Regent Holidays

Scandinavian Cities by train from the UK

Rail journey from London through four Scandinavian countries to Bergen

Illustration of Scandinavian Cities by train from the UK

Regent Holidays operates this 12-day train tour for travellers who want to discover Scandinavia without flying between cities. You depart London St Pancras on Eurostar, then travel by train and ferry through Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, arriving in Bergen. The journey strings together six named trains, starting with the InterCity Express and culminating in the Bergen Line, which climbs the Hardangervidda Plateau over seven hours through 182 tunnels. You stay two to three nights in each city, Cologne, Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Oslo, and Bergen, in four-star hotels with breakfast included. Days such as the second in Cologne and fourth in Copenhagen offer free time to wander museums, markets, and waterfronts at your own pace, while optional excursions like a Copenhagen canal cruise or Gothenburg island bike tour add local flavour. The package suits first-time rail travellers seeking a structured itinerary with expert support, couples wanting to linger in cities, and history enthusiasts drawn to Viking museums and UNESCO sites.

What to know before you look closer

  • International flights to London are not included; Regent Holidays will quote separately.
  • Days 2, 4, 6, 7, and 9 are free; optional paid excursions (Canal Excursion in Copenhagen, Fika Tour in Gothenburg, Brim Explorer Fjord Cruise in Oslo) are extra.
  • Hotel names listed are the expected accommodations; the pack notes 'or similar' for some, so final hotel may vary by availability and tier.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Courtyard by Marriott Cologne or similar

    London to Cologne

    Start your train adventure with a Eurostar journey from London St. Pancras to Brussels. Once in Brussels, transfer to a German ICE (InterCity Express) headed for Cologne. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, such as the Courtyard by Marriott Cologne, for a two-night stay. This evening, marvel at Cologne Cathedral and explore the Old Town.

  2. Day 2overnight: Courtyard by Marriott Cologne or similar

    Cologne

    Today enjoy a free day to explore Cologne or add a guided brewhouse walking tour. Visit the Roman-Germanic Museum, stroll along the Rhine River promenade, and explore the Belgian Quarter in the evening.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Hotel Absalon or similar

    Cologne to Copenhagen

    Begin your scenic train journey from Cologne to Copenhagen with a transfer in Hamburg (about four hours, then another five hours), including a ferry ride from Puttgarden to Rødby across the Baltic Sea. Upon arrival, check into Hotel Absalon or similar in the Vesterbro district, and enjoy an evening stroll through Tivoli Gardens.

  4. Day 4overnight: Hotel Absalon or similar

    Copenhagen

    Enjoy a free day or add a Copenhagen Sightseeing Classic Canal Excursion. Visit the historic Nyhavn harbour, the National Gallery of Denmark, and the Latin Quarter.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Hotel Clarion Post or similar

    Copenhagen to Gothenburg

    Today board a direct train to Gothenburg (under four hours), crossing the Øresund Bridge. Upon arrival check in to the Hotel Clarion Post or similar for three nights. Explore the Haga district and sample a Swedish 'kanelbulle'.

  6. Day 6overnight: Hotel Clarion Post or similar

    Gothenburg

    Visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art, Liseberg amusement park, and the reopened Feskekôrka (Fish Church). Consider adding a Gothenburg Fika Tour.

  7. Day 7overnight: Hotel Clarion Post or similar

    Gothenburg

    Take a day trip to Hönö Island, exploring by bike, with options for a Kastor Boat Trip seal safari, crab fishing, or a visit to Vinga Lighthouse. Finish with a sunset dinner at Tullhuset Restaurant.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Thon Hotel Opera or similar

    Gothenburg to Oslo

    Today, travel by train from Gothenburg to Oslo (around 2.5 hours), passing Halden and Fredrikstad. Upon arrival, check in to the Thon Hotel Opera or similar for 2 nights. Explore the Aker Brygge waterfront and the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art.

  9. Day 9overnight: Thon Hotel Opera or similar

    Oslo

    Enjoy a free day in Oslo: the Viking Ship Museum, the Munch Museum, the Vigeland Sculpture Park, or an optional Brim Explorer Silent Oslo Fjord Cruise. In the evening, head to Grünerløkka.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Grand Hotel Terminus

    Oslo to Bergen

    Embark on one of Europe's most scenic train journeys from Oslo to Bergen via the Hardangervidda Plateau, a seven-hour journey including 182 tunnels. Arriving in Bergen, check into the Grand Hotel Terminus for two nights, and explore the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf.

  11. Day 11overnight: Grand Hotel Terminus

    Bergen

    Enjoy a free day in Bergen, or add a scenic fjord cruise to the Mostraumen Strait. Ride the Fløibanen funicular to Mount Fløyen, visit Troldhaugen (Edvard Grieg's former home), wander Bryggen Wharf, or explore Bergenhus Fortress.

  12. Day 12rail

    Depart Bergen

    Your journey comes to an end today in Bergen. You may choose to return to the UK by flight, continue your travels onward, or take the train back to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Day 3: Ferry crossing from Puttgarden to Rødby across the Baltic Sea, connecting Germany and Denmark by rail.
  • Day 5Day 5: Direct train crosses the Øresund Bridge linking Copenhagen and Gothenburg in under four hours.
  • Day 10Day 10: The Bergen Line carries you from Oslo to Bergen over seven hours via the Hardangervidda Plateau, passing through 182 tunnels.

Included

  • Accommodation in four-star hotels with breakfast
  • All taxes & charges
  • Train tickets: London to Brussels, Eurostar Standard
  • Train tickets: Inter-city Express Brussels to Cologne, 2nd class
  • Train tickets: Inter-city Express Cologne to Hamburg and DB Hamburg to Copenhagen, 2nd class
  • Train tickets: Copenhagen to Gothenburg, 2nd class
  • Train tickets: Gothenburg to Oslo, 2nd class
  • Train tickets: Oslo to Bergen, 2nd class

Not included

  • International flights - please contact us for best available prices
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional excursions

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, InterCity Express to Cologne, DB rail to Copenhagen including the Puttgarden-Rødby ferry, and trains from Copenhagen to Gothenburg, Gothenburg to Oslo, and Oslo to Bergen, all in 2nd class.
What is included in the price?
Four-star hotel accommodation with breakfast, all train tickets from London through Bergen, and all taxes and charges. International flights, travel insurance, and optional excursions are not included.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
Regent Holidays provides expert Travel Specialists and ATOL protection; the itinerary shows free days in most cities for independent exploration alongside optional paid activities.
Which train is the most scenic?
The Bergen Line from Oslo to Bergen on Day 10 is described as one of Europe's most scenic train journeys, running seven hours across the Hardangervidda Plateau via 182 tunnels.
How much walking and activity is involved?
Days include city walking, strolls through historic quarters and waterfronts, and optional activities such as bike trips, boat tours, and a funicular ride. No high-altitude hiking is required.
When does this tour depart?
The operator publishes no departure calendar in the available information; contact Regent Holidays directly to confirm available dates.

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