10 Days in Scandinavia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: History, Culture & Natural Splendors in Scandinavia: Denmark, Sweden & Norway

Perfect for first-time visitors to Scandinavia seeking a well-rounded trip, this 10-day highlights tour features the welcoming cities of Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Stockholm, Oslo, and Bergen. Throughout, you'll enjoy private city tours catered to your interests, as well as numerous scenic cruises and panoramic train transfers. You can also look forward to indulging in Scandinavia's fresh and hearty cuisine through a gourmet food tour, dinner cruise, and an evening at the Michelin-starred Etoile.

Welcome to Scandinavia! Your adventure begins in Copenhagen, Denmark, where you'll kick things off with a biking tour and a visit to Tivoli Gardens. Spend the following morning hopping between local eateries during a guided food tour, then experience Copenhagen from new vantage points while cruising along its picturesque canal. A scenic train journey to Gothenburg, Sweden, is next on your agenda, and with two days here, you'll have ample time to join a customized city highlights tour and boat to the famed Vinga Lighthouse. Afterward, pack your bags in preparation for your train transfer to Stockholm.

Upon arrival in Sweden's picturesque capital, dedicate the afternoon and the following morning to city tours, which showcase Swedish Viking history, then reminisce about your learning over dinner at the Michelin-starred Etoile. Next on your itinerary is a quick overnight in Oslo, Norway, where a dinner cruise on Oslofjord awaits. Your final destination is Bergen, and after getting your bearings during a cable car ride up Mount Ulriken, you'll embark on a full-day fjords discovery excursion. Lastly, squeeze in a leisurely stroll along the Byggen Wharf before transferring to the Bergen airport. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Christmas Markets & Winter Adventures in Sweden & Norway

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit on this festive winter journey through the renowned Christmas markets of Sweden and Norway. From baking cinnamon buns in Vetlanda to sampling aquavit in Oslo, this itinerary is a feast for the senses and packed with local traditions. In between all the holiday treats, you'll experience the country's stunning, snow-blanketed landscapes while cruising through Stockholm's archipelago, boating along Oslofjord, and embarking on a road trip from Gothenburg to Stockholm. 

Off the plane in Gothenburg, you'll delve straight into Sweden's welcoming festive spirit during a Christmas markets tour, complete with stops by Liseberg, Haga, and Kronhuset markets. Then, with a rental car on hand, begin your road trip with a scenic drive to Falkenberg. Here, pause to treat yourself to a massage at the renowned Ästad Vingård Day Spa before breaking up your drive to Vetlanda with a stop at the sprawling Huseby Bruk Christmas market. A sweet surprise kicks off Day 4 of your adventure, with a cinnamon bun baking class on the agenda, followed by a drive to Stockholm.

After the many road trips during the first half of your adventure, you'll be delighted to unpack your bags for a three-night stay in Stockholm. Spend your first savoring views from the futuristic SkyView before devoting a full day to checking out the city's many Christmas markets. A trip to the Steninge Castle Christmas market awaits the next afternoon, but first, spend the morning sailing around the Stockholm archipelago. You'll then transfer by train to Oslo and spend your final days cruising Oslofjord and hopping between Christmas markets, insightful museums, and cozy restaurants. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Scandinavia Summer Highlights: Helsinki, Stockholm, Luleå & Tromsø

Curated with outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers in mind, this relaxed summer adventure showcases the pristine landscapes of Scandinavia. With two or more days each in Helsinki, Stockholm, Luleå, and Tromsø, you'll have time to get to know each city while also enjoying numerous opportunities to hike, kayak, and cruise. Highlights include a guided exploration of the Porkkalanniemi peninsula, a wildlife safari, a cable car ride up Storsteinen Mountain, and a whale watching tour in Norway's far north.

Upon arriving in Helsinki, Finland, your adventure gets off to a tasty start with a traditional Finnish food tour on the agenda, which will fuel you for the following morning's hike around the forested Porkkalanniemi peninsula. Eager for more adventure, catch a flight to Stockholm and spend the afternoon on a guided tour catered to your interests. Then, seek out the region's famed moose population on a walking safari through thick forest before continuing to Luleå by plane. Within a few hours, you'll be refreshing at the award-winning Tree Hotel and enjoying a leisurely hike on the nearby Bergnäsets Trail. 

While based in Luleå, you'll also explore the Luleå Archipelago by kayak and enjoy time to relax at your lavish treehouse accommodation. Next, board a flight bound for Tromsø, a lively town in Norway's far north. There's certainly no shortage of nature to take in here, so after checking into your hotel, you'll head out for a cable car ride up Storsteinen Mountain, where you can tackle the scenic Tromsdalstinden Trail. Then, over the following days, you'll embark on an Arctic fjords discovery tour and cruise icy waters in search of humpback and orca whales before prepping for your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Scandinavian Fjord & Hiking Summer Adventure

Ideal for thrill-seekers, this active Scandinavian itinerary takes the adrenaline up a notch as you hike, kayak, and zipline through Norway and Sweden's rugged landscapes. Discover the Oslofjord Islands' breathtaking coastlines on foot and by wooden sailboat, climb to the summit of Ålesund's Sukkertoppen, and take on an exhilarating windsurfing lesson. When your legs are in need of a break, you'll be thrilled that a spa session, an incredible drive along Trollstigen Road, and plenty of decadent dinners are also on the itinerary.

Your adventurous trip across Scandinavia kicks off in Stockholm, where you'll embark on a scenic kayak excursion along the city's canals and challenge yourself with a thrilling windsurfing lesson. Afterward, treat yourself to an evening at Yasuragi, a Japanese-inspired spa, then zip over to Oslo by train the following morning. While here, indulge your inner explorer during an Oslofjord sailing trip and dedicate a day to hiking on the islands of Hovedøya, Gressholmen, and Langøyene. Next, catch a flight to Ålesund and enjoy an exciting afternoon climbing to the summit of Sukkertoppen and cruising Geirangerfjord.

While in Ålesund, you'll also conquer back-to-back hikes, the first up steep switchbacks to Mount Saksa and the second through Molladalen's valleys and dense forests. Give your legs a break the following day and jump behind the wheel for a drive along the dramatic Trollstigen road. Your destination is Geiranger, and with two days in this quaint village at the head of Geirangerfjord, you'll have plenty of time to savor the region's beauty while cruising, kayaking, and ziplining. Afterward, return to Ålesund, where you'll visit Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium and enjoy a celebratory end-of-adventure dinner. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Scandinavian Summer Road Trip: Denmark, Sweden & Norway

Make your way through charming countryside, along fjord coastlines, and under towering mountains on this wildly scenic road trip from Copenhagen to Trondheim. Perfect for those who love the freedom of a self-drive adventure, you'll enjoy stopping off at quaint farm shops, fortified cities, and the awe-inspiring Dovrefjell National Park. Other highlights include a sunset dinner cruise on the Oslofjord, an overnight at a farmstay, and a bike tour through Gothenburg.

Upon collecting your rental car from Copenhagen's airport, your adventure gets underway with a scenic drive through Denmark's rolling countryside to Funen Island. On arrival, dine at Broholm Slot, then spend the following day checking out the island's highlights, including Odense's medieval Old Town and Egeskov Slot's moat castle. It's back on the road the following morning, and after stopping in Malmö to tuck into its many farm shops, you'll arrive in Ystad. An overnight at Örums Nygård, a farmstay tucked among the Swedish countryside, ensures you're ready to tackle a drive north to Gothenburg.

In Gothenburg, you'll first get your bearings during a guided bike tour, then enjoy an afternoon free to wander the city's museums, parks, and cobbled streets. Next, hit the road to Oslo, stopping en route to admire Halden's Frederiksen Fortress and the fortified city of Frederikstad. Spend that evening unwinding while onboard a scenic dinner cruise, then continue north to Lillehammer for a memorable Lake Mjøsa steamer cruise. Your final destination is Trondheim, where you'll squeeze in a day trip to the medieval village of Stiklestad and a farewell dinner before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Chasing the Northern Lights in Sweden & Norway

Crafted especially for travelers seeking the elusive northern lights, this bucket-list winter experience takes you above the Arctic Circle for snowshoeing excursions, evening sailing expeditions, and a visit to the Aurora Sky Station. During daylight hours, you'll explore Sweden's Lappland region and northern Norway's snow-covered forests and expansive frozen lakes. Thrilling activities include a snowmobile excursion, a sunrise dogsledding adventure, an ice fishing experience, and a whale watching eco-tour. 

You won't wait long for a chance to spot the aurora, as after arriving in Luleå, Sweden, and refreshing at the Tree Hotel, you'll set out on a Lappland forest snowshoeing adventure. Head right back out the following morning to explore by snowmobile, then wrap up your time in Luleå with another northern lights spotting tour. Next, catch a train to the Arctic Circle town of Kiruna and check into the Ice Hotel—your epic base for four nights. Split the following day between a thrilling dogsledding excursion and a trip to the Aurora Sky Station before delving into Sámi culture at the Nutti Sámi Siida open-air museum.

Your final day in Kiruna promises to be just as exciting, with a snowshoeing and ice fishing excursion on the agenda, followed by a guided northern lights tour. Next, pack up your bags and transfer across the border to Narvik, Norway. An overnight here gives you the opportunity to ride the Narvik Sky Lift and join a dogsledding tour that ends with an aurora beckoning ceremony. Then, transfer to Tromsø, located in the far north of Norway, and wrap up your adventure with a memorable northern lights sailing trip and a whale watching experience on icy fjord waters. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Norway Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Norway? Check out these other 10-day Norway itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.