My wife and I would like to go to these three locales--drive around Iceland for a few days and then see the other two cities. We travel a lot but have not really gone to northern Europe. 10-14 days. We will likely do some day trips out of Amsterdam and Copenhagen but would concentrate our time in the cities and their environs. Can we drive from Amsterdam to Copenhagen or should we stick with flying? Would like to rent a car and drive but outside of the UK have never driven. Thanks.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Should be no problem scheduling a layover in Iceland for a few days. I've flown on both IcelandAir and WowAir a number of times. I haven't looked at Rick's Iceland book but I'd expect you'd drive the circle and hit a few highlights during your trip. Northern lights aren't really a summer phenomenon, but summer is by far the best time to visit, don't get too excited about the possibility of seeing them. That said, the best northern lights I've seen were when I was camping in the Canadian Rockies (in the summer).
From Amsterdam to Copenhagen you want to fly. Train or car won't be convenient and will cost more than flying.
I haven't done day trips out of Amsterdam so can't really advise you. There is plenty in the city to occupy a few days. My experience in A'dam is limited to short stays (one or two days) before going elsewhere.
I felt there was more to see and do in Copenhagen than any other city in Scandinavia. I have taken some day trips and used the Copenhagen Card which gives you train, bus, metro transportation as well as admissions all over northern Zealand. Day trips I took were to Roskilde (cathedral and Viking ship museum) and Helsingor (Kronborg and public beaches further north). The trip I would have liked to take, but didn't because track maintenance made it inconvenient, was to Fredericksborg. I've spent six nights there and felt like I could have used more time. There are also a lot of things to see in Copenhagen, so plan to spend time there too.
Posted by
Western Canada
3110 posts
I agree with Brad about Copenhagen.
I went to Iceland for a four day stopover on my way to Copenhagen last December.
I thought I had booked too many days in C.; but with 8 days, I still wasn't done seeing everything!
It's a marvelous country, and I really enjoyed it even in winter.
Copenhagen is teeming with history; and I also did day trips out to Helsingor and Roskilde.
The Copenhagen Card is not cheap; but so convenient for transport and entry to all the sights.
If I were you, I would just go to Iceland and Denmark.
Amsterdam and the Netherlands deserves two weeks on its own.