Essential Scandinavia By Rail

Explore the beautiful cities, fabled fjords, and spectacular mountains of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden on this wonderful ten-night vacation by rail. From the colourful harbour of Copenhagen travel to cosmopolitan Gothenburg and its Dutch-style Canals, then onto the Norwegian capital Oslo and its fascinating selection of museums nd spectacular vistas. Next take one of the world’s most scenic train journeys – the breath-taking Flamsbana line to the small village of Flam. Continue north aboard a spectacular fjord cruise to the historic port of Bergen and its historic fish market, before returning to Oslo and your last stop, Stockholm.

Day 1 Your Journey Begins in Copenhagen

Welcome to Denmark! Once checked in at your city centre hotel head out to enjoy the city. Perhaps a stroll through the historic Tivoli Gardens, open between April and September.

(Overnight Copenhagen)

Day 2 Copenhagen

Continue to make use of your great travel pass today and enjoy the opportunity to hop on or off at any of the 30 stops across the city at your own pace. Visit the iconic Little Mermaid, stroll the colour waterways of Nyhavn, or perhaps visit the historic Rosenborg Castle - home to the Danish Royal family.

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Day 3 Gothenburg

Hop onto the train and enjoy the amazing scenery from the huge Oresund Bridge linking Denmark and Sweden, en-route to Gothenburg for an overnight stay. A wonderfully warm and walkable city, Gothenburg was founded in 1621 and boasts a great selection of fantastic restaurants in its historic inner harbour area for dinner.

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Day 4 Oslo

Following breakfast at your hotel make your way to the station and a direct train to Oslo for a two-night stay. Once checked in head out to enjoy all the city thanks to your great sightseeing pass, including free use of the city's public transport network.

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Day 5 Oslo

Today is a day for sightseeing. Head up to the Akershus Festning, a medieval castle which offers breath-taking views over the Oslofjord. Alternatively, visit one of Oslo's wide choice of museums. Take a boat out to the Bygdoy Peninsula or stay in the centre of town and see Edvard Munch's the Scream at the National Gallery.

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Day 6 The Flamsbana Railway

Take an early train from Oslo to Myrdal and then connect with the world-famous Flam Railway. the journey from the mountain station of Myrdal down to Flam deep in the fjord has been voted the most scenic rail journey in the world and is one of the steepest normal track railway lines in the world, dropping 2,824 feet in just under an hour. Take in the awe-inspiring views of rugged mountains, deep valleys, and thundering waterfalls as you descend into the Aurlandsfjord. On arrival in Flam, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure in this idyllic village.

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Day 7 Flam to Bergen

Your onward journey begins this morning with a ferry ride into the UNESCO World Heritage listed Naeroyfjord, the narrowest fjord in the world. This branch of the Sognefjord is spectacularly beautiful with its high peaks framing the narrow thread of water. Watch goats grazing along the banks and seals lying on the rocks before mooring at Gudvangen. Here, transfer onto a bus which will take you up the winding bends of the Stalheimskleiva to a lookout point above the Stalheimsfossen and Sivlefossen waterfalls. You'll make a brief stop to admire the view before continuing to Voss, where you transfer to the station for your onward train journey to Bergen. On arrival in Bergen, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. You have an afternoon here to explore Norway's second city. Why not discover the colourful Hanseatic buildings of Bryggen and Vagen harbours or take the Flaibanen up to the top of Floyen for spectacular views?

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Day 8 Bergen to Oslo

After breakfast at your hotel, head back to the station for your scenic journey from Bergen back to Oslo along the Bergen Line, the highest mainline rail line in Northern Europe. On arrival in Oslo, check in at your hotel for the last night of your holiday. If the weather is fine this evening, why not go to the waterfront area of Aker Brygge where there are many bars and restaurants overlooking the harbour. Alternatively, head to the Oslo Opera House, an amazing building constructed to resemble a glacier emerging from the water. the building is worth a visit, even if you don't go for a performance.

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Day 9 Oslo to Stockholm

Enjoy the direct train to Stockholm and on arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. In recent years Stockholm has become a gastronomic capital of the world and there is a huge choice for dinner in the Galma Stan (old Town) area of the city.

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Day 10 Stockholm

The city of Stockholm is spread across an unbelievable archipelago of 30,000 islands, many of which can be explore thanks to your extensive sightseeing pass which includes Hop-on Hop off boat rides. One of the largest and most central islands is Djurgarden - home to the fascinating Vasa, Viking, and ABBA museums.

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Day 11 Your Journey Ends in Stockholm

Check out of your hotel and make your way to the airport for your flight home or do speak to any of our Travel Consultants about extending your trip elsewhere.

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ALL ABOARD!  It's time to explore Scandinavia by rail.