12 Days Norway, Sweden & Denmark Itinerary
Embark on a 12-day journey through Scandinavia, exploring the charming streets of Copenhagen, the stylish capital of Stockholm, the fjord-side beauty of Oslo, and the historic harbor of Bergen. This trip balances city exploration with opportunities to immerse yourself in the region's stunning natural scenery.
Duration
12 days
Budget
$2400-3600
Best Time
May to September for pleasant weather and longer daylight hours
Activities
72
Daily Avg
USD250/day
Cities
Copenhagen (2d), Stockholm (4d), Oslo (2d), Bergen (1d), Oslo (2d), Copenhagen (1d)
Pace
Fast
This Scandinavian adventure combines vibrant city life with breathtaking natural landscapes. Experience the unique cultures, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine of three distinct yet interconnected countries, all while enjoying efficient travel and a high quality of life.
Your itinerary covers 5 of 12 must-have experiences
Cultural Immersion
Day 1: Tivoli Gardens
Fjord Exploration
Day 3: Gamla Stan Exploration
Museum Hopping
Day 4: Vasa Museum
Canal Tour
Day 1: Canal Tour
Outdoor Activities
Day 10: Hiking near Bergen
Culinary Delights
Day 2: Smørrebrød Tasting
Royal Residences
e.g., Visit Amalienborg Palace (Copenhagen), Explore Stockholm Royal Palace
Modern Architecture
Day 6: Moderna Museet
Northern Lights Hunting
e.g., Take a guided tour to see the Northern Lights (Norway), Visit a Northern Lights observatory
Sauna Experience
e.g., Try a traditional sauna in Sweden, Visit a modern sauna in Oslo
Island Hopping
Day 4: Djurgården Island Exploration
Coffee Culture
e.g., Enjoy Fika in Stockholm, Find a cozy cafe in Copenhagen
Scandinavian cuisine is characterized by its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, particularly seafood and locally sourced produce. Traditional dishes often feature simple preparations that highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients. Expect a mix of hearty, comforting meals and innovative, modern culinary experiences.
Must-Try Dishes
Open-faced sandwiches on rye bread with various toppings like pickled herring, roast beef, or egg salad. A Danish lunch staple, showcasing fresh ingredients and creative combinations.
📍 Copenhagen's Torvehallerne Market, traditional restaurants ('kro')
Swedish meatballs, typically served with creamy gravy, lingonberry jam, and mashed potatoes. A classic comfort food found everywhere from IKEA to fine dining establishments.
📍 Any Swedish restaurant, IKEA, food halls
Salmon cured with salt, sugar, and dill. Often served as an appetizer with mustard sauce or on rye bread. A delicacy that highlights the quality of Scandinavian salmon.
📍 Seafood restaurants, delis, Christmas markets
Cinnamon buns, a sweet pastry flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, and sugar. Perfect for 'fika' (coffee break) and a beloved part of Swedish culture.
📍 Bakeries, cafes, supermarkets
Food Neighborhoods
Diverse food scene with trendy restaurants and street food.
Known for its hip cafes, bars, and international cuisine.
A food hall with a wide variety of Norwegian and international food stalls.
Multicultural area with diverse restaurants and food markets.
Vegetarian and vegan options are becoming increasingly common, especially in larger cities. Many restaurants offer vegetarian versions of traditional dishes or have dedicated vegetarian sections on their menus. Gluten-free options are also usually available, but it's always best to inquire. For halal options, it's advisable to check with individual restaurants in advance.
Generally, Scandinavians are punctual and appreciate reservations, especially for dinner. Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill is common for good service. It's considered polite to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat. When drinking, it's customary to make eye contact and say 'Skål!' (Cheers!).
Copenhagen Jazz Festival
JulyA large jazz festival with numerous concerts across Copenhagen.
Stockholm Culture Festival
AugustA free cultural festival with music, dance, and art events.
Oslo Jazz Festival
AugustA week-long jazz festival in Oslo.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚆Train or Metro to Copenhagen Central Station (København H)$15
02:00 PM - Arrival at Copenhagen Airport (CPH) & Transfer to City Center
Arrive at Copenhagen Airport and take the train or metro to your accommodation in the city center. Check in and leave your luggage.
🏨Create Custom ItineraryAdd your hotel booking
Search and add hotels to see on maps
Create a free custom itinerary to add hotels and restaurants
- 🚶Walk from Copenhagen Central Station (approx. 20 minutes)FREE
03:00 PM - Nyhavn Stroll
Explore the iconic Nyhavn harbor, admire the colorful buildings, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Book on Klook - 🚶Departure point is in Nyhavn$20
04:30 PM - Canal Tour
Take a canal tour to see Copenhagen from a different perspective. The tour will pass many of the city's landmarks.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Nyhavn (approx. 10 minutes)FREE
05:30 PM - Walk around Amalienborg Palace
See the Royal Guards at Amalienborg Palace.
Book on Klook - 🚶Located in Nyhavn$30
06:00 PM - Dinner in Nyhavn
Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in Nyhavn.
🍽️Create Custom ItineraryAdd restaurants for Dinner
Get personalized restaurant recommendations
Create a free custom itinerary to add hotels and restaurants
- 🚶Walk from NyhavnFREE
07:30 PM - Relaxing Evening Stroll
Enjoy a relaxing evening stroll through the city center before heading back to your accommodation.
Vesterbro
Trendy area with great restaurants and close to the city center.
📅 Best Time to Visit
May to September for pleasant weather and longer daylight hours.
The weather is generally mild and pleasant, with long daylight hours. Rainfall is possible, so pack accordingly.
Summer months offer the best weather and longest daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Midsummer (June) in Sweden and Norway can affect opening hours and transportation.
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 200-400 (ferries, trains, flights)Accommodation
USD 80-150 per night (hostels, budget hotels, Airbnbs)Food
USD 50-75 per day (mix of restaurants and self-catering)Activities
USD 300-600 (tours, museums, attractions)Consider overnight trains or buses for longer distances to save on accommodation costs.
Opt for hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb outside the city center for cheaper rates.
Take advantage of free activities like visiting parks, museums with free entry days, and walking tours.
- Purchase a travel pass for public transport within each city.
- Book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak season.
- Learn a few basic phrases in Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian.
- Pack layers, as the weather can be unpredictable.
- Take advantage of free walking tours to get acquainted with each city.
- Download offline maps and translation apps.
- Be aware of the high cost of living and plan accordingly.
- Utilize free activities such as hiking and exploring parks.
- Check for student discounts if applicable.
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- 1Waterproof jacket
- 2Comfortable walking shoes
- 3Layers of clothing
- 4Universal adapter
- 5Reusable water bottle
Flights and Accommodation
Book 3-6 months in advance, especially for peak season (summer), specific events, or Northern Lights tours, to secure better prices and availability.
Inter-city Transport (Trains/Buses)
Book national and international train/bus tickets a few weeks to a month ahead for better fares, particularly on popular routes like Oslo-Bergen or Stockholm-Copenhagen.
Popular Tours and Attractions
For popular fjord cruises in Norway, Northern Lights tours in winter, or specific museum timed entries (e.g., Vasa Museum, Viking Ship Museum, Tivoli Gardens), book online in advance to guarantee entry and avoid queues.
Car Rental
If you plan to rent a car, especially for scenic drives in Norway or Sweden, book several months ahead, particularly for automatic transmissions which are less common and more in demand.
Travel Insurance
Always arrange comprehensive travel insurance before your trip to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
eSIM / Local SIM Card
Consider purchasing an eSIM or researching local SIM options before arrival to ensure immediate connectivity upon landing without hassle.
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 at airports or in city centers
📍 Online rental with delivery to your hotel or pick-up at airport
📍 Holafly website
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas in major cities. Many public transportation systems also offer free WiFi. However, quality and speed can vary, especially in rural areas. It's always a good idea to have a backup data plan.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing an eSIM before your trip for convenience. Check roaming charges with your current provider as well, but local SIMs are usually more cost-effective for data. Download offline maps for areas with potentially limited connectivity. Be aware that mobile data usage can be higher than expected when streaming videos or using social media.
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
Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are generally very safe countries with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions.
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.
Customize This Trip
Get this itinerary tailored to YOUR exact dates, preferences, and budget.
- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
No sign-up required
Quick Actions
Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit is from May to September for pleasant weather and long daylight hours. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds.
Related Itineraries
Customize This Trip
Get this itinerary tailored to YOUR exact dates, preferences, and budget.
- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
No sign-up required
Quick Actions
Trip Summary
Want a Personalized Version?
Get this itinerary customized for your exact travel dates, with weather-aware recommendations and real-time pricing.
Create My Custom Itinerary60sBrowse by travel style: