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Rail Escape

Highlights of Scandinavia: Nordic Capitals

Nordic capitals by rail: Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Stockholm, Oslo.

Illustration of Highlights of Scandinavia: Nordic Capitals

Rail Escape's Highlights of Scandinavia takes you through four Nordic capitals in 11 days by first-class train. You depart Copenhagen, crossing into Sweden to reach Gothenburg and Stockholm, then continue to Oslo in Norway if you choose the optional extension. The pace is relaxed, with two to three nights in each city, allowing you to explore on your own schedule. Day one brings you to Copenhagen's Nyhavn, where 17th-century buildings line the canal and outdoor cafés buzz with life. From there, trains carry you west to Gothenburg's laid-back neighborhoods and botanical gardens, then on to Stockholm's Gamla Stan and waterside museums, including the Vasa with its preserved 17th-century warship. If you extend to Oslo, you'll visit the Viking Ship Museum and Vigeland Sculpture Park. Rail Escape includes first-class rail, four-star hotels with daily breakfast, airport transfers, and a welcome package. You'll manage your own meals and activities beyond breakfast and handle local transportation within each city.

What to know before you look closer

  • Days 8 and 11 are departure days with no itinerary detail; confirm with Rail Escape what morning activities or exploration time are available before heading to the airport
  • Day 9 is conditional on the Oslo extension; the 8-day version ends in Stockholm on Day 8
  • Entrance fees to museums, Tivoli Gardens, and activities are not included; budget separately for these attractions
  • Hotel upgrades are available at additional cost, ranging from Popular Alternative to Luxe Alternative options

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Copenhagen

    Arrive in Copenhagen

    Welcome to the charming city of Copenhagen! Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the afternoon exploring the iconic Nyhavn neighborhood, with its colorful 17th-century waterfront houses and lively canal-side cafés and restaurants. Take a stroll through the pedestrian streets of the city center, admiring the beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

  2. Day 2overnight: Copenhagen

    Explore Copenhagen Attractions

    Begin your day by visiting the Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest amusement parks and a beloved Copenhagen attraction. Afterward, head to the Rosenborg Castle, a Renaissance-style palace that houses the Danish Crown Jewels and the Throne Room. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Little Mermaid statue, a tribute to the famous fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Gothenburg

    Depart Copenhagen for Gothenburg

    After checking out of your hotel, take a train to Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's charming neighborhoods, such as Haga, with its cobblestone streets lined with charming wooden houses and cozy cafés. Visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art, which houses an impressive collection of Nordic and international art.

  4. Day 4overnight: Gothenburg

    Explore Gothenburg Attractions

    Start your day by visiting the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, one of the largest and most beautiful botanical gardens in Europe. Afterward, explore the city's maritime heritage by visiting the Maritiman, a floating museum that showcases the history of seafaring in the region. In the afternoon, take a stroll along the Avenyn, Gothenburg's main pedestrian street, lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Stockholm

    Depart Gothenburg for Stockholm

    After checking out of your hotel, take a train to Stockholm, the stunning capital of Sweden. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a three-night stay. Spend the afternoon exploring the Gamla Stan (Old Town), a charming island in the heart of the city, with its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Stockholm Cathedral.

  6. Day 6overnight: Stockholm

    Explore Stockholm Attractions

    Begin your day by visiting the Vasa Museum, home to the remarkably well-preserved 17th-century warship Vasa, which sank on its maiden voyage. Afterward, explore the Skansen Open-Air Museum, a recreation of traditional Swedish life with historic buildings, craftspeople, and animals. In the afternoon, take a boat tour through the Stockholm Archipelago, a stunning cluster of islands in the Baltic Sea.

  7. Day 7overnight: Stockholm

    More Stockholm Attractions

    Start your day by visiting the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Swedish monarchy and one of the largest palaces in Europe. Explore the palace's lavish interiors, including the Baroque-style Royal Chapel and the Treasury. In the afternoon, visit the ABBA Museum, a must-see for fans of the iconic Swedish pop group, featuring interactive exhibits and memorabilia.

  8. Day 8

    Depart Stockholm

    After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, spend the morning exploring any remaining sites or neighborhoods before heading to the airport for your departure.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Oslo

    Depart Stockholm for Oslo

    If you are making the most of this tour by adding the extra visit to Oslo: after checking out of your hotel, you will be taking a lovely train ride to Norway's capital. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the afternoon exploring the Vigeland Sculpture Park, featuring over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, set in a beautiful park setting.

  10. Day 10overnight: Oslo

    Explore Oslo Attractions

    Begin your day by visiting the Viking Ship Museum, which houses remarkably well-preserved Viking ships and artifacts. Afterward, explore the Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle and Renaissance castle that has played a significant role in Norwegian history. In the afternoon, visit the Munch Museum, dedicated to the works of the renowned Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, famous for his iconic painting "The Scream."

  11. Day 11

    Depart Oslo

    After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, spend the morning exploring any remaining sites or neighborhoods before heading to the airport for your departure.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Stroll through Nyhavn, Copenhagen's colorful 17th-century waterfront neighborhood with canal-side cafés and restored merchant houses
  • Day 3Take a first-class train from Copenhagen to Gothenburg and explore the Haga district's cobblestone streets and wooden houses
  • Day 6Visit the Vasa Museum in Stockholm to see the remarkably preserved 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage
  • Day 9Travel by train into Oslo and spend the afternoon at Vigeland Sculpture Park, featuring over 200 sculptures in a landscaped setting

Included

  • Welcome Package with travel essentials and detailed itinerary information
  • First-Class Rail Travel throughout (some regional trains second-class only)
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation in all cities, near train stations
  • Daily Breakfast at all hotel accommodations
  • Airport Transfers on arrival and departure

Not included

  • International Airfare
  • Excursions, Activities and Entrance Fees
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast
  • Local taxes or fees (e.g. hotel tourism taxes)
  • Personal Expenses
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Local Transportation

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Rail Escape includes first-class rail travel between Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Stockholm, and Oslo (regional trains may be second class). International airfare is not included.
What is included in the from-price of USD 4,189?
First-class rail travel, four-star hotel accommodation with daily breakfast, airport transfers on arrival and departure, and a welcome package with itinerary information. Meals beyond breakfast, entrance fees, local transportation, tips, and personal expenses are not included.
Is this tour guided or independent?
The operator provides hotels near train stations and airport transfers, but the itinerary emphasizes self-guided exploration of neighborhoods, museums, and attractions. No daily guided tours are listed.
How many nights is this tour?
10 nights across 11 days, with 2 nights in Copenhagen, 2 in Gothenburg, 3 in Stockholm, and 2 in Oslo (if you add the optional extension; without Oslo it is 8 days and 7 nights).
Which hotels are included?
citizenM Copenhagen Radhuspladsen, Hotel Pigalle in Gothenburg, Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel in Stockholm, and Clarion Hotel The Hub in Oslo. Optional upgrades to higher-tier hotels are available at additional cost.
What is not included?
International airfare, entrance fees to museums and attractions, meals beyond daily breakfast, local taxes or fees, local transportation, tips, and gratuities are not included.

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