Next RS tour takes us to Best of Scandinavia in 14 days. Does this tour have hiking involved? Just making sure we have the right gear, if so. We have a year, but if I need to add to our all weather gear, I want to take advantage of end of season sales at REI and Patagonia. Thx!!
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
13518 posts
Looking at the "Itinerary", it seems the only 'hiking' opportunity is Day 13.
https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/scandinavia/best-scandinavia-tour-2026
Here is some info on Floyen--
https://www.floyen.no/en/activities/walks-hikes-floyen
Hopefully some folks who have been on that tour can address 'hiking' and whether special shoes are needed.
Posted by
Duluth, MN🌲
12028 posts
You can always stay a few days extra after the tour is over, or come in early for a few days and get some hiking done. Stockholm has some wonderful hiking available, including the Archipelago Trail. https://stockholmarchipelagotrail.com/
And of course, Bergen also has some wonderful hiking opportunities: https://en.visitbergen.com/things-to-do/activities/hiking-in-bergen
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
3279 posts
I did the Scandinavia tour a couple of years ago. I don't recall any hiking possibilities.
Posted by
OP
Utah via SF Bay Area
519 posts
Thx Liz. I didn't see anything specific regarding a group tour hike. I do plenty of hiking here in Utah- I don't usually go seeking hiking when we travel. But if it was part of the tour, then I could plan accordingly. We are so excited to take this tour.
Posted by
Arcadia, CA
692 posts
Mo, I got some gear for this tour - a pair of Fjallraven Abisko winter stretch pants https://www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/women/trousers/trekking-trousers/abisko-winter-stretch-trousers-w/
I went in May, so it was chilly and 50's most days, and these pants were great. They are also a bit water resistant, so when it rained it was no big deal. I took my Patagonia R1 hoody and my Patagonia nano puff jacket with my rain jacket and was perfectly happy every day. That along with Woolx and Smartwool wool shirts. All depends on when you are traveling. And I'm from sunny LA, so I'm not used to 50's;)
You will love that tour, it is awesome!! Even without hiking.
Posted by
Mukilteo, WA
79 posts
We took this tour in 2018. We had an optional "hike" from our hotel in the Norwegian mountains - The Elvester - prior to dinner. It was a few miles - with some elevation gain - nothing too difficult. We did not bring any hiking gear - it was an established trail to some waterfalls. Nice walk after spending time on the bus. No other real hiking opportunities that I recall. Some opportunities for walks on Aero island. I don't know about Varberg - our itinerary had an overnight Ferry ride rather than land travel.
Posted by
OP
Utah via SF Bay Area
519 posts
Thx Barbara! I will use any excuse to visit the local Patagonia store. Good to know about these pants-- I have a similar pair made by Kuhl that are just perfect for winter travel. I thought they would be too heavy, but based on what you said, I shouldn't discount them on this trip. Did you buy your pants in Sweden? I just looked at the website link--it looks like a really great brand.
My nano puff, down vest and Marmot Gortex will definitely go. I have the same Patagonia items as you. We, too, will be there end of May beginning of June. Looking at the itinerary, and used to Northern California micro climates, many occuring in the same day, Scandinavia struck me like being in Monterey in July. Cold, foggy, drizzly, and windy, however, 80 degrees can freakishly happen. too. Even though it may be cool, any sun shining through can warm up things fast. Ah the fun of putting together clothes for contingencies and getting everything into 2 packing cubes! I always say "there is no bad weather, just the wrong clothes." I know Arcadia very well, so it must have been a challenge to pull together clothes that you don't usually wear or have the opportunity to wear often.
Posted by
OP
Utah via SF Bay Area
519 posts
Thx Denise-- a nice fitness type walk after a bus ride is nice to decompress. Seeing that this itinerary ventures into the Norwegian Mountains, I didn't want to miss out on something awesome due to being unprepared.
Posted by
136 posts
When are you doing this tour? We'll be on one of the June tours this year and can't wait to visit Scandanavia!
Posted by
OP
Utah via SF Bay Area
519 posts
I'd love to hear about your trip. We leave next June. I'm very excited. Our tour is already wait list only!
Posted by
Atlanta
2683 posts
I went on this tour in May 2022 when we still had to test for Covid to re-enter the US. It’s in my top 5 favorite RS tours! Our time in the Norwegian mountains is spectacular. You will love it. Not really any hiking on this tour unless as others have commented, you hike pre or post tour.
Enjoy!