How to Spend Two Weeks Visiting the Best of Scandinavia

Escape the sweltering Mediterranean summer and venture north to Scandinavia, a region renowned for its captivating blend of vibrant urban life, breathtaking natural landscapes, and opportunities for maritime exploration. This itinerary offers a carefully curated glimpse into the heart of Scandinavia, showcasing its most iconic capitals and incorporating a journey along one of Europe’s most picturesque railways: the Flåm Railway.

This article presents a comprehensive guide on how to maximize your two-week vacation in Scandinavia, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Embarking on Your Scandinavian Adventure: A Suggested Itinerary

Our journey begins in Copenhagen, Denmark, a city easily accessible for most international travelers. However, the itinerary is flexible and can be adapted to your preferences and arrival point. The heart of Scandinavia awaits your discovery!

Copenhagen, Denmark: A Fairytale Beginning (Days 1-3)

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and modern design. Its charming canals, colorful buildings, and bicycle-friendly streets create an inviting atmosphere perfect for exploration.

Walkable Wonder: Copenhagen is incredibly pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to discover its many hidden gems on foot. Stroll along the iconic Nyhavn harbor, with its brightly colored buildings reflecting in the water, and soak in the lively atmosphere of this historic area.
Tivoli Gardens: No visit to Copenhagen is complete without experiencing Tivoli Gardens, a world-renowned amusement park that transcends the typical theme park experience. Unlike many amusement parks, Tivoli caters to adults as much as children, offering beautiful gardens, elegant restaurants, live music, and thrilling rides.
Historical Exploration: Delve into Danish history with a visit to Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Danish royal family. Witness the changing of the guard ceremony and explore the palace museum to learn about the monarchy’s rich history. For a deeper dive, visit Rosenborg Castle, home to the Danish Crown Jewels and a fascinating collection of royal artifacts.
Canal Tours: Gain a unique perspective of Copenhagen with a leisurely canal tour. Glide along the city’s waterways, passing iconic landmarks like the Little Mermaid statue, the Copenhagen Opera House, and the colorful houses of Christianshavn.
Culinary Delights: Indulge in the innovative culinary scene of Copenhagen, known for its New Nordic cuisine. Sample traditional Danish pastries, savor fresh seafood, and explore the city’s vibrant food markets for a taste of local flavors.

Stockholm, Sweden: An Archipelago of Beauty (Days 4-6)

From Copenhagen, the journey continues to Stockholm, the captivating capital of Sweden. A train ride of approximately 5-7 hours (324 miles or 521 kilometers) will transport you to this unique city built upon 14 islands, connected by bridges and waterways.

Island Hopping: Stockholm’s unique geography offers endless opportunities for exploration. Discover Gamla Stan, the city’s charming old town, with its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and the Royal Palace. Explore the trendy island of Södermalm, known for its vibrant nightlife, independent boutiques, and stunning views of the city.
Vasa Museum: Immerse yourself in maritime history at the Vasa Museum, home to the remarkably preserved 17th-century warship Vasa. Learn about the ship’s ill-fated maiden voyage and the incredible salvage operation that brought it back to the surface after over 300 years.
Skansen Open-Air Museum: Step back in time at Skansen, the world’s first open-air museum. Explore historic buildings from all over Sweden, learn about traditional crafts and customs, and encounter native Scandinavian animals.
Art and Culture: Discover Stockholm’s thriving art scene with a visit to Moderna Museet, showcasing modern and contemporary art, or explore the Fotografiska photography museum, featuring world-class exhibitions.
Archipelago Excursion: Escape the city and explore the vast Stockholm archipelago, a collection of over 24,000 islands. Take a boat trip to one of the many islands, hike through pristine forests, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

Oslo, Norway: A City Embracing Nature (Days 7-9)

Next, the journey leads to Oslo, the capital of Norway, a city nestled between the Oslofjord and lush green hills. A train ride of around 6 hours (259 miles or 417 kilometers) connects Stockholm to Oslo.

Museum Hopping on Bygdøy: Immerse yourself in Norwegian history and culture on the Bygdøy peninsula, home to several renowned museums. Explore the Kon-Tiki Museum, showcasing Thor Heyerdahl’s famous raft expeditions, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, offering a glimpse into traditional Norwegian life, the Viking Ship Museum, displaying remarkably preserved Viking ships, and the Norwegian Maritime Museum, celebrating Norway’s maritime heritage.
Vigeland Sculpture Park: Marvel at the impressive collection of sculptures by Gustav Vigeland in Vigeland Park, one of Oslo’s most popular attractions. Explore the park’s unique landscape and contemplate the human form as depicted in Vigeland’s powerful sculptures.
Akershus Fortress: Discover Oslo’s medieval history at Akershus Fortress, a historic castle overlooking the Oslofjord. Explore the fortress grounds, visit the Royal Mausoleum, and learn about the fortress’s role in Norwegian history.
Oslofjord Exploration: Take a boat trip on the Oslofjord, enjoying the stunning scenery of the fjord’s islands and coastline. Visit one of the many islands for a hike, a swim, or a relaxing picnic.

Bergen and Flåm: Fjords and Railways (Days 10-12)

Prepare for a breathtaking journey from Oslo to Bergen, incorporating a detour to Flåm via the renowned Flåm Railway. This route is considered one of the most scenic in Scandinavia. A direct train journey from Oslo to Bergen takes approximately 6.5 to 7 hours, with four daily departures.

The Flåm Railway: The Flåm Railway is an unforgettable experience. This steep railway line descends from Myrdal, high in the mountains, down to Flåm, nestled on the shores of the Aurlandsfjord. The journey showcases dramatic waterfalls, towering mountains, and breathtaking fjord views. The train’s unique braking system and steep incline make it a marvel of engineering.
Bergen’s Charm: Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, exudes a small-town charm with its colorful wooden houses, historic harbor, and stunning natural surroundings. Bryggen, the historic wharf, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see attraction.
Sognefjord in a Nutshell: Consider taking the "Sognefjord in a Nutshell" tour for a comprehensive experience of the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. This tour combines train, boat, and bus travel, offering stunning views of the fjord’s dramatic landscapes.
Mount Fløyen Funicular: Ascend Mount Fløyen via the funicular for panoramic views of Bergen and the surrounding fjords. Enjoy hiking trails, a restaurant, and breathtaking scenery at the summit.

Helsinki, Finland: A Modern Maritime Capital (Days 13-14)

If time permits, consider taking a ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki, Finland. The ferry journey takes approximately 14 hours, offering an opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenic archipelago views.

Architectural Marvels: Explore Helsinki’s unique architecture, a blend of neoclassical, art nouveau, and modern styles. Visit Senate Square, dominated by the Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, and the University of Helsinki.
Suomenlinna Fortress: Take a ferry to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a historic sea fortress. Explore the fortress’s ramparts, tunnels, and museums, and enjoy stunning views of the Helsinki archipelago.
Market Square: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Helsinki’s Market Square, a bustling hub of activity. Sample local delicacies, browse handicrafts, and soak in the city’s maritime atmosphere.
Church Exploration: Helsinki’s skyline is dotted with impressive churches. Visit the Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, a unique structure built into solid rock, or explore the Uspenski Cathedral, an imposing Russian Orthodox cathedral.

Essential Travel Tips for Scandinavia

Transportation: Scandinavia boasts an excellent public transportation system, including trains, buses, and ferries. Consider purchasing a rail pass for cost-effective travel, especially if you plan on extensive train travel. Ferries are a convenient option for traveling between coastal cities.
Budgeting: Scandinavia is known for its high cost of living. Plan your budget accordingly, considering accommodation, transportation, food, and activities.
Accommodation: Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Consider booking in advance, especially during peak season.
Currency: The currencies used in Scandinavia vary by country. Denmark and Norway use the Krone (DKK and NOK respectively), while Sweden uses the Krona (SEK), and Finland uses the Euro (EUR).
Language: English is widely spoken in Scandinavia, making it easy for tourists to communicate.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Scandinavia is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is mild and the days are long. However, be prepared for crowds and higher prices during this period.
Embrace the Outdoors: Scandinavia offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to kayaking and fishing. Pack appropriate clothing and gear to enjoy the region’s stunning natural landscapes.
Consider Greenland: For adventurous travelers seeking a unique experience, consider extending your trip to Greenland, a land of breathtaking glaciers, dramatic fjords, and Inuit culture.