WHAT TO DO IN SCANDINAVIA IN SEPTEMBER?
There are so many things to do in Scandinavia in September, from touring the countryside to discovering city attractions.
This time of year marks the start of fall in Scandinavia, so temperatures are cool although you might still enjoy some sunny days. The countryside shows the first signs of autumn, turning from green to orange and yellow. There are also plenty of daylight hours to get outside and soak up the scenery.
Although summer is essentially over, you can still experience the cultural sights and great outdoors of Scandinavia in September – but with fewer visitors around.
We highly recommend exploring the capital cities of the Scandinavian Triangle, soaking up the best of Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen in one incredible trip. In September these capitals are quieter than in the summer, so you’ll have more of them to yourselves.
Visiting Scandinavia in September is a great idea if you’re looking to explore the countryside too. Head to Bergen on the west coast of Norway to witness the stunning Norwegian fjords, or go island-hopping in the Stockholm Archipelago, when most of the Swedish city-dwellers have returned to work.
As a Northern European tour operator, Nordic Visitor specialises in organising holidays to this beautiful corner of the world. We have many more ideas to help you explore Scandinavia your way!
Here’s one of our suggestions for a Scandinavia itinerary in September:
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 experience 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 the plane to Copenhagen. Once in Denmark’s capital, take a walk down the city’s popular Strøget street for a bite to eat. Be sure to try a Smørrebrød, a traditional open sandwich with a variety of toppings to choose from.
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, Torvehallerne food market, and Tivoli Gardens amusement park.
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, Norway’s largest city, 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 - 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, having enjoyed 10 days in beautiful Scandinavia.
What other ideas are there for a Scandinavia tour in September?
There are many other ways you can make the most of visiting Scandinavia in September, such as venturing to the neighbouring Nordic countries.
You could begin your tour in the capital of Finland, Helsinki. Here in this exciting city, spend your time uncovering 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, enjoy a Scandinavia cruise in September. Step aboard a vessel that whisks you to Stockholm, crossing the Baltic Sea overnight to begin your exploration of the Scandinavian Triangle the following day.
You might also want to spend a couple of days visiting the capital of Estonia, Tallinn, on your tour of the Scandinavian countries. Or, journey north to the Arctic Circle and discover Norway’s Lofoten Islands, a cherished spot for photographers and hikers.
If you’re planning a trip to see the northern lights in Scandinavia, we recommend you visit Norway or Lapland. For the optimum chance of spotting the aurora borealis, the best times to visit are actually during winter, between October and March.
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 a Scandinavia road trip in September?
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.
Travel to Scandinavia in September for incredible scenery right outside your window, watching how the landscapes shift between Sweden, Denmark and Norway. You could opt for a circular road trip between Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo, flying in and out of the Swedish capital, for example.
This way, you could soak up the autumnal 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 on the ferry to Oslo, Norway.
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Day 6 – Overnight in Oslo.
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Day 7 – Overnight in Oslo.
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Day 8 – Drive back towards Stockholm. Overnight in Örebro area of Sweden.
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Day 9 – Drop off rental car and spend the night in Stockholm.
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Day 10 – Depart from Stockholm Airport.
If you want to slow down the pace, spend more time in Scandinavia in September. Got 12, 14, 15 days to spare? Skip the ferry to Oslo and instead drive to Norway via Gothenburg, Sweden, or delve deeper into rural Scandinavia on an extended trip through the region.
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.
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 independent 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.
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! These take place between May and August, so book your trip for the summer season to join a group.
A small group tour of Scandinavia offers an enriching experience, allowing you to get the most out of your trip thanks to the expertise of a local tour guide. What’s more, you’ll be travelling alongside 16 people at most, so the trip is still personal for you.
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