WHAT TO SEE ON AN 11-DAY TOUR OF SCANDINAVIA?
Scandinavia is a region of Northern Europe covering Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Visiting all three countries in one trip makes perfect sense as they are well-connected via modern motorways, railways and waterways.
One of our best-selling routes in this region is the Scandinavian Triangle. With 11 days to spend, you could easily hop between the capital cities – Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo – for a taste of all three countries.
If you are looking for an 11-day Scandinavia itinerary, you could also incorporate stops at other destinations nearby. You’d have time to visit Helsinki and Tallinn, the capitals of Finland and Estonia respectively.
Or, head out of the cities to explore the countryside. Go from Oslo to Bergen to witness the breathtaking Norwegian fjords. Or enjoy the tranquility of the Stockholm Archipelago, a cluster of islands scattered just outside the Swedish capital.
Here’s one of our suggestions for a Scandinavia itinerary (11 days):
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) and enjoy a fika (a Swedish coffee break) with a nice pastry at one of the local cafés in this medieval neighbourhood.
Or, why not hop on a city sightseeing tour?
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.
Otherwise, 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 is a great option in the summer.
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 Ströget street for a bite to eat, or go check out the fun and games at the old fashioned 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 and the Little Mermaid statue.
Later, head to the port for your cruise 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 Station to begin your Norway in a Nutshell® experience – one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. 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 - Discover Flåm and the fjords
Enjoy a full day soaking up the breathtaking scenery in and around Flåm. Explore the fjords by kayak on an excursion that takes you to Fronneset, a historical site with Viking-era graves.
Another attraction in the area is the Stegastein Viewpoint, teetering 650 metres (2,133 feet) above the fjords and protruding 30 metres (98 feet) from the cliffside. Take your time to enjoy the view, it is truly spectacular!
Day 9 - Norwegian fjord cruise
Prepare to witness breathtaking Norwegian scenery today, as you hop on a cruise that takes you through beautiful 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 10 - 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 11 - Depart from Bergen, Norway
Fly back home from Bergen-Flesland Airport, having enjoyed 11 days discovering the many delights of Scandinavia.
What other ideas are there for an 11-day Scandinavia itinerary?
There are many other ways you could experience Scandinavia in 11 days. One alternative is to start your tour with 1 or 2 days in the capital of Finland, Helsinki.
Here in this exciting Nordic city, you could spend your time visiting attractions like Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, and the Old Market Hall. Don’t miss the chance to visit local restaurants for a taste of Finnish cuisine.
Then, step aboard a cruise that whisks you to Stockholm, crossing the Baltic Sea overnight to begin your exploration of the Scandinavian Triangle the following day. Add 1 more night to your itinerary, and you could also incorporate the capital of Estonia, Tallinn, to your Northern European adventure.
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, spend more free time in one destination than another, or add other towns to your trip.
Just ask your Nordic Visitor travel consultant for advice.
How about an 11-day Scandinavia road trip?
On a self-drive tour in Scandinavia, you’ll have the freedom to pull the car over at any attractions that catch your interest.
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.
Your 11-day Scandinavia road trip could encompass a convenient circular route, starting and ending in Stockholm, Sweden. After enjoying the first day of your trip in Stockholm, you would drive south to Copenhagen, Denmark. Break up the journey by stopping off at the charming Swedish towns of Kalmar and Ystad.
After exploring Copenhagen, you could take the car onto the overnight ferry to Oslo, Norway, then spend 2 nights in this capital city.
The final part of your journey would then involve driving east from Oslo back to Stockholm, stopping at lovely Örebro for a night en route. This would allow you to soak up the beautiful Swedish countryside, rural villages, and grand castles and manor houses in this corner of Scandinavia.
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Day 1 – Arrive at Stockholm Airport.
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Day 2 – Pick up rental car and drive through southern Sweden. Overnight in Kalmar area of Sweden.
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Day 3 – Overnight in Ystad area of Sweden.
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Day 4 – Overnight in Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Day 5 – Overnight in Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Day 6 – Overnight on the ferry to Oslo, Norway.
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Day 7 – Overnight in Oslo.
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Day 8 – Overnight in Oslo.
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Day 9 – Drive back towards Stockholm. Overnight in Örebro area of Sweden.
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Day 10 – Drop off rental car and spend the night in Stockholm.
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Day 11 – Depart from Stockholm Airport.
If you want to slow down the pace and take in more Scandinavian attractions, why not extend your Scandinavia self-drive tour and stay longer? Adding 1 more night means you’ll have time to drive to Gothenburg, or a few more days will allow you to delve deeper into Norway and Sweden.
All of Nordic Visitor’s Scandinavia self-drive tour packages 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, just contact us to ask.
Interested in a guided tour 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 the Scandinavian capitals is an excellent option!
You’ll get an enriching experience of Scandinavia on an 11-day small group tour, or you could always extend your trip to see more of the area.
Our small group tours in Scandinavia allow you to get the most out of your trip thanks to the expertise of a local guide. What’s more, you’ll be travelling alongside 16 people at most, so the experience 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 an 11-day 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, by booking an independent tour of Scandinavia 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.
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