Scandinavian Capitals - any tips or must-sees?

This is a brand new tour for next year, so you’ll be one of the first to take it.

There are some recent trip reports that might give you ideas for your free time in Copenhagen and Stockholm:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/4-days-in-copenhagen-sep-2024

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/spring-in-copenhagen-and-now-stockholm

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/spring-in-copenhagen-2

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/spring-in-copenhagen-1

LOL - no wonder I couldn't find anything on the forums about this particular tour. Thanks for the links!

Note that each city has a page of info here on the site. Check the AT A GLANCE section.
https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/sweden/stockholm

I just remembered this website:

https://norwaywithpal.com/city-guides/oslo-city-guide/

He’s one of the Rick Steves tour guides. There might be some helpful info. for your free time in Oslo.

Sounds like a fabulous tour.

I highly recommend Tivoli Gardens and Glyptoteket during your free time in Copenhagen. I do not think you will be visiting during the tour..

A lot depends on your interests, of course, but as mentioned above, I would definitely recommend you visit Tivoli Gardens. However, if you can, wait until the evening to go there, as that's when its magic really happens. The lights are on, and it just sparkles. It's such a cool place. It has good food, live performances, and a lot of quirky and interesting exhibits.

If you have time, I would highly recommend a visit to Roskilde, which is charming town about a 30 to 45-minute train ride from Copenhagen. From there you can walk to Roskilde Cathedral, which is an incredible place that houses the tombs of most of Denmark's kings and queens. It is a wonderful place to visit. And with a short walk away is the Viking Museum, which is also very cool. There you can see replicas of the five original Viking ships, along with many other outdoor exhibits.

Given your short amount of time, Roskilde may be difficult for you to get to and spend time at, so think about that, but definitely visit Tivoli Gardens. It's really fun. If you're craving a pastry, make sure you stop at a little shop called Cakenhagen, which has the most beautiful and delicious pastries I think I've ever had. If you want to see the pastry I bought, which was a perfect replica of a peach, I took some photos of it that are on my online travel journal. Just scroll down till you see it.

I took my cruise in 2019 but I remember a very good cafeteria in Glyptoteket. I believe there was one or two homemade soups every day as well as one or to daily specials. It is a bit pricey but very nice,

I also remember a very nice gift shop. A woman showed me the scarf she bought. Beautiful but very expensive.

And as Mardee said, Tivoli is extremely beautiful at night with the lights. I also remember fireworks. I can not recall if the fireworks are only on weekends or in the summer but I remember being able to see the fireworks from my hotel.

In Oslo, in addition to the places mentioned in the RS tour: Akerhus Fortress, the Historical Museum (Viking Artifacts), the Nobel Peace Center, the Opera House or a trip to the "country" at historic Frognerseteren, a traditional cafe & restaurant with panoramic views overlooking the city and Oslo Fjord that can be reached easily by metro.

If time permits after your tour ends, consider going to Bergen via the very scenic Norway in a Nutshell route. You can either purchase a package tour with FjordTours or DIY. It can be done in one long day or you could overnight enroute. Booking a room in Flåm (book early for best rates and availability) would allow you to visit Stegastein Viewpoint, which is a great compliment to the ferry cruise through the spectacular Naerøyfjord.

You'll find plenty to do in Bergen for a night or 2 before flying home.

I think I remember going to a Resistance Museum in Copenhagen.