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Helsinki

Capitals of Norway, Sweden, Denmark & Finland by Train & Cruise

(10 days / 9 nights)

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Discover the Nordic capitals

This 10-day tour introduces you to the beautiful capital cities of 4 Nordic nations. You’ll journey through Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Helsinki, exploring these historic cities by land and sea. Marvel at incredible design in Helsinki, experience Swedish fika in Stockholm, wander Copenhagen’s bright harbour, and stroll along bustling streets in Oslo. All this and more awaits you on a northern adventure.

Are you looking to join like-minded travellers on a similar guided small group version of this tour?

10 days / 9 nights

Price p.p. from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 2229 EUR

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— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Seamless travel experience
  • Handpicked hotels and routes designed by local experts
  • Comprehensive itinerary, personalised map & travel guide
  • 24/7 helpline during your tour
  • Service from local travel experts in Scandinavia
  • 5-star customer reviews
  • Carbon offsetting included

Read more

— Cancellation Protection

  • Rebook your tour on one occasion, or
  • Cancel for any reason and receive a partial refund and travel credit

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Explore the colourful capitals of Sweden, Denmark, Finland & Norway
  • Tour the Finnish capital, Helsinki, and cruise the Baltic Sea to Stockholm
  • Taste Scandinavian cuisine, with local and fresh ingredients
  • Ride the rails from scenic Stockholm to captivating Copenhagen
  • Learn about Scandinavian royalty at castles and palaces
  • Stroll through Norway’s grand capital, Oslo
  • Overnight cruise from Copenhagen to Oslo
  • Enjoy the charms of Swedish fika in Gamla Stan
  • Relax along Copenhagen’s harbour Nyhavn and visit the Little Mermaid statue
  • Enjoy the flexibility of a self-guided tour and embark on exciting optional activities

Travel style

Independent Tours i

Interest

Castles and Royalty i, City Break i, Culture and History i, Honeymoon & Romance i

Season

May - Sep

Departure

Daily

Interest

Castles and Royalty i, City Break i, Culture and History i, Honeymoon & Romance i

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

  • Day 1: Welcome to Finland

    Welcome to Finland! Collect your luggage and clear customs, then make your way to Helsinki city centre. You can take public transport or hop in a taxi, or we can arrange a private transfer to your hotel.

    If your flight lands early in the day, make the most of your afternoon and explore the area.

    Marvel at beautiful architecture at Senate Square or Uspenski Cathedral. At both sites you’ll notice the influence of other cultures on the architecture.

    Then visit the Old Market Hall. This 19th century marketplace sells everything from fresh food to souvenirs.

    Spend the night in Helsinki.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 2: Set Sail to Sweden

    Spend the morning exploring more of this remarkable city.

    Awarded the UNESCO City of Design title, Helsinki’s landmarks are as visually striking as they are historically notable.

    Take a stroll along to the Sibelius Monument, Finlandia Hall and the Finnish Parliament Building to view their amazing designs. You might be surprised at how different each one is.

    Then, it’s time to board a cruise to Sweden’s capital city, Stockholm. The journey will extend overnight, so you’ll spend tonight in one of the ship’s comfortable cabins.

    Amenities on-board include cafés, restaurants and shops.

    Spend the night on the cruise.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 3: Arrival in Stockholm

    Enjoy breakfast with a view as you sail through the magnificent Stockholm archipelago.

    Once you’ve checked into your hotel, you can head out to explore Stockholm on foot.

    Stroll down to Drottninggatan to do some shopping. This street is home to many chain shops, as well as independent boutiques. It’s the perfect place to find a souvenir from your Scandinavian adventure.

    Or you could head to Östermalm. Here you’ll find beautiful architecture, fascinating museums and tempting eateries.

    Take your pick of the city’s plentiful restaurants for dinner, before making your way back to your hotel.

    Spend the night in Stockholm.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 4: The Charms of Swedish Culture

    Today, you’ll enjoy plenty of time exploring the heart of Stockholm. This walkable city is perfect to discover on foot.

    Start by exploring the Old Town (Gamla Stan), where you will find the Royal Palace, the nation’s parliament, ancient churches and beautiful cobblestone streets.

    After some time in Gamla Stan, take a short ferry ride to the nearby island Djurgården. This is a cultural oasis offering something for everyone.

    Here you will find the ABBA Museum, celebrating Sweden’s most famous band. There’s also the Nordic Museum, Gröna Lund amusement park, and the Skansen open-air museum.

    Spend another night in Stockholm.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 5: Travel from Stockholm to lovely Copenhagen

    After breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to Stockholm and head to Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital city. Make your way to Stockholm Central Station to catch your train.

    After settling into your hotel, you could take a walk along the enchanting old harbour area Nyhavn. This famous district is lined with colourful houses and lively restaurants beside rows of docked boats.

    From here, you can easily explore the highlights of this iconic city. Walk the narrow side streets, visit some charming shops, and try a delicious and traditional open-faced sandwich, smørrebrød.

    Spend the night in Copenhagen.

    *It’s possible to travel by plane instead of by train between Stockholm and Copenhagen. For more details, check out today’s optional extras.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 6: A Day in Captivating Copenhagen

    You have the whole day to explore the enchanting streets of Copenhagen. The best way to explore is on foot, so head back to the cobblestoned streets of the city centre.

    There are many regal landmarks, including Amalienborg Palace and Christiansborg Palace. Be sure to walk past the famous Little Mermaid statue by the waterfront.

    Do some souvenir shopping along Ströget street, and grab something delicious to eat at Torvehallerne food hall.

    In the evening, visit the Tivoli Gardens amusement park. It’s a lovely place to admire traditional architecture and enjoy some carnival rides.

    Spend another night in Copenhagen.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 7: Set Sail for Norway

    Spend the morning seeing some more of Copenhagen. If you haven’t already, you might want to check out the observatory of The Round Tower.

    There’s also the most famous church in Copenhagen, Church of Our Saviour, the impeccable King’s Garden, and the grand Rosenborg Castle.

    Later, it’s time to board your DFDS cruise to Oslo. The ship will sail you up the Kattegat Sund on its way to Norway’s capital city.

    Enjoy dinner in an on-board restaurant, check out the entertainment on board or just relax and watch the sunset from the deck.

    Spend the night on the DFDS cruise.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 8: Enjoy Enchanting Oslo

    Enjoy breakfast on board as the ship docks in vibrant Oslo. You have the day to explore Norway’s capital.

    Take a stroll along the Karl Johans gate main street. As Oslo’s main thoroughfare, it’s one street you won’t want to miss. Expect to see street musicians, cobblestoned paths and even some reflecting ponds.

    Then make your way along the bustling Aker Brygge marina and past the Oslo Opera House. This area is packed with lively shops and beautiful views.

    Aker Brygge is also a great place for tonight’s dinner. There are countless eateries to choose from.

    Spend the night in Oslo.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 9: The Highlights of Oslo

    You have a whole day to explore Oslo at your leisure. Depending on your interests, there are plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy in this dynamic city.

    You could choose to visit the beautiful Vigeland Sculpture Park, tour the Royal Palace, explore the Akershus fortress or view Oslo City Hall. See the sights at your own pace or join an optional bus tour.

    Other attractions include the Fram Museum, displaying a world-famous polar exploration ship, and the extensive collection of works by the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch at the Munch Museum.

    Spend another night in Oslo.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 10: Departure from Oslo

    It’s time to say goodbye to Norway! If your flight is in the afternoon, you could spend a few last hours shopping for souvenirs, visiting one of Oslo’s museums or just strolling through the charming city centre.

    When it’s nearly time for your flight, take the Airport Express Train or call a taxi. Alternatively, we would be happy to arrange a private airport transfer for you.

    If you’d like to spend more time in Norway’s dynamic capital, you can easily add additional nights in Oslo during the booking process.

    See Activities for this day
View full itinerary

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Day One

Helsinki
Activity

Helsinki by bus

Duration 24 hours
Price p.p. from

38EUR

EUR

View
Old Town Pier in Helsinki
Service

Private Airport Transfer – Helsinki Arrival

Duration 30 minutes
Price p.p. from

52EUR

EUR

View
Helsinki Harbor
Activity

Helsinki by Cruise - the Canal Route

Duration 1 hour 30 minutes
Price p.p. from

31EUR

EUR

View
View all extras
Helsinki
Activity

Helsinki by bus

Duration 24 hours
Price p.p. from

38EUR

EUR

View
Old Town Pier in Helsinki
Service

Private Airport Transfer – Helsinki Arrival

Duration 30 minutes
Price p.p. from

52EUR

EUR

View
Helsinki Harbor
Activity

Helsinki by Cruise - the Canal Route

Duration 1 hour 30 minutes
Price p.p. from

31EUR

EUR

View
Helsinki
Activity

Helsinki by bus

Duration 24 hours
Price p.p. from

38EUR

EUR

View
View all extras

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

Included

Not included

Optional Extras

10 days / 9 nights

Price p.p. from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 2229 EUR

Find your price
Request info

Essential information

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this independent tour of Scandinavia. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here, so you know what to expect. You’ll also find more practical advice and attraction recommendations in our online Scandinavia Travel Guide.

We recommend you wait to book flights to Scandinavia, and other parts of your travels, until we can confirm your desired travel dates for this tour. This is due to varying availability for this package. Contact us for more details.

On an independent tour of Scandinavia, Nordic Visitor takes care of your local transportation, accommodation and excursions for a relaxed self-guided travel experience. This might include trains, cruises and/or internal flights, as specified in the itinerary.

You will follow an itinerary that’s been pre-planned and booked for you before you arrive in Scandinavia. This means you can take advantage of Nordic Visitor’s insider knowledge while exploring the different countries at your leisure.

Ahead of your arrival, you’ll receive personalised information via email, including an itinerary, map and detailed Scandinavia Travel Guide.

During your tour, you’ll always be able to reach us by calling our 24/7 helpline. This gives you peace of mind that we’re just a phone call away as you enjoy your independent adventure.

The transfers between your hotel and train stations, cruise ports or airports are not included with this package.

Usually your accommodation will be within short walking distance from train stations or cruise ports. When travelling to airports for flights between destinations, we recommend taking the convenient local public transport. But you could also get a taxi from your accommodation if you prefer.

Please wait to book flights to Scandinavia until we can confirm your desired travel dates for this tour. This is due to varying availabilities on services included in this package. 

After making a booking with Nordic Visitor, it might take a few weeks to confirm your travel arrangements. We recommend booking your flights once your personal travel consultant gets in touch to confirm your itinerary.

If you have any questions about your flights and itinerary, please contact us for more details.

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades. 

If you have something specific in mind, get in touch with your travel consultant and they’ll create your dream trip.

After your stay in Helsinki, you’ll travel to Stockholm on an overnight cruise. You’ll depart in the late afternoon and arrive in Sweden the following morning.

We’ll book you cabin accommodation (Comfort Plus or Superior cabin with windows) with private facilities. Breakfast will be included in the morning before docking.

There are 2 ships operating the route, Cinderella or Gabriella. On board both, you will find restaurants, bars and guest activities.

Yes, you can fly to Copenhagen instead of taking the train, if you’d prefer. To do this, select the relevant optional extra during the booking process, or contact your travel consultant.

Your travel consultant will select the flights that make the most sense with your itinerary timings.

Please note that this service will come with an additional charge.

After your stay in Copenhagen, you’ll travel to Oslo on an overnight cruise. You’ll depart in the mid-afternoon and arrive in Norway the following morning.

We’ll book you a private cabin with ensuite facilities and a small window. In the morning before docking in Oslo, your breakfast is included.

There are 2 ships operating the route, Pearl Seaways and Crown Seaways. On board both, you will find facilities such as lounges, restaurants, bars and a viewing deck. There are also daily activities and entertainment to enjoy. 

On your Scandinavian adventure, you’ll stay in accommodation that’s been hand-picked by our travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and our personal experience.

During the booking process, you can select whether you want Comfort Plus or Superior accommodation. Comfort Plus usually consists of standard rooms in good quality and comfortable 3-star hotels. Superior is standard rooms in 4-star hotels combined with superior rooms in premium 3-star hotels.

You will also be able to choose between single, double or triple rooms. Please note that in the Nordic countries room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America.

For example, a double bed often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. Twin rooms are 2 separate single beds. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra single bed, rollaway or sofa bed. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

If you have anything specific in mind, please contact us to discuss customising your accommodation options.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline. 

During your tour, there will always be a travel expert on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

If you have a passport from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, you won’t need a visa to visit Scandinavia. This visa-free entry is valid for up to 90 days.

Visiting from another country? You might need to apply for a Schengen visa. You can find out whether you require a visa to enter on the Sweden Government website or the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. You’ll need to apply to the consulate of the country where you will spend the most time, or the first country you will visit.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your departure from the region. It’s good to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it.

Travelling with your kids? No problem! You'll be able to enter your children’s ages during the booking process.

For infants (0 to 2 years old), please let us know in the details if you’d like a baby cot.

For kids 3-11 years old, we’ll automatically book an extra bed for your trip.

Scandinavia is a beautiful destination all year long. But it’s good to be aware of a few things before picking the best time to visit for you.

During the summer months, June to August, you’ll have the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours of the year. This is ideal for outdoor excursions and taking full advantage of your days for sightseeing.

If you’d like to experience the top attractions with fewer visitors around, then you could book a summer itinerary in May or September. These shoulder season months generally have more tour and attraction availability.

Independent tours of Scandinavia are also available during the rest of the year. But please be advised that if you are travelling in late March, April, late September or October, the weather is much milder, especially in Sweden and Norway. That said, there will still be more sunlight at this time of year than in winter.

Choose to travel in winter, November to February, and you’ll benefit from an itinerary of quieter towns and attractions. You can also expect fewer daylight hours, and the addition of snow-dusted mountains as a backdrop. It’s good to remember that in Scandinavia, northern lights can only really be seen from Northern Norway, Iceland, and Lapland.

Christmastime is another magical time of year to visit Scandinavia, with Christmas markets galore. But please note that there are limited opening hours during the holiday season.

The capitals of Scandinavia are located quite far north in Europe so you can expect long daylight hours in summer.

In Helsinki, Finland, and Stockholm, Sweden, you can expect between 16 and 19 hours of daylight depending on how close you are to the solstice. Copenhagen in Denmark is slightly more south, so you’ll enjoy 14-17 daylight hours.

In Norway, Oslo, Bergen and Stavanger are relatively south, so you’ll experience 15–20 hours of daylight. If you visit the north, including locations such as Tromsø and Kirkenes, you can expect 20–24 hours of daylight.

The region’s long summer days give you plenty of time to explore. That said, you may want to pack a sleeping mask if you are a light sleeper or tend to wake up at dawn.

Find out more about time zones and daylight in this guide to time and daylight in Scandinavia.

During the summer months, you can expect fairly stable weather across Scandinavia.

The months of June, July and August boast the warmest weather of the year. In Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo you can expect average temperatures between 17–20°C (61–68°F). This gets cooler in Bergen and then up the north coast of Norway. For example, Tromsø has average summer temperatures around 10°C (41–50°F).

In May and September, you can also expect milder conditions. Pack for temperatures closer to 11–14°C (52–57°F).

All that said, it’s good to know that weather conditions are often changeable in Northern Europe, so you should come ready for sun, rain and wind. For more information on the local climate, read the page Scandinavian weather conditions.

Please note that sightseeing is dependent on weather and road conditions. This means that your itinerary might need to be altered if these conditions are not favourable during your visit.

Summer has most stable weather of the year across Scandinavia, especially in the south of the region. That said, you should still be ready to experience all seasons in one day. Especially if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors, you’ll want to pack for a combination of weather conditions.

Bring lighter clothes for the warmer, sunny days. And don’t forget extra layers for chilly nights in the mountains or for taking in the view from cruise ship decks.

Here is an essential summer packing list for your trip to Scandinavia:

  • Shorts and trousers
  • T-shirts and long sleeve tops
  • At least one warm jumper or fleece
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Light gloves, hat and scarf
  • Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
  • Sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen
  • Eye mask to sleep despite the long daylight hours
  • Electronic gear such as smartphone, external powerpack, and travel adapters
  • A backpack for easy access to daily essentials
  • and don’t forget your camera!

An umbrella can also come in handy. If you are a wildlife watcher, you may wish to bring binoculars.

For more information, check out this Scandinavian packing list.

In most major Scandinavian cities and towns you will be able to find coin-operated launderettes, with self-service facilities, and dry cleaners. Most hotels on your trip will also offer a laundry or dry cleaning service for an additional cost.

When you travel with Nordic Visitor, breakfast at your accommodation is always included. For the rest of your meals, the amount of spending money you need will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to.

In Sweden, we recommend budgeting between 150-300 SEK for lunch per person, each day. Dinner at casual restaurants might cost between 250-500 SEK. Meanwhile at upscale restaurants, you might expect to spend at least 800 SEK per person.

In Denmark, these numbers will be closer to 100-200 DKK for lunch, 200-400 DKK for casual dinners and upwards of 600 DKK for upscale dining.

For Norway, you’ll want to budget 150–350 NOK per person per lunch. Dinners will be between 350-600 NOK and upscale restaurants might charge upwards of 1,000 NOK per person.

These general budgeting tips do not include the cost of alcoholic beverages.

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking.

We recommend waiting for confirmation from your travel consultant to ensure your travel dates are available. You’ll then be able to purchase your flights with confidence.

If you like to plan well ahead of time, you’ll find that it’s possible to book many tours for the following year. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us.

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

We aim to complete bookings within a few weeks. During this time we take care of booking your accommodation, activities, and transport, confirming all parts of your journey. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. 

When we get back to you might depend slightly on how far ahead you’ve booked your travels and other tours running at the time. 

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

If you have any questions before your trip, you can get in touch with our Scandinavian travel experts based in Stockholm. The live chat option is useful for getting a quick reply as someone answers live every day during office hours.

Once you’ve booked, we’ll provide you with a travel guide packed full of local tips and top attractions for your visit. You can also check out our online Scandinavia Travel Guide where we’ve compiled useful information about topics, including:

After you have booked your tour, it will take a few weeks to confirm its availability. Then we will start the booking process to create your itinerary.

Once your trip details are finalised, we’ll send you e-copies of your travel documents. This will include your personalised itinerary, our Scandinavia Travel Guide and your service vouchers. We recommend printing your tickets and vouchers to bring with you to Scandinavia.

So when do you check in? And what can you expect when you land in Sweden?

After picking up your luggage, you’ll make your way to your accommodation. Public transport is easy to access and convenient in Stockholm. Or you could catch a taxi.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2–4 PM.

You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel until check-in. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your trip if you’d like an early check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will usually need to check out from your room around 10–11 AM. If you’re staying in town longer, you will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before making your way to the airport.

All bookings are billed in Euro (EUR). Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. This means conversions from EUR to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

Accommodation

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

Standard rooms in good quality and comfortable three-star hotels in combination with charming country hotels.

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Superior

Standard rooms in four-star hotels in combination with Superior rooms in premium three-star hotels.

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Price per person from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 2229 EUR

Request info
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