Copenhagen to Northern Norway




Explore the natural landscapes and stylish neighbourhoods of Copenhagen and Norway
From beautiful cities that seamlessly blend historic architecture and modern design to sprawling landscapes of pristine natural beauty, Scandinavia has a lot going for it. This 15-day journey through Sweden, Denmark and Norway begins in stylish Copenhagen, where the streets are made for cycling. Discover the neoclassical architecture and delicious hagabullen (cinnamon buns) of Gothenburg before escaping to the serene beaches and nature reserves of the Gothenburg archipelago. Have your curiosity piqued at Oslo’s eccentric museums and discover endless photo opportunities in Trondheim, one of Norway’s prettiest towns. Explore the majestic mountains, deep fjords and untamed beauty of Norway’s north while exploring around the Lofoten Islands. Wrap up the adventure above the Arctic Circle in Tromso, under the midnight sun.
4.2
5 reviewsStart: Copenhagen, Denmark
End: Tromso, Norway
- 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, Rail
- 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
- Spend three nights in the long-adored Lofoten Islands, a patchwork of fishing villages. Head out to the narrow Trollfjord for a chance to see sea eagles and take in some of the most breathtaking scenery.
- Take a ferry to Vrango Island, a stunning fishing town in the Gothenburg Archipelago, and discover this rocky nature haven by kayak (summer months only).
- Hop on an e-bike in Tromso, and learn about life hundreds of kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, where the arts and culture scene is thriving despite its isolated, northerly location.
- Join a local guide and cafe-hop your way around Alingsas, a town known as the Capital of Fika (Swedish cafe and food culture). Learn of the local love affair with coffee, discover the story behind the cafe culture and, of course, treat your tastebuds to sweet Swedish delicacies.
- Visit Trondheim, which translates as 'a good place to live', stroll past the colourful wooden storehouses flanking the river, ride the northernmost tram and enjoy a forest walk and picnic just like the locals do.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Welcome to Copenhagen. If you arrive early, which is highly recommended, why not visit the pastel-coloured waterfront houses in the Nyhavn area. Drop in at an industrial-chic bar for a drink or stroll around the famous Tivoli Gardens, home to the world's oldest rollercoaster. Another area worth checking out is Norrebro, a residential area known for its wide range of restaurants. Meet your group at 6 pm then head out for an optional group dinner if it takes your fancy.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Copenhagen - Glyptotek Art Museum - DKK135
- Copenhagen - National Museum of Denmark - DKK140
- Copenhagen - The Round Tower - DKK40
- Copenhagen - Amalienborg Palace - DKK125
- Copenhagen - Christiansborg Palace - DKK230
- Copenhagen - Tivoli Gardens - DKK180
- Copenhagen - Botanical Garden - Free
The adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. 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).
Today see Copenhagen through a different lens. Join a local guide from Street Voices, a socially responsible company, with a mission to enhance life quality for socially vulnerable people and be led to the unlit corners of Copenhagen. You will hear different tales from lives on the edge and get insight into the life of a local person, their everyday struggles, and how to follow the unwritten rules of the streets. The afternoon is free for you to further explore this Scandinavian city. Stroll along the harbor or head out to the classicist palaces of 18th century Amalienborg, to this day the main residence of the Danish Royal family. Perhaps pay a visit to Frederik's Church, also known as Marble Church, the Court House on Nytorv Square or check out the facade of the red brick town hall. Alternatively, the National Museum is not to be missed, nor is the Christiansborg Palace in the very center of Copenhagen. In the Summer, you can even choose to join locals and take a cool dip in the free harbor baths centrally in the city.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Copenhagen - Street Voices guided tour
Please note that rooms in hotels in Scandinavia can often be smaller and more basic in comparison to accommodations in other parts of Europe.
A morning train ride will get us to Malmo in Sweden, via the famous Oresund Bridge that spans the strait separating Denmark and the Scandinavian Peninsula. Upon arrival, your leader will take you on a walk through the city and will share stories from its history. Malmo has gone through somewhat of a transformation, or should we say revival, over the past twenty years thanks to the construction of the Oresund Bridge and the opening of Malmo University. Spend some time checking out the Old Town, the castle or perhaps have a glance inside Apoteket Lejonet, a 1896 pharmacy in Neo-Renaissance style. If the weather allows, why not rent a pedalboat on the canal before continuing on to Gothenburg (by train or bus depending on availability at the time of booking), where you'll spend the night.
- Pension (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Malmo - Leader Led Walk
Please note that our accommodation in Gothenburg has shared communal bathroom. As Gothenburg has topped the Global Destination Sustainability Index for a number of years now, the city is considered one of the greenest hotel cities in the world. Our hotel is no exception and holds an official eco-certification.
Today's travel time is approximately 4 hours (1 hour to Malmo, 3 hours to Gothenburg).
Catch an early-ish ferry from Gothenburg to Vrango Island. Vrango is the most southerly island of the Gothenburg Archipelago, with a permanent population in the low hundreds and a strong fishing industry. The island is known for its stunning beaches and protected nature reserves and you'll explore the coastline in an included kayaking activity (summer only). In the afternoon, enjoy some free time strolling around the town or maybe try an optional floating sauna, before returning to Gothenburg for a free evening. Sweden's second largest city is known as the world's most sustainable destination and is exemplary example of what a responsible tourism destination should look like.
- Pension (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Vrango Island - Day Trip
- Vrango Island - Island Tour with Local Guide (Oct to Apr)
- Vrango Island - Sea Kayaking (May to Sep)
Please note that today's kayaking activity takes place only during the summer months from May to September and is subject to weather conditions. Outside of these months and in case of bad weather, you will explore the island on an extended guided island tour instead.
Today's travel time is approximately 3 hours (return).
This morning you'll head to Alingsas, regarded as the Capital of Fika, a Swedish cafe and food culture. You'll be accompanied by a local expert to tour some of the town's best traditional cafes. You'll learn of the local love affair with coffee and discover the story behind this town's special cafe culture. And, of course, you'll also get a chance to sample Swedish cinnamon buns, biscuits, chocolate truffles, pastries and sandwiches. You'll return to Gothenburg in the late afternoon and have a little time to explore at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Göteborg City Museum, housed in the former East India Company House and built during the time when Gothenburg's role was that of a major maritime trading centre. Take in the architectural ensemble on Gustav Adolfs Torg, go shopping along the main boulevard Avenyn, check out the iconic Skansen Kronan, stroll along bohemian Långgatan street or sip a coffee in the charming Haga quarter, known for its picturesque wooden houses.
- Pension (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Alingsas - Guided Fika experience
- Gothenburg - Paddan Boat Tour - SEK260
- Gothenburg - Fish Market Feskekörka - Free
- Gothenburg - Göteborg City Museum - SEK70
- Gothenburg - World of Volvo Museum - SEK250
- Gothenburg - Museum of Natural History - SEK70
- Gothenburg - Aeroseum - SEK130
Catch a morning bus across the border to Norway's capital Oslo. Your leader will take you on an initial orientation walk so you get a first taste of this quirky, colourful city. It's definitely worthwhile to spend the afternoon perusing delicacies at Maschmanns Food Market, admiring the handiwork of glass blowers at the Hadeland Glassverk, or simply strolling along Karl Johans Gate, the main shopping strip of the city. Perhaps head to the Munch Museum to glimpse Edvard Munch's famous 19th-century painting, The Scream. In the evening say 'skal' ('cheers') to the group over dinner. Why not seek out some traditional Norwegian fare based around cod and mackerel dishes.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Oslo - Leader Led Walk
Today's travel time is approximately 4 hours.
Today is a free day for you to explore at your own pace until your second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. In your free time, maybe island hop to Oslofjord, stroll the avenues of Vigeland Park or catch a ferry to the Viking Ship Museum. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner and drinks and get to know any new travellers joining you.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.
Today you'll leave Oslo behind and take the train across the stunning countryside to Trondheim. Trondheim was the first capital of Norway (although some historians would argue that) and remains the city where kings go through their coronation. Its name translates as 'a good place to live', with 'trond' meaning 'a good place' and 'heim' home, and it truly is. The city is situated on the Trondheimsfjord and colourful wooden storehouses flank the Nidelva River that runs through town, while the city's outskirts are surrounded by hilly wilderness. There are some great seafood restaurants in town, so why not venture out with the group for a bite to eat in the evening?
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Although a global ban on commercial whaling came into effect in 1986, approximately 1,000 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.
The forested Bymarka awaits you today – a large nature reserve in Trondheim’s west. Take an easy walk around Lianvatnet, a freshwater lake surrounded by grassy slopes and shady paths. Head back to Trondheim and enjoy a local lunch with the group and spend the rest of the day sightseeing at your own leisure. An absolute must-see is the Nidaros Cathedral, an immense Gothic cathedral built from 1070 on, which remains the northernmost Gothic structure in Europe. Quite simply, it's incredible. There are several museums to visit including the Archbishop's Palace, which contains the real Crown Jewels, and the Rockheim Museum, providing a history of Norwegian pop music since the 1950s. Spend the last evening in Trondheim, possibly exploring one of recently emerging microbreweries in town.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Trondheim - Bymarka forest walk
- Trondheim - Ringve Music Museum - NOK150
- Trondheim - Rockheim National Museum of Popular Music - NOK170
- Trondheim - Kristiansten Fortress - Free
- Trondheim - Sverresborg Folk Museum - NOK200
Today's walk will take approximately 1 hour along a flat path.
This morning, take a short flight to Bodo, just north of the Arctic Circle. There's ample time for you to explore this interesting town until we leave on the afternoon ferry to Svolvaer on the Lofoten Islands. Bodø is a modern city as it was rebuilt after essentially being destroyed by German bombers during WWII. With a dramatic backdrop of rugged ranges, Bodø has the densest population of white-tailed sea eagles in the world, so once you're done exploring why not grab a drink or some food by the quay and take in the vista while these impressive birds circle above (just watch your food). While in Bodø, you also have the possibility to hop on a public bus taking you to Saltstraumen, the strongest tidal current in the world and witness the breathtaking Norwegian nature. Board the afternoon ferry to the Lofoten Islands. After arrival, check in at a traditional Norwegian rorbu, which has a history of being the home of local fishermen, but has now been rebuilt to accommodate guests. The sunny atmosphere provides a unique experience of Lofoten's beautiful landscape. From the cabins, it's a short distance to fishing spots at sea, idyllic beaches, majestic mountains, and notably the iconic Svolværgeita mountain.
- Rorbu (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Bodø - Leader-led orientation walk
- Bodø - Public Bus to Saltstraumen Maelstrom - NOK84
Today's flight time is approximately 1 hour, ad ferry is 3.5 hours.
The Lofoten Islands are known for picturesque fishing villages, pristine nature and, of course, the Midnight Sun. This is viking country, and the beauty of the area is unparalleled and near-impossible to convey in words. Svolvaer, one of the main towns on the islands, relies heavily on fishing and an ever-growing tourism industry as it's used as a primary base to explore the other islands. This morning head out on an excursion by RIB (rigid inflatable boat) to the narrow and steep-sided Trollfjord. On this exhilarating trip around the small islands and skerries of the Raftsundet Strait, you'll also get the chance to see sea eagles, it’s a special experience when one circles just a few metres above your head. The afternoon is free to explore as you wish and there are several optional activities for you to choose from. Perhaps enjoy a sea kayaking trip around Svolvaer's picture-perfect harbour (subject to availability) or hike through the dramatic granite peaks jutting out of the ocean.
- Rorbu (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Svolvær - Trollfjord Cruise & Sea Eagle Safari
- Svolvær - Sea Kayaking Excursion Day - NOK1095
- Svolvær - Traditional Fishing Trip - NOK1195
- Svolvær - Lofoten War Museum - NOK120
- Svolvær - Bike Hire - NOK450
- Svolvær - Sea Kayaking Excursion Evening - NOK1395
Today, after breakfast, enjoy a hike to Linken peak (105 m above the sea level). This is a picturesque and easy hike (approximately 2 hours) that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the sea. For those who are up for a further challenge and exercise your leader can additionally take you for Tjeldbergtinden hike to enjoy a spectacular view over the sea and fjords and Svolvær city below. Those feeling less energetic can return to Svolvaer after the Linken Peak hike and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
- Rorbu (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Svolvær - Leader-led hike to Linken Peak
There are plenty of interesting places around Svolvaer that can be reached by public bus – you can travel 1000 years back in time and experience the Viking Age in an active and vibrant environment or wander around fishing village of Henningsvær, famous for craft shops and pleasant atmosphere. Please ask your leader for further recommendations and help with logistics.
Depart the Lofoten Islands on a long but scenic travel day to Tromsø. Start with a local bus ride to Harstad, you'll have some free time here so perhaps take your time for lunch or explore the little town. Later on continue by local ferry past stunning scenery, plenty of fjords and even a maelstrom to Tromsø. Located far above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is northern Norway's major cultural centre thanks to a range of music and arts festivals and an increasing student population courtesy of the University of Tromsø. Enjoy a free evening on arrival in town.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Today's travel time is approximately 8 hours.
This morning, start exploring Tromsø on an e-bike tour with a local guide and learn about life north of the Arctic Circle. You'll stop at some of the local's favourite city sites like MS Polstjerna, an extremely well-preserved vessel that took part in seal hunting (entry not included), an old farmstead from the 19th century, Prestvannet, the biggest lake on the island and more. Then, explore Tromsø at your leisure. Perhaps learn about the region's fascinating history at the Polar Museum and Tromsø Museum, check out the many art galleries or take a boat cruise in the surrounding waters (the city is actually built on an island). No visit to Tromsø would be complete without a beer at the city's oldest pub, Olhallen, part of the Mack Brewery that is even older than the pub. It was founded by Ludwig Mack, a baker who cared not for the drunkenness of the townsfolk. Mack started brewing beer in 1877 as a less alcoholic alternative to the spirits drunk by most. The brewery is still family-owned and frequented by young and old, traveller and local, student and teacher. Perhaps meet in the evening for an optional final group dinner together.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Tromsø - E-bike city tour
- Tromsø - Tromsø Museum - NOK120
- Tromsø - The Polar Museum - NOK120
- Tromsø - Cable Car to Fjellheisen - NOK350
Today’s e-bike tour is approximately 3 hours (15kms) along mostly flat paths. You do need to be moderately competent in riding a bike as good balance and manoeuvring is still required on an e-bike.
The e-bike tour is weather dependent in early season (May). If roads are not ridable because of snow/ice, the group will experience a short snowshoe hike just outside of Tromso, through a forest and slightly hilly terrain with a great view of the city in the background.
Your trip comes to an end today. There are no activities planned for this final day. If you want to extend your stay in Tromsø we are happy to book additional accommodation for you, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking.
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
14 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Train, Public bus, Plane, Ferry, Private vehicle, Boat, Bicycle, Tram, E-bike
Hotel (8 nights), Rorbu (3 nights), Pension (3 nights)
- Copenhagen - Street Voices guided tour
- Malmo - Leader Led Walk
- Vrango Island - Day Trip
- Vrango Island - Island Tour with Local Guide (Oct to Apr)
- Vrango Island - Sea Kayaking (May to Sep)
- Alingsas - Guided Fika experience
- Oslo - Leader Led Walk
- Trondheim - Bymarka forest walk
- Bodø - Leader-led orientation walk
- Svolvær - Trollfjord Cruise & Sea Eagle Safari
- Svolvær - Leader-led hike to Linken Peak
- Tromsø - E-bike city tour
- Copenhagen - Glyptotek Art Museum - DKK135
- Copenhagen - National Museum of Denmark - DKK140
- Copenhagen - The Round Tower - DKK40
- Copenhagen - Amalienborg Palace - DKK125
- Copenhagen - Christiansborg Palace - DKK230
- Copenhagen - Tivoli Gardens - DKK180
- Copenhagen - Botanical Garden - Free
- Gothenburg - Paddan Boat Tour - SEK260
- Gothenburg - Fish Market Feskekörka - Free
- Gothenburg - Göteborg City Museum - SEK70
- Gothenburg - World of Volvo Museum - SEK250
- Gothenburg - Museum of Natural History - SEK70
- Gothenburg - Aeroseum - SEK130
- Trondheim - Ringve Music Museum - NOK150
- Trondheim - Rockheim National Museum of Popular Music - NOK170
- Trondheim - Kristiansten Fortress - Free
- Trondheim - Sverresborg Folk Museum - NOK200
- Bodø - Public Bus to Saltstraumen Maelstrom - NOK84
- Svolvær - Sea Kayaking Excursion Day - NOK1095
- Svolvær - Traditional Fishing Trip - NOK1195
- Svolvær - Lofoten War Museum - NOK120
- Svolvær - Bike Hire - NOK450
- Svolvær - Sea Kayaking Excursion Evening - NOK1395
- Tromsø - Tromsø Museum - NOK120
- Tromsø - The Polar Museum - NOK120
- Tromsø - Cable Car to Fjellheisen - NOK350
This trip generates 19 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
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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.
- We recommend packing light and smart for this trip 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.
- This trip covers a lot of ground and the majority of travel is done by trains, ferries and public buses. It's a good time to sit back, relax and let the scenery roll past your window. Please read the Itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
- This itinerary includes several mild activities such as walking, e-biking and RIB boating. Please be aware you can always opt out from those if you do not feel comfortable joining.
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.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE BASIS
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels 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.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
FACILITIES
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Copenhagen City (Formally Zleep Hotel Copenhagen City)
Helgolandsgade 14
Copenhagen
Copenhagen
1653
DENMARK
Phone: +45 70235635
Description
With the hotel’s location in central Copenhagen, you stay near all the main attractions in Copenhagen. The hotel is situated on Vesterbro close to Copenhagen Central Station, Tivoli and the Meatpacking District. Copenhagen is a compact city, ensuring that you are within walking distance to attractions
Instructions
From Copenhagen Airport (airport code CPH) at Kastrup you can catch a frequent train (approximately every 10 minutes) which takes about 15 minutes to Copenhagen's central railway station (København H). Tickets can be bought in the airport's train station. Once at the central station, from there it is 4 min walk to the hotel.
Pre booked arrival transfer from Copenhagen Airport (CPH): If you have pre booked an arrival transfer, your transfer driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall, holding a board with the Intrepid Logo or your name on it. 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: +49 30 2016 3020.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. Please provide your date of birth at the time of booking so that we can secure train tickets for you.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
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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