Lagom Hygge in Sweden & Norway: Cycling, Trains & Spas - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Stockholm, Sturebadet Spa

Welcome to Stockholm! Touch down and catch the Arlanda Express train into the center of Sweden's cool capital. This tolerant, forward-thinking city is known for its Pride Festival and innovative tech companies like Spotify. Spread across 14 islands connected by 57 bridges between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea, it's easy to see why Stockholm is nicknamed the "Venice of the North."

Day 2: Stockholm Private Panoramic Tour

Start the day with the Swedish tradition of fika: coffee or tea accompanied by a sweet treat, typically a cinnamon bun or cookie. Some of the best cafés in Stockholm serving fika include Konditori Vete-Katten, the oldest café in town, having opened in 1928, Chokladkoppen in the heart of the Old Town, and Ritorno Konditori, which has retained its charming 1950s decor.

Fueled up, set off with a private guide for a tour of the Old Town and the city's most photogenic spots. It starts with a drive around the Fjällgatan area, where streets of well-preserved wooden buildings from the 1700s stand atop a cliff at the water's edge. Then, you'll drive past the park islands of Djurgården and Södermalm. Your guide will tell you stories of the Swedish royal family as you pass the Royal Palace and see how the city morphs from painted wooden houses to the glass facades of the commercial district.

Day 3: Göta Canal: Train to Söderköping, Cycling Warm-Up

Catch the train from Stockholm to the pretty town of Söderköping, a journey of two hours. You'll spend the next few days cycling along the 19th-century Göta Canal, known as the "Swedish Blue Ribbon," as it spans the entire width of the country. One of the canal locks is located in the center of Söderköping, making it a natural stop-off for many folks who are cruising along the waterway.

The first day will be a soft start to your small group cycling excursion—pick up your bikes in Söderköping and pedal about 4 miles (6 km) past woodland and pastures to the harbor of Mem. Later, you'll have a chance to explore Söderköping and watch the boats moor up. Or, simply enjoy some downtime at your accommodation: the classic spa hotel Söderköpings Brunn, where you'll have access to the relaxation area.

Day 4: Göta Canal: Cyle to Ljungsbro

After a hearty breakfast, set off on your bike along the canal to Ljungsbro Marina, a journey of around 33 miles (53 km). If you don't fancy pedaling that far, there's also an option to hop aboard the bicycle boat at Roxensnabben and reduce the cycling distance by 22 miles (35 km). Cycling toward Norsholm to eat lunch at the canal's edge, you'll ride along a stretch of towering deciduous trees on one side and the canal's gliding boats on the other. 

As you pass Lake Roxen, you'll get good use of those seven-speed bikes in the hills—but it's well worth the effort when you arrive at the pretty town of Berg. Here, boats are lowered and raised 59 feet (18 m) at the canal's seven-lock staircase. You'll spend the night at Ljungsbro Hostel, a couple of miles from Berg, after a traditional Swedish dinner in the town. If you're in need of soothing weary limbs, there's a leisure center complete with a sauna and pool right next to the hostel.

Day 5: Göta Canal: Cyle to Motala

This morning you'll cycle to the quaint community of Borensberg, in the heart of Östergötland County, passing locks and viaducts as you go—a ride of about 12 miles (19 km). Board the Kung Sverker boat, where lunch will be served as you enjoy the green scenery along the canal. The skipper will also talk you through the history of the Göta Canal, and you can try your hand at "locking" in the canal's steepest lock of Borenshul. Arrive in the historical town of Motala by midafternoon, and spend the rest of the day exploring the Göta Canal's capital.

Day 6: Explore Motala, Transfer to Gothenburg

Spend the morning in Motala to learn about the history of the canal at an exhibition within the Old Motala workshop area, where the building of the canal began. It tells the story of how Swedish inventor and engineer Baltzar von Platen (1898-1984) implemented the 300-year-old idea of building a waterway across Sweden.

Day 7: Visit Gothenburg Botanical Garden & Hagabadet Spa 

On a self-guided tour, discover the jewel in Gothenburg's crown: one of Northern Europe's largest botanical gardens, spread over 40 acres (16 ha) and with 12,000 species of flora. Strolling through the gardens will a series of themes, including a kitchen garden, herb garden, a Japanese glade, a rhododendron valley, and a rock garden complete with a mini waterfall.

Day 8: Train to Oslo (Norway), Visit the Norwegian Museum of Science & Technology

Say goodbye to Sweden this morning, and cross the border to Norway—a 3.5-hour train ride will deliver you to the heart of Norway's capital, Oslo. Like its Scandinavian neighbors, Oslo is a city of grand palaces, genteel parks, striking contemporary architecture, world-class museums, and innovative restaurants. On the outskirts, colorful houses are hugged by green spaces, lending a relaxed and livable feel to the metropolis. Take the T-bane subway to the last stop, and you'll even find yourself in the mountains.

Day 9: Walking Tour of Oslo

Join a local guide for a city walk to get under the skin of Oslo. Commanding attention at the edge of Oslo Fjord is the Oslo Opera House, clad with white Carrara marble and with an exterior 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. 

Your guide will also take you to see Akershus Castle, constructed in the 14th century and used as a prison for a time. Contrasted across the water is Oslo's newest quarter, Tjuvholmen, where modern architecture takes center stage. You'll also stroll down parade street Karl Johan to see several of Norway's most important institutions, such as the university and the National Theatre—and you can stick around to dine at one of the outdoor restaurants.

Day 10: The Flåm Railway: Oslo to Flåm

Hailed as one of the world's most beautiful train journeys, the Flåm Railway cuts through some of the most magnificent scenery in the Norwegian fjords. You'll ride two trains today, one from Oslo to the mountain station of Myrdal (4.5 hours), followed by the 12.5-mile (20 km) section from Myrdal and Flåm aboard the Flåmsbana. The latter is one of the planet's steepest standard gauge railway lines: as you ascend, astonishing views open up of deep blue fjords, cut by the Ice Age through the mountain massif.

The station in Flåm is almost directly outside your accommodation, the luxury Fretheim Hotel, which takes in a dramatic view of the mountains and the Aurlandsfjord. After check-in, there's time for one more spectacular treat—a boat trip on the Nærøyfjord from Flåm to Gudvangen. At a leisurely pace, the skipper will steer through the narrow fjord among snow-covered peaks and picturesque villages. Return to Flåm by bus, where a delicious dinner awaits at the hotel.

Day 11: The Flåm Railway: Flåm to Bergen

The splendor of the fjords continues today as you board another train and descend into the valley, taking in amazing views of waterfalls and passing through Norway's "adventure hub" of Voss. Eventually, you'll reach the city of Bergen. Wrapped by ocean, mountains, and fjords, Bergen's setting is utterly beguiling. 

Day 12: Osterfjorden Cruise, Free Afternoon in Bergen

Set off on a cruise aboard a schooner boat from the jetty at Fisketorget. Keep your camera close, as this is the best place to see the UNESCO-protected district of Bryggen, with its painted wooden houses from the 1700s lining the waterfront. As the boat continues onto the Osterfjorden, you'll be dwarfed by steep mountains on both sides and come face to face with several foaming waterfalls. 

Day 13: Fly to Oslo, Sauna Experience & Dinner Cruise 

Take a short flight from Bergen to Oslo, and spend one last day in the capital. Two feel-good activities planned for today will make sure you go out on a high. First up is two hours' private use of the Skarven Floating Sauna, an award-winning sauna on a raft in Oslo's inner harbor, Sørenga. Switch between hot and cold pools and bask in the sauna under the supervision of a "sauna master." You'll also have access to two paddleboards and outside seating.

Day 14: Depart Oslo

Enjoy a final morning walking around Oslo's neighborhoods, relaxing in cafés, and maybe grabbing one of the hot dogs for which the city is so well-known. Then, with a lingering "hygge" feeling, you'll depart Oslo by taking the easy 20-minute train to the airport. Safe travels!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Sweden? Check out these other Sweden itineraries or discover the best time to visit Sweden.