WHAT TO SEE ON A 3-DAY TOUR OF SCANDINAVIA?
Scandinavia is a region of Europe that covers the kingdoms of Denmark, Sweden and Norway. With a Scandinavia itinerary of 3 days, we recommend focusing on one particular area. For example, you could head for a winter adventure to Lapland, or discover the remote Svalbard.
As a Northern Europe tour operator, Nordic Visitor organises trips to this beautiful corner of the world. We have many more ideas and travel tips to help you explore Scandinavia your way!
Here are two suggestions for short Scandinavia itineraries:
3-DAY TOUR TO LAPLAND:
Day 1 - Arrival in Kiruna, Sweden
Fly to this region of northern Sweden for a winter getaway. At the airport you’ll be met by a driver who will accompany you to your hotel. You have some time to explore on your own before taking part in a snowmobile excursion tonight. Keep your eyes on the sky in case you spot the northern lights!
Day 2 - Cool stay at the ICEHOTEL
Today, you’ll experience the thrill of dog sledding over the snowy trails, followed by lunch around the campfire. Then it‘s time for the grand highlight of your holiday: the ICEHOTEL. You’ll get a tour and some tips to really enjoy your stay in an ice room.
Day 3 - Departure from Lapland
This morning you’ll find a cup of hot lingonberry juice served at your bedside in the ICEHOTEL. You can then enjoy breakfast and some sauna time. Later, you’ll be transferred back to the airport. You can continue your Scandinavia tour elsewhere or return home.
3-NIGHT TOUR OF NORTHERN NORWAY:
Day 1 - Arrival in Tromsø, Norway
Fly to Northern Norway, into the Arctic Circle, to visit this town nicknamed “The Paris of the North”. You have some time to explore on your own before joining a guided bus tour. You’ll head out of town for a chance to see the northern lights.
Day 2 - Arctic adventure
Spend the morning at your leisure in Tromsø. We recommend visiting the Polar Museum or the Arctic Cathedral. Later, you’ll take part in a Nordic excursion. Depending on when you’re visiting, you may join a northern lights cruise or visit Camp Tamok for a dog sledding tour.
Day 3 - Explore Tromsø
The city is yours to discover at your own pace today. Take in the beautiful natural sights and visit top attractions. For a great viewpoint, we recommend a ride up the Fjellheisen cable car to Mount Storsteinen. You could also book optional activities such as snowmobiling.
Day 4 - Departure from Tromsø
After 3 days in Northern Norway, you will fly home or continue your Scandinavia tour elsewhere.
What other ideas are there for a short Scandinavia itinerary?
There are various other ways you can explore Scandinavia on a short getaway.
If you’d like to visit all three countries in one go, we recommend the Scandinavia Triangle. For this tour, you would need at least 5-7 days to spend time in each of the capitals. On an independent tour of Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo, you can visit at your leisure.
If you want to slow down the pace and take in more Scandinavian sights, why not extend your tour and stay longer? For example, you could add some day trips or extra time in each capital city.
You could also travel from Oslo to Bergen on the west coast of Norway or take on the iconic Norway in a Nutshell® tour. The epic fjords, national parks and waterfalls are at their best here.
If you want to expand your trip into the Nordic region, you could start your tour with 1 or 2 days in the capital of Finland, Helsinki.
Here’s a suggestion for a longer Scandinavia itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrive in Stockholm, Sweden
Fly into Stockholm Arlanda Airport and head to your hotel in the city centre. If you arrive earlier in the day, you can spend some time on the well-known shopping street Drottninggatan and enjoy a fika (a Swedish coffee break). You could also hop on a sightseeing tour to discover more.
Day 2 - Explore the Swedish capital
Take full advantage of your day in Stockholm. Discover the Old Town, Gamla Stan, where you could visit the 19th-century Royal Palace.
We also recommend heading to Djurgården, a nearby island that’s part of the Stockholm archipelago. Here you’ll find some of the city’s cultural highlights like the Skansen open-air museum, Gröna Lund amusement park and Vasa museum.
Day 3 - Travel to Denmark
Only a short flight or scenic train ride away, today you travel to Denmark. Upon your arrival, take in the beautiful capital, Copenhagen. First stop, the enchanting Nyhavn, a colourful harbour with restaurants and docked boats.
You could spend your evening at the amusement park of Tivoli Gardens. We recommend trying a traditional open-faced sandwich, Smørrebrød.
Day 4 - Explore the colourful Copenhagen
Spend the day discovering more of Copenhagen. The city centre is compact, which means you can easily get around on foot. Top landmarks include the Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace and the Little Mermaid statue. You could also see the cityscape from the water with a cruise.
Day 5 - Sail to Oslo, Norway
You have the morning to visit a few more of Copenhagen’s hot spots. Walk up the centrally located Round Tower for a great view of the city or visit the regal Rosenborg Castle. Later, board an overnight cruise to head to Oslo. You’ll sail gently up the Kattegat Sund to Norway.
Day 6 - Explore Norway’s capital city
Once the ship docks, you have all day to roam around Oslo. Walk past the imposing city hall to spend some time at the bustling Aker Brygge waterfront or head to the Bygdøy peninsula. Here you could learn about the country's seafaring history at the Norwegian Maritime Museum, the Fram Museum or Kon-Tiki Museum.
You could also visit one of the many cultural attractions of the city, from the Royal Palace to Gustav Vigeland’s sculptures at Frogner Park.
Day 7 - Departure from Oslo
Today you fly home from your Scandinavian holiday. If you have time, you could visit another of Oslo’s museums or take a stroll to snap a few final photos.
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.
Want to do a self-guided tour of Scandinavia?
If you would like to discover Scandinavia on your own but prefer not to drive, then an independent package is the perfect choice.
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 ferry and train tickets between destinations, and add on activities too.
Plus, by booking an independent tour of Scandinavia you’ll still be able to enjoy all the Nordic Visitor benefits. These include access to our 24/7 helpline, a detailed personal itinerary, helpful travel guide and daily breakfast.
Want to take a 3-day Scandinavia road trip?
You can’t quite drive between these countries in 3 days, but give yourself more time to explore Scandinavia on a driving tour. You’ll have the freedom to pull the car over at any attractions or breathtaking views.
The best part? You won’t have to worry about where you’re going or sleeping, because your Nordic Visitor travel consultant will sort it out for you before you arrive.
And whether you’re on day 1 or day 12 of your tour, you’ll have access to our 24/7 emergency helpline should you need us.
Prefer to join a guided tour of Scandinavia?
Our guided 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.
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