10 Days Scandinavia Itinerary
This 10-day luxury Scandinavian adventure takes you through the highlights of Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo. Experience world-class museums, Michelin-starred restaurants, and breathtaking scenery, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and seamless travel between cities.
Duration
10 days
Budget
$3000-5000
Best Time
Summer (June-August) offers long daylight hours, mild weather, and peak tourism, ideal for outdoor activities but expect crowds and higher prices
Activities
53
Daily Avg
$400/day
Pace
Fast
Scandinavia offers a blend of stunning natural landscapes, vibrant city life, and rich cultural heritage. From exploring historic castles to enjoying modern design and indulging in delicious cuisine, Scandinavia provides an unforgettable travel experience.
Your itinerary covers 7 of 10 must-have experiences
Northern Lights Quest
e.g., Abisko National Park (Sweden), Tromsø (Norway)
Majestic Fjord Cruise
Day 9: Oslofjord Cruise
Viking Heritage Exploration
Day 7: Viking Ship Museum
Nordic Sauna & Wellness Ritual
e.g., Löyly Helsinki (Finland), The Arctic Bath (Sweden)
Scandi Design & Architecture Walk
Day 3: Danish Design Museum
Authentic Nordic Food Hall
Day 2: Lunch at Torvehallerne Market
Arctic Winter Adventure
e.g., Dogsledding in Kiruna (Sweden), Snowmobiling in Levi (Finland)
Fairytale Nordic Castle & Palace
Day 8: Akershus Fortress
Archipelago Island Escape
Day 5: Djurgården Island
New Nordic Fine Dining
Day 7: Dinner at Maaemo
Scandinavian cuisine is characterized by its emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, particularly seafood, berries, and root vegetables. Traditional dishes often feature simple preparations to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients. Modern Scandinavian cuisine also embraces innovation and experimentation, while still respecting its culinary heritage.
Must-Try Dishes
Open-faced sandwiches on rye bread with various toppings like pickled herring, roast beef, or egg salad. A quintessential Danish lunch.
📍 Specialized Smørrebrød restaurants or cafes in Copenhagen
Swedish meatballs, typically served with creamy gravy, lingonberry jam, and mashed potatoes. A classic comfort food.
📍 Restaurants throughout Sweden, especially in Stockholm or Gothenburg. IKEA also serves a version.
Salmon cured with salt, sugar, and dill. Often served with a mustard sauce (hovmästarsås) and rye bread or boiled potatoes.
📍 Seafood restaurants throughout Norway, particularly in coastal cities like Bergen or Oslo.
Cinnamon buns, a sweet pastry flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, and pearl sugar. Perfect with coffee.
📍 Bakeries and cafes throughout Scandinavia.
Food Neighborhoods
Diverse food hall with local produce, seafood, and international cuisine.
Trendy area with street food, restaurants, and bars.
Indoor market with a wide variety of food stalls and restaurants.
A former meatpacking district, now a hub for restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available in major cities. Many restaurants offer vegetarian versions of traditional dishes or have dedicated vegetarian/vegan sections on their menus. Gluten-free options are also becoming more common. For halal and kosher options, it's best to check with restaurants in advance, as availability may be limited outside of major cities. Always clearly communicate allergies to waitstaff.
Table manners are generally formal. Wait to be seated, and don't start eating until everyone is served. Keep your elbows off the table. Tipping is generally not expected, as service charges are often included in the bill. It is common to say 'Skål' (cheers) before taking a drink.
Copenhagen Jazz Festival
JulyOne of Europe's largest jazz festivals, attracting many visitors to Copenhagen.
Stockholm Culture Festival
AugustA free festival with music, dance, theatre, and art in Stockholm.
Oslo Jazz Festival
AugustA popular jazz festival held annually in Oslo.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚆Take a taxi or airport train from Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to your hotel in the City Center.$100
2:00 PM - Arrival at Copenhagen Airport (CPH) & Transfer to Hotel
Take a pre-booked private transfer to your luxury hotel in the city center. Consider Hotel Sanders or Nimb Hotel.
- 🚶Walk from the hotel to Nyhavn for the canal tour (approx. 15-20 minutes).FREE
4:00 PM - Check-in & Relax
Settle into your hotel and take some time to relax after your journey.
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- 🚶Walk from Nyhavn to Höst restaurant (approx. 10-15 minutes).$25
5:30 PM - Canal Tour of Copenhagen
A classic Copenhagen experience! See the city from a different perspective, passing iconic landmarks like the Little Mermaid and Amalienborg Palace. Book in advance, especially during peak season.
Book on Klook - $80
7:30 PM - Dinner at Höst
Enjoy a New Nordic dining experience at Höst, known for its innovative cuisine and rustic-chic atmosphere. Reservations are essential.
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City Center
Close to attractions, restaurants, and transportation.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Summer (June-August) offers long daylight hours, mild weather, and peak tourism, ideal for outdoor activities but expect crowds and higher prices. Winter (November-March) is magical for snow activities and Northern Lights in the north, though dark and cold. Spring (April-May) and Autumn (Sept-Oct) provide fewer crowds, potentially lower prices, and beautiful landscapes with blossoming flowers or changing foliage.
Summer in Scandinavia is generally mild with long days. Expect occasional rain showers, but overall pleasant weather for exploring.
Summer offers long daylight hours and mild weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Midsummer (June) is a major holiday with celebrations and potential closures.
Getting Around
Travel
$800 (Flights & Trains)Accommodation
$1500Food
$1500Activities
$500Cook your own meals; supermarkets like Rema 1000 (Norway), Lidl (Denmark/Sweden), or ICA (Sweden) offer good value.
Utilize excellent public transport systems and walk extensively to save on costly taxis and car rentals.
Look for 'dagens rätt' (dish of the day) or 'lunsjtilbud' (lunch offer) for more affordable restaurant meals, usually served at lunchtime.
A scenic fjord cruise in Norway, particularly on the Nærøyfjord or Geirangerfjord, is an unforgettable experience worth the cost.
Indulge in a fine dining experience; Scandinavian cuisine is world-renowned for its innovation and quality, offering unique culinary journeys.
Embrace 'Fika' in Sweden – a social coffee break with pastries – it's a cultural cornerstone and a lovely, affordable way to relax and socialize.
Experience 'Hygge' in Denmark, focusing on coziness, comfort, and well-being, often with good company, candles, and simple pleasures like a hot drink.
- Scandinavia is notably expensive; budget diligently for accommodation, food, and activities.
- Cash is rarely used; credit and debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere.
- Dress in layers for the notoriously changeable Scandinavian weather, including waterproof and windproof outerwear.
- Tipping is not obligatory; service charges are usually included. Rounding up a bill is common for exceptional service.
- Punctuality and respecting personal space are highly valued. Keep noise levels down in public and queue orderly.
- The tap water is safe and delicious to drink throughout the region; bring a reusable bottle.
- Embrace 'Allemansrätten' (Right to Roam) in Sweden, Norway, and Finland, allowing public access to nature, but respect privacy and leave no trace.
- Public transport is efficient, clean, and often the best way to get around cities and between major towns.
- 1Waterproof and windproof jacket (essential for all seasons)
- 2Layering clothes (thermal base layers, fleece, wool sweaters)
- 3Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots
- 4Hat, gloves, and a scarf (even in summer, especially in the north or evenings)
- 5Reusable water bottle to refill with excellent tap water
- 6Portable power bank/charger for electronics
- 7Travel adapter for Type C/F outlets
- 8Eye mask (for midnight sun in summer or general light sensitivity)
- 9Small backpack for day trips and essentials
- 10Swimsuit (for saunas, spas, or a brave dip in a fjord/lake)
Flights & Accommodation
Book 3-6 months in advance, especially for peak summer or popular events like Christmas markets.
Popular Tours & Activities
Book 2-3 months for Northern Lights tours, fjord cruises, or specific museum timed entries.
Rental Car / Inter-city Train Tickets
Book 1-2 months in advance, particularly for scenic routes (e.g., Norway in a Nutshell) or during high season.
Travel Insurance
Arrange as soon as flights are booked; vital for medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage.
eSIM / Physical SIM
Purchase prior to departure or immediately upon arrival to ensure connectivity from day one.
Restaurant Reservations
Book 2-4 weeks for popular or high-end restaurants, especially on weekends.
Visa Requirements
Check official government websites 3-6 months prior to travel, depending on your nationality.
Public Transport Passes
Consider city passes for discounted travel and attraction entry if planning extensive sightseeing, often best to buy upon arrival.
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 website or app
📍 Telia stores at airports or in city centers
📍 Travel Wifi website (advance booking recommended)
📍 Holafly website
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas, especially in major cities. However, the speed and reliability can vary. In more rural areas, WiFi access may be limited.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing an eSIM before your trip for convenience. Check the data roaming charges with your home provider, but it's usually more expensive than local SIM options. Download offline maps on Google Maps to save data. Be aware of potential data usage when streaming videos or downloading large files.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Scandinavia is generally a very safe region for travelers. Exercise normal precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded tourist areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
Summer (June-August) offers the best weather and longest daylight hours, ideal for outdoor activities. However, it's also the peak season with higher prices and more crowds. Spring and autumn offer a good balance with fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
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- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
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