Spectacular Scandinavia and its Fjords
15 Day Tour to Copenhagen, Stockholm & Oslo | Operated by InsightVacations
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15 Days
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3 Countries
Denmark, Sweden, Norway -
15 Cities
Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Lake Vattern, Stockholm, Sigtuna, Uppsala, Falun, Lillehammer, Lom, Geiranger, Fjaerland, Leikanger, Flam Railway, Bergen, Oslo -
21 Meals
2 Dinner with Wines, 14 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners -
Pace: Active
Faster paces with mix of 1–2-night stays in each location. Typically features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.
Trip Itinerary
Greetings to you, Copenhagen! Spend your afternoon at leisure to relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for drinks and a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner. In the evening visit the glittering lights and enchanting atmosphere of the world-famous Tivoli Gardens.
A Local Expert will reveal the charm of Denmark's capital. Meet Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid gazing wistfully across the harbor and see Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the Danish Government. Continue to Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, the Renaissance Stock Exchange and Copenhagen Cathedral, where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. View the unusual Rundertaarn and enjoy an afternoon at your leisure, relaxing or exploring at your pace. Perhaps take an Optional Experience into the picturesque Danish countryside to see the castles of North Zealand?
Continue along Sweden’s west coast to the cosmopolitan port city of Gothenburg. On arrival, explore with your Local Expert and learn about the region’s culture and nautical history. Perhaps choose to delve into the heritage of Volvo - one of Sweden’s most recognisable exports. The evening is at your leisure. Take a stroll along the leafy boulevards and enjoy dinner in one of the city’s many restaurants.
Enjoy views of the patchwork of fertile farmlands, as you journey along the shores of Lake Vättern to the Swedish capital. Stop at Grännaberget café for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience of Swedish Fika of coffee and freshly baked pastries. This experience advances SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, promoting the regional heritage of the local area and preservation of traditional Swedish houses.
See the charms of Sweden's capital with your Local Expert. Wander the medieval streets of Gamla Stan and see the 13th-century cathedral. Visit the imposing City Hall to see its fabulous Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall, with its walls covered in 18 million gilded mosaic tiles, and the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquets are held. There's free time in the afternoon for you to explore at your own pace. Perhaps visit the fabulous Vasa Galleon, raised from Stockholm's harbor-bed in 1961 after sinking on its maiden voyage in 1628?
Travel to the historic city of Uppsala, seat of Scandinavia’s oldest university. Meet Hans Odoo, a passionate local storyteller, who will share the fascinating history of the Carl Linneaus Garden on a guided tour. You’ll learn about Sweden’s rst botanical garden and its 1300 species of ora and fauna. Continue to the historic city of Uppsala, seat of Scandinavia’s oldest university. Travel to Falun, an old historic mining town. In the evening, enjoy a delightful meal at a local restaurant, prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
With your Travel Director see the Falun Copper Mine and the Great Pit, a vast crater created by an enormous mine collapse in 1687. Later on in the morning travel along the shores of Lake Siljan to Mora, the home of Sweden’s infamous 17th-century witch trials. Continue deep into the forested heart of the country to reach Sälen, the starting point for the world’s oldest and longest cross-country ski race, Vasaloppet. This 90 kilometer race across the snow has been challenging skiers since 1922. Later cross the border into Norway and pass Hamar with its Olympic ice skating rink which resembles an upturned Viking ship. Journey along the shores of Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake, to arrive at Lillehammer, home of the 1994 Winter Olympics.
Journey northwest from Lillehammer, traveling through the countryside of Peer Gynt, immortalized by Ibsen. At Lom, visit the Norwegian stave church dating back to 1158. Continue along winding roads that pass waterfalls, rivers, ice fields, lakes and snow-capped peaks. For the next two nights you will stay in the scenic village of Geiranger, overlooking fjords and soaring mountains.
After a relaxed morning, take a scenic cruise along the Geirangerfjord. Your travels continue to the Bøya Glacier for a photo-stop. Explore Fjærland with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the interactive Norwegian Glacier Museum at the foot of the Jostedal Glacier, the largest icecap in continental Europe. Alternatively, take a walk through the village of Fjærland with a Local Expert and hear about life between the fjord and the glacier. Then enjoy a scenic drive onto your historic fjord hotel in Leikanger. Delight in a dinner of fresh and locally sourced produce.
Cross the serene waters of magnificent Sognefjord, the longest fjord in Norway. Then embark on a spectacularly scenic journey aboard the Flåm Railway, ascending from sea level to 914 meters. On the Hardangerfjord hear how eight generations of a family-run farm have worked on the land, producing fruit, berries and various jams, jellies, traditional spreads, cake and other delicious treats. Sample their fresh apple juice and homemade cider. Travel on to your hotel in the historic port of Bergen.
A Local Expert introduces you to Bergen. The ancient Hanseatic port city still largely looks to the sea for its living, as evidenced by the picturesque and lively Fish Market, set in a charming location in the heart of the city. The market also has stalls selling a colorful variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, handicrafts and souvenirs. After seeing the 13th century Haakon’s Hall, there will be time to explore all that this exciting town has to offer. Perhaps you might like to visit the home of composer Edvard Grieg, before ascending Mount Fløyen by the only funicular in Scandinavia.
Travel along scenic and varied landscapes to Oslo, drive past some of Norway's most picturesque ski-resorts. Leaving the seaside town of Bergen, your journey continues climbing up to elevations of 1200m (3930ft) offering moon like scenery and passing some of Norway’s ski resorts on the Hardanger Plateau. After returning to lower areas you’ll be driving among dense forests before reaching the capital city of Oslo.
With your Local Expert, see the Royal Palace and the spires and ramparts of Akershus Castle, the 14th century fortress guarding the harbor. At Frogner Park, view the intriguing Vigeland sculptures. Exploe the area around the Opera House and see the strikingly modern architecture of the Bjorvika neighborhood. In the evening, round off your Scandinavian adventure with a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant. Over a glass of wine, toast to your travels with your newfound friends.
Your Scandinavian exploration has come to an end.
Price Includes
Dining Summary- - 2 Dinner with Wines (DW)
- - 14 Breakfasts (B)
- - 5 Dinners (D)
- Get to know your fellow travelers and Travel Director over a drink at your Welcome Dinner.
- Hear all about the production processes and sample authentic apple cider at a traditional family-run fruit farm.
- Scandinavian hospitality is matched with fine food and a glass of wine at your Celebration Dinner.
- Make the most of the long summer nights at the glittering Tivoli Gardens, the world-famous entertainment park, full of fantasy, fun and charm.
- With your Local Expert, view Christiansborg Palace and the cathedral where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. You'll also see Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace and the unusual Rundertaarn, which is the oldest functioning Observatory in Europe.
- Learn about the region’s culture and nautical history with your Local Expert.
- With your Local Expert, visit Gamla Stan to see the cathedral where Swedish kings have been coronated and wander the narrow streets of the Old Town.
- With a Local Expert, step inside the City Hall where the fabulous Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall is covered by 18 million gilded mosaic tiles. You'll also see the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquets are held.
- Led by your Travel Director, see the tiny City Hall in the old Viking capital.
- Discover the city of Falun, located in the heart of Dalarna County. See the Falun Copper Mine and the Great Pit, a vast crater caused by an enormous mine collapse in 1687.
- Stop in this city known as the host to the world's oldest and longest cross-country ski race.
- Explore the town where the 1994 Winter Olympics were held.
- Visit the Norwegian stave church dating back to 1158.
- Enjoy an orientation of Geiranger to learn more about this small village and the surrounding Fjords.
- Take a walk through the village of Fjærland with a Local Expert and focus on life between the fjord and the glacier.
- Cruise along the deep, blue waters of majestic Geirangerfjord, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, gushing waterfalls and lush green vegetation.
- Enjoy a photo-stop at the Bøyabreen Glacier.
- Learn about this quaint little coastal town from your Travel Director.
- Journey on one of the world's steepest railways through tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountainside of the narrow Flåm Valley.
- With your Local Expert, see the many colorful stalls of the lively Fish Market and marvel at the 13th century Haakon's Hall.
- Pass through the National Park known for its beautiful arctic tundra.
- With your Local Expert, see Akershus Castle, Oslo Harbor and the Royal Palace.
- Take a moment to contemplate the interesting Vigeland sculptures when you visit Frogner Park.
- Enjoy a traditional Swedish Fika at Grännaberget café, the café of Gränna museum on the banks of Lake Vättern. Meet Mattias at his family-ran café hosted in this traditional 18th Century Swedish house for coffee and freshly baked pastries sourced from local farms and producers. The café supports the village museum in preserving traditional memorabilia and artefacts of the 18th century from the local area. This experience advances SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, promoting the regional heritage of the local area and preservation of traditional Swedish houses.
- Visit the interactive Norwegian Glacier Museum, a Make Travel Matter experience. Experience an incredible journey through time at this interactive museum surrounded by striking glacial landscapes. Hear more about climate change and the natural environment in this spectacular national park center. The Norwegian Glacier Museum is a leader in striving towards sustainability. The museum educates visitors about the climate crisis and what can be done to minimize impact. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Change. Alternatively, take a walk through the village of Fjærland with a Local Expert and hear about life between the fjord and the glacier.
- Meet Hans Odoo, a passionate Uppsala local and storyteller, who will share the fascinating history of the Carl Linneaus Garden on a guided tour. You’ll learn about Sweden’s first botanical garden and its 1300 species of flora and fauna.
Optional Experiences
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
North Zealand Castle Tour (Available on Day 2)Drive along the scenic coastal road of the Danish Riviera to the castles of North Zealand. See Fredensborg, the summer residence of the Royal Family, then visit Fredriksborg, the largest Renaissance palace in Scandinavia. It's now a museum, so the tour through the beautiful rooms is an encounter with the kings and queens who shaped the country's history. En-route, pass through picturesque villages of half-timbered houses and thatched roofs.
Adult Price: €63 Copenhagen Off The Beaten Track (Available on Day 2)Enjoy a casual evening, off the beaten track, as you discover the contemporary side of Copenhagen. First, visit the newly-opened CopenHill, the cleanest waste-to-energy power plant in the world, with its hikeable and skiable roof. We'll enjoy spectacular views over the city from the top. Next is Reffen, the largest waterfront street food market in the Nordic area. Browse through an International food selection and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. You'll have reserved seating and a pre-loaded food card to get the meal of your choice.
Adult Price: €65 Traditional Danish Dinner (Available on Day 2)Home to some of the world's best restaurants, Copenhagen is currently experiencing a culinary renaissance. Make the most of the long summer evenings and join us for a traditional Danish meal in the heart of Copenhagen. Two glasses of wine, beer or soft drinks are included with your meal.
Adult Price: €89 Volvo Experience (Available on Day 3)Welcome to a world of iconic car models, ground-breaking innovations and imaginative prototypes. This guided visit of the Volvo museum will take you on a journey through Volvo's history, from its beginnings in 1927 until today.
Swedish Summer Dinner And Cruise (Available on Day 4)Experience a Swedish summer evening at its best! Enjoy a half-hour cruise in the largest archipelago in the world, followed by authentic local cuisine served in a peaceful forested setting on the shores of the Baltic Sea.
Adult Price: €91 Maritime Stockholm (Available on Day 5)Dive into the fascinating story of Stockholm’s relationship with the sea. Our Local Expert will explain the age of Viking exploration and the fish and fur trade before a real life encounter with the past on a visit to the 17th century Swedish royal warship Vasa. Magnificently restored after spending three centuries on the sea floor, she now occupies a state of the art, purpose-built home designed to preserve her well into the future. A unique and unmissable experience.
Adult Price: €64 Carl Larsson's Farm (Available on Day 6)Sweden’s world famous painter, Carl Larsson, lived and worked in his traditional country home which is today a constant source of inspiration for modern designers. This remarkably intact time capsule showcases the art and family life of a beloved artist.
Adult Price: €45 Lillehammer Ski Jump and Brewery Experience (Available on Day 7)Be transported back in time to the 1994 Winter Olympics. First a drive to the Lillehammer Ski Jump where we'll marvel at the incredible views overlooking Lillehammer and Lake Mjosa. Later, we'll meet a local storyteller at the historic Lillehammer Brewery where we'll hear about the local brewing techniques and receive a guided tasting of their specialty craft beer.
Adult Price: €84 The Troll's Road (Available on Day 9)Your tour of Geiranger includes a scenic drive up the Eagle’s Road, offering amazing views of the Geiranger Fjord and the stunning Seven Sisters Waterfall. At the small village of Eidsdal, cross the fjord by ferry and climb up through the abundant fruit growing valleys. Leave civilization behind as you venture high above the tree line for some of the most breathtaking scenery. Now on to the Troll’s Road, a masterpiece of engineering built over 70 years ago.
Adult Price: €61 Europe's Highest Fjord at Dalsnibba (Available on Day 9)In the comfort of your coach, climb 1500 meters to the highest possible fjord view in Europe at Dalsnibba mountain. Enjoy breathtaking views of the famous Geiranger fjord and the surrounding glacier topped mountains. For the bold, test your nerve on the Geiranger Skywalk suspended over a 500 meter drop.
Adult Price: €39 Edvard Grieg's Home With Recital & Funicular (Available on Day 12)Visit Troldhaugen, the idyllic summer home of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s national composer. Situated on a promontory jutting into Lake Nordaas with outstanding views over the water, it offered the composer total tranquillity and inspiration for his music. After a piano recital, more scenic grandeur awaits as you ascend to the summit of Mount Fløyen aboard Scandinavia's only funicular railway. At 320 meters above sea level enjoy a bird's-eye view over Bergen, with its seaward approach, and the surrounding fjords and islands.
Adult Price: €79 Arctic Explorers and the Polar Ship Fram (Available on Day 14)Step aboard the polar ship Fram, the strongest wooden ship ever built, to experience the life and work of Norway's famous Arctic explorers. The expeditions of Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen come to life in the interactive exhibitions of this museum, which also houses the Gjøa, the first ship to navigate the entire Northwest Passage.
Adult Price: €43