From Stockholm to Bergen: A Greener Trip Through Scandinavia

After a delicious Swedish breakfast at your hotel this morning, you’ll meet your private guide to start exploring this thriving capital. Your tour will begin with Gamla Stan, the city’s old town. This neighbourhood is famous for the narrow cobbled streets and colourful houses of its main square, Stortorget, but it’s also home to large ornate buildings such as the Royal Palace. You’ll also visit the House of Nobility, Riddarholmen Church and the cathedral. Then it’s on to Södermalm, a once-neglected district that today is one of the city’s trendiest, full of vintage boutiques and excellent restaurants. Finally, you’ll visit Kungsholmen, an island on Lake Mälaren that was key to the city’s industrial development. It’s here that you’ll find the imposing neo-Gothic Stockholm City Hall, built between 1911 and 1923 by Ragnar Östberg, along with the church Sankt Görans Kyrka.

Step out of the city and into nature as you board the boat to the island of Vaxön this morning. On the way, enjoy a drink and a snack as you take in the beauty of the archipelago. The journey takes around an hour, punctuated by several stops along the way. When you arrive in this market town with its forest, fields and small houses surrounded by flower gardens, you’ll know you’re truly in the countryside. Its fort was built in the 16th century, but today the island is best known for its scenic walks. A clearly signposted route follows the coast between the trees and along the beaches, offering wild and wonderful views that you might not expect to see so close to the capital. When you’ve finished exploring (and sampled some of the island’s famous herring) hop back on board and return to your hotel via the same boat.

Today, you’ll take the train to Copenhagen, which takes around five hours. When you arrive, head straight to your hotel in the Latin Quarter and grab a beer on the rooftop terrace or fuel up with a traditional lunch of smørrebrød (open sandwiches). During your time in Copenhagen, you’ll be provided with a Copenhagen Card, which gives you unlimited access to public transport and over 80 cultural and historical sites. Spend the rest of the day taking your pick from the many museums, galleries and attractions available to you in this exciting capital. If you need any recommendations, just ask our knowledgeable Concierge.

With a private guide leading the way, today you’ll hop on a bicycle and take to the city’s 250 miles of cycle paths that have afforded Copenhagen the nickname ‘City of Cyclists’. With an extensive public transport system, it’s easy to see why a car is simply surplus to requirements here. During your cycle, you’ll take in the city’s varied architecture, from 17th-century mansions to modern constructions. In the cosmopolitan district of Nørrebro, you’ll visit the diverse Superkilen park. Thanks to the local architectural firm BIG, the park is scattered with furniture from 60 different nations to represent the nationalities of each resident. Superkilen is split into three main areas: the Red Square is dedicated to music and sports; the Black Market is a social spot, furnished with a Moroccan fountain, Brazilian benches, chess tables and barbeques; and the Green Park is a classic green space, perfect for picnics and walking the dog. After your tour, you have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure enjoying a traditional pastry in one of Copenhagen’s many cafes or visiting more of the city’s cultural attractions with your Copenhagen Card.

You’ll have most of today to continue enjoying Copenhagen at your leisure. After an organic breakfast at your hotel, head to the nearby botanical gardens which are full of splendid glass houses built in the 1870s. You’ll find a spectacular collection of plants here along with a butterfly house, flower shop and café. Then there’s Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest operating theme parks in the world. Try out the famous Daemonen roller coaster if you dare, or enjoy a live music concert as you breathe in the scent of the park’s many flowers. The 800-year-old Christiansborg Palace is another great option, home to the Supreme Court of Denmark, the Danish Parliament and the Danish Prime Minister’s office. And if you’re searching for that alternative vibe, Freetown Christiana is a must. This autonomous intentional community is Copenhagen’s most hippie neighbourhood, and is where you’ll find vegan restaurants, live music venues and one of the city’s most famous skate parks. This evening, you’ll head to the ferry terminal for an overnight crossing to Oslo via Frederikshavn. You’ll have a cabin with a private shower and toilet, and breakfast will be served on board.

When you arrive in Oslo, you’ll head straight to your accommodation in Bjorvika, a port neighbourhood known for its striking architecture. Relax and refresh in your comfortable room before heading out for a bite with a view of the fjord at one of Bjorvika’s many trendy restaurants. The restaurant in the Comfort Grand Central is said to serve the country’s best pasta.

What better way to experience a city than in the company of a local? Today, you’ll spend some time with a guide who has lived in Oslo for years, and who is keen to share their experience with you. With their expert knowledge and your personal preferences to guide you, together you’ll come up with an itinerary that suits you, curated to make sure you get exactly what you want out of this fascinating city.

This morning, you’ll journey to Bergen by both train and boat. The journey is long, but it’s all part of one spectacular experience. As you travel, you’ll be completely immersed in Norway’s natural beauty, taking in sights like the Hallingdal Valley, the mountains of both Gol and Geilo, Hardangervidda National Park, and the village of Myrdal. When you reach the charming and scenic village of Flåm, you’ll take a cruise on the shimmering waters of Sognefjord, Norway’s largest fjord which is also named ‘King of the Fjords’. Located on the fjord’s northern shore, Balestrand is a beautiful spot known for its exceptional light conditions along with its natural surroundings.

When you finally reach Bergen, you’ll spend two nights in the historic centre in an equally historic building. Your ticket for the Fløibanen funicular will be waiting for you at your hotel, so once you’ve settled in, it’s time to head up there to enjoy views over the sea and city from over 1,000ft above sea level. This relaxed journey up Mount Fløyen takes between five and eight minutes. When you’re back on the ground, head back to your hotel for a well-earned craft beer or cocktail before a dinner of New Nordic cuisine at your hotel.

For your final day, explore Bergen at your leisure. Take a stroll to the old Hanseatic port, Bryggen, and visit its museum that will bring you closer to the lives of the Medieval people of Bergen and Western Norway. St. Mary’s Church (Mariakirken) is also worth a visit; built in the 12th and 13th centuries, it’s the oldest building in the city. From the old to the new, Norway’s number one graffiti artist, Dolk, spent a good amount of time here, so look out for his stencil creations as you wander through the streets. And if you’re a music or architecture lover, you might enjoy a visit to Troldhaugen, the enchanting villa of composer Edvard Grieg, which also houses a museum and offers intimate concerts. Finally, the Leprosy Museum is a fascinating (if a little unsettling) insight into how Gerhard Armauer Hansen recognised and isolated the leprosy-causing bacterium in 1873. If you’d like a little more guidance when exploring this complex and historic city, we can arrange a private tour of some of its most iconic spots.