Scandinavia

Highlights

Scandinavia is steeped in history and full of beautiful watery landscapes. Add to that relatively short distances between capitals, good roads and a network of ferries to bridge the waterways and you have a delightful road trip.

Itinerary

This 25 day road trip through Scandinavia in July of 2013, our first in the region, was based on the Rick Steves itinerary with extra days added in Norway and days cut from some of the larger cities. Renting a car in Copenhagen, we traveled counter clockwise through Sweden, Norway and then back into Denmark. Out of Stockholm we took the overnight ferry to Helsinki and back.

Besides visits to the Scandinavian capitals, highlights of the journey included – Jotunheimen Natl Park, the fjordlands of Norway, Preikestolen and a relaxing finish on Aero Island in Denmark. 

Copenhagen
Photos from Copenhagen, Denmark – A Journey Begins
Top Sights of Copenhagen, Denmark
Post includes visits to the National Museum of Denmark, Rosenborg Castle, Tivoli Gardens, and Christiania – Copenhagen’s alternative community.
Sleeping and Dining in Copenhagen, Denmark

Sweden
Stopover in Kalmar, Sweden
Post includes a walk through this quaint town and a visit to the castle.
Stockholm in Pictures
Skansen – Top Sights of Stockholm, Sweden
One of Scandinavia’s top open-air museums.
Vasa Museum – Top Sights of Stockholm, Sweden
An incredible war ship that sank on it’s maiden voyage in 1628 and is magnificently restored.
Sleeping and Dining in Stockholm, Sweden

Finland
Viking Line Ferry Stockholm-Helsinki and Back
The overnight ferry offers comfortable accommodations at prices lower that most hotels in the capital cities.
Day Trip to Helsinki, Finland
A walking tour through this fascinating capital.

Norway
Sights of Olso, Norway in Photos
Post includes photos from City Hall, Vigeland Park and several ship museums.
Sleeping and Dining in Oslo, Norway

Drive from Oslo to Jotunheimen Natl Park, Norway
A scenic drive through the Gudbrandsdal Valley.
Roisheim – Sleeping and Dining in Jotunheimen Natl Park, Norway
An upscale yet rustic getaway in one of Norway’s most popular national parks.
Hike up Galdhopiggen, Norway – Northern Europe’s Highest Peak
A hard, rocky climb, but the views are outstanding.
Choosing a Hike in Jotunheimen Natl Park, Norway

Drive from Lom to Geiranger, Norway
A dramatic drive along route 63.
Sightseeing Cruise Geirangerfjord, Norway
Considered by some as one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords. By others, not so much.
Day Hike, Geiranger, Norway
A pretty, out and back, 10K trail above the fjord.
Sleeping and Dining in Geiranger, Norway

Drive from Geiranger to Balestrand, Norway
Post includes scenic route 55 into the Sognefjorden.
Balestrand, Norway – Fog, Drizzle, Rain, Mist
Bad weather plagues our time in Balestrand. No wonder it’s so green!
Sleeping and Dining in Balestrand, Norway
Mountain Route from Balestrand to Bergen, Norway
Post includes the Stave Church in Vik and more stunning Norwegian scenery.
A Walk Through Bergen, Norway
This quaint port city boasts over 200 rainy days a year.
Sleeping and Dining in Bergen, Norway
Drive from Bergen to Preikestolen/Jorpeland, Norway
More rain!
Preikestolen, Norway – And Finally the Sun!
The sun comes out, and so do all the tourists, for the hike to this iconic rock formation.
Drive from Preikestolen /Jorpeland to Kristainsand, Norway
It’s sun all the way for our final drive in Norway.
Kristiansand Norway – Gateway to Denmark
Just a night in a tiny hotel room and an al fresco dinner on a gorgeous summer evening, before catching the ferry back to Denmark.

Back in Denmark
Stopover in Aarhus, Denmark
The pretty university town has a fun and colorful vibe. Post includes visits to the cathedral and art museum as well as a walk around town.
Sleeping and Dining in Aarhus, Denmark
A Relaxing Finish – Aero Island, Denmark
A local’s vacation hot spot between mainland Denmark and Germany.
Biking Around Aero Island, Denmark
A great way to spend a beautiful summer day.
Sleeping and Dining in Aeroskobing, Denmark

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