10 Days Denmark, Sweden & Finland Itinerary
Embark on a 10-day journey through Scandinavia, exploring the captivating cities of Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Helsinki. This itinerary balances cultural immersion with opportunities to experience the region's natural beauty, all while keeping a moderate budget in mind.
Duration
10 days
Budget
$2000-3000
Best Time
May to September offers pleasant weather and longer daylight hours
Activities
65
Daily Avg
USD250/day
Cities
Copenhagen (3d), Stockholm (3d), Helsinki (4d)
Pace
Fast
This Scandinavian adventure offers a blend of vibrant city life, stunning natural landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. Explore historical sites, modern design, and unique culinary traditions across three distinct Nordic capitals.
Your itinerary covers 11 of 12 must-have experiences
Historical Sites
Day 2: Rosenborg Castle
Waterfront Exploration
Day 1: Nyhavn Exploration
Design & Architecture
Day 8: Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)
Culinary Delights
Day 3: Try Smørrebrød
Parks & Gardens
Day 2: Tivoli Gardens (Optional)
Museum Hopping
Day 3: National Museum of Denmark
Local Markets
Day 3: Torvehallerne Market
Canal Tours
Day 1: Canal Tour
Fika Time
Day 5: Fika Break
Island Hopping
Day 6: Shopping at Drottninggatan
Modern Art
Day 6: Moderna Museet
Sauna Experience
Day 8: Finnish Sauna Experience
Scandinavian cuisine is characterized by fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple, clean flavors. Expect a focus on seafood, root vegetables, and game meats, with influences from traditional preservation techniques like pickling and smoking. Each country offers unique regional specialties, so be sure to explore beyond the well-known dishes.
Must-Try Dishes
Open-faced rye bread sandwich with various toppings like pickled herring, roast beef, or shrimp salad. The quality of the ingredients and the artful presentation are key. Try different combinations to find your favorite!
📍 Restaurants specializing in Danish cuisine, cafes, or Torvehallerne Market in Copenhagen
Swedish meatballs, typically served with creamy gravy, lingonberry jam, and mashed potatoes. A comforting and classic dish, best enjoyed in a traditional setting.
📍 Restaurants serving Swedish cuisine, IKEA, or local cafes
Creamy salmon soup with potatoes, carrots, and dill. A warming and hearty soup, perfect for a cold day. The quality of the salmon makes all the difference.
📍 Restaurants, market halls, or cafes throughout Finland
Cinnamon buns, a sweet pastry flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, and sometimes pearl sugar. A perfect accompaniment to coffee (fika).
📍 Bakeries, cafes, or supermarkets
Food Neighborhoods
Diverse food scene with trendy restaurants and street food
Hipster cafes, international cuisine, and food trucks
Budget-friendly eats, ethnic restaurants, and vibrant nightlife
Former industrial area with upscale restaurants and food markets
Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available, especially in larger cities. Look for dishes with vegetables, grains, and legumes. Check menus for allergy information or ask staff directly about ingredients and preparation methods. Halal options may be limited, so it's best to inquire beforehand.
Table manners are generally formal. Wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat. Keep your hands above the table, and use utensils appropriately. It's customary to say 'Skål' (cheers) before drinking alcohol and make eye contact with everyone at the table.
Copenhagen Jazz Festival
JulyA large jazz festival in Copenhagen, attracting many visitors.
Stockholm Culture Festival
AugustA free cultural festival in Stockholm with music, dance, and theatre.
Helsinki Festival
August-SeptemberFinland's largest arts festival, featuring a wide range of performances and exhibitions.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚆Train or Metro: Frequent departures, approximately 15 minutes travel time.$15
02:00 PM - Arrival at Copenhagen Airport (CPH) & Transfer to City Center
Take the train or metro from Copenhagen Airport to your accommodation near the city center. Check in and leave your luggage.
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- 🚶Walking distance from most city center hotels.FREE
03:00 PM - Nyhavn Exploration
Walk along the iconic Nyhavn harbor, admire the colorful buildings, and soak in the atmosphere.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walking distance from Nyhavn$25
04:30 PM - Canal Tour
Enjoy a guided boat tour of Copenhagen's canals, passing by famous landmarks and hidden gems.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walking distance from Nyhavn.FREE
05:30 PM - Stroll Through Strøget
Wander through Strøget, Copenhagen's pedestrian shopping street, window shopping or browsing for souvenirs.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walking distance.$40
06:30 PM - Dinner at a Traditional Danish Restaurant
Enjoy a hearty Danish meal at a local restaurant. Try 'smørrebrød' (open-faced sandwiches) or 'frikadeller' (meatballs).
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- 🚶Walking distance from the city center.FREE
08:00 PM - Evening Walk along the Harbourfront
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the harborfront, taking in the sights and sounds of Copenhagen at night.
Book on Klook
City Center (Indre By)
Central location, close to major attractions, restaurants, and public transport.
📅 Best Time to Visit
May to September offers pleasant weather and longer daylight hours.
The weather is generally mild with comfortable temperatures. Expect occasional rain showers, but mostly sunny days. Daylight hours are long, providing ample time for exploration.
Summer is the peak season due to pleasant weather and long daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Midsummer (June) is a major holiday in Sweden and Finland, with potential closures and celebrations.
Getting Around
Copenhagen has metro and S-tog; DSB trains for intercity
Rejsekort
Copenhagen is best explored by bike. Use the DOT app for transit tickets.
Travel
USD 200-400Accommodation
USD 80-150Food
USD 50-70Activities
USD 30-50Consider overnight buses or trains between cities to save on accommodation costs.
Look for hostels, Airbnb options, or budget-friendly hotels outside the city center.
Take advantage of free activities like exploring parks, visiting museums on free days, and enjoying the waterfront views.
- Purchase a Copenhagen Card, Stockholm Pass or Helsinki Card for free entry to attractions and public transport.
- Utilize public transportation; it's efficient and cost-effective.
- Learn a few basic phrases in Danish, Swedish, and Finnish.
- Pack for all types of weather, as conditions can change quickly.
- Take advantage of free walking tours to get acquainted with the cities.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Layers of clothing
- 3Waterproof jacket
- 4Universal adapter
- 5Reusable water bottle
Flights and Accommodation
Book 3-6 months in advance, especially for peak summer season or specific festivals/events, to secure the best prices and availability.
Visa requirements
Check Schengen Area visa requirements based on your nationality well in advance of your travel dates. Allow ample time for processing.
Train tickets (inter-city/country)
Book domestic and international train journeys (e.g., Copenhagen-Stockholm, Helsinki-Turku) a few weeks to months ahead for better prices and guaranteed seats.
Popular museums and attractions
For places like Tivoli Gardens (DK), Vasa Museum (SE), or Suomenlinna Fortress (FI), consider booking timed entry tickets online, especially during peak season, to save time and guarantee entry.
Specialized tours (e.g., Northern Lights, Archipelago cruises)
These tours often have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Book several months in advance, particularly for the Northern Lights season (October-March) or popular summer cruises.
Travel Insurance
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Do this as soon as you book your first travel component.
Restaurant reservations
For popular or fine dining restaurants, especially on weekends or for larger groups, making reservations a few weeks in advance is highly recommended.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 Telia stores, airports, convenience stores
📍 DNA stores, R-kioski convenience stores
📍 Travel Wifi website
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public libraries. Many cities also offer free WiFi hotspots in parks and squares. However, the speed and reliability can vary.
Useful Apps
Consider an eSIM for convenience, especially if your phone supports it. Check local provider coverage maps before purchasing a physical SIM. Download offline maps and translation packs before you arrive. Be aware of data roaming charges if you don't have a local SIM or eSIM. Public WiFi is generally safe, but avoid entering sensitive information on unsecured networks.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two round pins + round ground hole
Two round pins + side earth clips (Schuko)
Three round pins (Danish)
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Not expected — service included in prices
Round up
Not expected
Denmark has a no-tipping culture. Prices include service.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Denmark, Sweden, and Finland are generally safe countries for tourists. Exercise normal precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
112
112
112
112 for all emergencies
Payments
Denmark is nearly cashless — many places don't accept cash
Universally accepted
Standard payment method
MobilePay is the local payment app. Cards/contactless accepted everywhere.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit is from May to September. The weather is pleasant, with long daylight hours, making it ideal for exploring cities and enjoying outdoor activities. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds.
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- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
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