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First time to visit Scandinavia

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My husband and I will be visiting our daughter during her time of school abroad in Copenhagen. We plan to go end of April / first of May 2024 - no set dates yet (she still has to apply for her visa!). We plan to be gone for 15-17 days, so we assume 13-15 days to travel when subtracting 2 days for flying (flying in and out of Copenhagen). We do plan on spending at least 5 days in Copenhagen to see our daughter.

So that leaves approximately 8-10 days to travel elsewhere. We are thinking it might be best to travel via train. We would like to see Stockholm for sure, and most likely Oslo. Any suggestions on whether those two locations are doable in that time frame. Also suggestions of what to see (can be things a tourist would typically not find in guide books, but is truly worthwhile to see) and day trips around those two locations that are accessible by train and "must see". Restaurant and hotel recommendations are welcome too :)

I ask all of the above because this is a part of Europe that has not been on my radar as top destinations, and we do not know anyone who has traveled through Scandinavia. Thank you in advance for your feedback!!

Posted by
2646 posts

Our son did his study abroad in Copenhagen and we visited during their fall break. We did a 3 night stopover in Iceland on the way over, and then with him we went to Norway for a couple of days. We did the NIN with a few days in both towns to bookend it. Enjoy that time with her. She will be your own personal tour guide! That was the only trip that I didn't do any research and we just let our son lead the way.

Posted by
319 posts

We went to Oslo this summer for 5 days (from Bordeaux) and it was better than we imagined (we are a family of 2 adults, 2 college-aged kids.) We did a fun bike tour through the city with Viking Biking & Hiking. A wonderful way to get an overview of the city. We also did another great tour, the Oslo Fjord boat cruise with Batservice Sightseeing. There is so much more to see/experience in Oslo than I had anticipated. The Munch museum was excellent and, at points, interactive. Delicious food is plentiful. Make sure to go to some of the Food Halls there as the prices tend to be more reasonable and still high quality (it's where many locals go to eat.) Oslo is fairly accessible from Copenhagen either by train, plane or ferry.

Posted by
6974 posts

Those cities are certainly doable in that time frame. Take the train to Stockholm, spend some time there, take the train to Oslo, spend some time there and then return to Copenhagen via the overnight ferry. Or in the reverse order if you prefer that. That would allow you enough time to see the cities, as well as to a day trip or two from both.

But if you are able to add a few days there is a lot more to see and to in both countries than just the capitals.

Posted by
1139 posts

The Norway in a Nutshell between Bergen and Oslo might be of interest, Easy to research with many possibilities for stopping off or going straight through. Bergen, as well as Oslo, is worth an overnight or more. I’m seconding the advice above.

From Copenhagen, consider Odense for an over night or day trip- 90 minutes by train. Hans Christian Andersen territory. We found more than enough to occupy us for one full and two half days- 2 nights and I would have liked more time.

Many other day trips from Copenhagen are quicker. I made the “mistake” on a first visit to Copenhagen of not understanding how easy many fascinating day trips are - most are under a hour train ride on routes with frequent schedules.

For your Copenhagen time you might consider these day trips. From Helsignor with the castle, historic city center and museums, you can also take a quick ferry ride to Helsingborg in Sweden and have a stroll before returning. Several other easy day trips that will be mentioned in any guide - Frederiksborg Castle, Roskilde, Louisiana Art Museum, Frilandsmeet living history museum.

Of course, the city of Copenhagen also has a lot to offer. Five days will give you a start, but I had to return a couple times for my “must-sees”!

Spoiled for choice!

Posted by
3006 posts

I second the idea of Norway in a Nutshell.
Fly from CPH to Bergen and travel by NiN trains to Oslo.
If you want to have a special experience be on May 17 in Bergen (arrive on 16). The Norwegians celebrate their national holiday in a very nice and somehow traditional way, see article about Bergen on May 17.
btw: Denmark celebrates on June 5.

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