3-Week Nordic / Scandinavia Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Nordic / Scandinavia tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffNordic / Scandinavia travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Days in Scandinavia, incl. Copenhagen and Helsinki

  Nine cities reveal their secrets over 21 days, from Copenhagen's Nyhavn to Helsinki's Design Museum. The route includes Bergen's UNESCO-listed Bryggen, Naeroyfjord's waters, and Stockholm's archipelago. Traditional Norwegian hut stays and authentic fika experiences in Alingsas included.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Copenhagen, Denmark

    Visit the colorful Nyhavn waterfront early, around 8:30 AM before the crowds arrive. Take a social impact walking tour with Street Voices to see the city differently. A recent visitor shared: "The Street Voices tour completely changed how I saw Copenhagen - it wasn't just about tourist sites but real stories of the city." Use your second afternoon to visit Amalienborg Palace or swim in the harbor baths at Islands Brygge.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Swedish West Coast

    Take the 45-minute train across the Øresund Bridge to Malmö before heading to Gothenburg. Plan a day trip to Vrångö Island by taking the 9 AM ferry. You can kayak the archipelago in summer or explore nature reserves in winter. While in Gothenburg make time for a traditional fika in Alingsås, known as the Swedish café culture capital.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Oslo, Norway

    The bus to Oslo takes 6-7 hours. The city is easy to walk but a 72-hour transit pass (NOK 320) helps you reach spots like the Viking Ship Museum and Munch Museum. Getting an Oslo Pass makes sense if you plan to visit more than 3 attractions per day since it includes transport and museum entry.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Bergen & Norwegian Fjords

    Take the scenic 7-hour train ride from Oslo to Bergen across Europe's highest railway plateau. Start your Bergen visit with the Fløibanen funicular for great city views. Set aside 2-3 hours for the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf. Pack layers and rain gear as weather changes quickly.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Norwegian Fjord Region

    Stay in Gudvangen to explore the fjords. Book an early Nærøyfjord cruise to avoid crowds. The Flåm Railway offers stunning views for about $60. Buy food supplies in Bergen as local dining options are limited.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Lillehammer

    Visit the Maihaugen Open Air Museum to see 300 years of Norwegian history come alive. Bring good shoes as the cobblestone streets can be slippery when wet.

    
  • Days 15-16

    Swedish Lakes

    The Lake Siljan area offers a village safari that shows local culture up close. Bring walking shoes as you'll cover lots of ground. You can go hiking or fishing here but need a license for fishing (NOK 150).

    
  • Days 17-19

    Stockholm & Overnight Ferry

    Give Stockholm at least two full days. Start at the Vasa Museum at 10 AM opening to avoid crowds. Explore the artistic subway stations with a 24-hour transit card (SEK 160). Take an overnight ferry to Helsinki and get a window cabin for better views.

    
  • Days 20-21

    Helsinki, Finland

    Explore the Market Square and Design District to experience Finnish culture. Take a ferry to Suomenlinna Fortress from Market Square every 30-40 minutes. The Helsinki Card can save money on transport and museum visits.

    

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• 20 Day Scandinavia Itinerary, incl. Copenhagen and Oslo

  Colors of Scandinavia shine through 14 cities over 20 days, from Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens to Oslo's Viking ships. Stockholm's Golden Hall, Helsinki's markets, and Geirangerfjord's waterfalls await. Luxurious stays at Radisson Blu Scandinavia and Hotel Union Geiranger.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Copenhagen

    Begin in Denmark's capital. Visit Tivoli Gardens before 7 PM to avoid peak crowds. "The gardens are magical at dusk when all the vintage lights come on." On day 2 see the Little Mermaid statue by 8:30 AM before tour buses arrive. Visit the Round Tower mid-afternoon for the best city photo opportunities.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Stockholm & Baltic Crossing

    Take the Øresund Bridge to Sweden (3.5 hours from Copenhagen). Visit the Vasa Museum right at 10 AM opening time to avoid crowds. Book your overnight Helsinki ferry cabin early since sea-view rooms fill up quickly. The Baltic can get rough so bring motion sickness medication.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Helsinki & Finnish Lakeland

    Visit Market Square before noon when it's most active. "The smoked reindeer at the food market was incredible - much milder than expected." Travel to Kuopio through the lake district and stop at Puijo Tower for great views. The tower has steep steps so wear good walking shoes.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Finnish Lapland

    Drive 6 hours to Rovaniemi. Visit Santa's Village in the morning to avoid crowds. Get your Arctic Circle crossing certificate and continue to Ivalo. The Four Winds Road can be tricky in bad weather so pack warm clothes even in summer.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Northern Norway

    Journey to North Cape with several stops along the way. Experience the midnight sun with champagne at the cliffs but dress very warmly. Visit Alta's Northern Lights Cathedral and husky farm. "The husky puppy interaction was a highlight - wear old clothes as they love to jump!"

    
  • Days 13-15

    Central Norway

    Expect long scenic driving days. Take the Ofot Railway in Narvik for beautiful fjord views. Start your Trondheim visit at Nidaros Cathedral for stunning morning light through the rose window.

    
  • Days 16-17

    Norwegian Fjords

    Book early morning Geirangerfjord cruises for calmer waters. "Sit on the right side of the boat for the best waterfall views." Leave extra time for Trollstigen drive stops since you will want lots of photos.

    
  • Days 18-20

    Oslo

    Finish in Norway's capital. Visit Vigeland Sculpture Park in early evening when crowds thin and light is soft. "The Viking Ship Museum requires advance booking now. Book your time slot at least a day ahead."

    

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• 20 Days in Scandinavia, incl. Copenhagen and Oslo

  Nordic magic spans 16 cities across 4 countries in this 20-day route. Starting at Copenhagen's Amalienborg Palace Quarter, continuing to Stockholm's City Hall, Helsinki's Finlandia Hall, and Santa's Village in Rovaniemi. North Cape awaits in Honningsvåg before concluding at Oslo's Vigeland Sculpture Park. Distinctive stays at Pohjanhovi Hotel and Hotel Havila Geiranger.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Copenhagen

    Land in Denmark's capital in the afternoon to skip airport rush hour. Your first evening includes dinner at a sustainable restaurant focused on zero waste. Visit Amalienborg Palace early on day two before the noon guard change. A traveler's tip: "The colorful houses along Nyhavn are best photographed in morning light, before tour groups arrive."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Stockholm & Ferry

    Take a quick morning ferry from Helsingør to Sweden, followed by a 6-hour drive to Stockholm. The city spreads across 14 islands, so leave extra time to get around. Spend day 4 in the Old Town before taking the overnight ferry to Helsinki. Book a sea-view cabin for the best experience.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Finnish Lapland

    Start with a morning in Helsinki, then drive 4 hours to Jyväskylä. Continue to Rovaniemi the next day (7 hours). Visit Santa Claus Village early to beat the crowds. A visitor notes: "Bring warm layers even in summer - temperatures can drop suddenly this far north."

    
  • Days 8-11

    Arctic Norway

    Drive to North Cape, Europe's northernmost point. Stay in Honningsvåg before heading south through Alta and Tromsø. A traveler shares: "The midnight sun in Tromsø is surreal - bring an eye mask if you're sensitive to light when sleeping."

    
  • Days 12-13

    Lofoten Islands

    Perfect for hiking and photography. Book fishing trips well ahead. Good advice from a visitor: "The weather changes rapidly here - pack both sunscreen and rain gear."

    
  • Days 14-15

    Central Norway

    Drive through Mo i Rana to Trondheim. Stop at Hell station for photos. Spend your evening walking through Trondheim's historic Bakklandet area.

    
  • Days 16-17

    Geirangerfjord

    Experience one of Norway's most beautiful fjords. Consider taking Trollstigen road if conditions allow. A visitor suggests: "The morning light on the fjord is magical - worth getting up early for photos."

    
  • Days 18-20

    Oslo Region

    Stop at Lom stave church on your way to Oslo. Plan two full days in the capital. Visit Vigeland Park early or late to avoid crowds. A helpful tip: "The Oslo Pass saves money if you're planning to visit multiple museums."

    

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