Scandinavian Summer Road Trip: Denmark, Sweden & Norway - 10 Days

Highlights

• Rediscover your favorite childhood tales on Funen Island
• Sample Sweden's finest wares in Skåne's cozy farm shops
• Relax on a luxurious sunset dinner cruise on the Oslo Fjord
• Spot wild reindeer in Dovrefjell National Park

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Copenhagen (Denmark), Coffee Collective, Drive to Funen Island

Welcome to Copenhagen, Denmark's famously colorful capital. Pick up your rental car at the airport, then take the short drive into the city. Danes love their coffee, and the award-winning Coffee Collective has become a sought-after stop-off. Relax at one of their stylish cafés, or grab your coffee to go from their Bernikowsgade site and sip it as you stroll the famously colorful streets of Nyhavn. Snack on a traditional smørrebrød (open sandwich), then jump in the car and drive west.

Your destination is Funen Island, home to an enticing blend of fairy-tale castles, coastal cuisine, Viking remnants, and, appropriately, the birthplace of famed storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. Your first stop along the way is Roskilde—you'll find five original vessels preserved in its Viking Ship Museum. Next is Lillebælt, the waterway separating Funen from Jutland (the mainland). Walk the old bridge for superb views 197 feet (60 m) above sea level. Drive another 45 minutes to Odense, Funen's largest city. Check into your accommodation, then head to Broholm Slot for a gourmet dinner in a luxurious castle setting.

Day 2: Odense Highlights Walking Tour & Hans Christian Andersen's House

Take a two-hour private walking tour of Odense this morning. Highlights include Saint Canute Cathedral, Denmark's finest example of Gothic architecture, as well as the cobbled streets and half-timbered houses of the medieval Old Town—and there's plenty of opportunity to sample local delicacies. Allow time for Hans Christian Andersen's House, now a groundbreaking museum. Explore the complexities of his life and immerse yourself in your favorite childhood tales, uncovering fresh new perspectives on their relevance today through an impressive interweaving of architecture, art, exhibitions, and gardens. 

Afterward, lunch at one of the nearby cafés or restaurants. Stop by the Funen Village, an open-air museum of 18-19th century buildings, or head to Brandts for a contemporary art exhibition. Stroll along the Odense River, or book a relaxing boat trip. If you time your travel right, you can visit either the music or flower show for which Odense is famous. Nature lovers can see animals from around the world at the Odense Zoo or head 30 minutes out of town to Egeskov Slot to see Europe's best-preserved moat castle.

Day 3: Drive to Ystad (Sweden), Skåne's Farm Shop Tour & Örums Nygård Farmstay 

Enjoy a tasty breakfast, then hit the road toward Sweden. Drive two hours to Malmö, where you can join a five-hour tour of Skåne's finest farm shops and culinary experiences. Seasonally inspired and tailored to your taste, the tour will explore the beauty of the local landscape and its regional delicacies. Your guide will ensure you visit both iconic and seasonal stop-offs like Österlen Spice Farm, the cozy Kiviks Musteri, Mandelmann's Gardens (great for those interested in organic gardening), Gunnarshög Farm (where you can learn about rapeseed oil production), Hällestad Mushrooms, and Hallongården (a raspberry farm). 

After your tour, head to the charming coastal city of Ystad. Its picturesque medieval streets and nearby sandy beaches make it perfect for a late afternoon stroll, but there are also plenty of museums, churches, and monasteries to dip into. It's a great place to round off your tour of Swedish food with a delicious dinner at one of the cafés or restaurants. Alternatively, drive 25 minutes to your accommodation, Örums Nygård, a farmstay and spa complete with an on-site restaurant. Relax and enjoy a peaceful night's sleep in the Swedish countryside.

Day 4: Drive to Gothenburg via Ale's Stones, Helsingborg & Södåkra Vineyard 

After breakfast, head north for a scenic drive along Sweden's coast. Just 15 minutes from your accommodation, you'll find a sizable megalithic monument, Ales Stenar (Ale's Stones), a collection of 59 standing stones arranged in the shape of a ship. Whether it was intended as a cemetery or a ceremonial site is unclear, but the atmospheric structure continues to attract many travelers.

Next, drive about 1.5 hours to Helsingborg, a city with a rich history and a reputation for innovation. Explore the well-preserved Old Town, where you'll find Sweden's oldest pedestrian street, and the nearby Kärnen Tower, the last remnant of Helsingborg's famously strong fortress. Stroll through the open-air Fredriksdal Museum and Gardens, or head to the Dunkers Culture Center on the north harbor for modern art exhibitions. Don't forget to replenish your energy levels with a delicious lunch—try a coastal meal of fresh fish, or head to the inner city to stock up on tasty waffles before you hit the road.

Not far from Helsingborg, you'll find the Södåkra Vineyard, an 18th-century farm tucked into the Skälderviken landscape. Break your trip with a vineyard tour and enjoy some small samples of their award-winning wines. Driving farther north, you'll pass through Sweden's ceramics district. Pop into both traditional and modern studios (try the Keramiskt Center Höganäs, Mölle Krukmakeri, or the Wallåkra Stoneware Factory). End your day in Gothenburg, a culturally rich city with the perfect blend of historic and modern attractions. 

Day 5: Gothenburg Bike Tour, Archipelago Summer Brunch Cruise

Start the day with a leisurely bike tour of Gothenburg's highlights, the perfect way to get a sense of the city. Your guide will meet you at your accommodation and take you along designated bike routes past the Museum of Fine Art, Gustav Adolf's Square, the Haga District (Old Town), and the coast. Once you've worked up an appetite, head out for a brunch cruise through the archipelago, with a stop-off at Brännö Island. Enjoy a selection of traditional dishes with an unbeatable view before exploring the island itself. 

Back in the city, tailor your afternoon to your own interests. Head to the Museum of Art for works by masters such as Rembrandt and Rubens, or pop into the City Museum to learn more about local history and culture. Experience the city up close with a boat tour of the Göta Canal, or stroll the picturesque streets of the cobblestoned Haga District or Avenyn, the main boulevard. There's the Slottskogen Park, the Botanical Garden, the Universeum Science Center, and the Aquarium for nature lovers. Gothenburg is also known for the Volvo Museum and the Liseberg Amusement Park (the largest in Scandinavia). 

Day 6: Drive to Oslo (Norway) via Halden & Fredrikstad, Sauna & Dinner Cruise 

Rise bright and early this morning—you're taking a four-hour drive to Oslo, Norway, and there's plenty to see and do. Your first stop is the town of Halden, nestled on the bank of the Iddefjord. It's a quaint spot worth a visit in its own right, but it's most famous for the Frederiksen Fortress that guards it. At Norway's oldest and most impressive border fort, you'll be treated to beautiful views and scenic walks—pop into the museum or take a guided tour for a deeper draught of the past.

Your next break is at Frederikstad, a well-preserved fortified city beloved for its quaint cobbled streets and richly creative culture. Explore the Old Town and pop into one of the restaurants there for lunch. Afterward, continue to Oslo, Norway's rapidly growing but compact capital. Bounded by mountains and the sea, it's easily walkable.

Once you've checked into your accommodation, head to the Ekebergparken for sweeping views over the city and nearby islands, then reward yourself with a private hot sauna on the Quay. Cool off with a dip in the fjord while enjoying your magnificent natural surroundings. Round off the day by heading out on a scenic dinner cruise. Admire sunset views of the city's landmarks and the peaks and waters of the fjord while you enjoy a three-course meal of locally sourced ingredients. 

Day 7: Drive to Lillehammer, Paddle Steamer Cruise & Open-Air Museum 

Breakfast at the waterfront at one of Oslo's many cafés before taking a two-hour drive to Lillehammer, a historic and vibrant town on Lake Mjøsa's shore. Famous for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics, it remains a fantastic place to get outside and active. Check into your accommodation, then head out for a stroll along the lake shore or forest trails. Make the most of Lillehammer's agricultural setting with lunch at one of the local restaurants, where you'll find plenty of local fare, including cheese from the surrounding mountain farms.

Spend the early afternoon at the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum. Its collection of more than 200 historical buildings provides an extensive insight into Norway's cultural history. Afterward, get acquainted with Skibladner, the world's oldest paddle steamer in timetable service for over 160 years. Lake Mjøsa is Norway's largest lake, and the two-hour boat trip is spectacularly scenic, all with the bonus of delicious food—make your way to the first-class saloon for the famous salmon and strawberries menu. Literature fans have the added satisfaction of knowing they're following in Ibsen's footsteps through the landscape that inspired the play "Peer Gynt." 

Day 8: Drive to Trondheim via Dovrefjell National Park, Oppdal & Stören

Get back on the road to nourish your other senses with a scenic drive to Trondheim. Feast on lake views, towering mountains, and fresh air as you take your time on a five-hour drive through spectacular scenery. About two hours in, you'll reach the awe-inspiring Dovrefjell National Park. Lace up your boots and exchange the road for a trail—there's a pleasing variety of well-marked paths of all grades. If you have time for the Trollheimen Trail, you'll wind through rugged terrain inhabited by muskoxen, reindeer, and multiple bird species. You'll also enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

When you're ready, get back on the road and stop 40 minutes later at Oppdal—this alpine village is the perfect spot for a lunch break. Minutes later, you'll find yourself in Ulsberg—stop at the viewpoint for panoramic vistas over the Trøndelag region before heading on to Støren, another picturesque opportunity to take a short break. 

Next up is your destination, Trondheim. Check into your accommodation, then head to the city's cobblestoned Old Town for dinner. If you're after authenticity and tradition, you can't beat Bakklandet Skydsstationen—the building has stood since the 1700s, and the restaurant is part of Trondheim's fabric. If you can't quite bring yourself to eat reindeer, there are plenty of other options on the menu!

Day 9: Stiklestad Day Trip, Dinner at To Rom og Kjøkken

Rise and shine, ready for a day of medieval fun at Stiklestad, a village about 1.5 hours northeast of Trondheim. The site of a historic battle in 1030 that defined Norway's path into the future, you'll learn plenty about that battle, St Olav, and Norwegian medieval culture today. If you time it right, you'll be there for the St Olav Open-Air Theater and Festival, where you'll find the place thrumming with activities, concerts, and a medieval market packed with musicians, jugglers, actors, and artisans.

You'll find the medieval farm, Stikladtadir, open for business all summer long. Enter the gates and step back 1,000 years, learning about traditional farming methods and trying out a few valuable skills like archery. The National Cultural Center and extensive Folk Museum (30 buildings and around 30,000 artifacts) are open year-round and well worth visiting. Swing by the Stiklesad Church, which has also stood the test of time—the town exudes hundreds of years of Norway's past. 

Back in Trondheim, head out for dinner at midtown restaurant To Rom og Kjøkken (Two Rooms and a Kitchen). This beloved eatery and its founder helped to put Trondheim onto the culinary global map with their Nordic-French offerings and classical setting. By hosting Saturday food and wine courses and focusing intensely on fostering new talent, this restaurant has fostered a new passion for food in Trondheim's locals and visitors. After dinner, take an evening stroll before returning to your accommodation. 

Day 10: Depart Trondheim

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