Active Adventures in Scandinavia's Cities - 14 Days

Highlights

• Go horseback riding in the countryside outside Copenhagen
• Kayak around the Stockholm archipelago at sunset
• Explore Norwegian fjords and wilderness by boat and e-bike
• Embark on an abseiling adventure down Bergen's Mount Ulriken

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Copenhagen (Denmark), Canal Cruise & Sightseeing

Welcome to Denmark! You'll arrive in Copenhagen, the model of a progressive European capital. Its GDP and work-life balance metrics are off the charts, resulting in a city that's virtually crime-free and ranked as one of the happiest in the world. At the airport, a driver will pick you up for the ride to your hotel. Then, immerse yourself in the city's infectious Scandi energy. A great place to start is Nyhavn, a 17th-century waterfront district known for its colorful townhouses. From here, stroll along the canal to The Little Mermaid, a bronze statue inspired by Hans Christian Anderson's fairy tale character.

Later, you'll board a boat from Nyhavn to see the sights from a new perspective as you cruise along the canals. Keep your camera handy as you pass the palaces of Christiansborg and Amalienborg, the bustling Nyhavn waterfront, and the imposing financial centers of the Central Bank and the former Copenhagen Stock Exchange. A guide will explain the history of the landmarks and buildings along the way.

When evening falls, you'll enjoy dinner out in Copenhagen. This city is home to all kinds of eateries, from legendary gourmet restaurants to international restaurants and comforting quick eats. For something more affordable, you can stop at a café and try smørrebrød, Denmark's signature open-face sandwiches, or head to the Harry's Place shack for a quick hot dog and chocolate milk. As for upscale restaurants, there are plenty of options: the city claims no less than 15 Michelin-starred eateries, more than any other Scandinavian capital. 

Day 2: Copenhagen Segway Tour, Museums & Modern Art

Rise and shine! Today, you'll zip around Copenhagen's colorful streets on a private Segway tour. This two-hour adventure begins in the morning at the Langelinie Pier, a seaside promenade in the city center. From there, you'll glide around Copenhagen, stopping at highlights like the 18th-century Queen's Palace, the Kastellet citadel, and the Rococo Marble Church. Then, cruise along the Latin Quarter's cobbled streets lined with 17th-century buildings. Throughout the tour, you'll enjoy fine views of the waterfront Royal Opera House, a shining example of Euro-modernist design.

When the ride is over, you'll meet another guide for a tour of the city's finest museums. There are too many to see in a single day, so you'll have your pick of the highlights. One can't-miss option is the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Located on the waterfront, this cultural institution is renowned for its diverse collection, featuring works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama, and many others.

For more modern art, head to Ishøj Beach and the ARKEN Museum to see works by Damien Hirst and Ai Weiwei at a modern gallery. Or, dive into Copenhagen Contemporary, an international center of installation art from stars and emerging talent alike. The National Museum is Denmark's showstopping national history museum, while the Open Air Museum, just north of Copenhagen, is one of the world's oldest and biggest open-air museums. At the end of the day, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 3: Horseback Riding Tour, Copenhagen Castles & Palaces

Saddle up for a memorable horseback ride. After breakfast, you'll transfer to the stables in the country just outside of Copenhagen. There, meet your guide and horse and hit the trail on a one-hour ride across open fields, through lush forests, and along sandy beaches. Your trusty Icelandic steed knows the way and is the perfect partner for such an adventure, whether you're a novice or an expert rider.

Back in Copenhagen, you'll head out on a different tour of the city's iconic parks, castles, and palaces. Start in the center at Tivoli, a historic amusement park offering various rides, games, and other attractions, as well as well-tended gardens and live music. Next, visit the Rosenberg Castle, a stately Renaissance castle built in the early 17th century as a royal summer retreat.

Also in the city center is Amalienborg, a sprawling palace complex dating to 1750. Its museum offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Danish royal family. At the end of the tour, say goodbye to your guide and spend the rest of the day enjoying the city on your own. 

Day 4: Train to Stockholm (Sweden), Sunset Kayak Tour

Catch the train from Copenhagen and cross the border to Stockholm, Sweden's stylish capital. Built across a 14-island archipelago, where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, the city's nickname is the "Venice of the North." Style runs through Stockholm's veins, from minimalist interiors to its fashion-forward locals. It's also known for its innovation, as the home of Spotify and Skype, and furniture behemoth Ikea.

You can't beat this city if culture is what you're after. Choose between various attractions, including the Vasa Museum, which houses the well-preserved 17th-century warship of the same name, and the Abba Museum, where you can learn about the iconic Swedish pop group. The city is also home to the Nobel Museum, which celebrates the achievements of Nobel Prize winners. Not for nothing, but Stockholm is also a shopper's paradise, filled with boutiques, markets, and department stores. 

Later in the afternoon, head to the waterfront at Långholmen Island. There, you'll hop in a kayak for a sunset tour you won't soon forget. During this 2.5-hour excursion, you'll paddle along some of the most historic buildings on the waterfront. Even better, you'll see these icons bathed in the warm glow of the twilight Scandinavian sun. The tour ends back at Långholmen, where you and your group will be treated to a barbecue dinner on a secluded beach. Enjoy the meal amid the last rays of light as local fishermen return to the harbor and migratory birds circle overhead.

Day 5: Morning Coffee Hunt, Afternoon Caving Tour

Day 6: Stockholm Boat Cruise, Food Tour

This morning, you'll set sail on a charming Edwardian-era boat, the restored MS Östanå I, to sail around the Stockholm archipelago. Soak up panoramic views of Stockholm's islands while your guide points out famous landmarks and shares stories about the city. Extend your trip by booking an additional lunch on board so you can dine with views of Stockholm's watery landscapes.

Back on land, meet a guide for a two-hour foodie experience to eat like a local. Specifically, you'll participate in the afternoon ritual of fika. Like a coffee break or high tea, fika is one of Sweden's most famous customs and is usually enjoyed with coffee and a decadent kanelbulle (cinnamon bun). As with any good meetup, fika is as much about the social aspect of sharing time with friends and family during a quick (or not so quick) break from the demands of daily life. During the walk, you'll stop at award-winning bakeries to sample mouthwatering pastries paired with the best coffee in the city.

Day 7: Wildlife Safari from Stockholm

Trade the city for the countryside this morning as a guide collects you in a comfortable minivan. Then, set off into the wildlife-rich forests and landscapes surrounding Stockholm. On this half-day tour, you'll watch for native creatures like elk, deer, wild boar, hares, and colorful bird species.

As you hike, your expert guide will impart knowledge about Sweden's eco-habitats and the animals that call them home. The tour also includes a 15-minute hike through the forest for up-close views of the wildlife. You'll quickly discover that the early start is well worth it, as the animals are most active at the beginning of the day. After the tour, you'll return to the city and have the rest of the afternoon free.

Day 8: Train to Oslo (Norway), Nature Hike & Dinner Cruise

Transfer to the railway terminal this morning and hop aboard a train bound for Oslo. It's a scenic 5-6-hour ride to Norway's capital, which sits on the country's southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord. This city is the center of the nation's finance, trade, and shipping industries, but there's plenty of culture here, too. With a host of museums, galleries, and world-class restaurants sprinkled along the fun waterfront areas, you'll never want for things to do.

First, though, you'll take the tram to the northern outskirts of the city and the Akerselva River. This vital waterway runs through Oslo and is lined with famous landmarks both modern and historical. Embark on a half-day walk that starts at the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology (on the north side of the river), then head south to the Labour Museum as your guide reveals fascinating tidbits of Oslo's history. The river is 5 miles (8 km) long and also passes waterfalls, swimming areas, and wilderness areas home to exotic wildlife, so keep your camera close.

Besides its forests, Norway is also famous for its scenic fjords, and this evening, you'll get an introduction to these natural wonders on an intimate dinner cruise. Transfer to the pier at the Oslofjord, where you'll board a ship and get underway. During this three-hour dining and sailing experience, you'll enjoy a three-course meal featuring locally sourced Norwegian ingredients complemented by views of the beautiful Oslo skyline. As you eat, look for famous landmarks in and around the city, like the modernist Opera House and the 19th-century Dyna Fir lighthouse.

Day 9: E-Bike Ride to Sognsvann Lake

Leave the city limits again today, this time to the shores of Sognsvann. One of Oslo's prettiest lakes, it's a great place for a swim if the weather permits. However, this morning, you'll be exploring the area from the seat of an e-bike.

Over about three hours, you'll whiz through ancient forests and alongside pristine lakes (including Sognsvann and others) while admiring the Oslomarka countryside with each passing mile. There will be stops to snap photos and even visit a charming forest cabin on the water. Upon returning to Oslo, you'll have the rest of the day free.

Day 10: Scenic Train/Ferry to Bergen, Sauna Session

Rise early because you've got a big travel day ahead. Transfer to the station in the morning and board a train for a combined rail/ferry ride north to Bergen. This charming port city is famous for its UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, which is filled with colorful, historic buildings. The journey takes about six hours, but you'll enjoy epic views of Norway's famous Fjordland (west coast and fjords) every step of the way. Passing by outside the windows will be the rushing rivers, soaring mountains, and the iconic fjords that define this region, also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There will also be stops during the ride. For example, there's a scheduled break in the charming village of Flåm. Located at the end of the Aurlandsfjord, you'll have lunch at a local café and take a stroll along the scenic marina. Later, catch a 5-hour ferry ride to Bergen by way of the Sognefjord—Norway's longest and deepest fjord. Known as the "King of the Fjords," as you ride along this narrow waterway, you'll enjoy views of towering cliffs, snowcapped peaks, forested hillsides, and colorful villages. 

After checking into your hotel, you can relax at the City Sea Sauna. This rejuvenating sauna is unique in its location aboard a cruise ship. During this two-hour experience, you'll enjoy a hot sauna session followed by (if you choose) a cold sea bath.

Day 11: Norwegian Fjords & Waterfalls Tour

Meet a local guide in the morning for a trip to the natural wonders just outside Bergen. The highlights of this full-day tour are many and include marveling at the powerful Tvindefossen Waterfall, reveling in the panoramic vistas from Stegastein Viewpoint, and drifting through the awe-inspiring Nærøyfjord on a scenic cruise.

Other highlights include a brisk hike up a mountain trail to the famous Stegastein Viewpoint at 2,132 feet (650 m) above sea level. From here, you'll enjoy grand vistas of the glassy Aurlandsfjord below. At each locale, your guide will be right there to offer some historical perspective and point out the region's natural wonders. When you return to Bergen, you'll be an unofficial Norway expert.

Day 12: Full-Day Train & River Rafting Adventure

Return to the station this morning, where you'll board a train for the scenic one-hour ride to Voss. This charming town is nestled in the wilds of Hordaland county, near the banks of Vangsvatnet Lake and surrounded by the placid waters of Norway's famous fjords. Amid all this natural beauty, you can bet that Voss is a hub for outdoor adventures, including river rafting.

Upon arrival, you'll transfer to a nearby rafting center. Here, you'll receive equipment and a safety briefing, though this activity is ideal for all skill levels (even if you've never rafted before). Next, head down to the put-in with your expert guide and hop in the raft. Depending on water levels, this will be at the Strandaelva or Raundalselva rivers—both offering thrilling whitewater fun. You'll quickly discover this when you hit the water, braving the rapids and feeling the spray on your face. After the ride, there will be a break for lunch before returning to Bergen.

Day 13: Mount Ulriken Rock Climbing & Abseiling

Surrounding Bergen are seven famous peaks that are collectively known as the "Seven Sisters." One of the most famous is Mount Ulriken, which rises 2,109 feet (643 m) and features jaw-dropping views of the city and surrounding fjords from its summit. In the morning, you'll transfer to a station in Bergen and hop aboard a cable car for the ride up to the viewing platform.

But that's not all. Once at the top, you'll meet a local instructor for a rock-climbing/abseiling adventure. Strap into a harness and, with a safety line controlled by the instructor, you'll rappel down a 91-foot (28 m) sheer wall. The thrilling experience is made all the more memorable due to the panoramic views you'll enjoy from the mountain summit. At the end of the experience, you'll ride the cable car back to Bergen and will have the rest of the day free.

Day 14: Depart Bergen

You've experienced Scandinavia's highlights and done so in style. But every journey has a final destination. This morning, you'll transfer to the airport in Bergen in time to make your connecting flight home. Until next time!

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