids had unlimited fun getting up close with animals, trying horse riding, enjoying the Shaun the Sheep theme park, and climbing the wooden bridges in the trees. Definitely, the best family fun in Skåne.

It was time for us to head to Kullaberg in Mölle, Sweden. It took us a little over an hour to reach Kullaberg Nature Reserve , a haven for outdoor lovers.

You can take scenic hikes, experience Porpoise Safari , check out the mysterious caves and coves, go fishing, admire the views from vantage points, paddle, swim, and so much more.

We enjoyed the Porpoise Safari in a RIB boat. The tour lasts for about an hour and costs Kr 450 per adult and Kr 300 per child.

We stayed at Pensionat Strandgården in Mölle. Wowzers it is! Highly recommended.

Where to eat near Kullaberg Nature Reserve? There aren’t many places to eat near the nature reserve. We tried Molle Krukmakeri and Ransvik Havsveranda and found them decent.

PS: And you can’t leave Sweden before you experience fika, one of the most beautiful coffee traditions around the world .

We wanted to extend the time in Sweden and explore Gothenburg and Stockholm and then take a ferry to Turku, Finland, or a flight from Stockholm to Helsinki, Finland but we came back to Copenhagen to catch our flight to Helsinki because car rental companies charge exorbitantly high if you pick your rental from one country and drop it in another. Check out 10 unusual things to do in Stockholm if you’re planning to add Stockholm to your Scandinavian itinerary.

Our car rental charges for 8 days (pick up and drop at Copenhagen Airport) were 8,000 INR ($ 100) and if we returned the car in Gothenburg, we’d had to pay 65,000 ($ 900).

Third Destination: Finland

Days to spend: 5 days.

You’d fall for this little country wrapped cozily into the far up north. Day 9 of the Scandinavia itinerary takes you to Finland.

How to Get to Finland

There are quite a good number of regular flights (Sichuan Airlines, Norwegian, SAS, and Finnair) from Copenhagen, Denmark to Helsinki, Finland. The journey takes a little less than 2 hours.

Where to Stay in Finland

Finland has awesome and unique stay options. For travelers, Helsinki remains the prime or first location in Finland. Summer or winter, you gotta plan a stay in Finnish Lapland to experience the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights.

Here are our recommendations for Hotels in Finnish cities:

• Hotel in Helsinki: Hotel F6
• Hotel in Turku: Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone
• Hotel in Porvoo: Small historic wooden house in Porvoo old town
• Hotels in Rovaniemi: Santa Claus Holiday Village ; Glass Resor t
• Hotel in Saariselka: Villa Karhunpesä ; Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Igloos and Chalets

Day 10 – Fly from Copenhagen to Helsinki | Explore Helsinki

Today, you have to drive back to Kastrup Airport (a 2-hour drive) and leave your car at the car rental drop to catch a flight to Helsinki .

Take a taxi, train, or bus to your hotel in Helsinki to drop off your bags and spend your day exploring the Finnish capital, Helsinki.

Take a self-guided or guided walking tour starting from Helsinki Central Station to explore the beautiful churches, charming streets, and markets of Helsinki.

Where to dine and drink in Helsinki on day 1?

• Lunch at Zucchini
• Coffee and Snacks at Karl Fazer Cafe
• Dinner at Kauppatori Market Square

Day 11 – Explore Helsinki

On your second day in Helsinki, you can go on island-hopping. Take a ferry from Market Square that takes you to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Vallisaari, and Lonna .

Once you’re done with the island-hopping, have a cup of coffee and snacks at Cafe Regatta .

If you’re traveling with kids, take them to the Linnanmaki Amusement Park, or else you can try the famous Finnish Sauna at Löyly , one of the most popular activities in Helsinki .

Where to eat in Helsinki on day 2?

• Lunch at Juuri  
• Coffee and Snacks at Cafe Regatta
• Dinner at Restaurant Savotta

Recommended Reading: Best things to do in Helsinki, Finland A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Helsinki, Finland

Day 12 – Day Trip to Porvoo from Helsinki

Want a break from city sightseeing? Hop on a bus and head to the little fairytale town of Porvoo. Less than an hour away from Helsinki, Porvoo makes for a perfect day trip.

What’s so special about it? Well, you’ll know once you’re there 🙂

It’s so pretty that you’d want to just pack it in your bag and take it back home 😉

Stroll the cobbled streets adorned with pretty rows of pastel houses, museums, and cafes, and make sure to taste Runeberg’s Torte and Brunberg’s truffle .

If you’ve time, you can take a bus from Porvoo to visit Klovharun , fondly known as Moomin Island.

Where to eat in Porvoo? Ani’s Cafe , Zum Beispiel ,  Sinne , and SicaPelle are some of the best places to dine and drink in Porvoo.

If you plan to stay in Porvoo, please, please book this Small historic wooden house in Porvoo’s old town .

Here’s the ultimate guide to the charming town of Porvoo in Finland

Day 13 – Fly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi | Explore Rovaniemi

This day is solely for kids – the most awaited experience for kids. You are off to Rovaniemi – the official hometown of the kid’s beloved Santa Claus.

Norwegian Air and Finnair have regular flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Helsinki to Rovaniemi by air.

Santa Express Train is another good option provided you’ve enough time on your hands.

Pick up your rental car from Rovaniemi Airport and spend your day exploring Santa Claus Village – Cross the Arctic Circle, meet Santa Claus himself, feed the reindeer, and visit Husky Park.

Take that mandatory pic with the jolly man in the red!

Relax at your hotel and apartment before you start your hike to Ounsvara to witness the most unique and iconic natural phenomenon, the Midnight Sun .

Rovaniemi is one of the best places in northernmost Finland where you can experience full Midnight Sun when the sun stays above the horizon for about 70 days.

You can spot the magical phenomenon from May to August with June and July being the best months.

Where to eat in Rovaniemi on day 1?

• Lunch at Kotahovi Lapland Restaurant
• Coffee and Snacks at Coffee House
• Dinner at Restaurant Valdemari’s

Where to stay in Rovaniemi? Ukonloma Cottages , Kyyhkynen , Arctic Light Hotel , and Hostel Cafe Koti .

Day 14 – Explore Rovaniemi

Today, you’ll take a day trip to Ranua Wildlife Park , home to about 200 Arctic animals like polar bears, foxes, and lynxes.

Where to eat near Ranua Wildlife Park? We found the Wild Arctic restaurant good.

Try Rosso for Dinner and don’t forget to try Nordic’s pure ice cream by Arctic Ice Cream Factory . There are many outlets in Rovaniemi.

Read to know how a trip to Finnish Lapland in summer looks and feels like

Fourth Destination: Norway

Days to spend: 7 days.

Think Norway, think fjords. Majestic Norwegian fjords – there’s no match to them. There are 1000s of them dotting Norway’s coastline. It’s time to explore the sheer and unmatched natural beauty of Norway .

How to Get to Norway

Rovaniemi, Finland to Oslo, Norway is about 4 hours away by flight with a stopover in Helsinki. There’s no direct flight from Rovaniemi. You can come back to Helsinki and spend a day maybe before catching a flight to Oslo.

Where to Stay in Norway

Norway’s capital, Oslo has amazing accommodation options. Other cities of interest in Norway include Bergen, Flåm, Stavanger, Tromsø, Trondheim, the Lofoten Islands, Kristiansund, and Ålesund.

Here are the hotel recommendations for major Norwegian cities:

• Hotels in Olso: Thon Hotel Storo ; Camillas Hus
• Hotel in Bergen: Scandic Flesland Airport
• Hotel in Flåm: Flåm Ferdaminne
• Hotel in Stavanger: Historical apartments in the heart of the old town
• Hotel in Tromsø: Water-View Home
• Hotel in Trondheim: Affordable three-bedroom apartment
• Hotel in Lofoten: Sennesvik Apartments
• Hotel in Kristiansund: Blåbærdalen 20 Luksusvilla
• Hotel in Lyngstad: Ola Bua Near The Atlantic Road
• Hotel in Ålesund: Hotel Brosundet

Day 15 – Fly from Rovaniemi to Oslo | Explore Oslo

Your Norway itinerary starts in the capital city of Oslo.

From Rovaniemi, it’s about a 4-hour flight to Oslo including a short stopover at Helsinki. Take a shuttle train (Flytoget) to the city center and maybe a taxi from there to your hotel, drop off your luggage and freshen up before you start the sightseeing.

It’s always a good idea to book a hotel in the city center to save time and money on transportation.

On your first day in Oslo, you’ll explore:

• Oslo Opera House
• Frogner Park
• Slottsplassen
• Karl Johans Gate
• Nobel Peace Center
• Oslo City Hall

Where to eat in Oslo on day 1?

• Lunch at Tunco
• Coffee and snacks at Funky Fresh Foods – DogA
• Dinner at Freddy Fuego Burrito Bar Tjuvholmen

There are many awesome places to dine in Oslo but are expensive. I’ve suggested the ones we found cheap yet best – the absolute value of money.

Where to stay in Oslo? Mad Architect’s Shared Apt – Sørenga – Homestay, Thon Hotel Storo , and Camillas Hus .

Day 16 – Explore Oslo, Norway

The second day in Oslo starts with an Oslofjord cruise and then a ferry to the Bygdøy peninsula . The peninsula is brimming with famous Norwegian museums like the Kon-Tiki Museum, Fram Museum, Viking Ship Museum, and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History .

You can’t visit Oslo with kids and not visit one of its amazing museums.

Make sure to grab an Oslo Pass to save money on museums and other major attractions in Oslo.

We recommend visiting the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Norwegian Folk Museum), Fram Museum, and Kon-Tiki Museum.

Dining recommendations for your 2nd day in Oslo: Mamma Pizza Osteria , Haralds Vaffel , Habits Coffee , and Oslo Street Food .

Try Statholdergaarden if you want to splurge on food.

Read our guide to the best things to do in Oslo, Norway

Day 17 – Oslo to Bergen on Bergen Railway | Explore Bergen

Day 16 of your Nordic Countries tour is beautiful. Today, you’ll ride one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, the Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen) from Oslo to Bergen .

This train journey is a part of the famous Norway in a Nutshell tour but that needs you to get down at Myrdal to board the Flåm Railway ( Flåmsbana ), another popular scenic train ride from Myrdal to Flam.

We didn’t take the package so traveled to Bergen.

The journey is exhilarating and the best introduction you can have to the Norwegian landscape.

Read all about the scenic train journey from Oslo to Bergen

If you book Norway in a Nutshell Tour , your transportation is managed by them but if you’re exploring Bergen (Gateway to the fjords) and Norwegian fjords on your own like us, the best way is to rent a car.

The car rental services aren’t available at the Bergen Railway Station which means you’ll have to catch a bus (Flybussen) to reach the Bergen Airport and rent a car.

Once you’ve rented a car, check in your hotel, relax, and spend the evening strolling the colorful lanes and pretty harbor of Bryggen and check out the Bergen fish market.

Where to dine in Bergen?

• Coffee and snacks at Lovetann Kaffebar
• Dinner at Trekroneren

Where to stay in Bergen? Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen , YM40 , Bjørnestrand Fjordside View , Scandic Flesland Airport

Day 18 – Explore Bergen

The entire day is dedicated to exploring Bergen . Ride the Fløibanen funicular and/or the Ulriken cable car to get 360-degree panoramic views over the city.

Visit the KODE Art Museums , especially KODE 4 which has Kunstlab where kids can learn the art while playing.

Next, you can visit Bergen Science Center Vilvite (kid-friendly) or Bergenhus Fortress depending upon the time and interest.

You can take the cruise along the Osterfjord if you’ve time and energy. The cruise leaves from the fish market pier. The last cruise leaves at 6 pm during the summer season and 2 pm otherwise.

Dining suggestions for 2nd day in Bergen:

• Lunch at Bare Restaurant
• Coffee and snacks at Godt Brod
• Dinner at the Horn of Africa

With more time, you can take one of many beautiful day trips from Bergen .

PS: We loved Bergen so much that the plan for the second visit is already on my mind. We explored Bergen in the summer and now are keen to witness the magic of Bergen in winter.

Day 19 – Drive to Hardangerfjord from Bergen | Explore Hardanger

The day finally is here when you’ll witness the majestic Norwegian fjord up close. A beautiful drive from Bergen to Hardangerfjord takes less than 2 hours.

The third-longest fjord in the world and second-longest in Norway, Hardangerfjord is wild and stunning.

There are many ways you can revel in the beauty of the fjord – hiking, walking, cruising, kayaking, and many more.

Where to eat in Hardanger? Hardangerviddahallen Restaurant & Cafe, Restaurant Fjell & Fjord, and Mabodalen Camping and Hyttesenter.

Where to stay in Hardanger? Hardangerfjord Hotel , Mo Gardsferie , Apartment in Herand , Vik Pensjonat Og Hytter , and Jaunsen Gjestegjevarstad .

Day 20 – Drive to Flam | Explore Flam

Today, drive the beautiful stretch from Eidfjord to Flam. There are many beautiful stops on the way to Flam like Voss, Gudvangen, and Stalheimskleiva .

Don’t rush but try to soak in the experiences.

You can opt for a Norled express boat from Bergen to Flam along the Sognefjord if you’ve enough time. The round-trip takes the entire day and the single journey takes over 5.5 hours. The boat leaves at 8:00 and makes brief stops at fjord villages on the way before it reaches Flam. The return trip starts at around 15:00 in the afternoon.

Once you reach Flam, take a fjord cruise or fjord safari through UNESCO Nærøyfjord , the most dramatic and wildest arm of the Sognefjord.

The three-hour tour passes through endless waterfalls, mountainside farms, little fjord villages, and colossal mountains.

One of the tours ( Heritage Taste Fjord Safari ) lets you get down to the beautiful village of Undredal , famous for its authentic goat cheese.

You can taste different varieties of cheese and jams at Eldhuset.

Once you’re done with the fjord cruise, board the Flamsbana for the most enchanting train journey from Flam to Myrdal and back.

Where to eat in Flam? Fretheim Hotel Restaurant, Flam Marina and Appartement Cafe, Green Norway Flam, and Bakkastova .

Where to stay in Flam? Flåm Marina , Flåm Ferdaminne , and Visit Undredal .

Related Read: 7 Days in Norway Itinerary 2 Weeks in Norway Itinerary

Day 21 – Road Trip from Flam to Oslo

Day 21. Sigh! We are almost done with our Nordic Countries exploration. Wait! The best is yet to come 🙂

Today, you’ll drive one of the loveliest road trips you’ve ever driven in your life. Believe you me.

The road trip from Bergen via Flam to Oslo passes through exciting tunnels, medieval churches, cute towns, mountain passes, national parks, dramatic fjords, and whatnot.

The entire road journey (300+ km) takes around 5 to 6 hours including the time spent at stopovers.

Here’s a detailed post about the road trip from Bergen to Oslo

You can retire to your hotel or check out the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower in the evening. Climb the observation deck on top of the jump tower to enjoy the panoramic views over Oslo. The evenings are special as they bring beautiful sunsets over Oslofjord .

Day 22 – Fly Back Home

Finally, it’s time to say goodbye to the Nordics. I don’t like the endings especially when it comes to beautiful trips but as they say, “All good things must come to an end.”

You’ll fly out from Oslo to head home, wherever in the world it is. If you have a flight late afternoon or evening, you can spend some time exploring more of Oslo or maybe shopping for souvenirs. We recommend Way Nor for souvenirs.

Phew! This is an exhaustive guide to Scandinavia and we hope it helps travelers across the world to travel to this beautiful region in Northern Europe.

So, it’s basically a Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland itinerary! You can add Iceland to this itinerary to explore the entire Nordic region. I purposely left Iceland as we have planned to visit it sometime soon during the Northern Lights season 🙂

Suggested Scandinavia Itineraries

For all those who don’t have 3 weeks to devote to the trip but still want to explore Scandinavia. Don’t worry, we have got you covered!

Here are suggested itineraries for Scandinavia for 15 days, 14 days, 12 days, 10 days, and 7 days:

Scandinavia Itinerary 15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark | Explore Copenhagen

Day 2: Explore Copenhagen

Day 3: Take a Day trip to Kronborg Castle from Copenhagen

Day 4: Fly from Copenhagen to Stavanger, Norway | Explore Stavanger

Day 5: Hike Pulpit Rock

Day 6: Fly from Stavanger to Bergen | Explore Bergen

Day 7: Hike Trolltunga

Day 8: Take a Day Trip to Flåm to experience Norwegian Fjord Cruise (Nærøyfjord) and Flåm Railway

Day 9: A Scenic Train Journey or a Road Trip from Bergen to Oslo

Day 10: Explore Oslo

Day 11: Fly from Oslo to Stockholm, Sweden | Explore Stockholm

Day 12: Explore Stockholm

Day 13: Fly from Stockholm to Helsinki, Finland | Explore Helsinki

Day 14: Explore Helsinki

Day 15: Fly Back Home

Scandinavia Itinerary 14 Days (Bonus: Vibrant Estonian Capital of Tallinn)

Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland | Explore Helsinki

Day 2: Explore Helsinki

Day 3: Take a Ferry to Tallinn, Estonia | Explore Tallinn

Day 4: Explore Tallinn | Overnight Cruise from Tallinn to Stockholm, Sweden

Day 5: Explore Stockholm

Day 6: Fly from Stockholm to Copenhagen | Explore Copenhagen

Day 7: Explore Copenhagen

Day 8: Fly from Copenhagen to Oslo, Norway | Explore Oslo

Day 9: Explore Oslo

Day 10: A Scenic Train Journey or a Road Trip from Oslo to Bergen

Day 11: Explore Bergen

Day 12: Explore Flåm and the Norwegian Fjords

Day 13: Drive or Fly from Bergen to Stavanger | Explore Stavanger

Day 14: Fly Back Home

PS: Alternatively, you can join Norway in a Nutshell Tour on Day 10 that starts in Oslo and covers the beautiful Flåmsbana train ride and fjord cruise, and ends in Bergen. In that case, you can trade the day dedicated to Flam for the Trolltunga hike.

Scandinavia Itinerary for 12 Days: An Exciting Scandinavia Road Trip Itinerary

Day 3: Drive to Gothenburg, Sweden | Explore Gothenburg

Day 4: Drive from Gothenburg to Stockholm | Explore Stockholm

Day 6: Drive from Stockholm to Oslo

Day 7: Explore Oslo

Day 8: Drive from Oslo to Bergen

Day 9: Explore Bergen

Day 10: Explore Flam and Norwegian Fjords

Day 11: Drive from Bergen to Stavanger | Explore Stavanger

Day 12: Fly Back Home

Scandinavia Itinerary 10 Days

Day 3: Fly from Copenhagen to Stockholm, Sweden | Explore Stockholm

Day 4: Explore Stockholm

Day 5: Fly from Stockholm to Oslo, Norway | Explore Oslo

Day 6: Fly from Oslo to Bergen | Explore Bergen

Day 7: Take a Day trip from Bergen to Flåm | Cruise Nærøyfjord | Ride Flåmsbana

Day 8: Fly from Bergen to Helsinki, Finland | Explore Helsinki

Day 9: Explore Helsinki

Day 10: Fly Back Home

Scandinavia Itinerary 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Stockholm, Sweden | Explore Stockholm

Day 2: Fly or Board a Train from Stockholm to Copenhagen, Denmark | Explore Copenhagen

Day 3: Explore Copenhagen | Overnight Cruise from Copenhagen to Oslo, Norway

Day 4: Explore Oslo

Day 5: Fly or Board a Train from Oslo to Stockholm | Explore Stockholm

Day 6: Explore Stockholm

Day 7: Fly Back Home

Scandinavia Trip Itinerary: FAQs

What are the Scandinavian countries?

Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are Scandinavian countries, geographically. However, Finland, and Iceland, along with the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland are also considered Scandinavian countries, traditionally. Ideally, they all together are called – Nordic countries.

How many days do you need to visit Scandinavia?

You need at least 10 days to explore the best of Scandinavia. 10 days in Scandinavia allows you to tick off the highlights of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland, however, it’d be a bit rushed trip. 2 weeks in Scandinavia are perfect to discover Scandinavia in a relaxed manner while 3 weeks in the region lets you discover the hidden gems or add some of the lesser known places.

What are the best months to travel in Scandinavia?

If you go by book, the summer months of June, July, and August are the best months to visit Scandinavia. It’s when the weather is just perfect, the days are endless, and the magic of the midnight sun adds to the experience. However, I feel winter in Scandinavia is extra special too because it brings the otherworldly northern lights and hygge , mysa , and koselig !

Is it expensive in Scandinavia?

Yes, Scandinavia is costly! Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland rank on the top among the most expensive countries to travel to and live in the world. Yet, there are many ways you can visit Scandinavia on a budget if you choose rental vacation homes over hotels, cook your own food over eating out, visit free attractions, use discount passes, and plan well in advance. Also, planning to go during the low season also helps.

Which Scandinavian country to visit first?

It doesn’t matter which Scandinavian country you visit first. You can start in Sweden or Denmark or Norway or Finland depending on where there are a good number of direct as well as cheap flights to and from your home country available. Your Scandinavian itinerary mostly starts and ends in different countries.

Which country is better in Scandinavia?

Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland; each Scandinavian country is different and more beautiful than the next. Denmark has world-class design and architecture, Norway has unearthly fjords and wilderness, Sweden has lush woodlands, pristine lakes, and islands, and Finland has stunning lakes, and traditional sauna culture, and it is home to the Santa Clause.

Is it easy to travel between Scandinavian countries?

Yes, traveling between Scandinavian countries is quite easy and comfortable. With extensive road, rail, air, and sea networks, getting around Scandinavia is a breeze. Express trains, overnight cruises, short ferry rides, long-distance coaches, low-cost flights – options abound. And, not to mention, a road trip around Scandinavia is the way to go if you have time.

What’s Scandinavia known for?

Scandinavia is famous for its Viking heritage, stunning landscape, endless forest cover, pristine lakes, magical fjords, gushing waterfalls, beautiful beaches, remarkable design, and architecture, royal palaces, pretty churches, unique culture, mouth-watering cuisine, charming towns, northern lights, midnight sun, and happy vibe. It’s one hell of a region!

So, when are you planning your trip to Scandinavia? If you need any further assistance as you plan to travel to Scandinavia, let us know in the comments section below. We’ll be more than happy to help!

Recommended Reading:

• Renting a Car in Europe
• Schengen Visa for Europe
• How to Plan a Trip to Europe
• Cheap and Free Things to do in Copenhagen
• 3 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary
• 13+ Incredible Day Trips from Copenhagen
• Best Hotels in Copenhagen for Families
• Dragør in Denmark
• Best Places to Visit in Denmark
• Cool Danish Words
• Trip to Finnish Lapland in Summer
• Best Things to do in Helsinki
• A First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting Helsinki
• Porvoo in Finland
• Where to Stay in Rovaniemi
• Best Places to Visit in Norway with Kids
• Oslo with Kids
• Where to Stay in Oslo
• Undredal in Norway
• The Train from Oslo to Bergen
• A Road Trip from Bergen to Oslo
• 7 Days in Norway Itinerary
• 2 Weeks in Norway Itinerary
• Beautiful Norwegian Words
• Cool Swedish Words

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Anjali Chawla

7 thoughts on “Best of Nordic Countries in 3 Weeks – Scandinavia Itinerary”

Hello Anjali! What a nice web travel spot you ve created. I am heading to Denmark, Sweden and Finland for 10 days with 3 kids ( 13 to 20 yrs.), mid january. I am from Argentina and that´s our summer holidays. Do you think it still would be an acceptable idea ( short days, cold cold cold ).

Hey Fernando!

I and Neha love it when our readers find our content helpful because that’s our ultimate goal 🙂 Thank you so much for your kind words.

Fernando, the plus points of visiting the Nordic countries in winter are – fewer crowds, lower costs, loads of winter activities, and a chance to witness Aurora Borealis while the downsides include chilly and windy weather, shorter days (translates to less exploration time), and closed roads (matters if road tripping is on your list). Also, many sights and activities remain closed or open on a limited schedule during winter.

Having said that, I’d say winter is a good time to go if your travel goal is to catch the northern lights and indulge in winter sports.

If you can postpone your plan then I’d recommend visiting from late May to early June when the weather is just perfect, days are long, crowds are limited, and all the sights and activities are open.

If you can’t put off your plan then make sure to pack well for your winter adventure as you’ve kids traveling with you. As they say, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” You gotta exercise caution while packing for your trip so you and your kids can feel comfortable during wintertime and enjoy snowy activities.

Be ready to layer up or bundle up. You must pack insulated, well-ventilated, and weather resistant jackets, waterproof lower, fleece leggings, long-sleeved tops, thermal underwear, warm sweaters to layer on tops, waterproof boots with a good grip, warm cap, war, and waterproof gloves, warm scarves, and thick socks. Make sure that the material of clothes is lightweight and quick dry.

Hope that helps. If you’ve any further questions or concerns, please let me know. I’m here to help!

Happy Travels!

Glad you liked the article and found it helpful. Hope it helps you plan your Scandinavia trip

The best information I read and don’t know even what is Nordic. It’s nice to know and learn other countries and one day we can visit this places.

So beautiful even looking only on the photos. Just saving money for the next holiday. Bon Voyage!

This sounds amazing! Thank your for your hard work in putting it together. I I’m not sure when we’ll be able to go, but it sounds like a dream vacation.

Excellent info – thank you! If I have 4 weeks to travel around these gorgeous countries, is there anywhere you’d add to the above itinerary?

If you have 4 weeks in Scandinavia, I’d suggest you to add 2 or 3 more days in Denmark to explore the charming cities of Aarhus and Odense and 2 to 3 days in Norway for Stavanger, Pulpit Rock Hike, or maybe a visit to Jostedalsbreen National Park. You can also refer to the itineraries for Denmark and Norway on my blog for more ideas.

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Scandinavia 2-week Itinerary

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Scandinavia is my favourite place in Europe, and I visit it during the summer season. During this time, it’s neither too not nor too cold compared to the rainy UK or the blistering heat of Southern Europe.

I’ve been to Scandiavnia a few times. In the beginning, it was only Denmark. But on my second visit I explored Sweden and Denmark, nad on my third, I was able to visit all three – Norway, Denmark, and Sweden – it’s my favourite summer desination in Europe.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to enjoy Scandinavia in the winter, that’s also possible too. Just make sure to bring enough warm clothes. I spent two years living in Denmark, and this gave me plenty of time to discover and learn about the neighbouring countries.

There are three countries in Scandinavia : Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Combining these places will make a perfect Scandinavia 2-week itinerary. This is because each country offers a very unique experience.

For example, Denmark is a flat country, perfect for a biking or road trip adventure. On the other hand, Norway has lots of natural beauty to offer. Sweden is a great place to end your trip since Stockholm is an awesome hub for travelling between Scandinavia and the rest of the world.

In this article, I will guide you in planning how to spend 14 days in Scandinavia. This includes where to go, how many days to spend in each city, what to see and eat, and more.

BASIC TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR SCANDINAVIA

The following travel information will help you plan your trip to Denmark, Sweden, and Norway – such as best time to visit, the cost, which cities to include, and more:

When is the best time to travel to Scandinavia

The best time to travel to Scandinavia depends on what you plan to do. If you’re looking to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and attending music festivals, you should go in the summer season (May to August).

If you want to visit Christmas markets and villages and do winter activities , wintertime will be perfect (December to February).

On the other hand, those two seasons can be seen as peak time, making accommodations more expensive. In that situation, you should plan your Scandinavia 2-week itinerary during the shoulder season, which is from March to April or August to September .

Are 2 weeks enough for Scandinavia

14 days is plenty of time to spend in Scandinavia. Of course, the more time, the better. But if it’s your first, you can definitely see the top attractions in this region in this amount of time.

You can visit all three countries with good planning. But if you prefer to travel slower, you should choose 1-2 countries only. One thing to remember is to visit 3-4 cities only, and no more than that.

A sample of a packed itinerary will be like this: 5 days in Norway, 3 days in Denmark, and 4 days in Sweden.

A slow travel might look like this: 7 days in Sweden and 7 days in Norway or 9 days in Norway and 5 days in Denmark.

How to get around

Scandinavia has one of the best public transportation in Europe. Although not the most affordable, they’re reliable and on time. You can take the train to get from one city to another.

There are also buses, which are slower but are the most affordable choice . There are domestic flights as well, but they cost quite a lot. In some areas of Scandinavia, you might be able to use the ferries.

To get around the cities, apart from metros and trams , you can use ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Bolt, Taxa 4×35, and MiVai; only Uber works in all these three countries. The most affordable mode of transportation would be to rent a bicycle.

There are bike rental machines in main train stations and around the cities. However, if you’re in the city for just a day or two, figuring out how to rent a bike might not be the best use of your time.

You can rent a car in Scandinavia as well . This is specifically a great plan for Denmark. You can do it in Sweden and Norway too, if the cities you’re visiting are not too far from one another.

Language and currency

The official language of Norway is Norwegian. Denmark’s official language is Danish, which is also a North Germanic language. Sweden’s official language is Swedish, closely related to both Norwegian and Danish. These languages, while distinct, share similarities due to their common Germanic roots.

Regardless, you can easily get around with English in Scandinavia . 90% of Norwegians speak English, while 86% in Sweden and Denmark can speak English.

Each Scandinavian country has their own currency . Denmark uses Danish kroner (DKK), Norway has Norwegian krone (NOK), and Sweden has Swedish kronor (SEK). You can’t really use any other major currency here, it might be acceptable in hotels, but that would be it.

ATMs will dispense the local currency , while you can change your USD/GBP/EURO/AUD/CAD/NZD/SGD in currency converter shops or the bank. Most businesses accept payments with credit cards or debit cards . You will be able to pay with cash, but sometimes the shop will have a hard time finding enough change, especially in smaller towns.

The best way to do this is to plan to pay with your bank card, but have some cash just in case (around 500 in local currency will be enough). Make sure to bring at least 2 bank cards in case your main card runs into some issues.

Don’t worry about having too much currency left over . When you get to the next Scandinavian country (or any country in Europe), you will be able to convert it to a local one easily through a bank.

Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have implemented the Schengen area visa policy. This means in total, you can stay in the entire of Schengen Area for 90 days. That should be enough time for your trip in these three countries.

This visa policy is implemented to most countries in the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Malaysia, and freedom of movement in Europe.

Other visitors must get a Schengen tourist visa in advance. You can apply as soon as 6 months before your trip.

Cost of 2 weeks in Scandinavia

It’s no secret that Scandinavia is an expensive region. This means that you must plan to spend more than what you normally spend in your home country. On average, a budget of $200 would be a good start. Here’s the cost breakdown:

• Affordable: Budget around $1,500-$2,000 ($110 to $140 a day). This covers hostel stays, public transport, and self-catering with occasional dining out.
• Mid-range: Expect to spend $3,000-$5,000 ($215 to $350 a day). This includes comfortable hotels, restaurant meals, some guided tours, and intercity travel.
• Luxury: Budget $7,000-$10,000 or more ($500 and up a day) . This allows for high-end hotels, fine dining, private tours, and possibly domestic flights for quicker travel.

You must also get travel insurance . Although these countries have a public health service, you don’t want to get into a situation where you need emergency medical treatment but you can’t afford it.

Some foreign tourists experience free health treatment during their trip, but it’s not safe to rely on this because your situation could be different.

Travel arrangement tips

Scandinavian countries are not super known as holiday destinations. This means that most hotels here cater for businesses and luxury travellers. Because of this, if you’re travelling during the busy season, you must book your room in advance to ensure that you get a good deal.

You can also book your tours and car rental in advance. Many of these sites offer free cancellation in case you change your plans.

MAP OF TOP SITES AND ACTIVITIES IN SCANDINAVIA

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

SCANDINAVIA 2-WEEK ITINERARY

There are 4 travel itineraries here for spending 14 days in the Scandinavian region of Europe. You can choose which one works best for you. You can also use these as a starting template and then swap the cities to the ones you prefer.

Denmark is quite easy to travel to, if you don’t plan to see Greenland and Faroe Island (territories of Denmark), you can easily plan a 5-day trip and see the top attractions. This means you can spend 9 days in the other country of your choosing.

Norway and Sweden are bigger countries. Renting a car is possible, but it might not serve you the best since the popular sites in these countries are far from one another.

Itinerary #1: Norway, Denmark, and Sweden

This is coming off strong, especially after I said that visiting all the Scandinavian countries will lead to a tight schedule. However, I understand that some people want to see all of them regardless of how challenging it might be.

In this itinerary of 2 weeks in Scandinavia, you’ll most likely only have the time to see the capital cities. For example, you can spend 7 days in Norway, 3 days in Denmark, and 4 days in Sweden.

This itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors to Scandinavia who are looking to make the most out of their holiday and their visit. This itinerary could also be done the other way around, starting in Sweden and finishing in Norway.

ALSO READ: 2 weeks in Norway itineraries

Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger for 7 days (Norway)

Welcome to the land of fjords, folklore, and phenomenal landscapes! If you’re planning to spend an incredible week in Norway, exploring the vibrant streets of Oslo, the picturesque alleys of Bergen, and the majestic natural beauty of Stavanger – where you’ll find the famous cliff rock of Preikestolen.

Whether you’re coming from North America, Latin America, Asia, or around Europe, you should easily find a flight that lands in Oslo, a great place to start your Scandinavia 2-week itinerary. You can rent a car from Oslo, and drive to Bergen, but it will take nearly 8 hours or take the train for a more scenic ride.

There’s a non-stop one hour flight between Oslo and Bergen. Then from Bergen to Stavanger is a 4hr and 30 mins drive.

Copenhagen for 3 days (Denmark)

Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark is known for its charming historical town where you’ll find the Little Mermaid statue, Christiansborg Palace, Amalienborg Castle, and the colourful Nyhavn Harbour.

Fortunately, there’s a a direct flight both from Stavanger and Bergen to Copenhagen, so you don’t need to travel back to Oslo.

Getting from the airport to downtown Copenhagen is easy too. There are direct metro/train lines, bus routes, or you can take a taxi for convenience.

Malmo and Stockholm for 4 days (Sweden)

Malmo might be less popular destination in Scandinavia but it has lots to offer espeically those who enjoy learning about Scandinavian architecture.

There’s no reason to fly to Malmo from Copenhagen. Taking the train or bus, both will save you more time than booking a flight. You might also find a car rental company in Copenhagen that will allow you to take it to Sweden, and drop it off in Stockholm.

The drive from Copenhagen to Malmo is around 50 minutes or even less and you’ll get a chance to take the underwater tunnel that connects these two countries. From Malmo to Stockholm, the drive is less than 5 hours.

Itinerary #2: Norway and Denmark

This itinerary of 2 weeks in Scandinavia is suitable for visitors who wish to travel a bit slower and see more of both countries.

What I love about this itinerary is that Norway is a great place for hiking and attractions about nature. It’s balanced by Denmark, you can’t really hike here, but the food is amazing. Plus, depending on how you plan you trip, you can even travel by land and sea, and skip travelling by air.

Oslo, for 3 days (Norway)

Oslo, the capital city of Norway, offers impressive landmarks like the modern Oslo Opera House and the historic Akershus Fortress. It is also a hub for Nordic culture, with institutions like the National Gallery and the Munch Museum showcasing rich art collections – making it an incredible destination for those interested in history.

If you have three days here, you can make the most out of your time by getting a City Bus tour or renting a car to manage your own time. You can pick up the car rental right when you arrive at the airport.

Bergen and Stavanger for 5 days (Norway)

Bergen, known as the gateway to the fjords, is famous for its stunning natural surroundings, including seven surrounding mountains and close proximity to fjords like Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord.

Its picturesque Bryggen area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases colourful wooden houses reflecting its Hanseatic heritage.

Stavanger, on the other hand, combines old-world charm with an interesting cultural scene. It’s the gateway to the Lysefjord and the iconic Preikestolen cliff. The city’s old town, Gamle Stavanger, is known for well-preserved wooden houses, while attractions like the Norwegian Petroleum Museum highlight Norway’s oil industry.

It’s a long drive to Bergen from Oslo, but if you’re into small villages, take a night break at Seljord or Kviteseid, where you can enjoy the scenic view of glacial lakes.

Copenhagen is one of my favourite cities in Northern Europe. It’s walkable, but it is also a great idea to rent a bicycle and bike around like a local. If you’re a fan of Hans Christian Andersen’s storybooks, you will see a statue dedicated to his book The Little Mermaid here.

You can walk around the Nyhavn and enjoy the colourful houses along the pier where you can board a boat that goes around the popular spots around Copenhagen. Along Nyhavn, there are also trendy restaurants, cafes, and even bars for some food and nightlife adventure.

You can visit museums and castles if you love history and want to learn more about Denmark’s history. Even with just three days, you will be able to maximise your time due to Copenhagen’s reliable metros, trams, and city buses.

To get to Copenhagen, flying is the best choice. There are direct flights leaving both Bergen and Stavanger, which are only about an hour and cost about $60 to $80 per person.

Odense or Aarhus and Legoland for 3 days (Denmark)

For the next city, you have two choices: Odense or Aarhus. Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, is a charming city with contemporary Danish culture. You can visit Andersen’s childhood home and a museum to learn more about his life and work.

If that’s not something you have in mind, you can also consider Aarhus, the second-largest city in Denmark. Here, you will find Den Gamble By. An open-air museum where you will learn about the culture and history of Denmark. Visit the ARoS Museum, where there’s a panoramic view of the city.

Since you have three wonderful days here (in either city) you should visit Legoland in Billund City, which is an hour away from both Odense and Aarhus. Legos are from Denmark, so visiting this amusement park is something you must do while visiting this country.

This is a nice place to end your Scandinavia 2-week itinerary since from both cities, you can reach Copenhagen either by air or land. The capital of Denmark has lots of international flights, so getting from here and back home should be easy.

Itinerary #3: Sweden and Denmark

What I love about this Scandinavia 2-week itinerary is that you can do the entire trip by land. You can rent a car and make a road trip, although you must check with the car rental company to see if you can bring the vehicle across the border.

This idea will give you freedom of time to explore less-travelled destinations. Visiting these two countries during your 2 weeks in Scandinavia also means that you can drive through an underwater tunnel that connects Denmark and Sweden.

Stockholm for 4 days (Sweden)

Start your adventure in Stockholm, Sweden’s capital. Spend a few days exploring the Old Town (Gamla Stan), the Royal Palace, and the cool Vasa Museum. If you want to explore a smaller town, visit Uppsala.

It’s a University City filled with a young and lively atmosphere, but you can also visit Uppsala Castle. Take a boat trip to the nearby archipelago to enjoy nature.

If you’re renting a car, you can arrange this here. But if you decide to take public transportation, that’s not a problem either. This city is connected to many major cities across Sweden and Scandinavia, whether by air, land, or sea – truly a perfect place to start your trip.

Gothenburg for 4 days (Sweden)

Next, head to Gothenburg for some awesome amusement park fun at Liseberg and walk around the Haga district with its neat cafes. There are also castles that you can visit here such as Skansen Kronan, Nya Älvsborg Fortress, and Gunnebo Palace and Gardens.

There’s actually a ferry from Gothenburg to Frederikshavn in Denmark if you prefer to explore Northern Denmark such as Skagen and Grennen, where the Skagerak and Kattegat waters meet.

To get to Gothenburg from Stockholm , that’s a 5-hour drive covering 470 km (292 mi). You can also take the train which is 3 hours. There are also direct flights, which are only an hour.

The next stop is the capital city of Denmark. Check out the Little Mermaid statue, get your thrill on at Tivoli Gardens, and relax by the colourful Nyhavn harbour. If you love European castles, don’t miss the cool castles like Rosenborg, Christiansborg Palace, and the most popular one – Amalienborg.

Personally, I’d say Copenhagen is the food capital in the Scandinavian region (Swedes and Norwegians might come for me!), but I really love the dishes here. From pastries and seafood to local beers. I always get excited whenever I have a chance to connect in Copenhagen, because it means I can get my hands on some tasty Danish dishes.

From Gothenburg to Copenhagen, you can take the train for about 4 hours or a 45-minute flight.

Odense for 3 days (Denmark)

Apart from Hans Christian Andersen’s house and museum, you can also drive down south, about 30 minutes and spend the morning or the afternoon at Egeskov Castle which is a moated castle built in the 16th century.

I actually spent a few hours there and managed to explore the entire castle, rent a tandem bike, eat some ice cream, and enjoy the sun by the gardens.

I think this is a nice place to visit because you can get away from the touristy Copenhagen. It’s also a nice city to end your trip since it’s not too far from Copenhagen.

From Copenhagen to Odense , the drive is 2 hours and the train takes 1 hr and 30 minutes. There’s also a bus, which is more affordable than the train.

Itinerary #4: Sweden and Norway

If you’re thinking of visiting these two places, I really want you to go during the summer. Unless you’re planning to do winter activity, coming here during the freezing season will really freeze you.

Both Sweden and Norway are great destinations if you want to go hiking and be around nature. Don’t get me wrong, Denmark is pretty green, but it’s a flat country with few hiking possibilities.

In this itinerary, you can see Norway’s Pulpit Rock, the Fjords, Mount Floyen, and maybe even Trolltunga. Sweden has a wonderful archipelago and planning a boat trip or kayaking is a must.

Don’t miss the Drottningholm Palace, Fotografiska for those who love art, and Vasa Museum to learn more about the Viking culture. The Nobel Prize Museum is also an incredible and unique place to visit while in Stockholm.

This is an awesome place to start your 2 weeks in Scandinavia since Stockholm has a major international airport. Plus, there are lots of day trips you can take from Stockholm such as to Uppsala and Anundshög.

Oslo for 4 days (Norway)

Oslo, the capital city of Norway is next on your list and it offers awesome attractions to see. First off, the Oslo Opera House is like walking on a giant iceberg – a great spot for cool photos. Then there’s the Viking Ship Museum, where you can see real Viking ships that are about a thousand years old.

The Vigeland Park is filled with these unique statues that you won’t see anywhere else. And if you’re into the medieval age, the Akershus Fortress is an old castle that has tons of history. Plus, the Munch Museum has the original “The Scream” painting.

From Stockholm to Oslo, you will have to book a flight. There’s a direct flight, which is only about an hour or even less. It’s between $60 to $100 and its frequency depends on the season.

Bergen and Stavanager for 6 days (Norway)

The drive from Oslo to either Bergen or Stavanger is more than 7 hours, so it’s best to plan your transportation by air. There are airports in both cities, so you can decide freely which one you want to start from.

The drive between these two cities is about 5 hours (208 km/129 mi)and the reason I must include them in this itinerary is that each city offers must-see spots in Norway.

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10 Day Scandinavia Itinerary: The Perfect Trip in 2024

Scandinavia is notorious for being expensive, which is why ensuring you plan well is so important. my curated scandinavia itinerary will make sure you get the most out of the scandic region and have the best time on your trip to scandinavia.

3 fascinating countries – Norway, Sweden and Denmark, countless beautiful destinations, numerous exciting activities, and unlimited things to do – this is how a trip to Scandinavia can be described.

But then, how to decide how many days are enough for Scandinavia? Is it possible to explore Denmark, Sweden, and Norway while sticking to a strict trip plan?

Planning a trip to Scandinavia can be overwhelming, and with all the logistics, it may become hard to choose which places to visit and which ones to skip.

So, to help you make the most of your vacation, here is my ultimate 10-day Scandinavia itinerary.

10 days may not be enough to go off the beaten path, but it is enough to explore popular tourist attractions and get a solid overview of the region!

The Perfect Scandinavia Itinerary: 10 days

Days 1-2: Start in Copenhagen, Denmark

I tell anyone taking a trip through Scandinavia that they should start in Copenhagen. The capital of Denmark is well connected to the rest of Europe and several North American airports.

You will also find good train connectivity with neighbouring European countries, including Germany.

You may not have the first half of the day to explore the city, but you can plan some activities for the late afternoon and evening.

Consider guided tours of either Christiansborg Palace or Rosenborg Castle. It will be enough to keep you engaged for a couple of hours.

If you arrive late, then you can simply walk around Copenhagen’s city centre and opt for one of the food and drinks tours in Copenhagen that suits your taste buds.

On your second day in Copenhagen, you can combine Nyhavn District with Tivoli Gardens. The 17th-century waterfront district is known for its iconic colourful buildings and will be a memorable addition to your Scandinavia trip.

This is an entertainment area where you will find a variety of cafes, bars, and restaurants. Spend a couple of hours exploring, clicking photos, and trying out different dishes.

Then head off to Tivoli Gardens as this oldest amusement park and pleasure garden in the country is a must for your Scandinavia itinerary.

I also recommended buying the Tivoli Gardens + Unlimited Rides Combo Pass to skip the ticket lines.

Day 3: Fly to Stavanger, Norway

A lot of itineraries I see go to Stockholm right after Coepnhagen. If you want to do it this way, you can jump to days 8 and 9 of this itinerary.

However, I suggest you take a late-night flight out of Copenhagen and reach Stavanger on the second day of your Scandinavia travel itinerary. This will give you a fresh start for exploring the city and hiking one of the famous sites in Norway.

There are several hiking trails around Stavanger, but the most popular and doable of all is the Pulpit Rock hike (Preikestolen). You will find public transport to take you to the start of the trail, and from then, the hike can be done by anyone with average fitness.

To reach the viewing plateau and soak in the breathtaking view of Lysefjord, you will need to cover 8 kilometres of distance.

So, plan your day accordingly. Carry enough water and snacks. Wear hiking boots as the steps are steep. You can even consider booking a guide to hike with a small group to the famous lookout! It will be easier to do this hike with a local guide.

If you want to spend only part of the day on a hike when travelling in Scandinavia, then book this RIB Sightseeing Cruise to Lysefjord.

It will take only 2 hours and you will still be able to witness the stunning beauty of Lysefjord.

Day 4-5: Exploring Bergen & Floyen

Fly out to Bergen early on Day 4, as it is an important step in your Scandinavian itinerary. The best part is that it’s really easy to get to Bergen from Stavanger.

You will find a flight, a ferry, and an express bus to choose from, and all three options will take roughly the same time.

Although you’ll only have one day in Bergen, you can still do a quick tour of Bergenhus Fortress and then walk around Bryggen, where traditional wooden buildings stand tall along the water.

This series of Hanseatic heritage commercial buildings is one of my favorite stops on this itinerary

You will also find several restaurants and bars in Bryggen where you can have a relaxing dinner.

Then, on Day 5, you can head up to the Mountain of Fløyen for a day in the heart of nature.

Take the Fløibanen funicular to reach the top of Mount Fløyen, or you can hike to the top if you’re in really good shape!

Either way, it is recommended to start your day early as it starts getting crowded later in the day.

Buy your tickets to Fløibanen in advance to skip the lines.

If you go Hiking at Mount Fløyen, there are multiple trails to choose from. It would be easier to join a group where a professional guide will take you to the top of Mt Fløyen.

Days 6-7: The Capital of Norway, Oslo.

Spending 2 days in Oslo will give you just enough time to see the best this city has to offer. Oslo, the capital city of Norway, is a must-visit for anyone traveling through Scandinavia!

On the first day in Oslo, plan to visit Akershus Fortress, the City Hall, the Royal Palace, and the incredible Oslo Cathedral.

Also, be sure to make time to relax near Karl Johans Gate. This is the main neighbourhood in Oslo, where you will find numerous cafes, restaurants, bars, and pubs.

I made sure that this Scandinavian itinerary gives you plenty of time to pamper the foodie in you.

Then, in the late afternoon you can tour Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art and Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park.

At the end of the sculpture park, you will also find Tjuvholmen Beach, which is perfect for catching stunning sunsets.

While there are many restaurants in Oslo where you can pamper your taste buds, I would actually encourage you to  book Fjords Evening Buffet Cruise.

This will give you a chance to appreciate this beautiful harbour city from the water.

On Day 2 in Oslo, you can spend most of the time exploring the peninsula of Bygdøy . This area is known to be the best recreational site in Oslo where some of the top museums in Oslo are located.

You can cover The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, Kon-Tiki Museum, Fram Museum, and Norwegian Maritime Museum.

Definitely personalize your itinerary to see what you are super passionate about!

Many Scandinavian travel plans insist on including the Viking Museum in this area. However, it will be closed to the public until 2026.

Finally, if you’re hoping to catch another sense, Paradisbukta Beach or Vigeland Park are great options.

Days 8-9: Stay in Stockholm, Sweden

Take an overnight train from Oslo to Stockholm, and you will reach the capital of Sweden in around 6 hours.

For those interested in Scandinavia by train itinerary, a train journey from Oslo to Stockholm will be an easier as well as pocket-friendly option.

As the train station is in the heart of the city, it will save you from the hassle of booking a taxi.

This gives you a full 48 hours to explore Stockholm when and you can select from a variety of different activities that suit your pace.

Check this Red Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Boat pass for easier and cheaper transportation.

You can start your Stockholm trip with Stockholm City Hall and then take a leisurely walk to Gamla Stan. This popular neighbourhood is everything a traveller could hope for. You can stop by the Parliament House and then proceed to soak in the bustling energy of Gamla Stan.

You’ll also find some beautiful buildings around here. The Royal Palace, Noble Prize Museum, Riddarholmen Church, and the awe-inspiring Science Fiction Bookstore are part of this neighbourhood.

At this point, I assume you’ll be exhausted from a full week of travel, so this part of my 10-day Scandinavia itinerary gives you a chance to slow down in Stockholm and relax a little.

On your second day in Stockholm, you can cover the remaining tourist attractions.

For example, ABBA The Museum is an interactive exhibition that I think looks very interesting. Do this in the morning, then tour the Vasa Museum in the late afternoon, followed by an evening on Norrmalm Island around the City Center.

Consider buying a Vasa Museum Entrance Ticket in advance to skip the lines. Check the events and rides at Gröna Lund in the evening before calling it a day.

Day 10: Time to Bid Adieu

You will find plenty of flights out of Stockholm as this city is well-connected with the rest of the world. No need to plan any activities on this day, but if you do have some free time on your hands, you can wander around Stockholm.

Be a part of the local canvas and say goodbye to this beautiful Scandinavian city.

Best Time to Visit Scandinavia

Scandinavian countries can be a year-round destination depending on your interests.

May to September is the best time to visit Scandinavian countries as these months guarantee warm weather and longer days.

But, you can also check what each season has to offer and then decide which is the best time to travel to Scandinavian countries for you.

Do you love northern lights and snowy adventures?

Winter is for you! December to February are the winter months when you can enjoy activities like cross-country skiing and ice fishing. You will also find Christmas markets and decorations adding to the beauty of Scandinavia.

Do you like hiking, and exploring outdoors minus touristy crowds? Then your 10 day Scandinavia itinerary is perfect for spring weather.

The months of spring in Scandinavia are from March to May. the crisp air and greenery will ensure you will see the spectacular side of these countries. But keep in mind that air may feel chilly and rainfall is common. So, be prepared for unexpected weather.

Are you a fan of sunbathing and swimming on the beach?

Then, plan your 10-day Scandinavia itinerary from June to August.

These summer months are the busiest time to spend 10 days in Scandinavia, since the weather is sunny and the days are longer.

How many days do you need for Scandinavia?

You will need about 10 Days in Scandinavia to explore the best of these countries.

It will give you enough time to enjoy the rides at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, hike to the top of Pulpit Rock and witness the raw beauty of Lysefjord in Stavanger, take the Fløibanen funicular in Berger, see the best of Oslo, and witness the sites in Gamla Stan.

You can also try for 2 weeks in Scandinavia to add more cities to a more slow-paced itinerary.

Closing Thoughts

No matter how much time you spend, you’ll likely leave wishing you had more. They’re just so beautiful!

But if you want to make the most of your time, this 10-day Scandinavia Itinerary is a great start for first-timers!

Also, keep in mind that if you visit in winter, there’s always the chance for Northern Lights, so definitely include that one or two evenings!

If you were expecting this itinerary to include Iceland and Finland, I’m sorry to inform you that those are technically ‘Nordic’ countries!

But I can still help! Check out my 6-Day itinerary for Iceland or the most popular Finnish Food to add these places to your itinerary!

Award-winning Analyst, multi-nominated digital content creator and photographer Lavina Dsouza's words capture stories about culture and tradition mainly through its food and people. She has written and contributed to publications such as The Washington Post, Lonely Planet and Matador Network, to name a few. She is the editor of UntraditionalHumans.com, a non-profit created to share inspiring stories from women of colour who break free from traditions and choose happiness.

She's also a speaker passionate about DEI and champions solo travel. She has collaborated with numerous renowned brands such as Intrepid Travel, TripAdvisor, Travel and Leisure and Adobe, to name a few.

She can be found on Twitter and Instagram.

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Europe , Norway , Sweden · April 14, 2024

10 Day Scandinavia Itinerary – The Perfect Norway, Sweden and Denmark Trip

Spending 10 days in Scandinavia is a trip that should be on everyone’s bucket list.  Whether you are looking for beautiful nature, charming cities, or fascinating history you will find it somewhere in this itinerary. While 10 days is not enough to see everything, especially in three countries as diverse as Sweden , Norway and Denmark, it is definitely enough to get a taste of the north. This 10 Day Scandinavia Itinerary will take you from Copenhagen in Denmark, to Stockholm and Gothenburg in Sweden, and finally Oslo in Norway, with several more nature inspired trips along the way!

With that said, let’s get started! In this itinerary for a 10-day trip to Scandinavia I will outline exactly what you should do each day, where you should travel, and the unique experiences you should try out to really get a feeling for the Nordic countries.

If you haven’t come across my blog before, I have lived in Sweden (in Gothenburg ) for almost 4 years now and have taken multiple trips to all the cities and places on this itinerary. So, rather than it being one trip I have done, it is based on all the trips I have taken so to give you the best possible 10 days in Scandinavia. I hope that this ‘locals’ knowledge will give you more of an insight into each city and help you travel more authentically. I have based this itinerary on all of my favourite things to do in each place and how I would plan it for myself if I were to do a 10 day Scandinavia trip for the first time!

Please note that this post contains affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase through the link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I make sure to only ever promote products and brands I have used and like, and that all links are to trusted websites.

Days 1 – 2: Copenhagen

Days 3 – 5: stockholm, sweden, day 6 – 7: gothenburg, day 8: west sweden, day 9 – 10: oslo, 10 day scandinavia itinerary – oslo, gothenburg, stockholm and copenhagen, 10 day scandinavia itinerary.

Here you will find a rough outline for a 10-day Scandinavia itinerary! This trip visits 4 big cities in 3 different countries over a week and a half. I have outlined the best things to do in each city and a few possible day trips you can take if you want to get out of the city and see a bit more of each country! As I said, this Scandinavia itinerary is very city based. If you want to mix it up a little and include more Nordic Nature experiences then I can recommend reading through these posts to find some inspiration!

• West Sweden Road Trip
• Southern Norway Road Trip – Oslo to Bergen
• Places to Visit During Summer in Sweden

This 10-day Scandinavia Itinerary begins in Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark. A city on the water, Copenhagen is renowned for its beautiful old harbour Nyhavn , and the harbourside walk which takes you past the opera house and the statue of Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid . If you want a good viewpoint, don’t miss the spiral tower of Vor Frelsers Kirke . If you want to see the city from the canals, make sure to take the canal cruise which passes the Little Mermaid, Nyhavn, and the royal palaces.

Where to stay: The Square, Copenhagen

I have stayed in a few different hotels and Airbnbs in Copenhagen over the last few years and definitely had the best experience staying at The Square . This hotel is right in the center of the city, only a short walk from the central station and all the sights so it’s perfect if you just have a few days to explore and it’s your first time in Copenhagen.

Getting around Copenhagen

Copenhagen is quite a big city, and while it is definitely walkable, it can always be good to have a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket for when you want to travel larger distances. This bus stops at over 30 places, meaning you can quickly go form stop to stop and make sure you don’t miss anything! Alternatively, there is the Copenhagen city card which gives you a bus ticket and access to over 40 attractions (museums, galleries etc.).

If you are up for a little self-navigation, Copenhagen does also have a good public transport network that you just need to buy tickets for.

What to do in Copenhagen

Tivoli gardens.

Somewhere you shouldn’t miss is Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s iconic amusement park. People travel from all over Scandinavia to spend the weekend here, enjoying the rides and the atmosphere. My favourite time to visit Tivoli is during December when the park is decorated for Christmas and they have a beautiful Christmas Market. In the summer, there are a lot of different events on – and of course it is a theme park so there are a lot of rides to try! I can recommend The Demon if you just want to try one rollercoaster – it was a lot of fun!

If you are not one for rides, you can purchase a park entry ticket . This allows you to walk around the park, and you can still buy individual ride or game tickets while you are there! If you want to spend the whole day here, I recommend getting the unlimited rides pass which gives you park access and you can use the rides all day. With this ticket, you can go in and out of the park if you want to mix it in with sight-seeing.

Something to note is that the queue times in Tivoli can be quite long so if you want to experience some of the rides then plan to spend a bit of time in the area. The rides can also be quite expensive (419dkk for a day pass and 50 – 90 dkk per individual ride).

A Day Trip to Møns Klint and Forest Tower

As this is your only time in Denmark on this Scandinavia trip, I fully understand if you want to get out of the city and see a bit more of rural Denmark! One great day trip you can take is to Møns Klint , one of Denmark’s most beautiful coastlines. The stark white limestone and chalk cliffs here are so beautiful, towering over the crystal blue waters. This is definitely a once-in-a-life time experience you shouldn’t miss!

We had the best day trip here, seeing something a little different and getting a taste of “the real Denmark” rather than just seeing Copenhagen.

A Day Trip to Sweden

If you want to see even more of Scandinavia, you can take a day trip over the Öresund bridge to Malmö and Lund , two cities in the south of Sweden. They are only 40 minutes away from central Copenhagen which makes city hopping a really fun and unique experience. Malmö is the third largest city in Sweden, with a beautiful seaside, old town and lots of cosy cafes. Lund is a smaller university town, renowned for its town centre filled with old buildings and Lund cathedral.

You can either take a tour between the two cities which includes a visit to Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, otherwise known as Hamlet’s castle, a guided tour around Lund and a trip to Malmö. This is great if you want to see a few different places on one day and make the most of your trip

Otherwise you can take the train to Malmö from Copenhagen . This is the cheaper option and perhaps better if you only want to visit Malmö, not any of the other stops on the tour.

While in Malmö I recommend just spending the day walking around, trying different cafes, visiting the castle and walking along the coastline. We have spent a lot of time in Malmö over the last few years visiting friends who live there and I think what makes the city great isn’t necessarily the things that there are to see and do but the overall vibe of the city. One of my favourite things to do is head down to the Kallbadhuset for a swim (even in the winter), followed by brunch at MJ’s, a walk around Malmöhus Slott and Slottsträdgården and then fika at Lilla Kafferosteriet. For more details you can read my one day Malmö itinerary!

If you want to experience more of Southern Sweden and have a car, there are a lot of great day trips you can take from Malmö out into the countryside! Österlen is one of my absolute favourite places in Sweden and its only a few hours drive from Malmö along the south coast. Here you will find lots of farm shops and beautiful countryside cafes (Olof Victors is amazing!), as well as the stone circle Ale Stenar and the most beautiful beaches in Stenhuvuds Nature Reserve.

Alternatively, there are a lot of different castles, cafes and forests to explore within a much shorter distance (some also accessible by public transport). Make sure to read this post for a full list of Day Trips from Malmö !

Time for a change of scene – we are heading to Stockholm , the capital of Sweden on day 2 of this Scandinavia itinerary! In this section I have outlined a few things to see and do in Stockholm and some day trips you can make. If you want more details, with restaurant recommendations etc. then make sure to read my guide to one day in Stockholm or 3 days in Stockholm .

Where to stay: Downtown Camper

When it comes to hotels in Stockholm, my personal favourite is Downtown Camper by Scandic. It is located very centrally – just a few minutes walk to the central station, Gamla Stan, and Drottningsgatan – and from the rooms there are amazing views over the cities. Below in the picture you can see the cosy single room perfect for a solo traveller! The best thing about Downtown Camper is The Nest, the spa and bar on the top floor with views out over the whole of Stockholm. Every day, they hold different activities in the bar area including yoga classes and a knkitting circle! This is the most fun and lively hotel, but also luxury feeling. You can book it here !

A Budget Option: Generator Stockholm

Generator Stockholm is my favourite budget place to stay when I visit the city. I have stayed here 5+ times over the years and always recommend it to others! It is a hostel, meaning that it is a much more budget friendly option. However, it is not dissimilar to a hotel – with private rooms, private bathrooms available. It is super fresh and has a really nice common area in the lobby where they often hold events like trivia! It is definitely family and solo traveller friendly which is another reason I like to recommend it! Book it here !

See more: Find all your Stockholm accomodation options here

How to get from Copenhagen to Stockholm

The trip from Copenhagen to Stockholm covers quite a long distance, and as such the best way to take the trip is by train. The train journey is so beautiful as it travels through the Swedish countryside. The trip takes 5 to 6 hours but luckily is direct! There are a few different companies that run trains for this trip so you can find the best option here!

Things to See and Do in Stockholm

Stockholm is a city with so much to see and do, three days will never give it justice! However, there are definitely some things you shouldn’t miss, especially if it’s your first visit to the city. For a more detailed itinerary you can read my Stockholm One Day or Three Day Itinerary !

While you are in Stockholm make sure to wander down to Gamla Stan! This is the old part of Stockholm – An island made up of narrow streets, all lined with colourful stone houses dating back to the 17 th and 18 th centuries. In Gamla Stan you will find Stortorget, the main square where you will likely recognise the iconic view four colourful houses in a row. If you fancy a fika (a classic Swedish coffee pause) head to the old café Grillska huset – a locals’ favourite. Another spot you shouldn’t miss is Västerlånggatan; a long and narrow street lined with boutique shops and little cafes. To either side, there are alleyways running up and down the hill, often with cosy little shops hidden away inside.

No matter how many times I have been to Stockholm, Gamla Stan is still the first place I visit. I will never get tired of the picturesque alleyways and colourful buildings. I personally think that the best time to visit is in the morning (before 10 when most shops open) as here you will see the streets almost empty. If you visit later in the day, Stortorget and all of the bigger roads are often crammed with people – especially during the summer or around Christmas! My favourite street is Trädgårdsgatan which is just off of Stortorget. In the autumn, theres a beautiful tree in the middle of the alley which just lights up the orange walls.

There are loads of great museums to visit in Stockholm. If you are an ABBA fan, you can’t miss the ABBA museum ! It is so much fun, with interactive displays, photo opportunities, replicas of different props, recording studios and lots of interesting facts you probably didn’t know about the band! The museum is very interactive so expect to find yourself in a recording booth singing along to the songs, or dancing alongside holograms on the big stage. I have been to the ABBA museum 3 times in total and never get sick of it – especially with the alternating exhibitions that take place in the foyer. Mamma Mia the film, ABBAs tour costumes, and Eurovision have been the three that I have been lucky enough to visit!

If you want something a bit more historic, you have to visit the Vasa Museum ! The Vasa is the world’s only well-preserved 17 th century wooden boat – one which sunk in Stockholm harbour immediately after it first set sail in 1628. This is one of the best museums I have ever been to and would go back in the blink of an eye. It is amazing how intact the boat still is, and a great opportunity to learn about “Sveriges Stormakstid” (The Swedish Empire), an extremely interesting era of Swedish history that you don’t hear much about otherwise.

There is also Skansen, the open-air museum/ zoo with lots of classic Swedish wooden houses to explore! You could spend hours here wandering around the different plots. I remember walking around thinking that a visit to Skansen is very much like a trip around Sweden – with the classic farmhouse you see in Skåne , to the Sami village from Abisko , and wooden village of places like Eksjö.

If you are in to art then you won’t want to miss the Photography museum – or the Nobel Prize Museum for something a bit more unique.

If you are interested in visiting several museums or attractions during your visit, it could be worth getting the Stockholm city card which includes lots of different tours, museums, and even adventures out into the archipelago!

As I said before, there are so many different things to see and do in Stockholm! So make sure to read this guide with all my recommendations!

Getting around Stockholm

Stockholm is also a very walkable city however it is also a big city and you will likely want to use the public transport system at some point! There are buses and an underground that you can take all around the city. Tickets can be bought in advance , or you can just tap your card on entry to the station. The same goes for trams and buses – you can either download the app and buy a ticket or you can tap your card when the guard comes through the tram. I recommend buying a ticket in advance though if you can – you only need to purchase the ticket just before hopping onto the bus, tram or metro and it just keeps you safe from getting a fine. They can be quite harsh with public transport fines in Sweden so it is good to be on the safe side.

A Day Trip into the Stockholm Archipelago

One of the best day trips you can take in Stockholm is a trip out into the archipelago! There are a few different ways you can do this depending on how you want to spend the day!

Firstly, you can take a guided tour on a sight-seeing boat . This is only a 2.5 hour tour which is perfect if you just want to take a quick trip out to see the archipelago, spending the rest of the day in the city. The tour doesn’t stop at any of the islands, but it is a great way to see the archipelago from the water! I have done this trip in both the summer and winter and think both experiences were amazing. Not only do you get to see a different side of Stockholm but you get to learn about the different islands that make up the city. The tour guide was also great, talking us through everything we saw along the route.

Secondly, you can take a kayaking tour around the archipelago . This is a much more active way to see the archipelago, paddling through the islands and stopping at a few different places throughout the day. This tour includes all the equipment, drinks and snacks so is the perfect day trip! The East Coast of Sweden is so special, with over 14,000 tree covered islands, its a really unique experience to kayak here.

Thirdly, you can take a sailing trip . This is my personal favourite way to see the archipelago – there is nothing like exploring the water on a small boat, stopping at different islands and beautiful swimming spots throughout the day. This trip is a more expensive way to see the archipelago but is definitely a once in a lifetime experience!

Lastly, you can also visit the islands in the archipelago using ferries. One of the more popular islands to visit is Vaxholm where you will find the historic Vaxholm Kastell, Bogesund Castle, lots of nice restaurants and swimming spots. You can find information about booking tickets and planning your trip here !

Today we will be travelling from Stockholm to Gothenburg , the second largest city in Sweden. Located on the west coast, it is renowned for its slower lifestyle, cosy cafes and beautiful archipelago ! The few days spent in West Sweden is a highlight of this trip, with little fishing villages and beautiful islands to explore. I am a little bit biased when it comes to the West Coast, having lived here for almost 4 years now and spending my weekends exploring the towns along the way, I think it is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Sweden. What makes it so unique is all the fishing villages – places like Smögen or Fiskebäckskil that have houses so tightly woven it feels almost like a film set when you are walking through them. Unfortunately, there is no way you can visit everything that makes the West Coast great in just a few days so I would actually recommend either spending a few more days here, or considering a future trip back to see it all! I have loads of guides on my site to help you plan! Otherwise you can get my West Sweden Map with over 300 locations plotted out along the coast!

Where to stay: Clarion Hotel Post

The Clarion Hotel Post is quite a big hotel in Gothenburg’s old postal building. It’s a beautiful hotel located really centrally. The newly built glass tower with a rooftop pool has an amazing view over the city, and the lobby bar is one of the best places for a drink! You can read about our stay or book it here !

Where to stay: Linnéplatsens Hotell & Vandrarhem

If you want something slightly more affordable then I definitely recommend Linnéplatsens Hotell & Vandrarhem! This is a hostel with shared bathrooms, but the rooms are super fresh, and it is located very centrally, just by Linnéplatsen and Slottskogen, Gothenburg’s big park. This hotel is a bit further away from the central station but there are many trams and buses that travel this 10-minute journey, so it is still very easy to get back and forth. Find out more here!

How to Get From Stockholm to Gothenburg

The best way to travel from Stockholm to Gothenburg is by train. There are several different companies that run trains between the two cities (SJ, MTRX, FlixTrain) and it is one of the most popular routes in Sweden to travel! It’s comparing them to get the best price as the services are quite similar. You can that do here !

Things to See and Do in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is a much slower paced city than the others you will visit on this trip. What makes it such a special place is not all the sights, but the atmosphere, all the cosy cafes, the old houses and the nice parks.

If you want all my tips, you can find them on either my guide to spending one day in Gothenburg or my 2 – 4 day itinerary !

Make sure to visit the district of Haga, an older part of the city renowned for its cosy cafes and nice shops. It is here in Café Husaren where you will find the giant cinnamon buns Gothenburg is famous for. For a good view, walk up to Skansen Kronan, the old fortress on the hill behind Haga. If you want something a little more adventurous, visit Liseberg amusement park. I 100% recommend this if you are visiting Gothenburg in the autumn or in around Christmas time ).

When it comes to food, make sure to wander through the food market Saluhall, or take the free ferry over to Lindholmen Street Food Market if you are visiting on a Saturday. Make sure to also stop by the courtyard on Magasinsgatan where you will find local coffee roastery Da Matteo, and several food trucks set up outside. This is somewhere locals flock on a sunny day as it is protected from the wind in all directions.

For something a bit different you can also take a tour along the canal with Paddan , the canal boat, or take a city tour on the Amphibious land and water bus .  

Getting around Gothenburg

Gothenburg is a small city and very much walkable, however, you may find you will want to use public transport if you are heading out on a day trip. This is great in Gothenburg – There are trams, buses, and ferries which will take you anywhere you want to go. The best way to buy a ticket is to download the Västtrafik app where you can purchase either a single ticket (90 minutes) or a day ticket. Depending how often you will be travelling the single ticket can work out better as when you buy 4 you get a 20% discount on your 5 th .

If you are staying in Gothenburg, you will only need a zone A ticket. Just in case though, it’s best to check your route on the app where they will suggest the ticket you need.

Alternatively, if you can’t or don’t want to be walking too much, you can take the hop-on-hop off bus around the city. This stops at 8 different places around the city and makes it very easy to get to exactly where you want to go. There is also a hop-on-hop-off boat and bus trip which includes 5 boat stops around the city. This is a super fun way to explore Gothenburg by the waterways and it takes you to some very interesting places.

A Day Trip into The Archipelago

There is nothing I can recommend more when visiting Gothenburg than a day trip out into the archipelago. These islands are so unique and have some a beautiful atmosphere that it really gives an insight into Swedish life, especially in the summer. There are a few different ways to explore the archipelago. You can find more tips and information about all the islands in Gothenburg archipelago guide !

The first is to take a guided tour of the Southern archipelago on a beautiful old-timey boat. This trip leaves from the centre of Gothenburg (Lilla Bommen) so takes a really unique route out to the islands where you get an up-close view of the active harbour and the old Älvsborg Fortress. This tour does not stop on any of the islands though. A good mix if you still wanted to take the boat tour and also visit an island is the trip out to Vinga Lighthouse . This is one of the best day trips we have ever done from Gothenburg and I definitely recommend it! The island is the most westerly in the archipelago and has played quite a big role over the years in protection and sea rescue. If you want to know more, here you can read all about our trip to Vinga Fyr and Island .

The other option is to take the public ferry out to one of the islands. In the Northern archipelago, the most popular island to visit is Hönö . This is a lively island all year round, with beautiful nature reserves, sandy beaches and the town of Hönö Klåva. However, to get here is a little more difficult as you must first take a bus to Lilla Varholmen and then the ferry over to the island. Hönö is best explored by car or bike as the buses here are quite irregular.

The Southern Archipelago

In the southern archipelago, I recommend visiting Styrsö or Vrångö . These are car-free islands where it is possible to explore solely by foot. Styrsö is best if you want to visit somewhere with a summer resort type vibe. There is a nice café, swim spots and pretty houses to wander around. Vrångö is best if you want more nature, with beautiful sandy beaches and nature reserves to explore.

To get to both of these islands you will need to catch the ferry from Saltholmen. To get here you can catch the number 11 from the city. The ticket out to the island is the same zone A ticket you buy to travel elsewhere around Gothenburg.

Today, if the weather is looking good, it’s time to head out of the city and to some smaller villages for the day! West Sweden is renowned for its beautiful little fishing villages such as Smögen or Fiskebäckskil. Most places are accessible by public transport and you can find the routes on the same Västtrafik app . Some tips for destinations are:

• Marstrand – A summer island with an old fortress and walking paths
• Åstol – A very picturesque island close to Gothenburg
• Dyrön – Hire a sauna or walk around the unique nature reserve
• Smögen – A small town with amazing swimming spots and a colourful harbour
• Käringön – A lively island with beautiful beaches and great restaurants
• Orust – A bigger island with lots of small towns and farm shops
• Koster Havet – A marine nature reserve with amazing snorkelling opportunities

Tip: If you want to extend your trip, you could add a week in West Sweden. Read my West Sweden Road Trip Guide for inspiration!

• West Sweden Map

Get 300+ tips on West Sweden

In this map and guide to West Sweden you will find over 300 tips for places to visit in and around the region. These are places I have visited and personally recommend – some hidden gems and a few more well known spots!

Day 9 we are moving onto Oslo for the final stage of this 10-day Scandinavia trip itinerary. Oslo is the capital city of Norway, known for its beautiful architecture, great museums and harbour. In this section I have included the basics, but if you want a more detailed guide, make sure to read my itinerary for 2 Days in Oslo .

Where to stay: Att Revier

This hotel is perfectly located when you only have 2 days in Oslo. It is only a 5-minute walk from the central station, the main street, and the opera house and harbour. The atmosphere is really calm and relaxed, with a lobby but also self-check in. The in-house restaurants are also some of the best in the city! Find out more here.

See more: Find all your Oslo accomodation options here!

How to get from Gothenburg to Oslo

The best way to get from Gothenburg to Oslo is by bus. There are a few companies that run the buses (Vy and occasionally Flixbus) – so you can compare them and find the best option here . The trip takes around 3.5 hours in total. I recommend taking a relatively early bus, so you have as much time in possible as Oslo.

Things to See and Do in Oslo

Start off your time in Oslo with a visit to the Opera house. This architectural wonder sits at the edge of the water, with glass pained walls and a rooftop that you can walk on. From the roof, there is an amazing view over the city! Be careful if you are visiting Oslo in winter as it can get really slippery here! From the opera house, you can head down to the waterfront saunas and enjoy a dip in the sea. This is a must in Oslo! There are both public and private saunas you can hire out, so it is very much budget friendly no matter which type of traveller you are.

Another great thing to do in Oslo is visit one of the many museums. A few favourites of mine were the Munch Museum , dedicated to painter of “The Scream” Edvard Munch, or the Norwegian Folk Museum where they have lots of old houses, a stave church and displays on Norwegian history. This was where one of my favourite Oslo Christmas Markets was when we visited in late November. Lastly, we really loved Akershus Castle and the Norwegian Defence Museum. This was probably the highlight of the trip. I won’t add to many more details here but you can find out everything about Oslo in this 2 day Itinerary !

If you are thinking of going to multiple museums, it can be worth purchasing the Oslo City Card . This gives you access to most museums and also includes public transport!

If you feel like a day trip, you can head out into the Oslo Fjord for some island hopping or on a guided cruise on a sailing boat . I know I have recommended trips out to islands in the archipelagos of so many places on this trip – but it is the proximity to the water and these islands that brings so much to each city!

For more tips make sure to read these guides:

• Visiting Oslo in Winter
• Itinerary for Two Days in Oslo

Getting Around Oslo

Travelling around Oslo is easy with the bus system. You can either buy single tickets or a day ticket and you can find the timetable here. Alternatively, you can take the hop-on-hop-off bus which stops at 11 different places around the city, including many different museums, the royal palace and the opera house.

10 days in Scandinavia – 3 countries, 4 cities, and hopefully too many memories to count. This trip to Sweden , Denmark, and Norway gives a little taste of Scandinavia will hopefully inspire you to come back and explore more of each country. The mix of cities and day trips gives the itinerary a bit of a balance the bustling city life and the beauty of Scandinavian nature. As always, leave any questions in the comments and enjoy your trip!

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Scandinavia and the Nordic Region: Planning Your Trip

Jalyn Robinson is the assistant travel editor at Dotdash Meredith, working for both Travel + Leisure and TripSavvy. She started at TripSavvy in 2021 and joined Travel + Leisure in 2023, where she writes, edits, and assists with other editorial operations. 

Planning Your Trip

Places to visit, what to eat and drink, where to stay, getting there, money saving tips.

Scandinavia and the Nordic region are historical and geographical regions covering much of Northern Europe. Extending from above the Arctic Circle to the North and Baltic Seas, the Scandinavian Peninsula is the largest peninsula in Europe.

Popular tourist destinations Denmark , Norway , Sweden , Finland , Iceland , and on occasion, Greenland , all make up the Nordic countries. (Three of them took the top three spots on the United Nations' World Happiness Report in 2021, with Finland being number one for the fourth year in a row.) As a whole, Scandinavia has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world and is enriched with its own culture and way of life, which draws in millions of people every year.

This guide includes everything you need to know to plan your trip, including the best time to visit, the top Scandinavian destinations, where to stay, what to eat, and money-saving tips in this often-pricy part of the world.

Best Time to Visit: Because of the Nordic countries' locations, they have relatively long daylight hours in the summer and very short ones in the winter. Northern Norway and Finland experience almost no darkness during June and July. The summer season brings more stability in the weather , making it the perfect time to schedule outdoor adventures. The winter months are ideal for a quieter vacation and give the best opportunity to spot the Northern Lights because of the lack of light pollution.

Languages : Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Icelandic, and Faroese.

Currency : Each country has its own unique currency. Denmark and Greenland both use the Danish krone. Finland uses the traditional European Euro. Norway uses the Norwegian krone, Sweden uses the Swedish krona, and Iceland uses the Icelandic krona.

Getting Around : It is relatively easy to make your way around Scandinavia. The region is driveable , so long as you have a valid license, passport, the car's registration and insurance, and are over the age of 18. The road rules are also similar to that of the U.S., making driving more straightforward than in other countries. However, train travel is just as popular in this area and can be cheaper. There are various rail passes you can get to explore the region, or you can take private train rides, such as the famous Flam rails.

Travel Tips : Make sure you pack a variety of clothing, as the weather in Scandinavia can vary between each country. Plan ahead for a trip to Scandanavia, as there are many cities to visit and even more to see and experience.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen offers unique museums that explore its Viking heritage, guided tours to help immerse travelers in its everyday life, and historical sites, such as Amalienborg Castle, where the royal family takes their winter holiday. Travelers can see the changing of the guard daily. Copenhagen is one of Scandinavia's most popular tourist destinations, and there is so much to do that no two days could be the same.

Bergen, Norway

Norway offers stunning cities where the scenery might take your breath away. The city of Bergen is one of Norway's most popular and scenic destinations, where you can peruse an old-timey fish market or enjoy buildings that date back to the 14th century. Don't forget to spend some time in the natural beauty of the mountains and fjords surrounding the city.

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is a busy tourist attraction all on its own. The city is full of gorgeous sights and experiences, including two free beaches, several impressive churches, and Djurgården, a nature park on an island right in the middle of Stockholm.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland's picturesque terrain is perfect for anyone who wants to earn some stunning photos. Travelers can visit the Blue Lagoon, a series of naturally-heated thermal pools near Iceland's capital Reykjavik. Some people say that bathing in the lagoon can help treat certain skin conditions - it's like visiting a spa minus the insane prices. Travelers can also enjoy whale watching on a whale safari, and depending on where you go and who you booked with, you might even have the opportunity to swim with the giant sea mammals.

Helsinki, Finland:

While less of a tourist attraction than some of the other Scandinavian capital cities, the capital city of Finland, Helsinki, offers some of its own top-notch attractions. Its most popular tourist attraction is the Suomenlinna Fortress , a  UNESCO-designated  historic site. It holds several shops, restaurants, and museums inside, including one housed in an old submarine. Close to the capital are more than 300 islands that bring in thousands of visitors for recreation and other entertainment throughout the year.

The Scandinavian and Nordic countries are well known for their delicious foods, and each country has its own special something to offer up.

It's hard to think about Sweden's cuisine without thinking of the famous Swedish meatballs, whether it's because it's the national dish or because of the success of Swedish furniture titan IKEA, but that isn't the only dish the nation has to offer. Cinnamon rolls originated from the country in the 1920s, and they are celebrated in Sweden every year on Oct. 4, on Kanelbullar Day. A popular food that isn't entirely as well known outside of the country is smörgåstårta, also known as sandwich cake. Most commonly served at parties and other large gatherings, smörgåstårta is fresh-baked bread filled with meats, fish, and vegetables, often topped with sour cream and cream cheese "icing."

Finnish foods are more fresh and straightforward, but that doesn't mean they aren't delicious. Lohikeitto, for example, is a soup made with salmon, potatoes, and leeks, primarily popular in the winter. Reindeer meat is also a country staple and can be found in most restaurants.

Norway's national dish, Fårikål, is exactly as the name depicts in English—mutton and cabbage. It's simple but delicious and often eaten in the colder months in the country. If you're interested in going out and having a drink , you might see Aquavit on the menu, one of the more well-known alcoholic beverages in Norway made from potatoes and grain.

Denmark's food is much more than the stereotype of meat and potatoes. They have a lot of delicious sweets to offer their visitors. A famous bakery treat found all around the country is flodebolle, a wafer cookie with marshmallow cream and covered in chocolate. The pastry named the Danish, well known in other parts of the world, also comes from its namesake but is often only eaten in Denmark on special occasions or weekends.

Iceland, of course, is well known for its seafood . Travelers can experience seafood that they might not be able to try in their own countries, such as puffin, whale, and fermented shark.

If you're looking to pack your itinerary with multiple activities every day and enjoy finer restaurants and hotels, the capital cities of any of these five countries will be where you want to stay. Copenhagen, Helsinki, Reykjavik, Oslo, and Stockholm are the hub of their respective country's culture and arts, and you'll find plenty to do and explore. It is easy to take day trips to some of the smaller, surrounding towns from these larger cities.

Where you stay should also depend on what kind of things you're looking to experience on your trip. If you're interested in seeing the Northern Lights, for example, you'll want to leave the hustle and bustle of a capital city and go somewhere much more secluded, such as a smaller and less populated area in Sweden .

Camping can also be a fun and different kind of stay; just make sure you know all the rules and regulations before setting up camp.

There are several options when it comes to reaching the many Scandinavian countries. The best airport to fly into in Finland is the Helsinki Vantaan Airport , right in the nation's capital. It's the largest airport in Finland and the easiest for international travel, as it serves over 100 destinations, including the other Scandinavian countries.

Copenhagen International Airport is the closest to Denmark's capital if you're interested in flying there. The Helsinki Vantaan Airport flies to over 100 destinations, although flying into Copenhagen might be a bit cheaper.

Sweden's Stockholm Arlanda Airport is one of the biggest airports in Scandinavia, serving more than 27 million passengers annually. It has many connections to some of the more remote Scandinavian airports.

The Oslo Gardermoen Airport  in Norway is closest to Norway's capital and has several means of public transportation within.

Keflavik International Airport is Iceland's largest airport and will only get more prominent in the coming years. The flights here are arguably the cheapest, but with the capital city of   Reykjavik still being 45 minutes away, it's not the most convenient of the airports.

• Enjoy all of the free things that Scandanavia offers, including its three most extraordinary natural phenomena, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), the Midnight Sun, and the Polar Nights.
• Scandanavia's casual cafes and bars usually offer very filling meals for a relatively low cost. Integrate them into your eating itinerary instead of sticking to restaurants only.
• If you're interested in touring museums and other local attractions in Sweden or Norway, look into getting a city card, which can offer discounts and sometimes free admission to some of the most popular tourist sites. They can be purchased online for a day or more.
• Instead of using ATMs to access the many different kinds of currency in the region, travel with your debit and credit cards instead. It will save you money on potentially high ATM fees.

A Guide to Airports in Scandinavia

Nordic vs. Scandinavian: A Complete Guide to the Proper Use of the Terms

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Scandinavia

Scandinavia Fast Facts

October in Europe: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Christmas in Scandinavia: Traditions, Events, and Foods

The 12 Best Places to See the Northern Lights

Scandinavia by the Seasons

New Year's Eve in Nordic Countries and Scandinavia

Scandinavia in January: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

14 Best Attractions and Things to Do in Scandinavia

February in Scandinavia: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

August in Scandinavia: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

October in Scandinavia: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Your Trip to Iceland: The Complete Guide

Driving in Scandinavia

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2 Week Road Trips Through Scandinavia: Your Guide

Scandinavia is a Northern European region that encompasses the countries of Denmark, Sweden and Norway. With lush countryside, stunning coastline and rugged mountains, it's ideal for a road trip. Plus, take the wheel and you can stop whenever you want to take in the breathtaking views and attractions.

If you're interested in going on a  Scandinavia road trip of 2 weeks, there are plenty of options. You could spend time exploring one country, delve into a specific region, or even tour all 3 Scandinavian countries in a single itinerary.

Read on for inspiration and suggestions on how you can plan an unforgettable tour. Here we'll give you our insider recommendations on the best road trip routes in Scandinavia.

Road trips in Sweden

Sweden is the country of ABBA, a thousand isles (or more like 200,000!), sleek design, and  fika coffee break . Stockholm, its capital, is fantastic for a city break, but have you ever thought of visiting the other  Swedish cities and countryside? You’ll be surprised what you find.

Read about visiting  Sweden in summer or winter to decide on the best time for you. In winter, we recommend independent train and cruise travel so you can sit back and relax. 

Tour the 3 big Swedish cities

With 2 weeks in Sweden, you could travel between Stockholm, Malmö and Gothenburg. You’ll enjoy the mix of urban vibes, with interactive museums and grand royal palaces, and the superb nature and tranquil oases along the way.

Journey from Stockholm to the lush area around Lake Vättern where you could go for some wild swimming. Then drive through the scenic Swedish province of Småland to visit historic ruins and castles.

Cross onto the island of Öland and wander through the limestone plateau of Stora Alvaret , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You then follow the coast south to Ystad and then north toward Gothenburg. As you’re travelling at your own pace you can stop at quaint villages and sandy beaches along the way.

Journey north to Sunne through the Swedish forest. Enjoy the scenery and, if the weather allows, stop for another lake swim. Sweden is the perfect place for immersing yourself in nature. Finally, we recommend spending some time in the Dalarna county. It is one of the most popular areas to visit in Sweden.

Good to know: This is one example of a tour you could take around Sweden. But Nordic Visitor itineraries can be tailored. Maybe you want to spend more time in certain locations or extend your trip. Just ask our Swedish travel experts !

• Check out our Sweden self-drive tours
• Related: Read about the top Swedish road trips for a variety of tour lengths

Road trips in Norway

Norway is known for its fantastic hiking opportunities, scenic fjords, and Viking history. As Norway is another large country, you'll have many possibilities for places to visit on a 2-week road trip. Here are our two favourite suggestions:

West coast: Bergen, Trondheim and Stavanger

You may be able to drive this itinerary of 700 kilometres (435 miles) in a few days. But you can spend as much time as you wish along the way. It’s the beauty of a road trip as you choose where and what you stop to see.

Bergen to Trondheim will take you inland via the lovely town of Loen , nestled between mountains. And on the way back, you’ll follow the beautiful coast of Norway. Explore the majestic fjords, renowned worldwide for their grandeur and beauty.

You’ll also get to experience the Atlantic Ocean Road , one of Norway’s most scenic drives. Then sail south again, via Bergen, all the way to Stavanger . You could even take time to hike up the iconic Pulpit Rock too.

• Browse Norwegian self-drive tours for a memorable road trip

Complete tour from Oslo

Soak up the countryside and mountains as well as the western fjords on this tour of Norway's southern regions. Although it leaves out the north (we think it’s worth its own holiday!) this road trip will take you through a variety of cities, villages, and natural landscapes.

You’ll get to admire what Norway has to offer on a complete tour from Oslo to the west coast and back. Along the way you'll discover the fjords, high peaks, fishing villages, and so much more.

Here are the 10 best things to do with 2 weeks in Norway :

• Stroll through Norway’s grand capital,  Oslo
• Wander through the Rondane National Park and visit Røros
• Visit the dramatic fjord landscape and maybe even go kayaking
• Experience the quaint village of  Flåm and its steep railway
• See the west coast city of Bergen and all its highlights
• Drive the exciting routes of  Trollstigen , the Atlantic Road and  Eagle Road
• Take in the stunning views surrounding Loen
• Marvel at the ethereal waterfalls  Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil
• Explore the medieval city and historic capital of Norway, Trondheim
• Spend time in the Olympic town of  Lillehammer

Scandinavian triangle

When it comes to an unforgettable road trip through Scandinavia, we recommend visiting all 3 countries in one tour. Sweden, Denmark and Norway are close together, well-connected, and share similar historical and cultural aspects. For that reason, the region as a whole makes for a fantastic destination.

To get a taste of all 3 nations, we recommend visiting the capitals: Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo. This way you can discover these grand cities of Scandinavia , with their entertaining museums, gourmet cuisine, and royal palaces. And between the capitals, spend time enjoying the beautiful countryside.

You can even choose whether you'd like to drive, along Sweden’s south-west coast, or take the ferry between Copenhagen and Oslo. If you opt for the ferry, you'll board a large ship with your car and spend a night sailing along the Kattegat Strait.

• Explore self-drive tours around Scandinavia
• Related: Read about the best trips for first-time visitors to Scandinavia

Iceland’s Ring Road

Although not part of Scandinavia, Iceland is an absolute must see in the Nordics. And as it's THE place for a road trip, we had to include it.

Route 1, also nicknamed the Ring Road, circles Iceland, connecting nearly all the regions of the island. With 2 weeks, you’ll have plenty of time to visit the attractions and soak up the scenery along the way.

Highlights on a 2-week tour of Iceland include:

• Spending time exploring Reykjavík , Iceland's lively capital city
• Discovering the 3 most famous attractions on the Golden Circle  route
• Walking along the  Diamond Beach to see the glistening ice scattered on the shore
• Marvelling at the top waterfalls around the country
• Seeing the massive floating icebergs at the  Jökulsárlón g lacier lagoon
• Strolling through the quaint streets of  Akureyri , the capital of the north
• Exploring Iceland's beautiful national parks: Vatnajökull , Þingvellir and Snæfellsjökull
• Journeying through the volcanic  Lake Mývatn area
• Enjoying the striking nature of the Snæfellsnes peninsula

You could also add in the remote, but spectacular Westfjords to your itinerary to get a complete tour of the island.

• Find out more about Iceland self-drive tours

Suggestion for a 2-week Scandinavian road trip itinerary

If you would like to take a  2-week tour around the region and want to include all 3 countries, here is our suggestion.

This itinerary is available with Nordic Visitor, but you can always ask our travel experts to tailor your tour. If you’d rather drive via Gothenburg, add day trips, or even include a Finland cruise to see Helsinki, just ask!

Day 1 – Welcome to Sweden

Fly into Stockholm and, depending on when you arrive, spend some time wandering around the capital city of Sweden. Stroll along the shopping street Drottninggatan and explore the surrounding area of Östermalm. You’ll find interesting shops, cafés, and restaurants for a perfect introduction to Scandinavian culture.

Spend the night in Stockholm.

Day 2 – Full day in Stockholm

Today you will explore the heart of scenic Stockholm. Start with a walk around the Old Town (Gamla Stan). Here you’ll find the Royal Palace, the parliament, old churches, beautiful cobblestone streets and medieval houses.

Later, head to Djurgården, a cultural oasis that's just a short ferry ride away. You could visit the kitschy Abba Museum, the Nordic Museum, the Gröna Lund amusement park, and the Skansen open-air museum.

Spend another night in Stockholm.

Day 3 – Into the Swedish countryside

Today you pick up your rental car and kick off your road trip toward the south of Sweden. Your destination is Kalmar, a medieval city with a rich history, making it a perfect stop for history buffs. In the old town, you can visit Kalmar Castle, which dates back over 800 years.

Spend the night in Kalmar.

Day 4 – A day at leisure in Öland

From Kalmar, cross onto Öland, a region characterised by sandy beaches, a beautiful coastline, and a vast agricultural landscape. Enjoy the scenery and bask in the quietness of this island. Two highlights include Solliden Palace, the summer residence of the Swedish royal family, and Stora Alvaret, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spend another night in Kalmar.

Day 5 – Sweden’s south coast

Your first visit today, on your way to Sweden’s most southern region, is at the naval city of Karlskrona, another Swedish World Heritage site.

Before you reach the charming town of Ystad, there are many stops along the way that might interest you. These include Kiviks Musteri and the fortress of Glimmingehus, which dates back to the middle ages.

Spend the night in Ystad.

Day 6 – Explore Skåne

Drive through splendid Skåne and the area of Österlen today. You can stop at quaint villages, sandy beaches and historical sites, and don’t forget to taste the local cuisine. We recommend stopping by the popular Ales Stenar stone ship monument, which offers a picturesque view of the Baltic Sea.

Spend another night in Ystad.

Day 7 – Explore Copenhagen

Drive to Smygehuk, the southernmost point in Sweden, before continuing on to the old towns of Skanör and Falsterbo where you will encounter long stretches of white sand beaches. Next, arrive in the charming capital city of Denmark, Copenhagen. Take time to explore the colourful harbour, Nyhavn, and the amusement park, Tivoli Gardens.

Spend the night in Copenhagen.

Day 8 – Set sail for Norway

Spend the morning at your leisure in Copenhagen. You could visit popular landmarks such as Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, and the famous Little Mermaid statue, or even take a canal boat tour. In the late afternoon, you’ll board your cruise to Oslo.

Spend the night on the ferry.

Day 9 – Arrival in Norway

This morning you’ll sail along the Oslo Fjord, so admire the view before arriving in Norway’s capital. You then have the rest of the day to visit some of Oslo’s highlights. We recommend the historical  Royal Palace , the mighty Akershus Fortress, the modern Oslo Opera House, and the  Aker Brygge area along the harbour.

Spend the night in Oslo.

Day 10 – Explore the capital, Oslo

You have a full day to explore Oslo as much as you want. We recommend visiting the beautiful  Vigeland Sculpture Park and the  Holmenkollen Ski Museum and tower. You could also learn about history at the Kon-Tiki Museum or simply stroll along the popular Karl Johans street.

Spend another night in Oslo.

Day 11 – Scenic drive to Örebro

From Oslo, cross back into Sweden and drive all the way to the city of Örebro. Along the way, make a stop at Karlstad, which is known as the "City of Sunshine". You could also visit Kristinehamn where you find a 15-metre-tall Picasso sculpture which was donated to the city by the artist in 1964.

Spend the night in Örebro.

Day 12 – Leisure day in Örebro

You could visit the 14th-century Örebro Castle and the Wadköping open-air museum, with buildings that date back to the 17th century. Another suggestion for quiet walks is to wander through the large public park, Slottsparken (Palace Park).

Spend another night in Örebro.

Day 13 – Drive back to Stockholm

Your first stop today is at the open-air museum Rademachersmedjorna. This area is famous for its many castles and manor houses, including the 16th-century Gripsholm Castle. After a day of sightseeing, you’ll return to Stockholm to drop off your rental car.

Day 14 - Departure

Enjoy one last Scandinavian breakfast and visit some more sights before it is time to fly home.

• Related:   15 things to see and do in Stockholm

Other ways to travel around Scandinavia

There are many ways to see the countries and regions of Scandinavia. If you would rather enjoy the view than drive around, you could go on a guided tour or travel independently via public transportation.

With two weeks, the possibilities are endless. You could sail through the Norwegian fjords and discover the capitals of Finland and Estonia, Helsinki and Tallinn. Or, pair your trip around Scandinavia with some day tours in Iceland to take in another culture.

Independent travel in Scandinavia

If you would like to discover Scandinavia on your own but prefer not to drive, then an independent tour is the perfect choice. Public transportation in Scandinavia is fast, reliable and punctual, so getting around by train and ferry is a great alternative to driving.

On top of visiting the Scandinavian capitals, you could add a Norway in a Nutshell tour to your itinerary. You’ll take train rides, cruises and buses to see some of the most iconic locations in Norway.

Independent travel is ideal for  winter tours as driving conditions can make it a bit harder to get around. And you may have the added bonus of seeing the northern lights  inside the Arctic Circle.

Winter is also a good time to go up into  Northern Norway , Svalbard , or Lapland , which encompasses the northern regions of Finland and Sweden. Stay in an Ice Hotel , go dog sledding or visit the Santa Claus Village .

• Browse our independent tours around Scandinavia
• Related: 10 Cool facts about Denmark

Small group tours

To see the region from a local’s point of view and make some new friends along the way, pick from one of our  guided small group tours in Scandinavia .

You’ll get an enriching experience of Scandinavia, getting under the skin of Sweden, Denmark and Norway in the company of a knowledgeable guide and like-minded companions.

This also makes guided tour packages perfect if you'd like to travel to Scandinavia on your own. Check out these top group trips in Europe for solo travellers for inspiration. 

Ready for your Scandinavia road trip? Why not let a local organise it for you? Our Scandinavia travel consultants are based in Stockholm and have extensive experience of the region. They can tailor an itinerary just for you based on your needs and tastes.

Plus, you always have support with Nordic Visitor, with access to our 24/7 helpline during your tour. We’re here to make sure you have the road trip of a lifetime.

Browse our  Scandinavia self-drive tours or get in touch to start planning.

  Camila grew up between the French Canadian and Chilean cultures, before moving to Scotland in 2012. When she’s not travelling or writing about travels, Camila loves to read, run, and puzzle. Her favourite destinations have been Reykjavík, Copenhagen, Estonia and Cape Town.  

Find Camila on LinkedIn .

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

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Scandinavia itinerary – an eco friendly trip for city, nature and culture buffs.

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Is Scandinavia on your travel wish list and you don’t know where to start?

I thought I would share our 11 day Scandinavia itinerary taking in three countries, four cities, and the fjords of western Norway to help with your trip planning.

Picture this…

Over a week and a half you visit Norway , Sweden and Denmark . You explore four fascinating cities and experience some of the world’s most incredible natural wonders.

You discover pretty harbors, modern architecture, unique Nordic culture and the waterfalls and soaring peaks of the fjord country.

Traveling mainly by train and boat, you are surprised at how relaxing it is to travel without a car, with the added benefit of choosing an environmentally friendly mode of travel.

Along the way you enjoy the delicious seafood and baked goods for which Scandinavia is famous.

Sounds amazing right?

Let’s get planning!

Click to download this itinerary as a PDF document

What's in this article

Scandinavia itinerary overview

Scandinavia trip details, tips for not blowing the budget in scandinavia, family travel tips for your trip to scandinavia, so, when are you booking your trip to scandinavia.

Bergen  (2 nights) – Flåm (1 night) – Oslo  (2 nights) – Gothenburg  (2 nights) – Copenhagen (3 nights)

This Scandinavian countries itinerary is suitable for all types of independent travelers; from families and couples to solo travelers and was straightforward to organize. Example – All of the booking sites have versions in English so it is hard to get into a muddle.

Responsible travel choices

We are trying to be a lot more thoughtful about how we travel so the program was built with responsible travel choices in mind.

The itinerary uses trains and ferries to get around. This mode of traveling is not only much more eco friendly but also incredibly scenic with a few added bonuses such as wifi and a children’s play area thrown in for good measure.

In Scandinavia, the countries and many of the hotel chains are committed to sustainable travel choices. When researching our Swedish stop in Gothenburg I was thrilled to learn that 86% of the hotel rooms in Gothenburg are environmentally certified. So this part of our planning was made very easy for us.

Getting to and from Scandinavia

Norwegian Air flies into Bergen  and Copenhagen direct from London and many major cities in Europe. We have flown with Norwegian many times now and like the efficient Nordic service, leather seats and flight schedules. It was difficult for us to find flights at the times we wanted with premium airlines.

Norwegian is a low-cost carrier competing with EasyJet and WizzAir so do not expect luxury. Apart from the efficient service, the difference to those airlines is that Norwegian fly out of higher quality airports and terminals so the experience is more pleasant.

If traveling from the US,  another Norwegian low-cost airline Norse offers flights from several major cities. 

We are not budget travelers, but on this trip were careful keep an eye on our spending as Scandinavia is notoriously expensive. I have added some tips on doing the same towards the end of this post.

Day 1 – Explore Bergen, Norway

Bergen is known as the gateway to the fjords but you must spend a few days exploring this seaside city and uncover its many treasures.

Today visit Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of the surrounding area, check out the colorful fish market and wander around pretty Bryggen harbor.

Good to know:  Bergen airport transfer information

READ: more about beautiful Bergen

Recommended hotel in Bergen

Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen – stylish, great value and just steps from Bryggen harbor – check prices and availability

Day 2 – Bergen and fjord cruise

Time to take to the water and join the half day Mostraumen fjord cruise along the beautiful Osterfjord. The cruise takes you past tiny hamlets and through narrow waterways where mountains rise majestically overhead.

The cruise leaves from the pier outside the fish market at 10:00am, 14:00pm each day.  You can buy tickets from the Bergen Tourist Information Office nearby.

Good to know:  the cruise is suitable for families and those with a disability. Strollers and wheelchairs are allowed onboard

Use the other half day to explore one of Bergen’s museums and galleries. My pick – the newly opened Norwegian Fisheries Museum.

Recommended dining in Bergen

We devoured all the fish dishes at  Bryggeloftet & Stuene  in Bryggen

Day 3 – Bergen to Flåm by ferry

The Søgnefjord is known as the King of the Fjords because it is the longest and deepest. From April 1st to October 31st you can take the 5½ hour journey to Flåm along the Søgnefjord from Bergen to Flåm on the ferry express boat. Take this slightly slower option if you like to relax and watch the scenery go by in comfort.

Departing at 08:00am from Bryggen in Bergen, the ferry stops at several towns along the route and slows down for those all-important photo opportunities on deck.

We lost count of the waterfalls we saw along the way and I would rate the journey as one of the highlights of our trip. Many passengers spent the entire journey on deck breathing in the pure fjord air.

Book tickets for the journey on line at Norled

The alternative route is to take the train from Bergen to Voss and then continue by bus to either Gudvangen or Myrdal to transfer to Flåm by boat or the Flåm railway.

Good to know:  there is a large luggage storage area, free wifi, clean bathrooms and a basic cafe with hot dogs and muffins on board the ferry

READ: 7 different ways to see the fjords in Norway

Flåm and a fjord safari

The ferry arrives into Flåm at just after 13:00pm. This gives you plenty of time to check in to your hotel and wander around tiny Flåm for an hour or so. If you are feeling energetic there are several walks in the area for all levels of fitness. Pick up this information at the Flåm Tourist Information Office or your hotel.

Or you could take a Fjord Safari.  We took this option and loved flying along the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord in a little speed boat, listening to our guide’s tales of the area and looking out for local wildlife.

This unforgettable experience puts you right on the water with the mountain peaks soaring overhead. You can also choose, as we did, to combine the fjord safari with a stop at Undredal to taste the local award-winning cheese.

Good to know: Safety and comfort are priorities on the tour. You are kitted out in warm waterproof suits, hats, gloves and life jackets. in Spring and Summer the fjord safari is suitable for families with small children. Our 3-year-old twins had a great time looking out for ice monsters and seals.

Recommended hotels in Flåm

Flåmsbrygga Hotel – cosy chalet style hotel with good sized family rooms – check prices and availability

Fretheim Hotel   – restored heritage hotel with views across the fjord – check prices and availability

Day 4 – Flåm railway | Flåm to Oslo by train

Today you take to the rails and begin the journey east to Oslo.

If you’re organized you could also add in a trip to the Stegastein Viewpoint prior to your train departure from Flåm. The panoramic views from the lookout give another perspective of this incredible landscape.

Take the bus to Stegastein at 10:00am which gets you back to Flåm in plenty of time for the 13.13pm departure to Myrdal on the Flåm railway.

One of the world’s classic rail journeys , the Flåm railway takes you from the Aurlandsfjord to Myrdal mountain station, 867 metres above sea level. Along the way, the scenery is dramatic and awe-inspiring. Waterfalls cascade down cliffs and tumble down to the fjord. It’s an experience not to be missed. Book Flåm railway tickets

TIP: make sure you get out and walk the full length of the platform at the Kjosfossen waterfall stop. Otherwise, you might miss the fjord sirens singing through the waterfall

At Myrdal Station transfer to the train to Oslo for the 5 hour cross country journey across Norway. The scenery changes dramatically as you descend from the mountains and icy lakes, still covered in snow in Spring, to the meadows of central Norway. Though not as dramatic as the Flåm railway, the landscape is mesmerizing and the time passes quickly.

Check timetables and book your train tickets online at Vy – Norway’s train network provider

Good to know:  there is a soft play area on board the train for families – this is pure genius! We did not see our kids for hours and they had fun making friends with little Norwegians. The food service on the train is limited so take some snacks. The bakery at Flåm is a good place to grab a sandwich.

Day 5 – Oslo museums and culture

Time to take in some Norwegian culture and explore Oslo . Head to the Bygdøy Peninsula, where most of the city’s museums are found, on the number 30 bus from outside the train station or museum ferry from Pier 3 outside City Hall.

You could take a full day to explore the museums on Bygdøy but you must not miss the Norwegian Folk Museum and the Viking Ship Museum  when it re-opens in 2026 after refurbishment.

Spend the late afternoon relaxing by the fjord at Oslo’s beautiful Opera House.

TIP: the Oslo Pass city card includes free entry to the museums and public transport in the city – read my post about Oslo and the Oslo Pass for more information

Recommended hotels in Oslo

Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Oslo – central location, great service and stylish decor. Has family rooms – check prices and availability

Comfort Hotel Grand Central – right next to the station, modern decor, perfect for couples –  check prices and availability

Day 6 – Explore Oslo | Train from Oslo to Gothenburg

It might surprise you that Oslo is great city for exploring the outdoors. Today visit Vigeland Sculpture park in Frogner Park. Just a short ride from the city center or Aker Brygge wharf, you can spend a couple of hours wandering the park and admiring over 200 sculptures by artist Gustav Vigeland.

Enjoy lunch by the harbor and then take a ferry to one of the islands in the Oslo fjord. Disembark and take a stroll around one of the islands. You can even join the locals and go swimming in summer. Read more in our Oslo guide

The ferry drops you back at Akers Brygge, Oslo’s harbourside where you can enjoy the cafes and shops before you go to the train station for your onward journey to Gothenburg.

READ: Adventures in Oslo – museums, island hopping and art with the Oslo Pass

Next stop, Sweden! Take the train to Gothenburg from Oslo S (Oslo Central Station). The journey takes 3½ hours and before you know it you are in another country. Don’t forget your passport! Book your onward journey to Gothenburg with Vy – check timetables and book tickets online .

Day 7 – Discover Gothenburg – Swedish city by the sea

Gothenburg is a compact city, easy to explore on foot, bike or using the efficient tram system. But I suggest you get your bearings by taking a paddan boat tour through the city’s canal system and out into the working harbor.

On a sunny day, you must take a trip out to the archipelago and visit some of the islands by ferry. Many of the islands are car-free and perfect for exploring on foot. More about tripping the archipelago in my Gothenburg guide .

Have you visited a Scandinavian amusement park? You should. Liseberg in Gothenburg is Scandinavia’s biggest amusement park with over 40 rides and attractions. We were impressed by the retro and modern rides, short lines and reasonable ticket prices.

TIP: entry to Liseberg is included in the Göteborg city card

Recommended hotels in Gothenburg

Gothia Towers – popular modern hotel with large family rooms opposite Liseberg and with easy links to the main station – check prices and availability

Hotel Pigalle – smart boutique hotel in a heritage building close to the station, best for couples – check prices and availability

Day 8 – Gothenburg | Train from Gothenburg to Copenhagen

Stroll around Gothenburg’s Haga district and enjoy the ambiance of the cobbled streets and cute-as-a-button boutiques and cafes. If cinnamon buns are your thing you must stop at Cafe Husaren to check out the biggest buns (though perhaps not the tastiest) you have ever seen.

READ: Get Your Swede on – 48 hours in Gothenburg

Cross the canal and head on over to the indoor fish market Feskekòrka and enjoy checking out the catch of the day. Continue along the canal until you reach the Botanic Gardens where you can relax on the grass or wander through the themed gardens.

TIP: grab a picnic to eat in the gardens from the wonderful providores at the  Saluhallen indoor food market

Onward to Denmark! Leaving from Centralstation the journey to Copenhagen takes just over 3 hours. The highlight of the journey is feeling like you are flying over water on the 8 kilometer long Øresund cable stayed bridge. Book your rail tickets online at SJ – Swedish Rail .

Recommended dining in Gothenburg

Restaurang Gabriel  inside Gothenburg’s famous fish market Feskekòrka is the place to go for the tastiest seafood in town

Want to take a side trip to Stockholm? Click here

Day 9 – Copenhagen highlights

Wonderful Copenhagen is a relaxed and friendly city that is easy to explore on foot. But you really should hire a bike and do a tour of the city on Denmark’s favorite mode of transport. We did it and you can cover all the major sites easily in a day, stopping to take in the views and atmosphere of the beautiful Danish capital.

READ: Copenhagen by bike – touring Denmark’s capital on two wheels

But if biking is not your thing, start at the Little Mermaid and stroll along the waterfront to Amalienborg Palace to see the changing of the guard.

Next, visit Copenhagen’s pretty harbor Nyhavn and catch a boat tour around the city’s canals before crossing the pedestrian bridge to Papirøen and the Copenhagen Street Food market.

After lunch take a walk through bohemian Christiania, a unique Copenhagen neighborhood surrounding a pretty lake.

Recommended hotels in Copenhagen

Babette Guldsmeden – friendly, eco-conscious boutique hotel close to Rosenborg Castle – check prices and availability

Copenhagen Admiral Hotel – perfect location on the harbor just steps from Nyhavn – check prices and availability

Day 10 – Copenhagen | Rosenborg Castle | Nørrebro

On your second day in Copenhagen take a visit to Rosenborg Castle , one of the prettiest castles in the world in my humble opinion. Set in the glorious Kongens Have or King’s Gardens the castle was the summer house of the Danish Royal Family and is home to the Danish Crown Jewels .

READ: more about Copenhagen in How to fall in love with Copenhagen

In the afternoon visit one of Copenhagen’s interesting neighborhoods Nørrebro. Wander through Assistens Cemetery, the final resting place of Hans Christian Andersen until you reach Jægersborggade. This funky street is home to cafés and boutiques and is a great way to soak up the city’s laid-back vibe.

TIP: stop for a delicious ice cream at Istid and watch it appear through a haze of smoke! The ice cream is made using liquid nitrogen

Recommended dining in Copenhagen

Torvehallen  – this centrally located food market (near Nørreport station) has more eating options than you can imagine

Manfreds – laid-back dining with a focus on vegetables in Nørrebro

Mielcke & Hurtigkarl – a splurge and one of my all time dining highlights – sophisticated menu in a stunning dining room

READ: more about Nordic cuisine in Discovering New Nordic cuisine in Copenhagen

Day 11 – Copenhagen | Tivoli Gardens

No visit to Copenhagen would be complete without a visit to Tivoli Gardens . So much more than an amusement park, Tivoli has been entertaining the people of Copenhagen since 1843 and has a charming retro feel.

Here you can enjoy fairground rides, walking through the gardens bursting with floral displays or enjoying the scheduled entertainment. The highlight of the daily program at Tivoli is the spectacular Illuminations, a sound and light show on the Tivoli Lake.

Tivoli has something for everyone but we especially loved the sweet Flying Trunk ride that takes you on a magical journey through 32 fairytale scenes.

TIP: start at Tivoli Gardens and walk all the way down Strøtget to the 17th Rundetaarn tower

End your Scandinavian trip on a high with a stroll down Strøtget, Copenhagen’s famous pedestrian shopping street.

Throughout your trip you have no doubt admired the sophisticated yet cozy Scandinavian style. You will definitely find an appropriate souvenir to bring home with you.

As promised here are our tips for ensuring you don’t go over budget on your trip to Scandinavia.

When to visit, accommodation and food

Scandinavia is no different to any major tourist destination in that visiting during the shoulder season during late Spring and early autumn gives you the best chance of good weather and reasonable prices.

Norway in particular sees particularly high rates over the peak summer months in the fjord regions.

The highest accommodation costs we had was in Flåm where there are only two hotels. For this reason, I would avoid staying in Flåm if you are on a strict budget.

We were impressed with the way Scandinavian hotels have responded to the cost issue. Some offer a buffet breakfast and dinner service included in the room rate or as a small additional charge.

Shopping at the local markets and street food outlets (of which there are many) means you avoid restaurant service charges and uplifts. The standard of food is excellent across Scandinavia so you will eat well regardless.

Alcohol is very expensive in comparison with southern European countries so you can save some pennies here by going on a mini detox.

Transport and attractions

The city cards we used during our trip were great value – especially in Oslo. They include public transport and free or discounted entry into the main attractions of the cities we visited. You can buy city cards for 24, 48, or 72 hours. If you plan your time effectively you can save significantly this way.

Prebook trains well in advance and you will get the best deals. In Norway, there are a limited number of heavily reduced minipris fares, that are non-changeable and non-refundable available to book online.

Cost is probably one of your major inhibitors of a family trip to Scandinavia. Am I right?

Well, we were surprised to learn that most travel and attractions are free for children under 4 years old with significant discounts for children 16 years and under. Even the fjord safari was free for our 3-year-old twins so I didn’t really mind when one fell asleep in the middle of it.

If you can overcome the cost issue then Scandinavia is wonderful for travelling with children. Public transport is a breeze with easy to enter vehicles and often special designated areas for prams and buggies.

The inter city trains in Norway have specially dedicated family carriages that have a children’s soft play area and tv that runs cartoons. They are understandably very popular so it pays to book early and secure your seats.

The only problem with the train system across Scandinavia was a poor food service. On one leg we resorted to emptying our change into a vending machine and our choice of salted licorice was not a good one!

Accommodation in Scandinavia

We were pleasantly surprised with the accommodation options we found across Scandinavia. Some hotels have drop down bunk beds and play areas for small children. The buffet dining options at dinner are a great option for families looking for convenience after a long day sightseeing or traveling.

Scandinavian Food

Scandinavian cuisine features lots of fish. Our children love fish but some don’t. In this case, you can always turn to kid-friendly favorites like hot dogs, pasta and burgers which you can find everywhere.

We always head to the markets on our travels as they are great places to pick up delicious and interesting local food. I have mentioned these throughout the above itinerary.

Hotel breakfast and dinner buffets are great places to stock up on healthier options like fruit, yoghurt and vegetables. We were very surprised at the quality and variety of dishes on offer. There was always plenty of salad to offset the quite remarkable dessert sections.

The fun stuff

Lastly, you should definitely make time for a stop at the famous amusement parks Liseberg in Gothenburg and Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. With rides and activities for children of all ages at reasonable prices, these parks help mix up the activities on your trip. And who can resist a rollercoaster?

This itinerary doesn’t cover Finland or Iceland but if you want to add them onto to your trip, take a look at these useful resources:

▪️ Lonely Planet’s Scandinavia guidebook was a great help in planning our trip (use code UNTOLD10 for 10% off)

▪️ How much does it really cost to visit Iceland ?

Disclaimer –  Untold Morsels assists our readers with carefully chosen product and services recommendations that help make travel easier and more fun. If you click through and make a purchase on many of these items we may earn a commission. All opinions are our own – please read our  disclosure  page for more information.

The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels , Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager.

Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. Favourite destination: Italy

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The Ultimate Packing List for Scandinavia – Your Summer Checklist

You got your trip booked, you are excited to explore Scandinavia, but what do you bring? Working as a Scandinavian tour operator, one of the common questions that I got was; What do I pack for my trip to Scandinavia? With that in mind, the Ultimate Packing List for Scandinavia – Summer checklist was created.

The first thing that comes to mind is a swimsuit, don’t forget that. Growing up in Sweden, summer was my favorite time of the year. Warm summer days at the white sandy beach in Halmstad, and long hours of light, to enjoy the summer evenings.

At second thought, raincoats. Don’t forget raincoats. Just like that one time, the whole family was excited to spend the day at Astrid Lindgren’s outdoor event park. Yes, Pippi Longstocking’s author, Astrid Lindgren, has an amusement park where all her story characters come to life. There was only one problem it was pouring down rain. Luckily, we came prepared and had our raingear packed in our day backpack. We got the kids and adults in rain gear, and we stayed dry. Most importantly, we enjoyed the Pippi Longstocking show, along with other fun events, and had a wonderful time.

Like we say in Scandinavia;

There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.

If you travel Scandinavia in June, July, and August, you will most likely experience a variety of weather . Usually, June can be on the cooler side, but July and early August are nice and warm. If you visit the southern part of Scandinavia with Denmark, south of Sweden, and south of Norway, it is usually warmer than up north in the Lapland area. I say, usually , because some days you will get spring, summer, and fall weather all in one day. Summer temperatures will usually be in the high 50s to high 80s.

With most summers spent in Sweden, this is my;

Packing List for Scandinavia – Your Summer Checklist

When you book your trip, make sure to.

• Have a valid passport that is good for 6+ months after returning from Scandinavia.
• Get a credit card that will not charge a hefty fee for international usage.

What to Keep in Your Carry-on Luggage

• Travel documents – vouchers, airplane tickets, hotel confirmations, tour confirmations, transfer confirmations, visa (if necessary), passport.
• Credit card and some cash.
• Smartphone with headphones.
• Electric adapter for your electronics. Scandinavia uses 220-volt electricity, and the plugs with two round pins, type C and F plugs.
• Portable charger – today, we use the phone as a camera, GPS, to find destination information, you name it, so it’s easy to drain the battery quickly. This can easily be solved with a portable charger, allowing you to charge the phone on the go.
• Sanitizing wipes – a lifesaver if you travel with kids.
• Facemask – this is now optional.

What to Pack for Your Scandinavian Adventure

Before we start getting into what to pack, consider what to pack in . Are you traveling around from place to place, or will you stay in one location? If you stay in one city, a suitcase will be perfectly fine. If you travel around, make sure you have a luggage that either is easy to bring along with wheels or a large backpack.

Now for what to put in your luggage;

• Short Sleeve and Long Sleeve Tops – bring a few of each. The trick in Scandinavia is to layer up . If you go out hiking, you might want to start with a short sleeve top, long sleeve top, and a light fleece jacket. When you get warm, take a layer off and stay comfortable. Later in the evening, if it gets chilly, you might have to put that fleece back on. Layers allow you to control your temperature and stay comfortable.
• Sweater / Hoddie / Lightweight Jacket – when you are out and about, you will see people hanging their sweater around their neck. Scandinavians always prepare for that chilly evening. Again, it comes back to layers. It’s a good idea to pack something warmer, for cooler days and evenings.
• Shorts / Skirts / Dresses – when the sun is out, and you get those really nice summer days, it can get hot. Bring shorts, a skirt, and dresses. Perfect for warm days but also if you want to go out and do some casual dining.
• Pants / Leggings – like mentioned, some summer days are on the cooler side, and you’ll need a pair of pants, jeans, or leggings to stay warm. If you hike, the pants that you zip off the legs to turn into shorts will come in handy.
• Rainjacket – If you plan on hiking, boating, visit amusement parks, and enjoy the outdoors, bring a raincoat to keep you dry. It will allow you to enjoy the planned outdoor activities even though you might get some rain. Those rain jackets have saved our fun so many times.
• Swimsuit – for the days on the coast, by a lake, or the fjord, bring your swimming suit. If you hang out with the locals, don’t be surprised if they invite you to an evening swim, it’s a must during Scandinavian summer.
• Casual Dining – when you go out to eat in the evening, the Scandinavians will dress informal but fashionable. They show up in a dress, button-down shirt or blouse, and a nice pair of shorts, pants, jeans or a skirt.
• Long Scarf – when traveling, I always bring a scarf, you can wrap it around you if you get cold on the airplane. It takes no space, and it is easy to carry with you when you are out and about. A scarf can come in very handy, plus it’s stylish and a fun addition to your outfit.
• Must-Have – Underwear, bras, socks, and PJs.

Packing List for Scandinavia – Summer Checklist – Non Cloth Related Items

• Sunglasses, a Hat, and Sunscreen –  love the sun, but it can be harsh up north. Make sure you bring your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection.
• Umbrella – at some point, it will most likely rain, that is just Scandinavia. Spending your vacation in the city, shopping, visiting museums, and mostly staying indoors, you will get away with using an umbrella to keep dry.
• Lip Balm – the Scandinavian air can be dry, and a lip balm will come in handy. Get a lip balm with SPF in it to protect from the sun as well.
• Bug Spray –  in certain areas, you will run into some mosquitos. If you are out in the woods, near water, bring mosquito repellant spray. I heard from somewhere that it’s best to buy the local spray, that it will work best on the mosquitos in that specific area. Now, if that’s true or not, I’m not sure of. But, I tend to buy the local stuff. If I go to Florida, or Scandinavia doesn’t matter.
• Eye Mask or Sleep Mask –  if you go up north where midnight sun exposes 24 hours of sunlight, you want to pack an eye mask to block out the sun while sleeping. In fact, during the summer months of June and July, if you go anywhere in the Nordic countries, bring one. Hotels don’t always have blackout curtains.
• Day Backpack – bring something that will hold your phone, rainwear, a water bottle, and that souvenir you might want to buy. I often use a backpack for carry on luggage, which works great as a day backpack.

Scandinavian Styles

• Scandinavians have style. They are fashionable but informal. If you attend business meetings and fine dining, the locals like to dress up, jacket and tie for men, dress or suit for women works well.
• Clothes are often made out of natural materials like linen, cotton, silk, and wool.
• If you want to play it safe, wear black, and you will blend in.

That’s it, my ultimate summer packing list for Scandinavia , what would you add to the list? What are the things you never travel without, feel free to share in the comment section below.

Just want to let you know;   some of my posts might contain affiliate links.  If you buy something through those links, it will not cost you  a penny more, but I might earn a commission.  That will allow for this site to  keep going.  Thanks!

Written by  Veronica

Born and raised in Sweden, now living in the US, Veronica has a passion for Scandinavian travel. As a former product design specialist with a Scandinavian tour operator, she has extensive knowledge of tour planning and the Scandinavian countries.

2 thoughts on “ The Ultimate Packing List for Scandinavia – Your Summer Checklist ”

Well this is a good, comprehensive packing list. I must admit though, I wouldn’t have thought to pack both a swimming suit and a raincoat! It just wouldn’t occur to me that I would need both of those on the same trip, so that’s a very good point that you make. When we travel, we usually go for a longer period of time…like a month if possible. So we need to do laundry. And because of that we like to pack quick drying clothing like athleisure wear. Basically, the same type of thing that one would wear to the gym…those types of fabrics. Hopefully we wouldn’t look too out of place with that attire when we’re out and about during the day?

That is a great point, to pack athletic wear that dries quickly after you wash it. It doesn’t matter if you only travel for a couple of weeks. If you move around, you want to pack light. Like you say bring clothes that can be washed and dried quickly along with some laundry detergent and you can easily wash it and hang it to dry in your hotel room. Some hotels will have laundry service but not all. You will fit right in with athletic wear in Scandinavia. Most locals are very active and outdoorsy people.

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Your Scandinavian Travel Agency

Imagine exploring breathtaking fjords and vibrant cities on a tour of the Scandinavian countries: Sweden, Norway and Denmark. When you book with Nordic Visitor, a leading Scandinavian travel agency, you’ll have a dedicated local expert to plan your entire trip for you.

Multi-Country Tours

Enjoy a smorgasbord of different cultures and experiences on a combination tour of several Scandinavian countries.

Why choose Scandinavian combo?

• See all the highlights of several countries on an expert-crafted itinerary
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• Travel through the scenic Swedish countryside
• Explore the majestic Norwegian fjords by car, train or boat

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Discover Scandinavia at a time of year that suits you.

Summer Tours

Travel to Scandinavia between May and September for more daylight hours and mild weather.

Winter Tours

Experience the charm of Scandinavia in winter by visiting between October and April.

One-Country Tours

Focus on one Scandinavian or Nordic country exclusively with these one-destination tours. Choose from Norway's fjords and mountains, Iceland's otherworldly landscapes, and more!

Get ready for dramatic hilltop views and coasts carved with impressive fjords.

Experience the most sought-out natural sites and incredible activities of this popular Nordic nation.

Travel through Sweden’s idyllic landscape and visit serene lakes and forests.

Discover the stunning beauty and fascinating history of Lapland, a true winter wonderland.

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Explore Scandinavia with our popular travel styles.

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Scandinavian Triangle

Visit Norway, Sweden and Denmark by land and sea.

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Our Scandinavia Tour Reviews

Here’s what some of our lovely customers think about our Scandinavia tours.

Susan United States

I couldn't be happier with our Nordic Visitor trip. In the past, I've always done my own research and... read more

I couldn't be happier with our Nordic Visitor trip. In the past, I've always done my own research and arrangements, but Nordic Visitor's knowledge of the area paid dividends throughout the trip. Loved that the hotels were located near our trains, making everything walkable. Included breakfasts were excellent. When anything changed, our representative informed us quickly and had alternate arrangements or options ready for us to choose, making everything seamless. Outstanding service!

Jasper United States

Nordic Visitor made our wonderful vacation easy and stress-free. It was a pleasure to travel with everything already... read more

Nordic Visitor made our wonderful vacation easy and stress-free. It was a pleasure to travel with everything already arranged, and without having to worry about the best places to stay or how to travel between them. This was our second tour with Nordic Visitor, and they continue to impress.

Your Scandinavian Travel Experts

Your itinerary is made with intimate local knowledge. That’s because your dedicated travel consultant has first-hand experience of all activities and hotels along the way. Our Scandinavia travel experts regularly inspect all services on our tours to ensure nothing but the best for our customers.

Quick Facts

Why choose Nordic Visitor

Book With Confidence

Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our Cancellation Protection free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.

Trusted local travel experts

Established in 2002, Nordic Visitor creates unforgettable travel experiences across Northern Europe. Our travel experts have all lived and travelled extensively in Scandinavia, and create your itinerary with their insider knowledge and travel experience. Travel with us, and you’ll take home lasting memories.

Great reviews

Nordic Visitor is dedicated to the best service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travellers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

Flexible tour options

Everyone’s travel wish list is different, so we are happy to update your tour with extra days, optional activities and pretours. This means you’ll have more opportunities to experience all that Scandinavia has to offer.

Hassle-free experience

Depend on us to take away the hassle of travel. You’ll receive a comprehensive itinerary, a dedicated travel consultant and all of your tickets and activities booked. We work with our network of trusted local businesses to make your trip seamless, saving you time and effort.

You are in good hands

One of our travel experts is always on call 24/7 to handle any unforeseen situations during your trip. Unexpected delays or weather? No problem. Nordic Visitor will rework your itinerary, re-book activities and fix your accommodation, all while keeping you informed.

Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your tour arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.

Exploring Scandinavia

Imagine feeling the fresh sea breeze on your face as you take a coastal cruise, or marvelling at the deep valleys of Norway’s fjords - soon you could experience this and even more. Here’s just a taste of what you could get up to…

• Photograph the jaw dropping cliffs and “mouth” of Norway’s Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord
• Explore the colourful Norwegian wharf of Bryggen , a UNESCO World Heritage site in Bergen
• Wander around the cultural landmarks and green parks of Norway’s capital, Oslo
• Ride the legendary Flåm Railway , one of Norway’s steepest rail climbs, and see remarkable views
• Roam the historic cobbled streets of Gamla Stan Old Town and learn about Sweden’s rich history
• Cast your eyes on Sweden’s beautiful Stockholm archipelago
• Discover the majestic history of the Christiansborg Palace , the seat of the Danish Parliament
• Release your inner child at Denmark’s Tivoli Gardens , one of the oldest amusement parks in the world
• Visit the capital of cool, Copenhagen , and try tasty local specialties like Smørrebrød

Frequently Asked Questions About Scandinavia

You may have a few questions about your upcoming trip to Scandinavia, so we’ve collected and answered the most important ones for your convenience. Or, if you want to know more about our processes and payment details, check out our FAQ page .

1. What countries make up Scandinavia?

Scandinavia is a region in Northern Europe that is made up of Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The neighbouring countries of Finland and Iceland are technically 'Nordic' rather than 'Scandinavian'. But many people consider them Scandinavian because they share many cultural similarities.

2. Are Finland and Iceland in Scandinavia?

Scandinavia is typically defined as the countries of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Finland and Iceland are technically ‘Nordic’ countries as they are not part of the Scandinavian peninsula.

However, due to shared celebrations and cultural norms, both Iceland and Finland can loosely be considered Scandinavian in many ways.

3. Why travel to Scandinavia?

Imagine looking out to incredible views of endless fjords, visiting chic ‘Scandi-cool’ cities and enjoying the midnight sun by the many charming canals and harbours. Scandinavia is a brilliant destination for its balance between urban areas and nature reserves, and you benefit from the best of both with the opportunity to go on pretty hiking trails and sightseeing in the city.

It’s a feast for the senses as well, with colourful UNESCO heritage wharfs, cruises along the Baltic sea and literal smörgåsbords of delicious food. A long-time favourite of nature lovers, hikers, city breakers and fans of architecture, Scandinavia has activities and points of interest for everyone.

What's more, the region has been named by top publications as one of the best destinations to visit in Northern Europe this year . 

If we’ve whet your appetite and you’re curious about the attractions here, then read our first-time visitor guide to Scandinavia .

4. Where to visit in Scandinavia?

Scandinavia has so many must-see cities and points of interest that it’s hard to list them all. Here are our favourite cultural hotspots and famous sights:

• Geirangerfjord, Norway
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Pulpit Rock or Preikestolen, Norway
• Bergen, Norway
• Gothenburg, Sweden
• Helsinki, Finland
• Oslo, Norway
• Stockholm, Sweden
• Flåm, Norway
• Tivoli Gardens, Denmark

For more information about exploring the region, read this handy guide on the best times and places to go , or check out the top Scandinavian cities to visit .

5. When is the best time to visit?

Scandinavia is stunning all year round and there’s plenty to see and do during each season. Pinpointing the best time for you depends on your preferences when travelling. For pleasant weather and extended hours of daylight, visit Scandinavia during the summer months.

Visit in the winter or shoulder seasons for a quieter trip with charming, festive sights. If the northern lights are your must-see, then we’d recommend checking out our Norway and Lapland packages.

For more information and travel ideas read our comprehensive guide on when to visit Scandinavia .

6. How to get around Scandinavia?

A popular option to travel around Scandinavia is via railway. Highly rated by locals, the trains are usually clean, comfortable and most importantly, prompt. The railway routes pass by stunning scenery making for an extraordinary “commute” and there are opportunities to stretch your legs on board.

Sailing from destination to destination on a cruise is also a great way to see Scandinavia, as each voyage will give you amazing views of coastal attractions such as the Norwegian fjords. For our cruise and train packages , we arrange all of the timings for you and tickets are booked before you arrive for peace of mind.

Another great way to travel around Scandinavia is by guided mini-bus tour. Unlike larger coach tours, our small group tours have a maximum of 16 people. You get to travel with a local guide who will show you their perspective of Scandinavia, and not just repeat what’s written in the guidebooks.

Scandinavia also has some of the best self-drive road trip routes in the world. You could see the countless islands of the Stockholm archipelago here, as well as seaviews from Hardangerfjord Bridge or vistas from the highest mountain passage in Norway, Sognefjell.

For more ideas on how to explore Scandinavia, check out our range of travel packages .

7. Can I choose the arrival date?

Yes you can choose your ideal arrival dates. We have a wide range of arrival options depending on the package and season. Our tours are all available to book online so once you’ve found your favourite one, you can choose the best dates for you. If you’ve already booked but need to change your dates, get in touch with your travel consultant to rearrange your bookings.

8. When should I book my flights?

We recommend that you book your package and wait for confirmation before you organise your flights as this ensures that your tour is secured and you have all of the correct timing information.

We advise checking flight times and dates beforehand so you can pinpoint your ideal tour dates. Get in touch with your dedicated travel consultant to move your tour dates if your flights change.

9. Can we add extra nights in some locations?

You can add extra nights at the start and end of all tours. For some tours, you can ask your consultant to add extra nights at destinations along the way as well. You can do this online when you book, or if you’ve already booked your package, contact your travel consultant as soon as possible to update your tour.

10. Can I customise a tour from scratch?

By booking one of our packages, you’ll enjoy fantastic accommodation, carefully planned routes and pre-booked activities. As well as this, we can personalise your itinerary with added nights at the start and end of your journey and, depending on the package, extra stops during your trip.

While we may not always build a tour from scratch, we will try our best to include any special sights or attractions you want to go to.

11. What should I pack to wear in Scandinavia?

Scandinavia is a region in Northern Europe, so the weather can be a little temperamental in most seasons. We advise that you prepare for all outcomes by packing the following:

• Warm jumper or fleece
• Thermal layers
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Small day bag or rucksack
• Binoculars  

For more information on what to pack and wear, take a look at our handy Norway packing guide .

About Nordic Visitor

Established in 2002, Nordic Visitor is a travel agency that creates amazing travel experiences for customers across Scandinavia. Our travel consultants are passionate about providing excellent quality service and will be available to help you before, during and after your trip. Every package is created from scratch by our travel experts and is regularly quality tested.

Reasons to choose us include:

• Personalised itinerary: you deserve the trip of a lifetime, so depend on our travel experts to create and organise an amazing trip.
• Quality checked accommodation: all of our accommodation is tried and tested by our local specialists to guarantee an excellent stay.
• 24/7 helpline: for peace of mind, there’s always a travel consultant on the other end of our 24/7 helpline.
• Travel expertise: your journey will be extra special with our team's insider knowledge and Scandinavia experience.

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Read about Scandinavia

7 scandinavian cities you need to visit, the ultimate scandinavia guide: the best times & places to visit, 7 amazing scandinavia tour ideas for first-time visitors, why scandinavia is perfect for solo travel.

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We understand that no two travelers are the same, which is why our tool allows you to customize your itinerary to suit your preferences.

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The download costs only 3,99€ - You can also order a printed version for 9,99€ plus shipping.

Tips for using this website:

Click on "Roadtrip overview" to navigate  to another section or s ee the budget (does not include food/drinks and accomodation yet).

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Planning a Mount Rainier road trip? Start now

If you plan properly, summer 2024 may be the best one in years to drive Mount Rainier National Park and its environs. As locals, we have early notice of summer’s new avenues for planning and exploring the peak’s wildflower meadows, rushing waterfalls, evergreen-shaded hikes and more.

You can now book a reservation and enjoy a historic driving tour as initially laid out by park planners. Even better, 2024 brings the chance to enjoy a Mount Rainier destination drive slated to reopen in May. 

In 1899, Mount Rainier became the U.S.’s fifth national park. Later, one of the first National Park Service master plans mapped out narrow, two-lane scenic roadways and visitor centers; the entire area is a National Historic Landmark District. This year’s timed-entry program hopes to address the issue of modern traffic jams on vintage roads.

New timed entry

Mount Rainier National Park pilots a new timed-entry program for advance reservations this year. So, you’ll need either a timed entry reservation, a lodging reservation ( specific campgrounds or historic inns) or cross your fingers for a next-day entry reservation to enter the park’s most popular corridors between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., May 24 through September 2.

You’ll also need to pay a park entrance fee or bring a valid single-day, annual or lifetime pass.

Each rolling advance booking block opens about 90 days before the reservation period on the Mount Rainier National Park Timed Entry Reservations page . So, bookings are happening right now for this summer. Reservations require an additional nonrefundable $2 fee. 

Choose from four available times (7 to 9 a.m., 9 to 11 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.) for Paradise and Sunrise until time slots and dates sell out. Your reservation slot only entitles you to that two-hour arrival window, not arrival before or after that window. 

Sunrise Corridor slots are filling quickly, in particular — with July weekends already unavailable. If you find your intended date full, you can hope to get what NPS calls the “Day Before Reservation.” Starting May 24 at 7 p.m., these limited, timed-entry reservations open on Recreation.gov for next-day entry to the Paradise Corridor. On July 4 at 7 p.m., limited next-day entry reservations open for the Sunrise Corridor.

All-day driving tour: Paradise Corridor

As one of the oldest national parks, the roadways still reflect vintage heritage — and old-timey auto speeds and road design. Drive 35 mph along the no-shoulder roads as they wind up, down and around the mountain, surrounded by rock walls and dense evergreen forest.

Rolling bookings opened for the popular Paradise Corridor in February, with three booking windows corresponding to three reservation date ranges. The Paradise Corridor offers two entrances — Nisqually to the west at Ashford and Stevens Canyon Entrance to the east near Packwood, Washington.

You can visit Paradise and Sunrise if you enter the park at the Nisqually Entrance at 7 a.m. and stay on a tight schedule.

A more leisurely trip would see stops at Longmire Museum (open year-round) and Longmire Wilderness Information Center en route, along with waterfalls, trailheads and a campground. The route between the Nisqually Entrance and Paradise Road is a little over 18 miles.

Mount Rainier National Park’s Paradise area contains stunning wildflower-surrounded hiking trails from July through August, the primary visitor center, a historic inn for overnight stays and ranger facilities.

The roughly 21-mile Stevens Canyon Road connects Paradise to the park’s southeast corner. After an extended closure for bridge and road repairs, the road is tentatively scheduled to reopen in May, weather permitting. Photo stops include Inspiration Point’s intentionally curated views and Reflection Lakes. Enjoy the road’s bounty of summer wildflowers as it takes travelers from the Paradise entrance to Cayuse Pass.

Picturesque Box Canyon offers a rustic bridge, gentle half-mile ramble, picnics and views of rushing waters through a tall, narrow canyon. The area connects to the ambitious 93-mile Wonderland Trail wrapping around Mt. Rainier, which takes hikers up to 14 days to enjoy the route. 

Driving tour: Sunrise Corridor

Sunrise Corridor bookings are in two blocks, July 4 through 31 (booking window opened in April) and August 1 through September 2 (opening in May). This route offers just one entry and exit at White River Entrance, near Enumclaw.

The Sunrise Corridor is open for only around three months. With limited parking spots at Day Lodge and Sunrise Point Overlook, the park may temporarily hold traffic at the White River Entrance until spots become available.

The Sunrise area was added later than the original roadways but contains Sunrise Visitor Center and Sunrise Day Lodge (open July-September), multiple trailheads and a campground. It’s also the mountain’s highest elevation accessible by car.

Generally, it takes up to eight hours to drive one or more entire Mount Rainier areas from Puget Sound, so tee up reservations to avoid disappointment and delays. Otherwise, stay overnight in one of the Mount Rainier-area treehouses in Ashford, near the Paradise entrance. Just book your playcation far in advance when considering popular summer weekends.

Note: Before leaving home, check current road status conditions and pack for surprise weather. Stay on designated parking lots and trails to avoid damaging alpine meadows.

Whether you’re looking to make an environmentally conscious choice with a hybrid or to save cash with our new car lease deals,  Western Washington Toyota Dealers  can help you find a new car that keeps up with your lifestyle.

On the Kitsap Peninsula, a road trip to a sweet Scandinavian spot

Known as “Little Norway,” Poulsbo’s seaside Scandifluence is felt almost everywhere — from Finn Hill Road to Viking Avenue, Fjord Drive to Lindvig Way.

Head to Seabrook for a home base within reach of the Washington coast

In spring, Washington beaches reveal glimpses of migrating gray whales — bring binoculars to the coastal bluffs for the best whale-watching views.

Winter road trip: Mountains to Sound Greenway

The corridor offers sightseeing, sports and history amid conifer forests, alpine passes and more — but you’ll have to slow down a bit.

Head to Skykomish for a winter staycation

Stay close to home this weekend while experiencing the quiet, calm scenery of rural, small-town Washington in and around the Skykomish Valley.

Road trip to the North Olympic Peninsula: Port Angeles and beyond

The North Olympic Peninsula presents an array of mild-climate excursions, immersive arts and a vibrant shopping scene — just in time for the holidays.

Escape to Sequim: A road trip to a drier destination

Sequim offers a mix of pleasant weather and waterside retreats surrounded by the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Dungeness Bay and Sequim Bay.