WHAT TO SEE ON A 5-DAY TOUR OF SCANDINAVIA?
Scandinavia is a region of Northern Europe covering Sweden, Denmark and Norway. In 5 days, you could visit one of these countries on a short break, or perhaps combine two Scandinavian capitals such as Oslo and Stockholm.
If you’re short on time and only have 5 days to spend in Scandinavia, we recommend focusing on one particular area. For example, you could take a tour through southern Norway. Start in Oslo and make your way to Bergen via Flåm, experiencing one of the world’s most stunning rail journeys on the way.
Or you could head further north to visit the beautiful Lofoten Islands in Norway. Fly to Svolvær Airport and begin a 5-day road trip around the archipelago. Take in the jaw-dropping mountains that rise from the sea and embark on exciting excursions like kayaking and rib boat safaris.
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 5-day Scandinavia itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrive in Oslo
After touching down at Gardermoen Airport, spend the day soaking up Oslo – the capital of Norway. Take a walk to the bustling Aker Brygge waterfront area and visit the Akershus Fortress. You could also dip into the Norwegian Maritime Museum to learn more about the country’s shipping history.
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 2 - Scenic train journey to Flåm
This morning, go to Oslo Central Station to begin your Norway in a Nutshell® tour – 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 3 - 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 waterfalls and forested mountains of Sognefjord, passing through Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. Afterwards, it’s an exciting coach and train ride to Bergen.
Day 4 - 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 a panoramic view of the city and fjords.
There are also plenty of museums, shops and restaurants to check out on your last full day in Norway.
Day 5 - Depart from Bergen, Norway
Fly back home from Bergen-Flesland Airport. Or you could extend your itinerary to see more of Scandinavia in the same trip!
What other ideas are there for a 5-day Scandinavia itinerary?
Another great option for a 5-day Scandinavia itinerary is to venture to the Arctic Circle for a northern lights tour. You could visit Lapland, Svalbard or Northern Norway to experience wintry scenery and adventures in the snow. You’d also enjoy guided tours to hunt down the aurora borealis.
To try your luck spotting the northern lights in Northern Europe, visit in the winter months when the days are shorter and the night skies are darker. This gives you the best chance of seeing the aurora borealis light up above you.
Not only would your winter tour of Scandinavia bring you closer to the northern lights. It would also give you the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, stay in a snow or ice hotel, and try fun outdoor activities like snowmobiling. 5 days is the perfect amount of time to enjoy all of these winter experiences.
Interested in visiting other Nordic countries? Then consider exploring Iceland on your 5-day tour!
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 and extra days to your trip.
Just ask your Nordic Visitor travel consultant for advice.
How about a 5-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 5-day Scandinavia road trip could begin in Oslo and end in Bergen, swapping train travel for car rental. Soak up the fjord and mountain views as you drive from the capital to the coast.
Or you could explore the Lofoten Islands on a self-drive tour. Experience Viking history, outdoor excursions and breathtaking landscapes in this magical corner of Norway. Basing yourself in the small towns of Svolvær and Reine, you could head off on day trips to more remote parts of the archipelago.
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Day 1 – Arrive at Svolvær Airport and pick up your rental car. Overnight in Svolvær.
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Day 2 – Overnight in Svolvær.
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Day 3 – Overnight in Reine.
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Day 4 – Overnight in Reine.
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Day 5 – Depart from Svolvær Airport.
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! Extend your itinerary to at least 7 days and travel in the summer months (May to August) to join one of these groups.
You’ll get an enriching experience of Scandinavia on a small group tour, getting under the skin of Sweden, Denmark and Norway in the company of like-minded visitors.
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?
Denmark, Norway and Sweden are ideal to explore on an independent tour. That’s because these countries share a similar cultural heritage and are well-connected via modern railways and waterways.
As such, we highly recommend the Scandinavian Triangle, a route that incorporates the capital cities: Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm. Spend your days enjoying walking tours, savouring delicious meals in Scandinavian restaurants, or cycling along the pedestrianised streets and bike lanes.
To embark on a tour of the Scandinavian Triangle, you’ll need at least 7 days to have enough time to see all three capitals in the same trip. Travel from one city to the next by plane, train or cruise.
In Copenhagen you could visit the Tivoli Gardens amusement park, dating back to the 19th century. In Stockholm you might want to wander through Gamla Stan in the city centre. And in Oslo there is Viking history to discover.
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 plane, ferry or train tickets between destinations.
Plus, booking an independent tour of Scandinavia 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.
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