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exodustravels.com · Self-Guided Holidays

Nordic Cities by Rail

Self-guided rail loop through Copenhagen, Gothenburg, and Stockholm

Illustration of Nordic Cities by Rail

Exodus Travels' Nordic Cities by Rail is a 10-day self-guided holiday connecting Copenhagen, Gothenburg, and Stockholm by train across Denmark and Sweden. You stay 3 nights in each city at solid 3-4 star hotels, with breakfasts included and a 72-hour City Card for local transport and attraction entry in each location. Two short train journeys form the spine: a 3-hour ride across the Oresund Bridge to Gothenburg, then a 5-hour journey east to Stockholm. The itinerary balances unguided exploration with built-in structure. Days in Copenhagen include Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, Kronborg Castle (Hamlet's setting), and the harbour's Little Mermaid statue. Gothenburg offers the archipelago, the Fish Church market, and the Gothenburg Museum of Art. Stockholm spreads across 14 islands, with the Vasa Museum, Nobel Prize Museum, and the metro system itself an art gallery. This trip suits independent explorers seeking accessible Nordic rail travel, couples wanting to linger in each city, and food-focused travellers drawn to Copenhagen's Michelin-starred restaurants and Nordic dining culture.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights are not included; you must arrange your own air travel to Copenhagen and from Stockholm.
  • This is a self-guided tour with no tour leader; you navigate attractions and transport independently using the included City Cards.
  • The itinerary offers optional extension: 3 extra nights in Helsinki via overnight ferry from Stockholm (additional cost).

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Tivoli Hotel 4*, Copenhagen

    Arrive Copenhagen

    Arrive in the capital city of Denmark; the epitome of cool Scandi culture. Awarded the UNESCO World Capital of Architecture from 2023 to 2026, Copenhagen has a strong architectural legacy and high ambitions for sustainable living. Settle into your hotel where you'll spend the next 3 nights.

  2. Day 2overnight: Tivoli Hotel 4*, Copenhagen

    Discover Copenhagen

    With a wide range of activities waiting to be discovered, Copenhagen boasts modern museums, historic castles, and unique neighbourhoods, including Rosenborg Castle & Amalienborg Palace and Kronborg Castle, the world-famous setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Tivoli Hotel 4*, Copenhagen

    Discover Copenhagen

    Spend some time exploring the peaceful canals and harbour of Copenhagen, famous for Hans Christian Anderson's Little Mermaid statue, plus Tivoli Gardens and the neighbourhoods of Vesterbro, Norrebro, Osterbro and Christianshavn.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Hotel Royal 3*, Gothenburg

    Onto Gothenburg

    Admire the iconic Oresund Bridge as you travel by train from Copenhagen to Sweden's second city, Gothenburg (approx. 3hrs). Visit the old fish market Fish Church (Feskekorka) and the free public sauna in Frihamnen.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5overnight: Hotel Royal 3*, Gothenburg

    Discover Gothenburg

    Take the ferry to the archipelago islands, with more than 20 islands to explore. Back in the city centre, visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art, home to masterpieces by Edelfelt, Monet and Picasso.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Hotel Royal 3*, Gothenburg

    Discover Gothenburg

    Gothenburg is home to some of the world's best craft breweries. Enjoy the Swedish tradition of 'fika' in the Haga neighbourhood, and visit Skansen Kronan, an 1690s fortress with stunning city views.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7railovernight: Hotel Kungsträdgården 4*, Stockholm

    Onto Stockholm

    Hop back on the train, travelling west to east to your next city stop, Stockholm (approx. 5hrs). Set on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges, visit museums including the Vasa Museum and Nobel Prize Museum.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8overnight: Hotel Kungsträdgården 4*, Stockholm

    Discover Stockholm

    Hop on a ferry to explore the expansive Stockholm archipelago, including Vaxholm island and Fjaderholmarna. Take advantage of the Stockholm Metro, an art gallery with artworks by over 150 artists.

    Meals: Breakfast

  9. Day 9overnight: Hotel Kungsträdgården 4*, Stockholm

    Discover Stockholm

    Visit Royal Djurgarden, a 270-hectare green oasis, or head to the inner-city beaches. Explore the food scene from food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants, or try Swedish comfort food in Sodermalm.

    Meals: Breakfast

  10. Day 10

    Depart Stockholm or Onto Helsinki

    Fly home from Stockholm or extend your stay with an extra 3 nights in Helsinki (includes the overnight ferry from Stockholm).

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Explore Rosenborg Castle and Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, and visit Kronborg Castle, the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet.
  • Day 3Stroll Copenhagen's canals and harbour to see the Little Mermaid statue, Tivoli Gardens, and neighbourhoods like Vesterbro and Christianshavn.
  • Day 4Travel by train across the Oresund Bridge from Copenhagen to Gothenburg, then visit the Fish Church market and public sauna in Frihamnen.
  • Day 5Take a ferry from Gothenburg to explore the archipelago of more than 20 islands, then visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art.
  • Day 7Board the 5-hour train journey to Stockholm, arriving in a city built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges; visit the Vasa Museum and Nobel Prize Museum.

Included

  • 9 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Rail from Copenhagen to Gothenburg and from Gothenburg to Stockholm
  • 72hr City Cards in Copenhagen, Gothenburg & Stockholm - free/discounted transport and entry to certain attractions

Not included

  • Flights

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes rail from Copenhagen to Gothenburg (approx. 3 hours) and from Gothenburg to Stockholm (approx. 5 hours). Flights to and from the Nordic region are not included.
Is this guided or self-guided?
This is self-guided. You receive a 72-hour City Card in each city for free or discounted transport and entry to certain attractions, and you explore at your own pace with no tour leader.
What is included in the price?
9 nights accommodation at 3-4 star hotels, all breakfasts, the two train journeys, and 72-hour City Cards in Copenhagen, Gothenburg, and Stockholm.
How many nights do you stay in each city?
3 nights in each: Copenhagen at the Tivoli Hotel (4-star), Gothenburg at the Hotel Royal (3-star), and Stockholm at the Hotel Kungsträdgården (4-star).
When does this trip run?
Exodus Travels offers 63 departures in July, August, and September 2026, with prices ranging from USD 3,140 to USD 3,710.
How much walking is involved?
Expect daily city walking to explore neighbourhoods, museums, castles, and harbours. Ferries and metro transport are available to reduce walking as needed.

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