10 day itinerary for Denmark, Sweden and Norway
Scandinavia is an appealing region in northern Europe that attracts tourists for its progressive politics, clean streets, vegan food options, stunning scenery and reputation for happiness. Exploring Scandinavia’s trifecta is possible in just ten days for travelers willing to move at a fast pace. Rent a car and drive this route, or book train tickets to travel between cities.
10 Day one: Arrival in Copenhagen
Travelers can plan to begin their journey through Scandinavia in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. This is accessible from major North American airports and by train from Western Europe, particularly from Hamburg, Germany. After arriving in Copenhagen, spend the rest of the day recovering from jet lag and exploring the city on foot. Some important landmarks to walk to include Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg and the Round Tower.
For dinner, you can try the national dish Stegt Flæsk Med Persillesovs (roasted pork belly with potatoes and parsley sauce). Restaurant Klubben is one of the best places to try this nationally famous meal.
9 Day two: Nyhavn and Tivoli
On the first full day in Copenhagen, start the morning in Nyhavn, the 17th-century waterfront and entertainment district. This cobbled street has colorful homes facing the water and boasts plenty of cafes. For lunch, try smørrebrød, a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich. Beautiful man is one of the best places in town to try this delicious meal on rye bread.
In the afternoon or evening you can have fun in Tivoli. This amusement park is one of the oldest in the world and offers rides for adults, rides for children, souvenir shops and relaxing green garden areas. Theater and ballet performances take place in Tivoli, and tickets for all entertainment are available available online.
8 Day three: Explore Malmö
Leave Denmark and cross the Öresund Bridge into Sweden after picking up a rental car in the morning. For travelers who cannot drive, it is possible to take a 30-minute train go into Malmö instead. Once in Malmö, you can settle down and set out to explore the picturesque city on foot or by bike.
See the Turning Torso tower, St. Peter’s Basilica, and take in the artwork at Malmö Konsthall. Travelers not interested in art and architecture can have more fun at the Museum of Disgusting Food or walking through peaceful Kungsparken, a famous city park. For dinner, you can try authentic Swedish meatballs at Två Krögare Bullen.
7 Day four: Coffee in Lund
The next morning, leave Malmö and travel north to Lund, another charming Swedish city in the south of the country. Travelers can have their first Swedish Fika experience in the middle of the morning at one of the many cafes and bakeries along the streets. Fika is a Swedish custom of having a coffee with something sweet in good company. Popular Fika places in Lund include Ebbas Skafferi, Love Coffee and Coffee Break. In the afternoon you will visit the botanical garden and the Kulturen Museum.
6 Day five: Gardens and museums in Gothenburg
Day five, leave Lund and drive (or take the train) to the picturesque city of Gothenburg. This idyllic Swedish destination deserves more than a day of exploration, so check into a hotel or Airbnb and prepare to spend some time here. Visit Gothenburg’s art museum, Universeum (science center) and Volvo Museum. Then go to Gothenburg’s botanical garden and stroll among the greenery before eating at the restaurant.
5 Day six: Fish market and Magasinsgatan
Spend another day in Gothenburg, waking up early to visit the Feskekôrka fish market. For seafood lovers, this market is a paradise. The large building contains stalls selling fresh local fish and other seafood items, plus there are restaurants inside where travelers can sit down to sample the fish in a prepared dish. Gabriel is a must-try restaurant at Feskekôrka.
In the afternoon shop on Magasinsgatan, a stylish district with shops, courtyards and cafes. Enjoy one last Swedish Fika experience here before driving to Oslo for the night.
4 Day Seven: Explore Oslo
Make the most of a full day in Norway’s capital by getting up early and having breakfast at Erlik Kaffe in central Oslo. Then go to Vigeland’s sculpture park, where the artist Gustav Vigeland displays lots of unique sculptures in the city’s green area. Make a stop at the National Museum, the Royal Palace and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History before lunch. In the afternoon, go to the water and go out on a boat for a different view of the city.
3 Day eight: Arrival in Bergen
Depart from Oslo and embark on one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Crossing Norway by train is a bucket list event, so it’s a good idea to return a rental car in Oslo and buy a train ticket to Bergen on the high-speed train. The trip takes anywhere from 6.5-7 hours, and there are morning, afternoon and evening departures daily. A one-way ticket ranges from £81 to £91 (~$97-$109).
By departing from Oslo on a morning train, travelers get the chance to explore Bergen in the evening. Walk around Bryggen, a colorful quarter by the quay. Pingvinen or Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant are both good choices for dinner.
2 Day nine: See the Bergen Peninsula from Fløyen
Another full day in Bergen means a chance to get outside the city center and appreciate Norway’s incredible natural landscape. Go hiking near Mount Fløyen for beautiful views of Bergen and its surroundings. The popular hiking trail is one 5.8 km out and back trail which takes just over 2 hours to complete and requires 308 meters of elevation gain. The trail is open year-round, and dogs are welcome to walk with their owners if they are on a leash.
1 Day ten: Departure flight (optional stop in Stockholm)
Start your day with a quick breakfast at Lovetann Café & Bistro or Kaffemisjonen before heading to the airport to catch your flight home. Depending on travelers’ timeline, they may choose to book a flight to Stockholm, Sweden from Bergen and depart to North America from there as Stockholm is a bigger travel hub than Bergen. This also gives a chance for one last look at Sweden and some time to explore its capital.