Scandinavia and its Fjords, 22 May - 10 June 2025
From 23 May to 9 June 2025, Debi and I had the opportunity to visit Scandinavia. This included a luxury coach tour by Insight Vacations plus a few extra days in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Oslo, Norway.
Scandinavia Tour Map
Tour Director Danny Steenkamp
Animated Coach Video
Our Itinerary
23 May - Arrive Copenhagen
We arrived at the Copenhagen airport in the morning and took a cab to our hotel. Fortunately, our room was ready, and we didn't have to wait. We had lunch at the hotel bar and spent the afternoon relaxing and napping in our room. We had dinner at the hotel's Thai restaurant. We didn't have a reservation, so they set up an extra table by the koi pond. It turned out to be the best seats in the house.
24 May - Free day in Copenhagen
We had a full day to ourselves before the coach tour started. We took a Hop On Hop Off tour bus around the city to see the sights. The Rainbow Canal of Nyhavn was beautiful. We had lunch, Debi shopped for a watercolor painting, and we took a canal cruise.
25 May - Tour begins
We had another day to enjoy the city on our own before joining Danny, our Travel Director, and fellow travelers for drinks and dinner. We continued our Hop On Hop Off tour and visited the National Museum. After dinner, our Danny took us to Tivoli Gardens, the second oldest amusement park in the world.
Danny introduced us to a new word. Hygge (hoo-ga) is a Danish and Norwegian word that describes a cozy, contented mood evoked by comfort and conviviality.
Danny introduced us to a new word. Hygge (hoo-ga) is a Danish and Norwegian word that describes a cozy, contented mood evoked by comfort and conviviality.
26 May - Wonderful Copenhagen
A local expert took us on a tour and revealed the charm of Denmark's capital. We visited Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid, gazing wistfully across the harbor, and we saw Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the Danish government. Next we visited Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, and Copenhagen Cathedral, where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary.
That afternoon, we drove along the scenic coastal road of the Danish Riviera to the castles of North Zealand with our local expert. We saw Fredensborg, the summer residence of the Royal Family, then visited Frederiksborg, the largest Renaissance palace in Scandinavia. It’s now a museum, so the tour through the beautiful rooms offers an encounter with the kings and queens who shaped the country’s history. En route, we passed through picturesque villages of half-timbered houses and thatched roofs.
We enjoyed a casual evening, off the beaten track, where we discovered the contemporary side of Copenhagen. First, we visited the recently opened CopenHill, the cleanest waste-to-energy power plant in the world, with its hikeable and skiable roof. We enjoyed spectacular views over the city from the top. Next was Reffen, the largest waterfront street food market in the Nordic area. We browsed through an international food selection and soaked up the vibrant atmosphere. We had reserved seating and a pre-loaded food card to get the meal of our choice.
That afternoon, we drove along the scenic coastal road of the Danish Riviera to the castles of North Zealand with our local expert. We saw Fredensborg, the summer residence of the Royal Family, then visited Frederiksborg, the largest Renaissance palace in Scandinavia. It’s now a museum, so the tour through the beautiful rooms offers an encounter with the kings and queens who shaped the country’s history. En route, we passed through picturesque villages of half-timbered houses and thatched roofs.
We enjoyed a casual evening, off the beaten track, where we discovered the contemporary side of Copenhagen. First, we visited the recently opened CopenHill, the cleanest waste-to-energy power plant in the world, with its hikeable and skiable roof. We enjoyed spectacular views over the city from the top. Next was Reffen, the largest waterfront street food market in the Nordic area. We browsed through an international food selection and soaked up the vibrant atmosphere. We had reserved seating and a pre-loaded food card to get the meal of our choice.
27 May - On to Gothenburg
We boarded our luxury coach for a drive along Sweden’s west coast to the cosmopolitan port city of Gothenburg. On arrival, we explored the city with our local expert and learned about the region’s culture and nautical history. Volvo, one of Sweden’s most recognizable exports, is located in this area. We spent the evening at your leisure with a stroll along the leafy boulevards and dinner in one of the city’s many restaurants.
28 May - Scenic farmlands of Sweden
We boarded our coach again for our trip to Stockholm. Along the way, we enjoyed views of the patchwork of fertile farmlands as we journeyed along the shores of Lake Vättern to the Swedish capital. We stopped at Grännaberget café for a Swedish Fika of coffee and freshly baked pastries. This is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that helps preserve Sweden’s cultural heritage. This stop included the Stiftelsen Grenna Museum, where old buildings from Sweden's history are preserved.
That evening, we experienced a Swedish summer evening at its best with a half-hour cruise in the largest archipelago in the world, followed by authentic local cuisine served in a peaceful forested setting on the shores of the Baltic Sea.
That evening, we experienced a Swedish summer evening at its best with a half-hour cruise in the largest archipelago in the world, followed by authentic local cuisine served in a peaceful forested setting on the shores of the Baltic Sea.
29 May - Stockholm, City of Islands
Today we saw the charms of Sweden's capital with a local expert and wandered the medieval streets of Gamla Stan where we saw the 13th-century cathedral. Then we visited the imposing City Hall to see its fabulous Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall with its walls covered in 18 million gilded mosaic tiles, and the Blå hallen (Blue Hall) where the Nobel Prize banquets are held.
That afternoon, our local expert explained the age of Viking exploration and the fish and fur trade. Then we entered the Vasa Museum, a real-life encounter with the past on a visit to the 17th-century Swedish royal warship Vasa that sank minutes into her maiden voyage. This warship has been magnificently restored after spending three centuries on the sea floor; she now occupies a state-of-the-art, purpose-built home designed to preserve her well into the future.
That afternoon, our local expert explained the age of Viking exploration and the fish and fur trade. Then we entered the Vasa Museum, a real-life encounter with the past on a visit to the 17th-century Swedish royal warship Vasa that sank minutes into her maiden voyage. This warship has been magnificently restored after spending three centuries on the sea floor; she now occupies a state-of-the-art, purpose-built home designed to preserve her well into the future.
30 May - Uppsala and Falun
We boarded our coach again and traveled to the historic city of Uppsala, the seat of Scandinavia’s oldest university. In Uppsala, We meet Hans Odoo, a passionate local storyteller, who shared the fascinating history of the Carl Linnaeus Garden. We learned about Sweden’s first botanical garden and its 1300 species of flora and fauna.
Our coach then continued to Falun, an old historic mining town. We toured Carl and Karin Larsson’s beloved Lilla Hyttnäs in Sundborn, just outside Falun. Carl, world-renowned painter, lived and worked in this traditional country home, which is a constant source of inspiration for modern designers. This remarkably intact time capsule showcases the art and family life of a beloved artist.
From there we visited Sundborn Church, which is near Lilla Hyttnäs. In 1905 Carl Larsson left his mark on the church when his eldest son, Ulf, died. He offered to redecorate the Church for no charge.
That evening, we enjoyed a delightful Farm-to-Table dinner at a local restaurant that was prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Our coach then continued to Falun, an old historic mining town. We toured Carl and Karin Larsson’s beloved Lilla Hyttnäs in Sundborn, just outside Falun. Carl, world-renowned painter, lived and worked in this traditional country home, which is a constant source of inspiration for modern designers. This remarkably intact time capsule showcases the art and family life of a beloved artist.
From there we visited Sundborn Church, which is near Lilla Hyttnäs. In 1905 Carl Larsson left his mark on the church when his eldest son, Ulf, died. He offered to redecorate the Church for no charge.
That evening, we enjoyed a delightful Farm-to-Table dinner at a local restaurant that was prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
31 May - Lillehammer
Danny, our Travel Director took us to see the Falun Copper Mine and the Great Pit, a vast crater created by an enormous mine collapse in 1687. Later that morning, we traveled along the shores of Lake Siljan to Mora, the home of Sweden’s infamous 17th-century witch trials. Our coach continued deep into the forested heart of the country to reach Sälen, the starting point for the world’s oldest and longest cross-country ski race, Vasaloppet. This 90-kilometer race across the snow has been challenging skiers since 1922. Later, we crossed the border into Norway and passed Hamar with its Olympic ice skating rink, which resembles an upturned Viking ship. Our journey continued along the shores of Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake, to arrive at Lillehammer, home of the 1994 Winter Olympics.
That afternoon, we explore Lillehammer's heritage on a guided visit to the charming open-air museum of Maihaugen. It is located on the hills above the Olympic Town. The tour took us back in time to experience what life was like in Norway centuries ago and to understand how the unique Nordic lifestyle has shaped Norwegian culture through the ages. You also visited the extraordinary Olympic ski jumping arena and took in the wonderful panoramic views looking down on the town and Lake Mjøsa.
That afternoon, we explore Lillehammer's heritage on a guided visit to the charming open-air museum of Maihaugen. It is located on the hills above the Olympic Town. The tour took us back in time to experience what life was like in Norway centuries ago and to understand how the unique Nordic lifestyle has shaped Norwegian culture through the ages. You also visited the extraordinary Olympic ski jumping arena and took in the wonderful panoramic views looking down on the town and Lake Mjøsa.
1 June - Geiranger, Jewel of the Fjords
Our coach tour continued northwest from Lillehammer through the countryside of Peer Gynt. Peer Gynt is a five-act play in verse written in 1867 by the Norwegian dramatist Henrik Ibsen. At Lom, we visited the Norwegian stave church that dates back to 1158. Then we traveled along winding roads that passed waterfalls, rivers, ice fields, lakes, and snow-capped peaks. We spent the next two nights in the scenic village of Geiranger, overlooking fjords and soaring mountains.
2 June - Geiranger at Leisure
Our tour of Geiranger included a scenic drive up the Eagle’s Road that offered spectacular views of the Geiranger Fjord and the stunning Seven Sisters Waterfall. At the small village of Eidsdal, we crossed the fjord by ferry and climbed through the abundant fruit-growing valleys. We left civilization behind as we ventured high above the tree line for some breathtaking scenery. We continued on to the Troll’s Road, a masterpiece of engineering built over 70 years ago. Next, we stopped at Europe's highest fjord at Dalsnibba, 1500 meters above the fjord below. We enjoyed breathtaking views of the famous Geiranger Fjord and the surrounding glacier-topped mountains.
3 June - Fjærland and Leikanger
The day started with a scenic cruise along the Geirangerfjord with a photo-stop at the Bøya Glacier. We explored Fjærland and walked through the village with a local expert who told us about life between the fjord and the glacier. The we took another scenic drive to your historic fjord hotel in Leikanger where we enjoyed a delightful dinner of fresh and locally sourced produce.
4 June - The Flåm Railway to Bergen
Today we crossed the serene waters of magnificent Sognefjord, the longest fjord in Norway. Then we embarked on a spectacularly scenic journey aboard the Flåm Railway, ascending from sea level to 914 meters. On the Hardangerfjord, we heard how eight generations of a family-run farm have worked on the land, producing fruit, berries, and various jams, jellies, traditional spreads, cake, and other delicious treats. Then we traveled on to your hotel in the historic port of Bergen.
5 June - The Hanseatic port of Bergen
A local expert introduced us to Bergen. The ancient Hanseatic port city still largely looks to the sea for its living, as shown by the picturesque and lively Fish Market, set in a charming location in the heart of the city. The market also has stalls selling a colorful variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, handicrafts, and souvenirs. After seeing the 13th-century Haakon’s Hall, there we had time to explore all that this exciting town had to offer.
6 June - Mountains and Fjords to Oslo
The coach drove past some of Norway's most picturesque ski resorts as we traveled along scenic and varied landscapes to Oslo. After leaving the seaside town of Bergen, our journey continued climbing to elevations of 1200m (3930ft) passing by some of Norway’s ski resorts on the Hardanger Plateau. After returning to lower elevations, we drove among dense forests before reaching the capital city of Oslo.
7 June - Cosmopolitan Oslo
Today we visited the Royal Palace and the spires and ramparts of Akershus Castle, the 14th century fortress guarding the harbor with your local expert. At Frogner Park, we viewed the intriguing Vigeland sculptures. We explored the area around the Opera House and saw the strikingly modern architecture of the Bjørvika neighborhood. That evening, we rounded off your Scandinavian adventure with a dinner at a local restaurant and toasted our travels with your newfound friends over a glass of wine.
We also visited the Museum of Arctic Explorers and the Polar Ship Fram. We stepped aboard the polar ship Fram, the strongest wooden ship ever built, and experienced the life and work of Norway's famous Arctic explorers. The expeditions of Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen come to life in the interactive exhibitions of this museum, which also houses the Gjøa, the first ship to navigate the entire Northwest Passage.
The Indian population in Oslo was celebrating the Color Festival that Saturday. During a break from our curated tour, Ron took a walk through the park where they were having the festival. The Color Festival, also known as Holi, is a major Hindu festival celebrated as the Festival of Colors, Love, and Spring. It celebrates the eternal and divine love of the deities Radha and Krishna. Participants threw colored dust into the air during wild dances, where they were soon covered in the dust.
We also visited the Museum of Arctic Explorers and the Polar Ship Fram. We stepped aboard the polar ship Fram, the strongest wooden ship ever built, and experienced the life and work of Norway's famous Arctic explorers. The expeditions of Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen come to life in the interactive exhibitions of this museum, which also houses the Gjøa, the first ship to navigate the entire Northwest Passage.
The Indian population in Oslo was celebrating the Color Festival that Saturday. During a break from our curated tour, Ron took a walk through the park where they were having the festival. The Color Festival, also known as Holi, is a major Hindu festival celebrated as the Festival of Colors, Love, and Spring. It celebrates the eternal and divine love of the deities Radha and Krishna. Participants threw colored dust into the air during wild dances, where they were soon covered in the dust.
8 June - Tour ends
We bid our fellow travelers goodbye as our coach tour with Insight Vacations ended. We continued our visit by ourselves as we explored the city of Oslo. Debi needed some time to rest and recover, so Ron walked the local area that included the nearby palace and gardens.
9 June - Free day in Oslo
While Debi continued to recover, Ron walked down to the harbor and caught a 2-hour fjord passenger cruise.
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