IDEAS FOR THE BEST WAY TO TRAVEL SCANDINAVIAN COUNTRIES
You can choose from a range of ways to see Scandinavia. The first thing to consider is whether you want to go on a guided tour or explore Scandinavia independently.
Then have a think about how you want to travel around. Would you like to be in the driver’s seat and rent a car? Or would you prefer someone else to do the driving? Another option is to take public transport, enjoying the view on a train or cruise journey.
Our Scandinavia team can help you decide which option is the best way to travel Scandinavia for you. Contact us to discuss your personal preferences.
Interested in guided tours of Scandinavia?
To see the region from a local’s point of view and make some new friends along the way, a guided small group tour of Scandinavia is a great option! These packages run from May to August, which is the summer season in Northern Europe.
A small group tour offers an enriching experience, allowing you to get the most out of your trip thanks to the expertise of a local guide. What’s more, as well as your tour director, you’ll be travelling alongside 16 people at most, so the trip is still personal for you.
Prefer a self-guided tour of 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.
By opting for a train and cruise tour of Scandinavia, you’ll benefit from having your itinerary arrangements made for you but with the freedom to spend your days however you please. Nordic Visitor will book all your accommodation and travel tickets between destinations, and you can add on activities too.
Plus, booking an independent tour means you’ll still be able to enjoy the usual Nordic Visitor benefits. These include access to our 24/7 helpline, a detailed personal itinerary, helpful travel guide and daily breakfast.
How about a self-drive tour of Scandinavia?
Explore Scandinavia on a self-drive tour and you’ll enjoy the freedom of stopping at lookout points and attractions whenever you want. Get ready for a real adventure, with incredible scenery outside your window to make the journey as unforgettable as the destinations you visit.
The best part? You won’t have to worry about where you’re going or sleeping, because your Nordic Visitor travel consultant has already sorted those local arrangements for you. You’ll also have access to our 24/7 emergency helpline should you need to call us at any point.
All of Nordic Visitor’s Scandinavia self-drive tour packages include the cost of your rental car, accommodation and more. Your itinerary can be tailored by our local experts with extra nights at select locations or modified driving routes.
If you have any particular attractions in mind or need more travel info, just contact us to ask.
WHERE TO GO ON YOUR TOUR OF SCANDINAVIA
Visiting Norway, Sweden and Denmark on the same trip is a great idea. Why? Because these countries – which together make up the Scandinavia region – share a similar cultural heritage and are well-connected via modern motorways, railways and waterways.
As such, we highly recommend the Scandinavian Triangle, a route that incorporates the capitals of Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
Travel between Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen via train, plane and ferry. Or you might prefer to do a road trip around the region. Spend your days enjoying walking tours, savouring delicious meals in Scandinavian restaurants, or cycling along the pedestrianised streets and bike lanes.
Opt for a Scandinavia tour and you’ll find a land brimming with gorgeous scenery. From the idyllic islands of the Stockholm archipelago, Sweden, to the majestic fjords and snow-capped mountains near Bergen, Norway.
As a Northern European tour operator, Nordic Visitor specialises in organising trips to this beautiful corner of the world. We have many more ideas and travel tips to help you explore Scandinavia your way!
Here’s one of our suggestions for a Scandinavia itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrive in Stockholm, Sweden
Fly into Stockholm Arlanda Airport and head to your hotel in the city centre. Spend some time walking through Gamla Stan (the Old Town). Enjoy a fika (a Swedish coffee break) with a nice pastry at one of the local cafés in this medieval neighbourhood.
Day 2 - The highlights of Stockholm
Spend a full day in the Swedish capital, discovering the city’s attractions and districts. You could join a sightseeing tour to see the best of Stockholm in a day, taking you to must-see spots like the City Hall, Royal Palace and trendy Södermalm quarter.
Or, a ferry ride will whisk you off to the island of Djurgården, home to the Nordic Museum and Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum. Meanwhile, a day trip to the Stockholm archipelago means you could swim in the Baltic Sea and hike through forests.
Day 3 - Fly to Copenhagen, Denmark
Head to Stockholm Airport after breakfast and board a plane to Copenhagen. Once in Denmark’s capital, take a walk down the city’s popular Strøget street for a bite to eat, or go check out the fun and games at the world-famous Tivoli Gardens amusement park.
Day 4 - Discover Copenhagen
Soak up the charms of Copenhagen today, either on your own or as part of a guided tour. You might want to visit Rosenborg Castle, the Botanical Garden and Torvehallerne food market.
We also recommend hopping on a boat tour to see Christiansborg Palace, the Royal Danish Opera House and the colourful Christianshavn Canal from the water.
Day 5 - Overnight cruise to Oslo, Norway
Ahead of your journey to Oslo, spend the day enjoying more of Copenhagen. Why not make like the bicycle-happy Danes and rent a bike?
You could check out the exquisite Amalienborg Palace, as well as the colourful Nyhavn harbour. If you’re a fan of Hans Christian Andersen, don’t miss the Little Mermaid statue, depicting the famous mythical character. Later, head to the port for your ferry to Oslo.
Day 6 - Explore Norway’s capital city
After your ship arrives early in the morning, the whole day is yours to roam Oslo. Take a walk to the bustling Aker Brygge waterfront area and visit the Akershus Fortress. Or, head to the Bygdøy peninsula to explore historic museums.
If you love art, make sure to take a walk through the delightful Vigeland Sculpture Park. Don’t miss a visit to Oslo City Hall if you want to see where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held.
Day 7 - Scenic train journey to Flåm
This morning, go to Oslo Central Train Station to experience one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world – the Norway in a Nutshell® tour. Look out the window to see picturesque landscapes and quaint villages like Gol and Geilo.
Change at Myrdal to board the Flåm Railway for one of the top highlights of the entire trip: a 900-metre (half-mile) descent to the picturesque village of Flåm, where you’ll stay for the night.
Day 8 - Norwegian fjord cruise
Prepare to witness breathtaking Norwegian scenery today, as you hop on a cruise that takes you through the fjords. You’ll be able to admire the glittering waters, cascading falls and forested mountains of Sognefjord, passing through Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. Afterwards, it’s an exciting coach and train ride to Bergen.
Day 9 - Discover Bergen
Known as the gateway to the fjords, Bergen is Norway’s charming second city with plenty of its own attractions to uncover. You can visit the medieval houses of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bryggen, and take the funicular up Mount Fløyen for panoramic views over the city and fjords.
There are also plenty of museums, shops and restaurants to check out on your last full day in Scandinavia
Day 10 - Depart from Bergen, Norway
Fly back home from Bergen-Flesland Airport.
What other ideas are there for package tours to Sweden, Norway and Denmark?
There are so many more places to see in this part of Northern Europe. For example, you could delve deeper into the Nordic region, which is made up of Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. You can also add stops in Russia and Estonia to the same trip.
The best way to see Scandinavia and Russia is on a Baltic cruise. By doing so you can visit St Petersburg as well as Tallinn, Estonia and Helsinki, Finland.
Another alternative is to explore more of rural Scandinavia. Discover natural gems like the breathtaking Norwegian fjords and mountains. You could travel even further up the west coast towards the Lofoten Islands on a Havila or Hurtigruten cruise, for an exciting journey into the Arctic Circle.
Like the sound of an odyssey to the far north of Europe? Then we recommend visiting Lapland – a remote region covering parts of Sweden, Finland and Norway. Come in winter for the chance to see the aurora borealis, soak up snowy landscapes, and meet Santa Claus.
Or hop on a plane and visit another beautiful Nordic country – Iceland!
Good to know: Most of our itineraries aren't set in stone, and there are many possibilities for customised routes.
We can modify your tour if you'd prefer to arrive in a different city or change your departure date. You might want to enjoy some optional excursions or add other towns to your trip.
Just ask your Nordic Visitor travel agent for advice.
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