Scandinavia Explorer





Tour Scandinavia on a trip through Norway, Sweden and Finland
Tour Scandinavia and discover the many charms and delights on this two-week adventure through Norway, Sweden and Finland. Travel through some of Europe's most stylish capitals and be wowed by some of the world's biggest fjords. Visit Norway's uber-cool Oslo, travel to Sweden's vibrant Stockholm and explore Finland's hip Helsinki. Along the way, uncover a Viking past, learn of maritime heritage and get swept up in Olympic fever and embrace the Swedish “lagom” lifestyle away from hustle and bustle in the idyllic countryside. Whether it's walking along charming streets in Bergen or sailing through vast fjords, you'll undoubtedly be left with a multitude of memories from this once-in-a-lifetime Scandinavian adventure.
4.8
51 reviewsStart: Oslo, Norway
End: Helsinki, Finland
- Duration
- 15 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Norway's fjords feature some of the most stunning scenery on Earth. Cruise past waterfalls and snow-capped peaks through the narrow Naeroyfjord.
- Visit Dalarna County, nestled in middle Sweden and often referred as “Sweden in miniature” for the abundance of lakes, forests, and local traditions.
- Follow your local guide along the narrow, winding roads through genuine villages, past the typical red painted cottages and explore unique sights around Siljan lake rural settlements. You'll even get a chance to meet and mingle with the locals living in these villages.
- Discover Stockholm's maritime history at the Vasa Museum, which houses an original wooden war ship from 1628. This impressive vessel gives you a rare glimpse into the naval power Sweden was once famous for.
- Wind up your adventure in Helsinki for a Scandinavian culture binge. Senate Square, the market hall, the sea fortress of Suomenlinna and the Design Museum are just some of the highlights of this amazing city.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
Welcome to Norway, where you’ll discover the irresistible charm and eccentricity of Oslo. With so much to see and do in Oslo we recommend that you plan to arrive a few days before the trip begins, so you can see as much of the city as possible. This lovely capital has much to offer: experience legendary art and the famous painting, The Scream, at the Munch Museum, learn about the fascinating Norwegian WW2 history at the Resistance Museum, or sail through the beautiful fjord or stroll the Vigeland sculpture park. Your adventure begins with a important welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you'll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. Afterwards, why not seek out some traditional Norwegian fare with the group.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend the welcome meeting. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
This morning, follow your leader on an orientation walk in the city. Then enjoy some free time in Oslo. Maybe embark on some island hopping on Oslofjord, browse the harbour-front Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, taste local flavours at the food hall Vulkan, explore the immense Akershus Castle & Fortress, or check out the cool shops in the Grunerløkka district. There's so much to get stuck into.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Oslo - Leader-led orientation walk
- Oslo - Holmenkollen Museum - NOK195
- Oslo - Fram Museum - NOK180
- Oslo - Akershus Castle & Fortress - NOK100
- Oslo - Island Hopping on Oslofjord - NOK130
- Oslo - Museum Edvard Munch - NOK180
- Oslo - Resistance Museum - NOK100
- Oslo - 24 hour Transport and Sightseeing Pass - NOK550
- Oslo - The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History - NOK195
Today you'll leave Oslo behind and take the train across the stunning countryside of the Fjell region to Bergen. No other train ride between two cities in Europe is at a higher altitude than this one, and few can match the views passing by your window. Linking Norway's two main cities, this line takes in some spectacular scenery of lush valleys, idyllic villages, dramatic mountains and picturesque lakes as it crosses the Hardangervidda Plateau. As the trip is long and you'll arrive quite late into quirky city of Bergen, there won't be too much time to explore today (don't worry, you'll have time to explore here tomorrow). There are some great seafood restaurants in town, so possibly venture out with the group for a bite to eat this evening.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Although a global ban on commercial whaling came into effect in 1986, approximately 1000 whales are still being killed every year, as Iceland, Norway and Japan ignore the ban. We strive not to visit places that serve whale on any of our trips, however often this is unavoidable and there is a likelihood that you will come across whale meat on a menu or at a market stand.
Today's travel time is approximately 7 hours.
After breakfast this morning, join your leader for a ride by Fløibanen funicular. Taking you to 1.050 feet above the city in just seven minutes, it offers a bird eye prospective of the town and vistas of the deep blues of the sea. Those who want to get active can also continue following its multiple hiking trails.
You’ll have free time in the afternoon to explore however you like. Perhaps visit World Heritage Bryggen area and wander through the reconstructed medieval homes and warehouses or visit the beautifully preserved wooden Hanseatic Museum (a former trade building), and explore the old Hanseatic port area – the Hanseatic merchant confederation dominated Baltic maritime trade for 400 years from the 15th century.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Bergen - Floy Mountain Funicular round trip
- Bergen - Mt Ulriken Cable Car & Shuttle - NOK310
- Bergen - Vidden Trail Hike - Free
- Bergen - Bergenhus Fortress - Free
- Bergen - Aquarium - NOK370
- Bergen - Rosenkrantz Tower - NOK170
- Bergen - Hakons Hall - NOK120
Leave Bergen after breakfast and travel by bus to the fjord region. The journey will take you through epic landscapes and remote regions, so have your camera at the ready. The typical Norwegian huts that you’ll stay in tonight are located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by steep cliff walls with a perfect view of the spectacular crystal clear Kjelsfossen waterfall falling from the top of the fjords. It's humbling to look up and consider these giant and ancient geological formations. Your accommodation is located near the village of Gudvangen.
- Cabin (1 night)
- Breakfast
The accommodation for the next two nights is in rustic cabins on a camp site in peaceful surroundings. All cabins have electricity, running water, a kitchen for self-catering and bathroom facilities that are shared between the rooms in each cabin. Bedding in the cabins is a mix of double beds, bunk beds and sofas; final allocation depends on availability and group configuration. Linen and towels are provided.
Today's travel time is approximately 3-4 hours.
Today, take a boat trip and be captivated by the sight of crisp mountain peaks reflected in the glassy waters of Naeroyfjord, a World Heritage site. The name Naeroyfjord takes its origins from the Norse god of seafarers and the sea, Njord. The fjord itself, formed by glacial erosion of the surrounding bedrock, is 18 kilometres long and only 250 metres wide at its narrowest point, but its depth reaches up to 500 metres. Surrounding mountain peaks rise up to 1400 metres and waterfalls crash down sheer cliff faces. The boat cruise will finish in fishing village of Flam, where you can ride the famous railway up to Myrdal (at extra cost). This is one of the most picturesque (and steepest) railway journeys in the country. Alternatively, explore on foot and discover nearby waterfalls and ancient moraines. Fishing enthusiasts will love the opportunity to throw a line in the crystal waters, sit back and soak up the serenity (a fishing license is required and costs around NOK 150). In afternoon, catch the bus back to Gudvangen and spend the rest of the day as you please.
- Cabin (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Gudvangen - Naeroyfjord Boat Cruise to Flam (one way)
- Gudvangen - Bike Hire - NOK350
- Gudvangen - Kayak Hire - Half Day - NOK650
- Flam - Gauge Railway - NOK730
- Flam - Stegastein Lookout - NOK470
- Flam - Railway Museum - Free
- Gudvangen - Hiking Options - Free
Please note that the Flam Railway should be booked in advance during the busy summer months. Your leader will be able to advise of the best time for this excursion, and can help you prebook this when you arrive to Oslo. Alternatively, book tickets using this link: https://www.norwaysbest.com/the-flam-railway/round-trip-with-the-flam-railway/, but please make sure to book the activity to take place in the afternoon before 16.00 in order to get the right timing with the rest of today's programe.
There will be another long bus journey ahead of us after breakfast today, as you journey to the Alpine playground of Lillehammer. Cross vast high plains, and remote valleys, and drive through the Lærdal Tunnel, the world's longest road tunnel at 24.5 km. The tunnel is divided into four sections, broken up by ‘mountain caves’. These caves are 6 kilometres apart and equipped with special lighting to help drivers concentrate by giving off the illusion of driving into daylight. Lillehammer, which held the Winter Olympics in 1994, is picturesquely situated on Lake Mjøsa. When you arrive, head out for a brief orientation walk to find your bearings in the laid-back 19th-century town centre, along the main pedestrian street of Storgata (Big Street), lined with wooden houses, boutiques and restaurants.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
Today's travel time is approximately 8 hours.
This morning, your leader will take you on an included visit to the Maihaugen Open Air Museum, home of the Garmo Stave Church, which tells the story of people in the Gudbrandsdalen Valley over the last 300 years. This brilliant museum includes timber-built farms, a town and a big residential area that gives you an insight into various eras of Norway's history. The afternoon is free for you to further explore. Perhaps conquer misty mountains on a hike. As a town famous for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics, Lillehammer has a great Olympic Museum where you can hear tales of heroic feats and is also an ideal spot for many outdoor activities.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lillehammer - Maihaugen Open Air Museum
- Lillehammer - Sigrid Undset's Home at Bjerkebæk - NOK160
- Lillehammer - Hiking Options - Free
- Lillehammer - Olympic Museum - NOK225
Please note some travellers choose to take part in bobsleigh activity while in Lillehammer. It is not an activity we feel is safe for novices and therefore our recommendation is to not undertake it. There are plenty of other options and our leaders will be on hand to suggest and help with pre-bookings.
Travel for around five hours by private bus today and cross the border into Sweden. Head to the lakeside town Rättvik, a laidback place that encapsulates the most Swedish of Swedish landscapes, and which sits right in the middle of the Swedish lakes. Rättvik is a location steeped in history and culture that's ready to be discovered. Dalarna county is in the heart of the Sweden and is famous for the national symbol of the wooden Dala horse. Tonight, you will stay in a peaceful setting of local B&B located 7 km outside of Rattvik.
- Bed and Breakfast (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
You are staying at a traditional Swedish countryside which has limited dining options especially in low season. Your leader will help you to facilitate your meals during this time.
This morning you'll get a chance to get under the surface of this region with a special guided village safari with local experts. You'll get to know the history behind the villages here and learn about the traditions of the area around Lake Siljan. A truly memorable experience, you'll visit a variety of villages, discover the traditional way of life and mingle with the locals. The rest of the day is free to explore the local area and its lakes. Perhaps take a leisurely historic boat trip across the lake, sink a line to partake in a little fishing, hike around the gentle rolling surrounds or enjoy local artisan shopping.
- Bed & Breakfast (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Lake Siljan - Cultural Village tour with picnic lunch
- Lake Siljan – Historic boat trip - SEK250
- Lake Siljan – Canoe or SUP rental - SEK150
Leaving the Swedish lakes behind, head to the country's cultural, political and economic capital of Stockholm by train. Often referred to as the 'Venice of the North' and arguably Scandinavia 's most beautiful city, Stockholm is packed full of amazing architecture, pristine parks and clear waters. After an introductory orientation walk, use the rest of your day to settle into your accommodation and explore the area around you. You can perhaps head underground for the world’s longest art exhibition. Connecting the fourteen islands of the city and blasted through hard rocky ground, the subway (Tunnelbana) system's 100 stations are like the longest modern art exhibition in the world, featuring artwork from over 140 different artists. Enjoy the narrow cobble stone streets and the colourful merchant houses. Why not soak up the culture and try a cinnamon roll in Stockholm’s oldest café Sundbergs Konditori located on Jarntorget square, and dating from 1785.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Stockholm - Orientation Walk
Today's travel time is approximately 4 hours.
The Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) is planning maintenance work on the railroad from Dalarna, which will affect all train travelers between Stockholm-Mora/Mora-Stockholm during the period of July 14 to August 10, 2025. Trains from Stockholm will terminate in Avesta/Krylbo or Säter and replacement buses will be provided. The overall time of travel will be between 5 and 6 hours.
After breakfast, go on an included visit to the Vasa Museum on the inner-city island of Djurgarden. The 17th-century warship, Vasa, sank in 1628 on her maiden voyage in the harbour of Stockholm and was salvaged only in 1961. As one of the most visited sights in Sweden, the Vasa Museum collection consists of the Vasa itself and all of the objects that were found within the ship. The rest of the afternoon is all yours to explore as you wish, so why not leave the city behind for a few hours and see the waterways of Stockholm on a cruise past tiny islets and along narrow waterways? Consider taking a self-guided Millennium Walking Tour of Stockholm or visit the Abba Museum. Alternatively, you can take a trip to Drottningholm Palace, the residence of the Swedish royal family. There are plenty of sights and attractions to keep you busy here in this great Scandinavian city, so plan your activities wisely. Tonight perhaps head to Stockholm's Sodermalm district, the inner-city island with the best nightlife, full of hip shops, bars and cafes. Or maybe sit down at one of the city’s top-notch restaurants, such as the latest venues opened on the cobblestoned islet of Gamla Stan, or in the cool fusion restaurants of Kungsholmen.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Stockholm - Vasa Museum
- Stockholm - Millennium Books Tour - SEK450
- Stockholm - Drottningholm Palace - SEK150
- Stockholm - Skansen Open Air Museum - SEK285
- Stockholm - Abba Museum - SEK299
- Stockholm - Fotografiska (Photography Museum) - SEK220
- Stockholm - City Hall - SEK150
- Stockholm - Nobel Prize Museum - SEK150
- Stockholm - Nordic Museum - SEK170
- Stockholm - Gröna Lund Amusement Park - SEK130
- Stockholm - The Royal Palace - SEK200
We recommend you book your tickets to the Abba Museum in advance at: abbathemuseum.com/en/
Today is free for you to enjoy your last day in Sweden. In the evening, you'll be boarding an overnight ferry for Helsinki, Finland.
- Overnight boat (1 night)
- Breakfast
Please note that your cabins for the night are bunk bed cabins, however we have booked one cabin per 2 passengers to allow for a bit more room. Each cabin has a private bathroom.
After your morning arrival into Helsinki's port you will take a public transport to your hotel. Discover a wealth of historical sights and gastronomic wonders in Helsinki. Apart from a short orientation walk, today is completely free and you'll be able to explore Helsinki in your own time. A few options to consider during your time here are a visit to the city's cathedral or the interesting Design Museum. Don't miss the harbour-side market and market hall from 1889 for local oddities, and make sure you take a short ferry ride to the magnificent Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, sometimes referred to as the Gibraltar of the North, a World Heritage-listed site that was once an important point of defence for the city. Surrounded by the sea, Helsinki is a modern European city that offers an endless array of options. Throughout its 450-year history, the city has often been the buffer between the east and west. This is shown in their cuisine, with a mix of root vegetables, berries and fresh fish. Perhaps head out in the evening to sample some traditional dishes at dinner with your group.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Helsinki - Orientation Walk
Upon your morning arrival check-in at our hotel in Helsinki may not yet be possible. In this case, you will store your luggage at the hotel and head out for an orientation walk. You will be able to check into your room later on.
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. There are no more activities planned and you're able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you would like to extend your stay in Helsinki we are happy to book additional accommodation for you, subject to availability. Please speak to your travel consultant at the time of booking.
- Breakfast
- Helsinki - National Museum of Finland - EUR20
- Helsinki - Cathedral - EUR10
- Helsinki - City Museum - Free
- Helsinki - Suomenlinna Sea Fortress - EUR7
- Helsinki - Design Museum - EUR20
- Helsinki - Open-Air Museum Seurasaari - EUR18
- Helsinki - Mannerheim Museum - EUR14
- Helsinki - Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum - EUR22
- Helsinki - Rock Church - EUR8
If it's all ending too soon, you can extend your trip by combining it with our 'Baltic Experience' trip, travelling from Helsinki through the Baltic States, and ending in Vilnius. Most departure dates are designed to create this perfect combination trip.
Inclusions and activities
12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Train, Public bus, Overnight ferry, Private vehicle, Tram, Metro
Hotel (9 Nights), Cabin (2 nights), Bed and Breakfast (2 nights), Overnight ferry (1 night)
- Oslo - Leader-led orientation walk
- Bergen - Floy Mountain Funicular round trip
- Gudvangen - Naeroyfjord Boat Cruise to Flam (one way)
- Lillehammer - Maihaugen Open Air Museum
- Lake Siljan - Cultural Village tour with picnic lunch
- Stockholm - Orientation Walk
- Stockholm - Vasa Museum
- Helsinki - Orientation Walk
- Oslo - Holmenkollen Museum - NOK195
- Oslo - Fram Museum - NOK180
- Oslo - Akershus Castle & Fortress - NOK100
- Oslo - Island Hopping on Oslofjord - NOK130
- Oslo - Museum Edvard Munch - NOK180
- Oslo - Resistance Museum - NOK100
- Oslo - 24 hour Transport and Sightseeing Pass - NOK550
- Oslo - The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History - NOK195
- Bergen - Mt Ulriken Cable Car & Shuttle - NOK310
- Bergen - Vidden Trail Hike - Free
- Bergen - Bergenhus Fortress - Free
- Bergen - Aquarium - NOK370
- Bergen - Rosenkrantz Tower - NOK170
- Bergen - Hakons Hall - NOK120
- Gudvangen - Bike Hire - NOK350
- Gudvangen - Kayak Hire - Half Day - NOK650
- Flam - Gauge Railway - NOK730
- Flam - Stegastein Lookout - NOK470
- Flam - Railway Museum - Free
- Gudvangen - Hiking Options - Free
- Lillehammer - Sigrid Undset's Home at Bjerkebæk - NOK160
- Lillehammer - Hiking Options - Free
- Lillehammer - Olympic Museum - NOK225
- Lake Siljan – Historic boat trip - SEK250
- Lake Siljan – Canoe or SUP rental - SEK150
- Stockholm - Millennium Books Tour - SEK450
- Stockholm - Drottningholm Palace - SEK150
- Stockholm - Skansen Open Air Museum - SEK285
- Stockholm - Abba Museum - SEK299
- Stockholm - Fotografiska (Photography Museum) - SEK220
- Stockholm - City Hall - SEK150
- Stockholm - Nobel Prize Museum - SEK150
- Stockholm - Nordic Museum - SEK170
- Stockholm - Gröna Lund Amusement Park - SEK130
- Stockholm - The Royal Palace - SEK200
- Helsinki - National Museum of Finland - EUR20
- Helsinki - Cathedral - EUR10
- Helsinki - City Museum - Free
- Helsinki - Suomenlinna Sea Fortress - EUR7
- Helsinki - Design Museum - EUR20
- Helsinki - Open-Air Museum Seurasaari - EUR18
- Helsinki - Mannerheim Museum - EUR14
- Helsinki - Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum - EUR22
- Helsinki - Rock Church - EUR8
This trip generates 26 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- The areas visited on this trip can be very cold at night throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, gloves, scarf, coat and anything else that will keep you cosy.
- Scandinavia can be an expensive destination in many ways, from museum entrance fees to optional activities, but especially in terms of eating out. Your leader will be able to advise on how to have the best value holiday in Scandinavia.
- Space is at a premium in Europe and your hotel is no exception. Rooms are often small, but usually the central location makes up for that. For those travelling as a duo, hotels often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. Occasionally bathrooms will be shared with other guests.
- This trip is designed to give you a fair amount of free time so you can explore each destination at your own pace. We will, however, take you on regular orientation walks, so you'll be on your feet quite a lot. While this may be tiring for some, it’s the best way to get your head around a place and to set yourself up for further discoveries.
- On this trip we predominantly travel by public transport therefore we recommend packing light and smart as you'll be required to carry your own luggage between train stations, ferry ports and hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs, and across cobblestones. Train stations often don’t have lifts available.
- If you have more time to explore the region you can extend your trip by combining it with our 'Baltic Experience' trip, travelling from Helsinki through the Baltic States, and ending in Vilnius. Alternatively, you could start the trip in Copenhagen by combining it with our 'Taste of Scandinavia' trip.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Anker Hotel
Storgata 55
Oslo
NORWAY
Phone: +47 22997500
Description
Anker hotel is located in the city centre, a few minutes walk away from Akerselva and Grünerløkka where you can discover numerous little cafés, restaurants and bars. Grünerløkka is also a popular shopping district, with original design shops and many vintage and second-hand stores. Hotel facilities include a hotel bar and a spacious Lobby with free Wi-Fi. All rooms have private bathrooms, wireless Internet access, telephone, TV, hair dryer and working desk.
Instructions
The airport express train runs from Oslo Gardermoen Airport (airport code OSL) to Oslo S (Central Station) every 10 minutes. The journey time is 20 minutes. From Oslo Sandefjord Airport (airport code TRF) take a bus to the town of Torp. From Torp there are hourly trains to Oslo S (approx 1,5 hours). Alternatively, you can take a taxi directly to the hotel. Check-in time is after 2:00pm.
Once at the central station it is an easy 15 minute walk to the hotel. Exit the train station via the front exit, walk down the stairs, then turn right and follow the tram tracks along Fred Olsens Gade. Cross the intersection and continue to follow the tram tracks. The road makes a slight left turn and becomes Nygata. Turn right into Storgata at the next intersection, then continue straight for about 600 metres. Anker Hotel will be on the left hand side just before the bridge.
If you have pre booked an arrival transfer, drivers will be waiting for guests at the Airport Arrival Hall holding an Intrepid sign. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly: +47 94 00 34 34.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available on this trip, subject to availability. Please contact your sales agent if you would like to book this. The single supplement excludes Days 9 and 10, where you will be in shared accommodation.
2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for ferry tickets. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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