History & Culture on the Scandinavian Coasts: Denmark, Sweden & Norway - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Copenhagen (Denmark), Free Afternoon

Welcome to Copenhagen, the epitome of Scandi cool. Green, clean, and practically crime-free, Denmark's capital city regularly tops the ranks for quality of life. After checking into your hotel, head out to explore at your own pace. A great place to begin is Nyhavn, a 17th-century waterfront district known for its colorful townhouses and vibrant bars and cafés. As you wander, treat yourself to snacks such as smørrebrød, a traditional open-face sandwich, or a fresh-from-the-oven sticky Danish pastry. 

Many famous Danish figures, including Hans Christian Andersen, lived in Nyhavn at one time or another, and their homes can still be seen along the canal. If you stroll along the water for 20 minutes, you'll reach another famous Copenhagen attraction—The Little Mermaid. The bronze and granite statue was inspired by Hans Christian Anderson's fairy tale character. 

Day 2: Drive to Helsingborg (Sweden), Visit Södåkra Vineyard

Pick up your rental car and let the road trip begin! Drive for around 1.5 hours north and cross the Swedish border to Helsingborg, which faces Denmark across the Öresund Strait. Your drive will take you over the longest combined railway and road bridge in Europe, running 5 miles (8 km) from the Swedish coast to an artificial island and a tunnel the rest of the way.

Welcome to Helsingborg, a charming city in the idyllic province of Skåne. The day is yours for independent exploration. Swing by the historic water tower of Ringstorps Vattentorn or visit Fredriksdal Open-Air Museum and Botanical Garden, described as "Skåne in miniature," with its 89 acres (36 ha) of historical-themed farmland, shops, and museums. Between sightseeing, treat yourself to lunch at a restaurant serving local, seasonal produce, from fresh mussels at Restaurant Bara Vara to waffles topped with homemade jam and wild berries at  Möllebacken Restaurang & Café.

Day 3: Drive to Gothenburg, Customized Private Tour, Visit Museums

Drive north up the coast for around two hours and 20 minutes to reach the stylish city of Gothenburg, Sweden's second-biggest metropolis after Stockholm. Meet your guide for a "Gothenburg Like a Local" customized private tour for an introduction to the city to suit your interests. You could request a boat tour along the Göta Canal, a 19th-century waterway that spans the width of the country. Stroll around the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, home to over 16,000 species of plants, then perhaps hit the boutiques that line the cobbled streets of the cool Haga district.

For an extra culture and history boost, make time for some of Gothenburg's galleries and museums. The Museum of Art features works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and other masters. Visit the planetarium and butterfly house at the Natural History Museum, or get to know the city's seafaring heritage through interactive exhibits at the Gothenburg Maritime Museum.

Day 4: Visit the Universeum, Private Boat Ride & Photography Workshop 

Day 5: Drive to Oslo (Norway) via Halden & Fredrikstad

Day 6: Free Day in Oslo

Enjoy a free day in Oslo today. A highlight is the Norwegian Museum of Science & Technology. This is Norway's biggest showcase of technology, industry, natural science, and medicine, so it's a great way to get to know the country in a short space of time. In the Science Centre within the museum, you can stretch your mind by exploring the planetarium, a sound studio, a robot programming room, and an experimental lab for regenerative energy.

As you stroll around the city, pay a visit to Akershus Fortress, built in the 14th century and used as a prison for a time. Across the water from here is Oslo's newest quarter, Tjuvholmen, where modern architecture takes center stage. Stroll down the parade street of Karl Johan to see several of Norway's most important institutions, such as the university and the National Theatre—then stick around to dine at one of the outdoor restaurants.

Commanding attention at the edge of Oslo Fjord is the Oslo Opera House, whose distinctive exterior is clad with white Carrara marble and shaped like a ski slope. This city icon was the largest cultural building erected in Norway since the 14th century when it opened in 2008 to the tune of 4 billion kroner. 

Day 7: Private Limousine Tour of Oslo & Tyrifjorden 

Get ready to see the city and its outskirts in style. Step into a limousine and let your driver-guide take you on a private tour around Oslo's top sites. This excursion lasts seven hours, giving you the chance to tick off all the big hitters. Highlights include the Kistefos Museum, a contemporary art gallery in a striking "twisted" building, and Vigeland Park, where over 200 bronze, granite, and cast iron sculptures by Gustav Vigeland grace manicured gardens. 

You'll spend some time at the Fram Museum to learn about the Polar exploration fever during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Another unforgettable site is the Nobel Peace Center, where you'll learn about the famous Nobel Peace Prize and its recipients. Halfway through the tour, your driver will take you beyond Oslo to stretch your legs around the peaceful Tyrifjorden Lake. 

Day 8: Drive to Kristiansand, Visit Midgard Viking Center & The World's End

Jump back in the car this morning and drive toward the traditional seaside resort of Kristiansand, four hours west along the coast. On the way, make a stop at Midgard Vikingsenter (Viking Center), an interactive museum that brings the Viking Age to life. Explore a reconstructed longhouse to see how the Vikings lived, complete with authentic clothing, tools, and furnishings. There are also demonstrations of Viking crafts, such as blacksmithing, weaving, and woodworking, allowing you to get a hands-on experience of the era.

Day 9: Drive to Stavanger, Customized Private Tour

Continue driving for around three hours and 15 minutes to reach Stavanger. This small and pretty city sits on Norway's southwest coast at the mouth of Lysefjord, one of the most popular fjords in the country. You can easily access famed hikes like Kjerag Boulder and Pulpit Rock and charming fjord hamlets like Flørli. 

Day 10: Shore Excursion: Åkrafjorden & Langfoss Waterfall

Join a small group tour today to discover the region's dramatic landscapes. Board an air-conditioned vehicle and venture to the Langfoss Waterfall, considered one of Norway's most beautiful waterfalls. Cascading down the mountainside for 2,008 feet (612 m), it's at its fullest and most spectacular during the spring melt. It's also one of the few waterfalls in Norway that haven't been tapped for hydroelectric power and remains in its natural state. 

Next, you'll visit the Haraldshaugen national monument, a stone tower atop a hill with sweeping coastal views. It was erected in 1872 during the millennial celebrations of Norway's unification into one kingdom. But the best is perhaps saved till last, as you'll drive to the edge of the Åkrafjorden. Here, you'll stand among mountain peaks, looking down at the 20-mile (32 km) long fjord as azure meltwater from the Folgefonna glacier flows down from Folgefonna National Park.

Day 11: Ferry from Stavanger to Hirtshals (Denmark), Drive to Aarhus

Make like the Vikings and embark on a voyage across the North Sea—albeit aboard an eco-ship. The car ferry departs from Stavanger in Norway and lands at Hirtshals in Denmark 12 hours later. The journey's an adventure in itself, especially as you can enjoy meals, entertainment, tax-free shopping, and wildlife spotting along the way. With a variety of cabin options, you can choose one based on your needs and budget. There's an option to catch the overnight ferry the previous evening, so you can have the whole day ahead of you upon landing.  

Welcome back to Denmark! You'll continue your road trip from the port, driving two hours south to the charming city of Aarhus on the east coast of the Jutland peninsula. As you leave Hirtshals, you'll be greeted by vivid green hills dotted with quaint farms and cottages. The landscape will gradually transform into lush forests, providing a refreshing backdrop for your drive.

Day 12: Private Trip to Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Evening Gourmet Stroll

Enjoy a private excursion to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, 30 minutes north of Copenhagen in the town of Humlebaek. A comfortable car will take you on a scenic ride through the Danish countryside to reach it, perched at the edge of the Øresund Strait. Spanning 1945 to the present, the Louisiana's collection features around 4,000 artworks, from movements such as European Nouveau Réalisme, American Pop Art, and Minimalism. Explore at your own pace, seeking out work by the likes of Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Yayoi Kusama.

When you're ready to go, your driver will take you back to Copenhagen. Now for a different type of culture: Copenhagen's sensational culinary scene. On a small group "gourmet tour" around the historic meatpacking district of Kødbyen, you'll discover how old factories have been transformed into some of the city's most exciting restaurants. if you're a craft beer fan, there's no better place for variety and quality than Copenhagen. Naturally, the tour ends at a microbrewery near City Hall, where you can taste beer exclusive to the venue.