Scandinavia by rail or ship

The answer to your question is a combination of both. How easy it is to get around by rail depends on where you're going.

Hi,

If you're going to Sweden, Norway or Finland, ferry lines connect these countries from Poland and Germany, eg, Kiel to Oslo, or Rostock to Helsinki. Malmö to Travemünde are a few of these connections....a very convenient and easy way of reaching these countries as is by train, if you have no desire to fly there. I would not fly, much rather prefer taking the train and ferry.

By ship, I assume you mean ferries not cruise ships.

I'd say it depends, what parts you want to see and when. In general I'd say train, it is very easy to get around by train in Denmark and Sweden at least, in Norway the network is not as dense but where there are not trains there are buses.

But boats have their advantages and are very useful in e.g. the archipelagos.

For transport between cities there is a ferry between Oslo and Copenhagen. There are no direct trains so the ferry is a good option if you don't plan any stops. It is also overnight so you don't lose that much time.

There is also the Hurtigruten ferry/cruise combo ships along the Norwegian coast between Bergen and Kirkenes. Hurtigruten is probably worth a trip on its own.

Long distance rail can be very cheap if booked long in advance, especially in Sweden. You can easily find Copenhagen - Stockholm for only 195 SEK. Don't expect much service. Find your train at the departure board, find you way to the platform, wait for the train and find your seat if you booked one (which sometimes is mandatory).