12-Day Norway, Sweden and 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.
A fast trip to Norway, Sweden and Denmark, perfect for culture seekers & nature lovers
Duration
12 days
Budget
USD 502-3,600 (~NOK 5,422-NOK 39K)
Best Time
The Scandinavian climate is generally mild in the summer (May-September) with average temperatures between 15-25°C.
Activities
72
Cities
Copenhagen (2d), Stockholm (4d), Oslo (2d), Bergen (1d), Oslo (2d), Copenhagen (1d)
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 6 must-have experiences
Cultural Immersion
✓ Day 1: Tivoli Gardens
Canal Tour
✓ Day 1: Canal Tour in Copenhagen
Culinary Delights
✓ Day 2: Smørrebrød Tasting
Museum Hopping
✓ Day 3: Vasa Museum
Fjord Exploration
✓ Day 9: Fjord cruise from Bergen
Outdoor Activities
✓ Day 10: Hiking near Bergen
📅 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.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚆Train or Metro to Copenhagen Central Station (København H)$15 (~NOK 162)
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.
- 🚶Walk from Copenhagen Central Station (approx. 20 minutes)Copenhagen Airport (CPH) → NyhavnFREE
03:00 PM - Nyhavn Stroll
Explore the iconic Nyhavn harbor, admire the colorful buildings, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
- 🚶Departure point is in NyhavnNyhavn → Departure from Nyhavn$20 (~NOK 216)
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.
🎟Check prices on Klook - 🚶Walk from Nyhavn (approx. 10 minutes)Departure from Nyhavn → Amalienborg PalaceFREE
05:30 PM - Walk around Amalienborg Palace
See the Royal Guards at Amalienborg Palace.
- 🚶Located in NyhavnAmalienborg Palace → Nyhavn Restaurants$30 (~NOK 324)
06:00 PM - Dinner in Nyhavn
Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in Nyhavn.
- 🚶Walk from NyhavnNyhavn Restaurants → Copenhagen City CenterFREE
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.
- Total for a solo traveler — 12 days mid-range trip, excludes international flights
- Rough estimates — actual prices vary by season and availability
Food
Activities
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.
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.
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
Free and without sign-inTrip Summary
- 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
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 (most of Europe, South America)
Two round pins + side earth clips (Germany, Europe)
Two round pins + ground hole (France, Belgium)
Three round pins (Denmark)
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Sweden
Not expected — round up for good service
Round up
Not expected
Sweden is essentially non-tipping. Service is included.
Denmark
Not expected — service included in prices
Round up
Not expected
Denmark has a no-tipping culture. Prices include service.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
Sweden
112
112
112
Denmark
112
112
112
112 is the pan-European emergency number and works in all EU/EEA countries.
Payments
Sweden is one of the most cashless countries — many places refuse cash
Universally accepted
Standard
Swish is the local payment app. Cards/contactless accepted everywhere.
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.
These 6 experiences didn't make it into this itinerary
👑Royal Residences
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🌌Northern Lights Hunting
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🧖♀️Sauna Experience
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🏝️Island Hopping
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☕Coffee Culture
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