12-Day Scandinavia Itinerary: Your Complete Guide
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This Scandinavia itinerary will guide you through some of the most iconic and hidden spots in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. I’ll take you through each day with detailed activities that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Scandinavia. This guide will help you plan your entire trip, covering must-sees, hidden gems, and insider tips.
Day 1-3: Stockholm, Sweden: Scandinavia Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Gamla Stan and Surroundings
Morning: Arrive in Stockholm and check into your accommodation. Begin your day at Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town, where you’ll find Stortorget, the oldest square in the city, surrounded by colorful buildings. Explore the Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral, both located within this historic area.
Afternoon: Wander the charming streets, stopping by Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, the narrowest alley in Stockholm. For lunch, grab a traditional Swedish dish like meatballs at Den Gyldene Freden, a historic restaurant that dates back to 1722.
Evening: Head to Skeppsholmen for a peaceful evening walk with stunning views of the archipelago. Consider dining at Oaxen Slip, a Nordic bistro with a focus on sustainability.
Day 2: Museums and Djurgården Island
Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Vasa Museum, where you can marvel at the well-preserved 17th-century warship. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in history.
Afternoon: Head over to Djurgården Island. Visit Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum, showcasing traditional Swedish life with historic buildings and farmsteads. You can also visit the ABBA Museum if you’re a fan of the iconic pop group.
Evening: Enjoy a scenic boat ride around the island or relax in Rosendals Trädgård, a beautiful garden with a café serving organic food.
Day 3: Archipelago Adventure
Full Day: Spend the day exploring Stockholm’s archipelago. Book a guided boat tour that stops at islands like Vaxholm or Grinda. These islands offer everything from quaint villages to hiking trails and beaches.
Lunch: Pack a picnic or enjoy seafood at Vaxholms Hembygdsgårds Café, known for its shrimp sandwiches and picturesque setting.
Day 4-5: Gothenburg, Sweden: Scandinavia Itinerary
Day 4: Arrival and Liseberg Amusement Park
Morning: Travel to Gothenburg via a scenic train ride. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take a leisurely stroll around the city center.
Afternoon: Spend your afternoon at Liseberg Amusement Park, home to some of Europe’s best roller coasters, beautiful gardens, and fun for all ages. Don’t miss Helix, a thrilling coaster with inversions and drops.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at Sjömagasinet, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its seafood dishes, located by the harbor.
Day 5: Haga and Southern Archipelago
Morning: Start your day in Haga, one of Gothenburg’s oldest neighborhoods. Explore the narrow streets filled with boutique shops, and don’t miss Café Husaren for the giant cinnamon buns known as Hagabullen.
Afternoon: Head to the Southern Archipelago by ferry. Spend the day island-hopping between Styrsö and Vrångö, where you can hike, swim, or just enjoy the peaceful coastal atmosphere.
Evening: Return to Gothenburg and dine at Toso, a modern Asian fusion restaurant with creative dishes.
Day 6-8: Oslo, Norway: Scandinavia Itinerary
Day 6: Explore Oslo’s Heart
Morning: Arrive in Oslo and begin your exploration at the Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle offering panoramic views of the Oslofjord. Dive into Norway’s history at the Norwegian Resistance Museum located within the fortress.
Afternoon: Stroll along Karl Johans gate, Oslo’s main street, passing the Royal Palace and National Theater. Stop for lunch at Kaffistova, a café offering traditional Norwegian dishes like raspeballer (potato dumplings).
Evening: Visit the Opera House and climb to the rooftop for a stunning sunset view over the city.
Day 7: Culture and History Day
Morning: Spend your morning in Vigeland Park, home to over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The park is both a cultural landmark and a peaceful green space.
Afternoon: Visit the Viking Ship Museum, which houses two of the best-preserved Viking ships in the world. For art enthusiasts, nearby is the Munch Museum, dedicated to the famous artist Edvard Munch, known for “The Scream.”
Evening: Dine at Mathallen, a food hall featuring a variety of Norwegian and international cuisines.
Day 8: Oslofjord and Nature Exploration
Full Day: Take a fjord cruise to explore the Oslofjord and its beautiful islands. Stops like Hovedøya offer historic ruins, while Gressholmen is perfect for a nature walk. If you’re visiting in the summer, consider a swim or picnic on one of the islands.
Evening: Enjoy a waterfront dinner at Solskinn Brygga before returning to Oslo for the night.
Day 9-10: Bergen, Norway: Scandinavia Itinerary
Day 9: Arrival and Bryggen Wharf
Morning: Travel to Bergen, and upon arrival, head straight to Bryggen Wharf. Walk through the historic wooden buildings and explore the Bryggen Museum for insight into the Hanseatic League’s influence on the city.
Afternoon: Visit Fantoft Stave Church, a reconstructed medieval church that showcases Norway’s unique stave architecture. For coffee and a snack, try Kaffemisjonen, a beloved local café.
Evening: Take a walk along Mount Fløyen or catch the funicular up for panoramic views of the city. Enjoy dinner at Colonialen 44, offering a modern take on Norwegian cuisine.
Day 10: Fjord Exploration
Morning: Take a day trip to the fjords. Book a tour to the Nærøyfjord or Sognefjord, where you can take in the dramatic landscapes, towering cliffs, and waterfalls. Opt for a fjord safari or a guided kayak tour for a more immersive experience.
Afternoon: Visit the Stegastein Viewpoint for a breathtaking view over the fjord. Enjoy lunch in one of the charming villages, like Flåm, known for its scenic train ride through the mountains.
Evening: Return to Bergen and relax at Bryggeloftet & Stuene, a traditional Norwegian restaurant with over 100 years of history.
Day 11-12: Copenhagen, Denmark: Scandinavia Itinerary
Day 11: Arrival and Nyhavn
Morning: Fly or take the train from Bergen to Copenhagen. After checking in, explore the iconic Nyhavn, where colorful 17th-century townhouses line the waterfront. Take a canal tour to see the city from a unique perspective.
Afternoon: Visit Rosenborg Castle and the King’s Garden. This Renaissance castle houses the Danish crown jewels and offers a glimpse into Denmark’s royal history.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Schønnemann, famous for its traditional Danish smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches).
Day 12: Cultural Immersion
Morning: Start your day at Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Enjoy the beautiful gardens, rides, and live performances. For lunch, grab a Danish hot dog from a vendor inside the park.
Afternoon: Visit the free-spirited community of Christiania, known for its unique culture and art scene. Walk through its colorful streets and perhaps pick up a piece of local artwork as a souvenir.
Evening: For your last evening, dine at Noma, one of the best restaurants in the world, if you can secure a reservation. If not, Geranium offers an equally unforgettable culinary experience.
Conclusion: Scandinavia Itinerary
This 12-day Scandinavia itinerary through Sweden, Norway, and Denmark is packed with iconic sights, cultural experiences, and hidden gems. From the historic streets of Stockholm and Oslo to the breathtaking fjords of Norway and the vibrant atmosphere of Copenhagen, this journey is sure to be an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re exploring the museums, indulging in local cuisine, or getting lost in nature, Scandinavia has something for every traveler.
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