Oslo or Copenhagen

Love them both....but I prefer Oslo.

If you're flying (you don't say from where), I'm not sure why Bergen and Stockholm would be "too far" when Oslo or Copenhagen would not be.

I haven't been to Copenhagen in many years, so I can't compare it to the others. I definitely preferred both Bergen and Stockholm to Oslo; for 3 days, I'd choose Stockholm, as Bergen is smaller and 3 days will be a lot unless you're just looking to relax.

Visited both cities last summer, 2 days each, and wished we had more time in Copenhagen. Oslo is awesome but I just loved Copenhagen. But if you could make it happen my favorite of all was Stockholm.
PS I live in Phoenix too. You don't mention when you will be on your adventure but the weather there definitely beats ours!

We preferred Oslo to Copenhagen. However, we did not like the area where we stayed in Copenhagen, near Tivoli Gardens. Oslo was different than other cities we've visited and we really enjoyed it. We liked Stockholm the best of the cities you list. Why do you consider Stockholm or Bergen to far to fly This is not a large area of the world so there is no big difference.

Loved both although we've one been to Copenhagen only once for 3 days and Oslo on multiple occasions. (Oslo is a jumping off point for destinations north). Given a 2 or 3 day limit (try for 3), you can't go wrong with either city. That said, I would pick the one most convenient air travel wise.

Flying from SFO, CPH is a non-stop hub for us to Scandinavian cities and Helsinki. We can get to CPH non-stop but would have to transfer through CPH to get to OSL. This would make Copenhagen a non-stop flight for me.

I would also suggest saving Oslo for a visit where you could spend at least a week in Norway to explore parts beyond Oslo.

Oslo has a lot less to see and do. 2 days is plenty to see everything. I enjoyed Frogner Park, the Viking Ship museum and the Royal Mile. I wanted to visit Akershus, even though Rick panned it, but my travel companions weren't interested. How much time to spend at the Nobel center, Opera House or City Hall really depends on your level of interest. For me they were quick looks.

Copenhagen has much more to see and do. I spent six nights there and still had sights on my list I wasn't able to visit. I could completely skip Tivoli Gardens and the Little Mermaid. The National museum, Rosenborg Slot and Carlsberg Sculpture Garden are favorites. Various sights around town, Round Tower, Canal Tours and Christiania are worth seeing. I'd recommend day trips to Roskilde/Cathedral/Viking Ship Museum, Helsingor/Kronborg Slot and Hillerod/Fredericksborg Slot (transportation and admissions included in the Copenhagen card). Amalienborg depends on whether you like contemporary palaces and changing of the guard. There is also a lot of nightlife and shopping.

Stockholm is probably the prettiest of the group and shouldn't be any harder to connect than Oslo, I'd expect it to be easier. Stockholm is another city I think can be seen well in just a couple days. My favorite was the Vasa. Skansen was okay but I expected it to be more like Williamsburg, VA (with knowledgeable costumed workers) but was disappointed. Adding day trips to, say, Uppsala would require more time.

I love them both but I'd pick Copenhagen... hit the Ice Bar and Tivoli

I love this travel forum--a ton of research at the click of a button. Thanks to everyone who answered. I sincerely appreciate it. Phoenix John

Come back and let us know what you decide!