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TRAIN TRAVEL IN SCANDINAVIA

Is there anything more romantic than an adventure on the rails? Enjoy the journey and take in the stunning landscapes of Scandinavia, with independent sightseeing at the cities in between.

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Independent Rail Tours in Scandinavia

Travel through Scandinavia by train. We offer spectacular Scandinavian rail tours, including the breathtaking fjords of Norway, impressive mountain passes and the Scandinavian capitals. All our train tours are self-guided.

Our Independent Rail Tours are a selection of eco-friendly package tours, where travel is by public transport, including train, boat and/or bus. Several tours also include overnight cruises, scenic railways and fjord cruises. When booking an independent rail tour you have the perfect opportunity to sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery without having to worry about driving directions.

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Scandinavian Capitals by rail & ferry - Independent

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13 days - Independent tour with emphasis on city stays and some fabulous fjord scenery.

This classic self-guided tour gives you the best of the Nordic capitals and the dramatic fjord & mountains of Norway. Travel by rail and local ferries with ample time to digest the scenery and the modern Scandinavian capital cities.

Highlights include a day trip to Tallinn, overnight voyage to Helsinki through the magnificent Baltic Sea archipelago, Norway in a nutshell and great cities such as Stockholm, Copenhagen and Bergen. Enjoy attractions such as the ABBA museum in Stockholm, the Opera in Oslo and the Blue Planet Aquarium in Copenhagen.

Independent tailor-made tour - departs any day all year. One of our best sellers - visit Scandinavia in 2024!

Please note that all our itineraries, inclusions, dates and prices displayed on this website may change at any time. If you book an itinerary today and have this confirmed it will be the itinerary that is delivered to you. However, the online itinerary on our website may change in the meantime.

As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this tour using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.

The CO2-e per person per day of all tours is carefully measured following each season. We fully offset all emissions of our tours on your behalf, and we constantly look at ways to reduce emissions where possible.

Transportation

Local bus, trains and boat/ferry.

• All hotel accommodation in shared double/twin room with private facilities
• Daily breakfast
• All train, bus and boat/ferry tickets as per itinerary, including day trip to Tallinn
• Seat reservations on intercity trains where available
• City passes/cards in Copenhagen (24hrs) and Helsinki (48hrs)
• Overnight ferry from Oslo to Copenhagen in a Seaways Cabin
• Porter Service from Bergen to Oslo
• 24-hour emergency service
• Taxes and service fees

Not Included

International Flights

Day 1 - Arrive Bergen

Arrive in Bergen, the gateway to the fjords. Make your own way to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time in Bergen, we recommend visiting the Hanseatic harbour ‘Bryggen', Fløibanen Funicular and the Fish & Flower market.

Accommodation

Day 2 - Norway in a Nutshell

After breakfast you depart from Bergen by train. Today you will experience Norway's most popular round trip; Norway in a Nutshell. The excursion takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Norway's fjord region, and over the mountains to Oslo.

Days 3 - 4 - Modern Oslo - visit the Munch Museum and the new National Museum of Norway.

The Norwegian capital has a great deal to offer the discerning traveller, and you have two full days to discover the city with the help of an Oslo Pass. We can recommend visiting some of the Oslo highlights, including the Kontiki & Fram museums, the Vigeland Sculpture Park, Ekerbergeparken and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Museum.

Discover the new area of Bjorvika with the new Opera House and Munch Museum and then explore the charming shopping streets, cosy cafés and exciting eateries of Grünerløkka. After going shopping at numerous design boutiques, vintage shops and flea markets, head to the Mathallen food hall for local specialties. Lastly, visit the new National Museum of Norway down by the harbour before finding a spot in one of the local fish restaurants for dinner.

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Optional Add Ons

Day 5 - Overnight ferry to Copenhagen

The morning and early afternoon is free in Oslo before boarding the overnight voyage to Copenhagen. Accommodation in seaside cabins with shower/WC.

Day 6 - Wonderful Copenhagen - small and intimate capital.

Copenhagen has a long history, and many delightful attractions and sights - you will never run out of something to see or to do. The city is small and cosy, an ideal way to explore the city is by foot, and public transport.

You will have a Copenhagen Card on hand allowing you to free travel on buses and trains within the cities metropolis, as well as free entrance to over 70 museums and attractions. Be sure to visit the new Aquarium if you are interested in design and fish! This new aquarium is included in the Copenhagen card.

If Viking ships and history interests you, consider a trip out to Roskilde Viking Ship Museum.  Or the Louisana Art Gallery for art lovers.

Be sure also to climb the tower of Church of our Savior - the spiral stairs were on the outside of the tower and it offers a great aerial view of the city! Not for the faint hearted though.

Days 7 - 8 - Charming Stockholm

In the morning catch a 6-hour train ride through the Swedish countryside to Stockholm. Sweden's capital is charming, vibrant and surrounded by beauty and water - hence its nickname, Venice of the North! Stockholm offers interesting museums and castles; the city offers a warm atmosphere and the old town has charming small alleyways boasting several famous restaurants.

On one of your afternoons here, be sure to make time for a visit to the ABBA museum with great interactive exhibits - a glass of champagne (for Dutch courage to get on stage & the pure fun of it) to accompany your tour is recommended! On the other hand, take the serious option & visit the Nobel Prize museum in the Old town.

Day 9 - Overnight ferry to Helsinki

The morning and early afternoon is free in Stockholm before boarding the overnight voyage to Helsinki through the magnificent Baltic Sea archipelago. Accommodation in seaside cabins with shower/WC.

Days 10 - 12 - Cool Helsinki with daytrip to Tallinn

You have two full days to explore this fabulous eastern Nordic capital. We recommend a walking tour of the city, which is known for its great mixture of neo-classical buildings, orthodox style churches and bars and restaurant scene. You have the opportunity to visit the Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, Parliament House, New Opera House, Sibelius Park & Monument and the Underground Temple. The included Helsinki card offers free entrance to almost 50 museums and use of public transportation. Need to take a break - head to the Kotiharjun Sauna, the last traditional wood-burning sauna in Helsinki.

On one of your days in Helsinki we have included return tickets for the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn. Your trip to Tallinn would normally take a full day departing Helsinki at 07:30 in the morning and arriving back in Helsinki at 19:30. The ferry trip each way takes 2 hours and suddenly you are at the shores of this Eastern beauty. The infinitely charming medieval Old Town is well worth the visit. The cobblestone streets and medieval buildings are a whole world away from what you can expect from Helsinki, Stockholm, Oslo, or Copenhagen. Tallinn feels distinctly Eastern, its architecture reminding the visitor of other beautiful Eastern European Old Towns, such as those of Prague, Krakow, or Riga. Through its history, culture, and location, Estonia connects Eastern Europe, Central Europe, and Scandinavia, offering something altogether different in comparison to your itinerary so far.

Be sure to also check out the option of a day trip from Helsinki to Porvoo on a heritage sailing boat.

Day 13 - Depart Helsinki

Our services end after breakfast.

All prices listed are per person, based on two people sharing a room. Prices are indicative due to the current uncertainty across Europe with increasing energy and volatile fuel costs.

Tour departs any day of the year with summer prices listed only. We can individually quote for the colder seasons.

Important Information

New attractions are opening all the time in these destinations - ask us for advice about tickets should be pre purchased before you depart.

Norway In-depth Escorted Small Group Tour

17 days - Escorted summer tour of Norwegian Fjords from Oslo to Trondheim

• Final Spots Available for Summer 2024

Scandinavian Capitals and Fjords escorted tour

16 days - Escorted summer tour from Bergen to Helsinki

Nordic Capitals Gourmet Tour

10 days - Classic independent tour plus food tours and special touches.

• Food tours included

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Practical information about Scandinavian Hotels

• Hotel rooms in Scandinavia are normally furnished with twin beds, which can be moved together to form a double bed or placed separately. Please note that single rooms are generally smaller than doubles, and are often equipped with a shower instead of a bath. Purpose-built triple or family rooms are likewise unusual in Scandinavian hotels. Whilst it is possible for 3 persons to share a room, this will normally be a double room with an extra bed, with correspondingly less space to move about in.
• It is also unusual to have a porter at hotels to carry your luggage.
• There is free wi-fi in many hotels in Scandinavia.
• Unexpectedly, all forms of Scandinavian accommodation rarely provide tea and coffee facilities in their rooms. If you are lucky, a kettle will be supplied but nothing else. Please ask at reception for some provisions when you arrive or just carry a small selection from home.
• Please also note that in Scandinavia - in particular, during winter - the included lunch will often be a hearty warm soup with bread.
• More remote hotels in Lapland will offer dinner at an additional cost. In some spots, there will be limited choices else where. Generally, you get a very nice home-cooked Scandinavian dinner. However, you may sometimes find only one or two choices only for your main course.
• In Scandinavia, it is normal for washing and laundry facilities to be in the basement. If you are staying in apartment type accommodation, check downstairs or ask for assistance.

Travel Safe

Travel insurance and safety.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours with 50 Degrees North. The safety of our travellers, staff and operators is a major priority of 50 Degrees North. With an operational office in Norway, 50 Degrees North has access to an up-to-the-minute flow of information regarding the countries we work in. We are also in regular contact with the various operators we use. Their in-depth knowledge and understanding of their various areas is vital.

Practical budgeting information before your departure to Norway

Practical budgeting information before your departure to norway:, budget surprises:.

Norway has a few items that typically surprise travellers when visiting Norway for the first time. Alcohol and luxury items are heavily taxed and therefore prices are higher than you would expect. On the other hand, necessities such as bread and milk, are taxed low and therefore are great value.

Alcohol import allowance into Norway:

We recommend that you bring all the alcohol you’re allowed to bring into the country when you arrive. There are many lovely parks and balconies where you can enjoy your duty free. However, be sure not to bring more than you’re allowed!

As of May 2014, the allowances according to Visit Norway are:

Alcoholic beverages: Minimum age: 18/ 20*

1 litre of beverages with more than 22% up to and including 60% alcohol per volume as well as 1½ litre with more than 2.5% up to and including 22% alcohol per volume or three litres with more than 2.5% up to and including 22% alcohol per volume and 2 litres of beer with more than 2.5 % or other beverages with more than 2.5% up to and including 4.7% alcohol per volume. This means that you may for example bring with you five litres of beer provided you do not have any other alcoholic beverages with you.

*For importing alcoholic beverages with more than 22% alcohol per volume the minimum age is 20.

It’s illegal to bring extra alcohol into Norway and can end up costing you. Another thing you should bring and not buy in Norway is razor blades. Good razor blades in Norway are expensive.

Self-catering in Norway

Written by Jayde Kincaid, who married a Norwegian, and was happily (albeit with some hesitation) introduced to a world of Norwegian every day food habits.

At 50 Degrees North, we want to encourage our travellers to try local Norwegian food & drink. This may seem difficult in Scandinavia in general without a large budget, and in particular Norway. Some of the more remote villages you might visit have limited restaurants or cafes, some of which can be pretty expensive. There is certainly no street food! One way to get about sampling local food is by self-catering. You will find plenty of friendly locals in the small town grocery stores and supermarkets who will be happy to help you picking out local ingredients. Just don’t be shy – ask! And, don’t rush – make your local small town shopping part of your holiday experience. Read the local notice boards, and enjoy an ice cream out the front when you have finished. It is what the locals do!

Note: Statoil cups - a good idea to save money as you drive around Norway: purcahse a Statoil (petrol station) metal cup and you get free refills of coffee, tea and hot chocolate at the Statoil stations.

Grocery shopping in remote or far flung Norway:

Norway has an extensive range of grocery stores, and in most small villages you will find at least one, if not two or three grocery stores. However, they do have limited opening hours, and except for ‘Bunnpris’, they are all closed on Sundays. You will see the weekend hours shown in brackets on the store sign out front. If you are arriving in a larger town, we do suggest you stock up with some staples before you head out into the mountains or on a coastal drive.

A few tips:

• Plastic bags are NOK1-2 and you will always need to pack your own shopping. • You can recycle your bottles and cans for a receipt that you can cash in. Recycling points are found in all stores. • Alcohol sold in food stores (mainly beer and cider) is restricted by government regulation to certain hours. This varies slightly, but on weekdays alcohol sales stop at 8pm regardless and on Saturdays at 6pm. Outside these hours and on Sundays you can only buy alcohol in licensed restaurants or bars. • Any alcohol over 4.7% can only be bought at special government controlled liquor store (Vinmonopolet). These are very rare in smaller remote towns and villages, so stock up before you leave the city.

Things to try from a general grocery store:

Meatballs or “meatcakes’: these come in all shapes, sizes and quality. They are generally really tasty and a bit better than what you find at IKEA. Also pick up a packet of dried ready-made brown sauce that goes with them. Be on the look out for Lingonberry sauce/jam, or even fresh lingonberries that you can use to make a fresh sauce (little red circular berries). Don’t add too much sugar, they are served quite tart.

If you want to try to make this brown sauce yourself, buy some ‘brunost’ (brown cheese), the required creams and follow the recipe below.

Hotdogs: known as ‘pølse’ in Norwegian, hot dogs are abundant in Norway. Cheap and cheerful – pølse is THE fast food of Norway. They are sold at service stations, newsagents, corner stores and fast food outlets. Pølse come with a dazzling variety of toppings and bread. Some of the pølse highlights would be the bacon wrapped ones, sprinkled with dried onion, mustards and mayonnaise. You will also find them wrapped in waffles (mostly in and around Fredrikstad) or the Norwegian pancake, ‘lompe’.

Note: there are strict requirements by the Food Safety commission for traditional pølse to be of the highest quality and they have even set requirements for what types of ingredients are allowed.

Like Norwegian beer, you will find seasonal pølse – Christmas pølse (Julepølse) is obviously found only in the lead up to the celebrations.

If you are planning to eat Norwegian style, use boil pølse on the stove and add to meals with potatoes and stew.

Note; steer away from tinned cheap pølse and meatballs.

Fish cakes: these also come in lots of variation and are generally served with a white sauce and lots of parsley. The Norwegians also use a basic white sauce on broccoli with cheese on top. These fish cakes are often found in fish shops, fried or steamed, ready to eat. A great fast snack.

Reindeer: we strongly suggest you try reindeer meat when you are travelling in the far north. It generally comes frozen, so look for finely cut reindeer meat in the freezer section. It is a more expensive option, but absolutely delicious albeit quite gamey. Be sure to get mushrooms, a small amount of brown cheese and rømme (crème fraiche). Fry it all up in a pan - a bit like a beef stroganoff. Serve with boiled potatoes or rice.

Mushrooms: if you are travelling in the chanterelle harvest season (mid/late August), be sure to try them. They are the yellow mushroom found in autumn. Or better still, have a look around the pine forests and pick some. Be sure to image search them before you head out so you know what to pick. They are really delicious with the brown cheese sauce and reindeer.

Salmon, prawns & fish: always be on the look out for a chance to buy fresh fish. Yes, it is possible to smooth talk a fisherman at the harbour. Or look for the local fish-kiosk or fish-shop. Be on the look out for small signs pointing you in the direction of fresh fish sales – ‘reker’ (shrimps, not prawns) or ‘fersk fisk’ (fresh fish) are the words you need. Norwegians are very proud of their shrimps – and of course completely justified. Their shrimps are small and tasty and harvested from the cool North Sea. Norwegians traditionally serve them with mayonnaise and lemon. Peel them and pop them on a fresh white slice of bread. Mayonnaise is layered on top with dill, pepper & salt.

Smoked Salmon: Norwegian smoked salmon is the best in the world hands down. Be sure to try all the different varieties you see – often, in larger supermarkets or delis, you can try before you buy.

Tubed ‘kaviar’ (caviar): this is a must try. It is cheap and perfect for the travellers pantry. This is what my husband craves like an Australian abroad would crave vegemite.

Norwegian pre-made dips and salads: the Norwegian supermarkets have a large range of premade salads and dips. They last quite a while and are good fillers for sandwiches. Our favourite are the cubed beetroot salad and the potato salads. They come in easy-to-carry and pack-up containers – perfect for picnics. Tubed mayonnaise is also handy for picnics.

‘Leverpostei’ (liver pate) in many variations can also be found in the supermarket. This pate is normally served on brown bread then topped with sliced red onions or sweet pickles. Protein rich and very tasty if you like pate – it is found on most Norwegian breakfast tables.

Yoghurt: now – this is an interesting one. Norwegian yoghurt comes in a variety of styles - some can be very runny, sour and low fat. There are varying names/codes for each sort. You might like to check with a local when you are buying yoghurt to be sure you are getting what you want. Some of the yoghurt comes as though it is milk, in normal milk cartons - sour runny yoghurt is NOT nice in your coffee.

Bread: the Norwegian supermarket bread generally comes un-cut. You can either cut it in the shop – ask for help the first time you do it. They have industrial bread cutting machines near the bakery section. The bread can be quite plain in the main supermarkets so be on the look out for boutique bakeries in the larger towns if you enjoy fancy bread. Also keep an eye out for the Norwegian flatbread, Lefse, which is similar to Mexican tortillas. Usually served with butter and sugar, sometimes cinnamon too. Occasionally made with potato.

Waffles: Norwegian waffle stalls are similar to the sausage sizzle or hot dog stand. It is the most common fundraising or community building food product. Don’t expect sickly sweet jams or whipped cream – you will find these fresh chewy waffles served with sour cream and home made tart berry jams. Never go past one!

Chocolate: we recommend that you try the ‘FREIA’ milk chocolate during your stay. It melts in your mouth.

Berries: if you travel in early autumn (mid/late August) this is berry season. Forest berries that is. Ask a local and head up into the hills or forest in search for berries. You may find; blueberries, lingonberries, rasberries and if you are up north or in the central mountains; the rare yellow cloudberries.

Norwegian Farm Produce:

On a self-drive journey, always be on the look out for small farm shops or stands along the road. Things you cannot drive past:

Strawberries: if you are travelling in the strawberry season – you MUST try Norwegian strawberries. They are seriously amazing. Grown in the nutritious earth that has the chance to rejuvenate through a long winter.

_And if you go past a self-pick strawberry farm, put everything else on hold and enter!  Norwegians wait all year for this event. _

New potatoes: be on the look out for new season potatoes – they are often sold in little stands beside the road. Often on an honesty basis; i.e. grab a bag and put the money in an allocated tin.

CLASSIC RECIPE:

Basic Brown Cheese Recipe – can be used with meatballs, reindeer, with added mushrooms. • 2 tablespoons butter • 2 tablespoons flour • 3⁄4 cup light cream • 1⁄2 cup chicken broth (optional - just use water if you cannot find this) • 1 cup shredded gjetost or brown goats cheese • 3⁄4 cup rømme (crème fraiche) • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or 2 tablespoons fresh dill

Method: Using the meat dish that has been browned off, remove as much oil from the pan as possible and blend in butter and flour. Remove from heat and blend in light cream. Add chicken broth, bring to boil, stirring and cooking until thickened. Mix in Gjetost cheese. Turn heat low. Blend some of the sauce into the rømme (crème fraiche), then return all to sauce. Add chopped parsley or fresh dill.

Happy shopping and cooking!

Restaurants to try in Oslo

Oslo restaurants, in the tradition of the New Nordic Food Movement, have the depth and sophistication you would expect from the capital city of Norway. Read our options for places to try.

In Oslo you find restaurants in all price categories and genres.

Norwegian cuisine in its traditional form is based largely on the raw materials readily available in Norway and its mountains, wilderness and coast. It differs in many respects from its continental counterparts with a stronger focus on game and fish. Many of the traditional dishes are results of using conserved materials, with respect to the long winters.

Here is a few of our favourites in Oslo's wide variety of restaurants:

• Lofoten Fish Restaurant, traditional and quaint with the broths and creamy fish options you would expect in Norway
• Restaurant Kontrast , near Mathallen, 1 Michelin-star restaurant with a moderate price tag (pictured above)
• Topp Hem , Norwegian, seasonal and local from nearby farms served as share-platters
• Nedre Foss Gård , an old historic farm in Oslo that is now a refurbished (after a fire in 2016) restaurant/ bar with and outdoor courtyard. Nedre Foss Gård means Lower Waterfall (Foss) Farm.
• Theatercafeen
• Solsiden Restaurant -De Fem Stuer, is located in the old wooden building from 1894 and is one of Oslo's best restaurant set in a great surrounding on top of hill overlooking Oslo
• Ekebergrestauranten
• Engebret Café
• Frognerseteren Restaurant: Finstua

For less expensive restaurants, head to the Grunerlokka district . It is great place to take in the city's pulse in the city's more ethnically diverse east. In this once working-class area, the vital signs of budget Oslo are most apparent, with low-cost restaurants, second-hand clothes shops and student bars grouped around the streets Markveien and Thorvald Meyers Gate. Among them, the café bar Fru Hagen has a legion of blond locals seeking cheap eats. On a Sunday evening, when much of the city is almost deserted, Fru Hagen is heaving.

When in Oslo try these local cuisines:

Smoked Salmon or Røkt Laks

Kjøttboller - Meatballs

Krumkake - waffle-like pancake, which are then filled with whipped cream

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Train & Rail Tours in Norway

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Norway in a Nutshell® - Classic

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One-week Scandinavia by train itinerary

Posted on Last updated: November 14, 2023

Explore Scandinavia by train in just one week on this rail itinerary which takes you from the cosmopolitan capital cities of Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo to the spectacular Norwegian fjords.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Get a taste of three different countries within one week and experience a smörgåsbord of Scandinavian delights as you travel across Scandinavia by train – from Michelin-starred restaurants and world-class museums in the region’s cities to fjord boat trips and scenic mountain railway journeys through its stunning landscapes.

Travelling through Denmark, Sweden and Norway, you’ll visit Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Flåm and Bergen. This Scandinavian rail itinerary will show you which trains to take, how much they cost, how to book and what to see and do at each stop.

Day 1: Copenhagen

Start your Scandinavia by train trip with a full day in the Danish capital Copenhagen. Head to the colourful harbour district of Nyhavn and join the crowds on the waterfront for drinks on a sunny afternoon. Or take a boat trip * through the canals past the Christiansborg and Amalienborg Palaces and the (surprisingly small) Little Mermaid statue.

Climb to the top of the Rundetårn (Round Tower) for views across the city – instead of steps it has a spiral ramp. Or try out the rides and rollercoasters at the Tivoli Gardens *, the world’s second-oldest amusement park, which is beautifully lit up at night.

Copenhagen is famous for its restaurant scene and is a great place to splash out on a special meal, with 16 Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from, including three-star Geranium. Or you can shop for cool Scandi-style clothes and homewares in the mix of high-street and designer boutiques on Strøget – the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe.

Where to stay in Copenhagen: Located close to the train station in Vesterbro, the Absalon Hotel * is one of Copenhagen’s oldest family-owned hotels. Its 161 rooms have been decorated with pops of colour and luxurious fabrics by the Designers Guild, and there’s a cocktail bar and communal lounge, plus a courtyard with a mini golf course.

Read more: Visiting Copenhagen on a budget

Day 2: Copenhagen > Stockholm

Next morning, take an early train for the 5 hour 30 minute journey to Stockholm, travelling along the Öresund Link – a huge bridge-turned-tunnel which straddles the border between Denmark and Sweden. Catch the 08.19 high-speed tilting train from Copenhagen Central ( København Hovedbanegård ) which arrives into Stockholm Central at 13.34.

Then spend the afternoon in the Swedish capital. Get lost in the cobblestone streets of medieval Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town. It was founded in 1252 with gold-painted buildings mixed with churches, palaces, museums and squares. Spread across four islands, the area is also home to the Storkyrkan cathedral, Swedish Parliament and Royal Palace.

Go back in time with a journey through the history of Sweden at the Skansen Open Air Museum. Or learn more about Sweden’s biggest exports (other than IKEA) at the ABBA Museum and the Nobel Prize Museum (if you’re planning on visiting a few places you can save money using a Go City Stockholm Pass *). And don’t miss the metro – even if you’re not planning on travelling anywhere, this underground art gallery is worth a visit.

Where to stay in Stockholm: For a quirky change from a hotel, why not stay on board a 1920s yacht once owned by a Woolworths heiress married to Cary Grant? The Mälardrottningen Yacht Hotel & Restaurant * is anchored a short walk away from Gamla Stan. Cabins have bunks or double beds, porthole windows and private bathrooms.

Day 3: Stockholm > Oslo

Finish your time in Stockholm by exploring the Stockholm Archipelago. Around 30,000 islands lie in the waters of the Baltic Sea off the coast of Stockholm, with all shapes and sizes from tiny uninhabited rocky islets to whole island communities.

You can take a sightseeing boat trip * around the archipelago’s waterways on board a vintage ship. Or catch one of the public ferries to Fjäderholmarna. It’s only 20 minutes from downtown Stockholm and has art and craft studios to visit, forest and coast walks, and the harbourside Fjäderholmarnas Brewery pub to call into for a drink.

Then head back to Stockholm Central to catch the afternoon train across the border to Oslo in Norway. It’s a 6-hour journey so you might want to stock up on some kanelbullar (Swedish cinnamon buns). Take the 15.29 direct Intercity train from Stockholm Central and you’ll arrive into Oslo Central station at 21.24, in time for a late dinner.

Where to stay in Oslo: A couple of minutes’ from the train station, the environmentally friendly Clarion Hotel The Hub * is one of the biggest hotels in Oslo. As well as its 812 rooms there is a good range of facilities, including a pool, gym and sauna. There’s also an urban garden and rooftop bar and restaurant which has great views across the city.

Day 4: Oslo

Today you have a full day to spend in Oslo. See Edvard Munch’s famous painting The Scream at the Norwegian National Gallery, or check out some of his other works at the new Munch Museum. Catch a performance at the modern Oslo Opera House – or just climb up onto its roof to check out the views of the Oslofjord at sunset.

You can also also take a look around the 13th-century Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle which was built to protect Oslo from Swedish invaders and provide a royal residence.

Or catch a ferry from Oslo harbour across the bay to the Bygdøy Peninsula to learn more about Norway’s maritime history at the Viking Ship Museum, Norwegian Maritime Museum and museums dedicated to the Fram and Kon-Tiki ships. Then head to Aker Brygge, an old shipyard with brick warehouses turned into waterfront restaurants.

Day 5: Oslo > Flåm

The following day, head west towards the coast on the 6-hour journey from Oslo to the Norwegian fjords. Start by taking the Bergensbanen (Bergen Line) from Oslo to Myrdal, departing Oslo Central at 08.25 and arriving in Myrdal at 13.05.

The Bergen Line was built at the end of the 19th century and travels through gorgeous scenery, along river valleys, past waterside villages and mountain peaks, reaching its highest point at 1237 metres near Finse before descending to Myrdal.

From Myrdal, catch the scenic Flåmsbana mountain railway for the 50-minute journey to Flåm, on the edge of the fjords. The train departs from Myrdal at 13.24 and arrives into Flåm at 14.22 from April to October (or if you’re travelling off season, it departs from Myrdal at 13.15 and arrives into Flåm at 14.05 – see the full timetable ).

The Flåmsbana was built in the 1920s, and its steep gradient meant that each of its 20 tunnels had to be dug out by hand. Since then it’s become one of Norway’s top visitor attractions. Prepare to get dizzy from checking out the views from each side of the train as it zig-zags past lakes, waterfalls, rocky cliffs, green valleys and wooden churches.

The tiny village of Flåm lies on the banks of the Sognefjord – the longest fjord in Norway. Spend the afternoon taking a look around the village. Follow the pathway along the water’s edge to soak up the views, visit the Flåm Railway Museum to find out how the Flåmsbana was built, and try local craft beer and traditional dishes at the Ægir brewery.

Where to stay in Flåm: The Fretheim Hotel * has welcomed visitors to Flåm since the 19th century. Get a taste of those days in its Historic Wing, where rooms have antique furniture, china tea sets and clawfoot baths. The hotel’s a cosy mix of pine, tartan and log fires, with huge windows in the restaurant to make the most of the views.

Read more: The Flam Railway: Norway’s most scenic train trip

Day 6: Flåm > Bergen

Start the day with a 2-hour cruise along the fjords to Gudvangen. The trip takes you through two different branches of the Sognefjord – the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. Along the way the shoreline is dotted with colourful farming villages backed by steep rocky peaks, and keep your eyes out for seals and porpoises in the fjord’s green waters.

If you take the 09.30 cruise you reach Gudvangen at 11.30. Then it’s a 20-minute shuttle ride bus back to Flåm – buses depart at 11.45 year-round and also at 12.45/13.45 from May–September. Back in Flåm, retrace your steps back to Mydral on board the Flåmsbana, then change onto the Bergensbanen for the 2-hour return journey to Bergen.

The Flåmsbana departs from Flåm at 14.55 (14.30 from November–March), then you change in Mydral for the 16.00 service which arrives into Bergen at 18.19.

Spend the evening in Bergen. Explore the colourful wooden houses in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen district, which were built for the merchants of the Hanseatic League. They now house shops and restaurants, including the Unicorn Fish Restaurant which specialises in local seafood – or you can pick some up from the Bergen Fish Market.

Where to stay in Bergen: Det Hanseatiske Hotel * is right at the historic heart of Bryggen, next door to the Hanseatic Museum. The building dates back to 1703 and is full of character, with original features, moody lighting, three restaurants and a library-style bar.

Read more: A Norwegian fjords boat trip from Flåm

Day 7: Bergen

Then spend the final morning of your Scandinavia by train trip seeing more of Bergen. You can take the Fløibanen funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløyen for views across the city and out into the fjords. Or get up even higher on board the Ulriken cable car, which takes you to the peak of Bergen’s tallest mountain at 643 metres high.

Then if you’re flying back home, Airport Express buses connect the city centre with Bergen Airport, running every 10 minutes and taking 20 minutes.

If you’ve got more time, you could extend your trip by heading north up through the fjords on board one of the Hurtigruten ferries. They’re a mix between a cruise and ferry, and shuttle locals as well as tourists up the Norwegian coast. The full journey from Bergen to Kirkenes – in the far north of the country, close to the border with Russia – takes a week.

But you can also stop off at destinations along the way. The cities of Ålesund and Trondheim are just a day or two by boat from Bergen, or you can cross the Arctic Circle and spot the Northern Light in Bodø, Tromsø or the spectacular Lofoten Islands.

How much does it cost?

When you’re planning a European rail trip, you can either book individual tickets or get a railpass, which can be a better deal if you’re under 28, want more flexibility or are booking late. Here’s how the prices break down for the two different options on this route.

Individual tickets

Ticket prices vary depending on how early you book, with a limited number of cheap tickets available. So book as early as possible – on most routes you can book 3–4 months in advance – but beware these tickets are non-transferable so you’re tied to a specific train. Using the cheapest fares, the cost of trains on this route starts at €223 per person.

• Copenhagen > Stockholm: from 515 SEK (€48)
• Stockholm > Oslo: from 305 SEK (€29)
• Oslo > Flåm: from 799 NOK (€78)
• Flåm > Bergen: from 699 NOK (€68)

The railpass option

There are also various rail passes available through InterRail (for European residents) and Eurail (for non-European residents), which cover individual countries or the whole region and are valid for different periods of time, varying from four days to three months.

The Scandinavia by train itinerary involves four travel days across three countries, so the best option is the Global Pass for 4 travel days within 1 month . This costs €246 for adults, €185 for youths (aged 12–27) or €221 for seniors (aged 60+) in second class.

As well as the pass, you also need to pay an extra compulsory reservation fee in some countries and for certain trains – usually high-speed or sleeper services.

The Flåm Railway is a special tourist service so isn’t covered by InterRail/Eurail passes, but passholders get a discount of 30% off the cost of the full fare. For this trip, the extra fees come to €63, broken down as below, meaning the overall railpass cost starts from €248.

• Copenhagen > Stockholm: €7
• Stockholm > Oslo: €3
• Oslo > Myrdal: €5.40
• Flåm Railway: €42 (429 NOK return after discount)
• Myrdal > Bergen: €5.40

Reservations can be made at any train station and online through SJ (Swedish Railways) for free, or via the InterRail/Eurail reservations service for a fee of €2.

How to book

There are a variety of websites where you can book European train journeys, but often the best deals are though the official railway company sites for each country. For this trip these are SJ (Sweden) and VY (Norway), both of which have websites in English.

You can also book tickets for Scandinavian trains with Omio * or The Trainline . The advantage is they cover multiple countries, you can see prices in €, £ or $, use international credit cards and print or use mobile tickets, but they do charge a small booking fee.

Don’t want to do it yourself? You can also book this One-week Scandinavia by train itinerary * as a package through our partners Byway, the world’s first flight-free holiday platform, which includes transport and accommodation.

Save for later

You might also like

Europe by train: Five great one-week rail trip routes

Tips for planning a European rail trip on a budget

A guide to the Flam Railway: Norway’s most scenic train journey

Friday 21st of April 2023

Thank you, this is great. Looking to do this as a solo female traveller from Australia.

Lucy Dodsworth

Tuesday 2nd of May 2023

Thanks – glad it was useful and have a great trip!

Friday 19th of August 2022

Thank you so much for posting this article in details.

Kate Franklin

Tuesday 1st of February 2022

Just wondering if you think this is doable with kids? They're 7 and 10 and quite well travelled in Europe.

Friday 18th of February 2022

Yes I think it would be – there are a couple of longish 6-hour journeys but you're not travelling every day and there's lots to see out of the windows along the way!

Thursday 23rd of July 2020

It is a fantastic itinerary and similar to one I have done myself over various years. Such a very special part of the world.

Thanks – do love Scandinavia, so much more I'd still like to see!

Elita Goldin

Saturday 6th of June 2020

I love Scandinavian countries, thanks for your train itinerary. It was very informative.

Wednesday 17th of June 2020

You're very welcome – such a beautiful part of the world!

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7 Amazing Scandinavia Tour Ideas for First-Time Visitors

Have you always been intrigued by Scandinavia? Once the home of Vikings, it is now renowned for its sleek design, hygge and fika lifestyle, and jaw-dropping natural scenery. There’s much to be inspired by!

If you’re looking for a real adventure with a dash of sophistication, set your sights on a tour of the Scandinavian countries .

What countries make up Scandinavia? First things first, Norway , Sweden and Denmark are the 3 kingdoms that compose the region. Nowadays a looser interpretation is closer to the Nordic region, also including  Finland and Iceland .

You’ll find that some tours also include famed Baltic cities, like Tallinn in Estonia, for an even grander itinerary.

The best thing about exploring Scandinavia is that the possibilities are endless. You could cruise the fjords, see polar bears in the wild, and go cross-country skiing or hiking high into the mountains.

Not sure where to start? We’ve put together this handy guide to help you plan your dream Scandinavian getaway, whether you’re looking for summer fun, an Arctic experience, or a city getaway.

• Start planning your adventure with one of these Scandinavian tour packages

Best tour ideas:

• Tour the Scandinavian capitals
• Cruise around Scandinavia and the Baltics
• Head into the Arctic Circle in winter
• Take the wheel of a Scandinavian road trip
• Chase the northern lights in Scandinavia
• Explore Norway onboard iconic train journeys
• Go on a Havila or Hurtigruten cruise

1. Tour the Scandinavian capitals

Best Scandinavian tour for:  a city break and taste of each country.

A tour of Scandinavia’s capital cities is ideal for those craving some cosmopolitan glamour,  hygge  and fika , and stellar historical attractions. 

Between planning for Sweden, Denmark and Norway, you could spend lots of time trying to sort logistics to get from place to place. Instead we suggest a guided tour of Scandinavia, with a pre-arranged itinerary covering the must-see attractions and a tour leader so you can soak in all the local history.

Travel this way and you'll benefit from meeting like-minded travellers. You'll also have the peace of mind that your accommodation, transport, activities, and some meals are included in your tour. 

• Check out these guided small group tours of Scandinavia
• Related:  7 brilliant reasons to go on a European group tour

What is the best itinerary for a tour of the Scandinavian capitals?

Day 1:  Start in Sweden's capital, Stockholm, and explore the city centre. Why not wander along the shopping street Drottninggatan and dine in the district of Östermalm?

Day 2:  Today, explore Stockholm’s Old Town (Gamla Stan) and find your way through the colourful buildings to the Royal Palace, the Stockholm Cathedral and the Nobel Museum.

Day 3:  Next, board a train to Denmark's capital, Copenhagen. This is an easy half-day ride across the forests and fields of Sweden. You’ll arrive with enough time in the afternoon to enjoy visiting attractions like the Amalienborg Palace.

Day 4:  Get to grips with Copenhagen’s charms on a tour with a local guide. You'll check out the  Tivoli Gardens amusement park and go on a canal cruise to the impressive Christiansborg Palace. If you’re a foodie, don't miss a stop at the Torvehallerne food market.

Day 5:  Spend your morning in Copenhagen enjoying the photogenic Nyhavn harbour, then head over to snap a pic of the fairytale heroine and icon of the city: The Little Mermaid. Later, board your ship as you’re off to Oslo, Norway's capital.

• Visit the capital cities with one of these Scandinavian Triangle packages
• Related:  Ultimate Scandinavia guide – The best times and places to visit

Day 6: Once in Oslo , tour the top attractions like the Royal Palace and Akershus fortress . 

Day 7:  A week in, and you should be ready for what is considered to be one of the best train journeys in the world: Oslo to Flåm. Along the Flåm Railway , you will be taken through Norway’s mountainous region.

Day 8:  From Flåm , you will bear witness to the majesty of Norway’s fjords by sailing along Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord , the narrowest fjord in the world. In the evening, hop on a train to Bergen.

Day 9:  Whilst Bergen is not as famous as the capitals of this list, it is a stunning city worth the detour. It makes for a perfect day of exploring thanks to its mountainous surroundings and UNESCO-listed medieval wharf, Bryggen .

Day 10:  Explore more of Bergen before flying home. You could take the funicular railway to Mount Fløyen for an incredible view of Bergen’s surrounding fjords, and then maybe take in the bustling Fish Market.

2. Cruise around Scandinavia and the Baltics

Best Scandinavian tour for:  a multi-country cruise adventure and taste of the Baltics.

The Baltic Sea is inextricably tied to Scandinavia, and some of the most magnificent cities in Northern Europe perch on its shores. Enjoy the grand Baltic capitals of Helsinki and Tallinn, before seeing the dramatic beauty of Norway, Sweden and Denmark by train and ferry.

This kind of itinerary is ideal for anyone curious to see both the eastern and western sides of Scandinavia. Make this journey on your own, to enjoy extra free time, or join an escorted tour of the region to see the sights from a local's point of view.

• Travel on one of these cruise tours in Scandinavia
• View independent tours in Scandinavia to travel at your own pace

What is the best itinerary for a tour of Scandinavia and the Baltics?

Day 1:  Start in Finland’s lovely Helsinki, and explore the city solo. Go to the Helsinki Design District for some stylish shopping, and then try contemporary Scandinavian-Finnish cuisine at one of the many restaurants.

Day 2:  Tour Helsinki’s many attractions today, such as Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral and Finlandia Hall. Don't miss the Kauppatori central market for souvenirs and fresh food.

Day 3:  Board a ferry to Estonia’s gorgeous capital city, Tallinn. Take in the UNESCO-listed Old Town before strolling to the Upper Town (Toompea). Here you can visit Toompea Castle and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Day 4:  Make the most of your morning in Tallinn by wandering through the Russian-influenced Kadriorg district. Later, board an overnight cruise to Stockholm. Sweden is up next!

• Related:  A little something about Tallinn

Day 5:  When you wake up, you’ll be sailing through the 24,000 islands and islets that make up the Stockholm archipelago. By mid-morning you’ll be in the city, where you can relax or have a day of exploration.

Day 6:  Dive into Stockholm’s contemporary side and historic district for a full glance at the city. Incorporate a side-trip to Djurgården to see the extraordinary Vasa Museum.

Day 7:  Hop on a train from Stockholm to Copenhagen and enjoy the southern landscapes of Sweden on your way. On arrival, check out the palaces and canals of the Danish capital.

Day 8:  Discover Copenhagen’s romantic Rosenborg Castle and colourful Botanical Garden. With a whole day to sightsee, you can probably fit in an afternoon trip to Christiansborg Palace.

Day 9:  Catch sight of The Little Mermaid poking her head above Copenhagen’s shores and spend a little more time wandering along Nyhavn harbour. At the end of the day, leave behind the fairy tales of Denmark and set sail for the home of Norse legends, Norway.

Day 10:  Step onto Oslo’s cobbled streets for your first taste of Norwegian culture and history. Explore Akershus fortress and the fascinating Vigeland Sculpture Park .

• Learn more on one of these culture and history tours in Scandinavia
• Related: Best cities in Scandinavia to visit

Day 11:  A trip to Norway isn't complete without a look at its lofty interior: Norway’s mountainous "rooftop". Board the train from Oslo to Flåm, and see quaint villages like Gol and Geilo along the way.

Day 12:  From Flåm you can travel on a boat tour, where you will be treated to the wonderful fjord scenery of the Aurlandsfjord and the UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord. Then board a train for Bergen.

Day 13:  Bergen, also known as the "Gateway to the Fjords", has a medieval city core you can explore called Bryggen. This is a perfect window into the city’s past, and if you have time, you could also visit the Fantoft Stave Church.

Day 14:  Your Scandinavian and Baltic break is now done. Spend your morning relaxing in Bergen before flying home.

3. Head into the Arctic Circle in winter

Best Scandinavian tour for:  a memorable winter getaway and Arctic adventure.

The Arctic Circle is a land of wonder – home to polar bears, reindeer, sled dogs, killer whales, the northern lights and even Santa Claus. Especially in Northern Norway, the landscape is magical during the winter... like Narnia brought to life.

This itinerary is for you if you’ve always dreamed of following in the footsteps of famed explorers. It's also ideal if you're keen to hop on the back of a dog sled and race through the snow under the changing colours of the aurora borealis.

• Visit Northern Norway or explore these  winter tour packages of Scandinavia
• Related:  Scandinavia in winter – What to do & where to go

What is the best itinerary for a winter tour of the Arctic Circle?

Day 1:  Oslo is your first stop. Explore some of the cultural highlights, such as the Norske Folkemuseum, before departing for the northern fjords.

Day 2: After a city break in Oslo, you're now flying   up to pretty  Tromsø , considered the capital of Arctic Norway. Keep your eyes peeled on the sky as Tromsø is prime northern lights spotting territory!

Day 3:  Explore Tromsø and see attractions like the Polar Museum and the Arctic Cathedral. Or take the Fjellheisen cable car to Mount Storsteinen for sweeping views of the scenery. In the evening, hop aboard a cruise ship bound for Kirkenes .

Day 4:  On this cruise, you’ll head for the North Cape (Nordkapp) , famed for its landscape and wildlife. You could have the chance to see whales, dolphins and the aurora borealis all from the deck of the ship.

Day 5:  At Kirkenes, deep in the Arctic Circle, you can spend a night in the incredible Kirkenes SnowHotel . Whilst here, book a snowmobile safari and learn about the traditions of the native Sami people.

Day 6:  Wake up with a warming stint in the sauna before embracing more of the winter sports on offer here, such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding.

Day 7:  Enjoy the last of the beautiful winter light and landscapes before heading home.

• View these ice and snow hotel packages in Norway
• Related: Your guide to the Nordic ice hotels

4. Take the wheel of a Scandinavian road trip

Best Scandinavian tour for:  exploring at a slower pace and stopping when and where you want to.

Road trips are one of the best ways to get to know a country or region. If you really want to experience the beauty of Scandinavia at your own pace, there are few better ways than hitting the open road.

With this self-drive itinerary, you can take your time and make the most of the incredible scenery of Sweden, Denmark and Norway. All that while taking advantage of parking the car as you wish to tour the towns of Scandinavia on foot.

• Take the wheel of your own road trip with one of these self-drive tours in Scandinavia
• Related:  2-week road trips through Scandinavia – Your guide

What is the best itinerary for a self-drive tour of Scandinavia?

Day 1:  Kick off your tour in Stockholm by strolling around the Södermalm neighbourhood of Sweden’s capital, where you can shop and dine in style.

Day 2:  Spend another day exploring Stockholm. Sightsee around the Old Town and Djurgården, where many of the city’s finest museums are located.

Day 3:  Pick up your car and head north to Borlänge. On the way, stop off at Enköping, where you can see Grönsö Castle and some rock carvings from the Viking age. Driving distance: 230 kilometres (143 miles).

Day 4:  Before departing Borlänge, make time for the fascinating Gammelgården open-air museum. Then drive through the mountains towards the Norwegian border, to the UNESCO-listed town of Røros . Driving distance: 415  kilometres  (258 miles).

Day 5:  Today, drive to Lom, passing through 2 national parks, Dovrefjell and Rondane. Later, take advantage of the outdoor activities in the  Jotunheimen National Park . Driving distance: 315  kilometres  (196 miles).

• Browse  family trips in Scandinavia

Day 6:  There are a few different routes from Lom to the Sogndal region: the Sognefjell route, the Strynefjell route and the Geiranger route. All offer breathtaking scenery of the fjords, so you just have to choose your favourite route. Driving distance: 135 kilometres (84 miles), 290 kilometres (180 miles) and 340 kilometres (211 miles), respectively.

Day 7:  Drive from Sogndal to Bergen, "the fjord capital", and see quaint fishing villages like Aurland and Flåm on your way. Driving distance: 240  kilometres  (149 miles).

Day 8:  Spend some time exploring Bergen’s historical treasures, such as the medieval Bryggen. Then drive east passing through Hardangervidda National Park before stopping in Geilo.  Driving distance: 240  kilometres  (149 miles).

Day 9:  From Geilo, wind your way through the Hallingdal Valley to Oslo. Once in the Norway capital, explore attractions like the Oslo Opera House.  Driving distance: 240  kilometres  (149 miles).

Day 10:  After a morning in Oslo, cross back into Sweden and drive along the Göta älv River to Gothenburg. Don’t forget to see the Bohus Fortress, set just north of the city. Driving distance: 325  kilometres  (202 miles).

• Check out these summer tours in Scandinavia

Day 11:  Today, you’ll drive south to Copenhagen, the Danish capital. In Sweden's pretty Helsingborg, you can take a 20-minute ferry to Helsingør in Denmark. On the way to Copenhagen, drop by Kronborg Castle, the home of Shakespeare's Hamlet . Driving distance: 270  kilometres  (168 miles).

Day 12:  You have the full day to explore the highlights of royal Copenhagen.

Day 13:  After final goodbyes to Denmark, drive over the Öresund Bridge back to Sweden. Keep an eye out for Glimmingehus, a medieval manor, and the Stenshuvud National Park.  Driving distance: 300  kilometres  (186 miles).

Day 14:  Explore the Kingdom of Crystal (Glasriket) , known for its famous glassworks, and pick up a souvenir. Then, stop in Linköping to visit the Old Linköping open-air museum for an insight into the region’s past. Driving distance: 225  kilometres  (140 miles).

Day 15:  Head back to Stockholm by way of the quaint seaside town of Trosa, which is home to the 18th-century Tullgarn Castle. Driving distance: 200  kilometres  (124 miles).

Day 16:  On your last day, return the car and enjoy your last few hours in Stockholm before you depart.

5. Chase the northern lights in Scandinavia

Best Scandinavian tour for:  a winter adventure and witnessing the auroras.

If seeing the northern lights is on your bucket list, Northern Norway is for you. It is an ideal destination for glimpsing the aurora borealis as they illuminate the night sky.

Northern Scandinavia is also the place to discover incredible Arctic wildlife, experience a stay in a snow hotel, enjoy winter sports and meet the native Sami people that call this part of the world home.

You can live out your wildest winter wonderland fantasies here. For a tour like this, we recommend you plan for at least 5-7 days to give you ample time to catch the mythical northern lights before you depart.

• Check out these  northern lights tours in Norway
• Related:  Best time and place to see northern lights in Norway

What is the best itinerary for a northern lights tour in Scandinavia?

Day 1:  Arrive in Tromsø, the “Capital of the North”. Set within the Arctic Circle, you're in for a true northern experience. In the evening, go on a guided tour into the wilderness, where you will hear about the local Sami folklore and hopefully see the blush of the aurora borealis.

Day 2: Spend the day taking   full advantage of your Arctic location and go on a dog sled tour through the pristine snowscapes of Tromsø.

Day 3:  Save this day for touring Tromsø itself. Duck into attractions like the Polar Museum and the Art Museum of Northern Norway. If you want more action, go cross-country skiing, ice fishing or take a cable car up to Mount Storsteinen.

Day 4:  If dog sledding kicked up the adrenalin, then you’ll be blown away by a private tour snowmobiling through the Arctic wilderness. A guide will lead you safely through some of the area’s most spectacular spots.

Day 5:  Relax in the morning, because tonight you're going on an evening cruise. This is a stellar opportunity to see the small villages that decorate the surrounding fjords and catch sight of a northern lights show.

Day 6:  Soak in the crisp air and Arctic tranquillity before heading home.

6. Explore Norway onboard iconic train journeys

Best Scandinavian tour for:  a taste of everything and enjoying the view from the window.

Go back to another time, when hopping on a train was the only way to travel. Crossing a country by rail is undeniably romantic, and Norway happens to be home to the Flåm Railway, considered to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.

If you love the idea of watching the scenery of Norway unfold before you from a train window, but would like to also experience sailing along the Norwegian fjords, then this tour was made for you.

• Enjoy the view from the window with one of these train trips around Scandinavia
• Related: Romantic trip ideas for Norway

What is the best itinerary for a train tour of Norway?

Day 1:  Get excited for your tour of Norway, starting off in Oslo. Spend some time exploring some of its best attractions, like the Munch Museum and Aker Brygge .

Day 2:  One day in Oslo is not quite enough to cross off all of the capital’s stunning sights. If you missed them the day before, go see the beautiful Vigeland Sculpture Park or the Royal Palace.

Day 3:  Today your train tour kicks off in earnest: hop on the Norway in a Nutshell® train journey towards Bergen. Along the way, you'll be taken over the mountainous “rooftop” of Norway. Once you get to Myrdal, switch to the  Flåm Railway for the remarkable ride to Flåm.

Day 4:  Take this day to explore Flåm and its surroundings. You could enjoy a fjord safari or kayaking tour.

Day 5:  The highlight today is a short cruise through two of the most breathtaking fjords of Norway: Aurlandsfjord and the UNESCO-listed  Nærøyfjord . Then hop on another train to Bergen.

Day 6:  Tour Bergen, starting in Bryggen, its medieval centre, and then heading up Mount Fløyen on the Fløibanen funicular , for jaw-dropping views of the city.

Day 7:  Your week-long Norwegian adventure is now over. Time to depart Bergen for home, and make all your friends jealous with your photos.

• Check out  Norway in a Nutshell train tours from Oslo
• Related:  Why Bergen’s called the gateway to Norway’s fjords

7. Go on a Havila or Hurtigruten cruise

Best Scandinavian tour for:  seeing the fjords and taking in the sea air.

We could not, in all good conscience, write a list of the best Scandinavian tours without covering a cruise along the Norwegian coast and into the fjords of Norway. If you’re looking for a guided tour in Scandinavia, you can’t do much better.

On this classic itinerary, you would spend about 10 days bobbing along the undulating coastline of Norway, past sites such as Sognefjord , the Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil . Best of all, you can hop on and off and experience treasures on shore like the city of Ålesund .

Oh, and did we mention there's train travel as well? That's right, on this route you also enjoy a trip on the wondrous Flåm Railway.

• Browse  Norway fjord cruise and train packages
• Or these  Hurtigruten cruises and coastal tours in Norway

What is the best itinerary for a tour of the Norwegian fjords?

Day 1:  Arrive in Oslo and enjoy a walking tour of the city, covering the Royal Palace, Akershus fortress, Oslo City Hall and the Oslo Opera House .

Day 2:  In the morning, hop on a train to  Trondheim , which takes you over the Dovre mountain plateau. When you arrive, don't miss the Nidaros Cathedral and the Ringve Museum and botanical garden.

Day 3:  Embrace the maritime pastime of Norway by setting sail along the scenic Trondheim Fjord. You’ll pass Hitra Island, Kristiansund and Molde , before docking in the historic city of Ålesund.

Day 4:  Take some time to explore Ålesund  and discover its Art Nouveau architecture. You could pop by the Atlantic Sea Park and the Fjellstua mountain viewpoint.

Day 5:  On this day, the fjords truly take centre stage. As you sail towards Geirangerfjord , you’ll be able to see the soaring mountains and dramatic waterfalls of the region, including the famed Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil. In the evening, return to Ålesund.

Day 6:  From Ålesund, head down to Bergen. You can spend time by the old wharf of Bryggen, an important heritage site in the city.

Day 7:  You have another day in Bergen. Head to the Edvard Grieg Museum or take in the spectacular panoramic views from Mount Fløyen.

Day 8:  Depart from Bergen travelling all the way to Voss. Then you'll embark on a short fjord cruise to Flåm, and see the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, the narrowest fjord in all of Europe.

Day 9:  In Flåm you can explore and hike around the village. Later, you'll take on the glorious Flåm Railway trip, a 900-metre (3,000 feet), picture-perfect ride up to Myrdal Station. Here, you’ll change trains, and be taken over the magnificent mountainous terrain of Norway, all the way to Oslo.

Day 10:  You’ve arrived, and there’s nothing more to do except enjoy a Norwegian smørrebrød  (an open-faced sandwich invented by the Danes) before departing for home.

Which of these trips would you choose? Found one that inspires you?

Remember these are just some of the possibilities to travel across Scandinavia. And if you’re not sure where to start, browse our Scandinavia tour packages . They are tried-and-tested routes crafted by local experts based in Stockholm, Sweden.

You could also get in touch with the experts and ask for their advice. They can tailor an itinerary to fit your interests and preferences.

When you book with Nordic Visitor, you’re in good hands. We plan your route and arrange your accommodation, transportation and activities, all before you arrive. That means you can relax and focus on enjoying your adventure!

Get in touch with Nordic Visitor  when you’re ready to start planning your Scandinavian escape.

Greg Perkins is from Edinburgh, Scotland, but he adopted Iceland as his second country when Scotland (typically) managed not to qualify for football's Euro 2016 tournament. His passions include travel, English literature, and board games. Among his top travel experiences are sailing along Geirangerfjord with classically trained singers providing the soundtrack, seeing Sólheimajökull glacier up close in South Iceland, and witnessing the unspoiled beauty of New Zealand's Doubtful Sound fjord.

Find Greg on LinkedIn .

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

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This Luxury Train Journey Is Now Going Deeper Into The Arctic Circle’s Northern Landscapes

Up norway now lets guests add a three-night extension to experience the ofoten railway, a luxury train journey to the arctic circle..

By: Rachel Chang Published: Sep 06, 2023 10:00 AM UTC

It’s now possible to take a trio of stunning Norwegian train rides all on one luxury trip. Sustainable upscale tour company Up Norway is offering an extension on its already stunning Arctic Circle Express tour. It allows travellers to go even further north to Lofoten and Narvik, and experience the Ofoten Line ( Ofotbanen ) — one of the nation’s standout railways in addition to Flåm and Rauma, both also on the itinerary.

This luxury train journey is a part of the stunning Arctic Circle Express tour

“This enhanced 15-night itinerary invites discerning travellers to embark on an immersive adventure through Norway ‘s captivating Northern landscapes, unveiling hidden gems and rich cultural experiences along the way,” the company said in a release provided to Travel + Leisure . “In Lofoten, with the added trip extension, travellers can enjoy remote villages, a dramatic scenic route, adrenaline-pumping arctic surfing, and international art collections.”

Travellers will then head to Narvik for a private tour of a World War II museum and ride the Narvikfjellet Cable Car with panoramic views of the city, fjords, and mountains. But the highlight is riding the Ofoten railway itself. “Referred to as The Arctic Train, this railway line traverses Norway’s stunning fjords and mountains through a rugged and untamed landscape from Narvik towards Sweden,” Up Norway said on its site.

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The new extension latches onto the end of Up Norway’s existing 11-night trip that runs from May through September, starting in Oslo and taking the Oslo-Bergen Railway to the Flåm Railway. The latter is not just the steepest line on the continent, but one of the most spectacular travelling through different microclimates and endless gasp-worthy viewpoints.

After visits to Bergen and Ålesund, it’s then time to board the Rauma Railway from Åndalsnes to Dombås. There will then be a time in Trondheim before getting on the Nordland Railway, which is nicknamed The Polar Express since it crosses the Arctic Circle into Bodø — which is slated to be one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2024 , along with Austria’s Bad Ischi and Estonia’s Tartu.

Along the way, the accommodations range from boutique stays to those in a traditional fisherman’s cabin. Staring for 2024 departures, there’s also the chance to stay in Narvikfjellet Mountains’ Basecamp Narvik .

Every step of the journey is carefully curated by the team at Up Norway, starting with a pre-trip digital guide filled with advice, details, and around-the-clock access to chat with the team. ( T+L can especially vouch for the tours since Up Norway’s founder Torunn Tronsvang is a T+L Top Travel Advisor and Norway specialist.)

The complete journey with the new extension starts at USD 6,587 per person when booked in pairs, or USD 4,639 per person for the original 11-night version. For more details, visit upnorway.com .

Shop the best travel experiences here

(Hero and feature image credit: Kylling Bru/Leif Johnny Olestead)

All currency conversions were done at the time of writing

This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com

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El Travel Elect Pvt. Ltd

Russia & Scandinavia 13N / 14D Tour

13 Nights / 14 Days

https://www.tourtravelworld.com/packages/russia-scandinavia-13n-14d-tour-56031.html INR 0 Offered by : El Travel Elect Pvt. Ltd https://www.tourtravelworld.com/packages/russia-scandinavia-13n-14d-tour-56031.html 5 / 5 - 3 Reviews

Day wise Itinerary

Day 1 : Fly to Moscow

Welcome to Moscow - the capital and the largest city of Russia. On arrival, you will be met by your tour Manager / Local Representative outside the custom area who will welcome you and take you to your hotel for check -in (Check-in time is after 3.00 pm). Overnight at the hotel in Moscow.

Day 2 : Visit to the Kremlin Guided City Tour of Moscow Enjoy a Famous Russian Circus in Moscow

After a continental breakfast, we first take you to visit the Kremlin, the very heart of Russia. Our visit to the Kremlin include Patriarch’s Palace, Terem Palace and Cathedral Square, which houses many churches with exquisite golden domes. Later, on a city tour of Moscow, we visit the world famous Red Square. Next, see Leo Tolstoy Street, Triumphal Arch, White House, Arbat Square, Boulevard Ring, Tverskaya Street and Manezh Square. Later, visit the Metro station of Moscow often called ‘the people’s palaces’, for their elegant designs, lavish and profuse use of marble, mosaics, sculptures and chandeliers. As a grand finale of your Moscow experience, enjoy a performance at the famous Russian Circus. Overnight at the hotel in Moscow.

Day 3 : High - Speed Train to St. Petersburg Guided City Tour of St. Petersburg Visit to St. Isaac’s Cathe

After a continental breakfast, we check out and proceed to the train station for our High Speed train to St. Petersburg. On arrival proceed to a restaurant for a breakfast. Later, we take you on a guided city tour of St. Petersburg, known as ‘Northern Venice’. We drive along the ‘Great Perspective’ famous today as Nevsky Prospect, lined with marble palaces of Russian royalty and aristocracy. Visit Issac’s Cathedral - the main church of the Russian Empire. Later, visit to The Peter and Paul Fortress - the original citadel of St. Petersburg, Russia, founded by Peter the Great in 1703 and built to Domenico Trezzini’s designs from 1706-1740. Later, we proceed to the hotel for your check-in. Overnight at the hotel in St. Petersburg.

Day 4 : Visit Catherine Palace & Park at Pushkin Visit to Hermitage Museum Visit to a Russian Folklore show

After a continental breakfast, we proceed to Catherine Palace. See the spacious airy ballroom, the "Grand Hall" or the "Hall of Lights", with a spectacular painted ceiling, and comprises numerous distinctively decorated smaller rooms, including the reproduced Amber Room. As we enter the palace, we can sense the spirit of the times of Empresses Elizabeth and Catherine II and admire unique works of fine and applied art. St. Petersburg Next, we proceed to visit the Hermitage Museum. The gigantic collection of nearly three million objects of the Heritage Museum, ranked as one of the world’s major museums. Tonight, we discover traditional Russian dance and music during an elegant reception at the Russian Folklore show. Overnight at the hotel in St. Petersburg.

Day 5 : Fly to Helsinki

Begin your ‘All of Scandinavia’ Tour. Welcome to Helsinki - the capital Finland. On arrival, you will be met by your Tour Manager / Local Representative outside the customs area, who will welcome you and take you to your hotel (Check-in time is after 3.00 pm). Overnight at the hotel in Helsinki.

Day 6 : Guided City Tour of Helsinki Visit to Helsinki Cathedral and Uspensky Cathedral Overnight Ferry

After a buffet breakfast, we check out of the hotel and proceed on a guided city tour of Helsinki. See the important and interesting parts of Helsinki - Presidential Palace, Lutheran Church, Senate Square, Opera House and Sibelius Park. Later, we visit to Helsinki Cathedral & Uspenski cathedral. Helsinki cathedral is an Evangelic Lutheran church, and for many it is the symbol of Helsinki and The Uspenski Cathedral is a Russian Orthodox cathedral on the Katajanokka peninsula in Helsinki. It is the largest Orthodox church in western Europe. Later, we board the Overnight Ferry to Stockholm. Overnight on board the Ferry (Sea View Cabin).

Day 7 : Arrive into Stockholm Guided City Tour of Stockholm Visit to the Vasa Museum and Royal Palace

After a buffet breakfast, we disembark our Ferry and proceed on a guided city tour of Stockholm. Welcome to Stockholm - the Capital and largest city of capital of Sweden. Built on 14 Islands, you are never far from the water in Stockholm. See the City Hall, Opera House and Alfred Nobel’s House. Next, we proceed to visit the famous Vasa Museum - Sweden’s most visited museum enshrining the warship Vasa, sunk inside Stockholm harbour while on her maiden voyage in 1628. The ship was built to the order of the great Vasa king, Gustavus Adolphus, and was the most powerful war galleon. Later, we visit Royal Palace home of the Swedish royal family. The Palace houses several of the greatest and most interesting sights in Stockholm - the Royal Apartments, the Hall of State and much more. Overnight at the hotel in Stockholm.

Day 8 : Visit Skansen Open Air Museum with Zoo Visit to The Stockholm City Hall

After a buffet breakfast, we proceed to Skansen Open Air Museum. At Skansen you can learn about traditional crafts and traditions. This is the place to visit historic Sweden in miniature. 150 farms and dwellings from different parts of the country were disassembled and transported here. You’ll find charming town districts with glass blowing, pottery, a tinsmith’s workshop and a bakery, a goldcolored manor house, the Skogaholm manor house, the beautiful eighteenth-century Seglora wooden church and the The museum shop is a must for fans of traditional handicrafts. There is also a terrarium, a monkey house and a children’s zoo. It is primarily the Scandinavian animal world that is represented here, with Swedish native breeds and Nordic wild animals such as bears, wolves, seals and moose. Later, visit to the Stockholm City Hall - one of Sweden’s most famous buildings. It houses officesfor 200 people including the Municipal Council, and is also famous for its grand ceremonial halls and unique art pieces. The Stockholm City Hall is the venue of the Nobel Prize banquet held on 10 December each year. Overnight at the hotel in Stockholm.

Day 9 : Flight to Bergen Guided City Tour of Bergen Experience the Fløibanen Funicular Ride in Bergen

After a buffet breakfast, we check-out of the hotel and drive to the airport for your flight to Bergen. Bergen is located in the county of Hordaland on the southwestern coast of Norway. Its city center is situated among a group of mountains known as "De Syv Fjell" and it is the second largest city in Norway. On arrival, we begin our guided panoramic city tour of Bergen, including a visit to the popular Fish and Flower Market, the famous Bryggen Harbour with its gabled houses, and the old Hanseatic Quarter. Later, we proceed to The Floibanen Funicular in Bergen which is one of the most popular attractions in all of Norway. The funicular ride up to the top of Floyen mountain (320 meters above sea level) takes 5-6 minutes. The ride itself is spectacular and the views of Bergen only improve the closer you get to the top. Once at the top of the funicular, you can choose from a vast number of hikes over the mountain. There is also a café and restaurant with breathtaking views. Overnight at the hotel in Bergen.

Day 10 : Onto Gudvangen Cruise on Sogenefjord to Flam Enjoy Scenic Flamsbana train Ride Flam - Myrdal - Flam

After a buffet breakfast, we check-out of the hotel and drive to Gudvangen to take a leisurely Cruise on one of the Norway’s most famous and splendid Fjords, the Sognefjord to Flam. Upon arrival, soak in the spectacular natural beauty, peace and harmony. We, then transfer you to the Flam railway station to board Scenic Flamsbana train to enjoy the most beautiful train journey in the world Flam - Myrdal - Flam. This train ride will give you the breathtaking experience of Norway. See the magnificent Kjosfossen Waterfall. On arrival, join your coach and drive to Oslo - located at the end of a 100 kilometre long fjord and surrounded by green hills and a vast forest area. It is the capital and largest city of Norway. Overnight at the hotel in Oslo.

Day 11 : Guided City Tour of Oslo Visit Vigeland Park and Viking Museum

After a buffet breakfast, we proceed on a guided city tour of Oslo. See Parliament Square, National Galleries, Karl Johan shopping street, Royal Palace and Akershus Castle, The Norwegian Defence Museum, City Hall and visit Vigeland Park. Later, we visit the Viking Ship Museum. It displays the Viking Age Oseberg ship, Gokstad ship and Tune ship. Overnight at the hotel in Oslo.

Day 12 : Orientation Tour of Malmo Drive to Copenhagen across the Famous Öresund Bridge

After a buffet breakfast, we check-out of the hotel and drive to Copenhagen. En-route we bypass the cities of Gothenburg and Malmo in Sweden. On reaching Sweden’s third largest city Malmo, we proceed on Orientation tour of Malmo city. See Sankt Petri church, Malmo Opera & Music theater, Gustav Adolf square and City hall. Later we drive on the Öresund bridge. The 16 km bridge and tunnel links, Malmö with Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen the capital and largest city of Denmark. It is situated on the Islands of Zealand and Amager. On arrival we check into the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Copenhagen.

Day 13 : Guided City Tour of Copenhagen Visit to Carlsberg Brewery Visit to Tivoli Garden

After a buffet breakfast, we proceed for a guided city tour of Copenhagen which reveals impressive sights such as the Renaissance Stock Exchange, Christians borg Palace, Amalien borg Palace and Danish Parliament. Also see the ‘Little Mermaid’ the national symbol of Denmark, the statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s sad fairytale. Next, we visit the famous Carlsberg Brewery, The 10.000 m²Visitors Center is located within the buildings of the original brewery founded in 1847. One of the Nordic region’s oldest breweries with an impressive and compelling history. Experience our authentic Carlsberg brewery - and learn the fascinating history of Carlsberg and its world famous beer. Later, we proceed to visit Tivoli Garden, the famous amusement park and pleasure garden. Overnight at the hotel in Copenhagen.

Day 14 : Return Home with Wonderful Memories

After a buffet breakfast, we check out and drive to the airport for your flight back home. Its time to say goodbye to all the new friends you have made. We hope you take back many happy memories of your holiday. We would like you to spare a few minutes of your time to write and tell us how you enjoyed your holiday and any suggestions you may have for the future.

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Cancellation & Refund Policy : * Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount. * Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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Most Beautiful Metro Stations in Moscow

Visiting Moscow? Get yourself a metro card and explore Moscow’s beautiful metro stations. Moscow’s world-famous metro system is efficient and a great way to get from A to B. But there is more to it; Soviet mosaic decorations, exuberant halls with chandeliers, colourful paintings and immense statues. Moscow’s metro is an attraction itself, so take half a day and dive into Moscow’s underground!

The best thing to do is to get on the brown circle (number 5) line since the most beautiful metro stations are situated on this line. The only exception is the metro stop Mayakovskaya one the green line (number 2). My suggestion is to get a map, mark these metro stops on there and hop on the metro. It helps to get an English > Russian map to better understand the names of the stops. At some of the metro stops, the microphone voice speaks Russian and English so it’s not difficult at all.

Another thing we found out, is that it’s worth taking the escalator and explore the other corridors to discover how beautiful the full station is.

Quick hotel suggestion for Moscow is the amazing Brick Design Hotel .

These are my favourite metro stations in Moscow, in order of my personal preference:

1. Mayakovskaya Station

The metro station of Mayakovskaya looks like a ballroom! Wide arches, huge domes with lamps and mosaic works make your exit of the metro overwhelming. Look up and you will see the many colourful mosaics with typical Soviet pictures. Mayakovskaya is my personal favourite and is the only stop not on the brown line but on the green line.

2. Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya metro station is famous for its yellow ceiling. An average museum is nothing compared to this stop. Splendour all over the place, black and gold, mosaic – again – and enormous chandeliers that made my lamp at home look like a toy.

3. Novoslobodskaya Station

The pillars in the main hall of Novoslobodskaya metro station have the most colourful stained glass decorations. The golden arches and the golden mosaic with a naked lady holding a baby in front of the Soviet hammer and sickle, make the drama complete.

4. Prospect Mira Station

The beautiful chandeliers and the lines in the ceiling, make Prospekt Mira an architectural masterpiece.

5. Belorusskaya Station

Prestigious arches, octagonal shapes of Socialistic Soviet Republic mosaics. The eyecatcher of Belorusskaya metro station, however, is the enormous statue of three men with long coats, holding guns and a flag.

6. Kiyevskaya Station

The metro station of Kiyevskaya is a bit more romantic than Belorusskaya and Prospect Mira. Beautiful paintings with classical decorations.

7. Taganskaya Station

At the main hall Taganskaya metro station you will find triangle light blue and white decorations that are an ode to various Russians that – I assume – are important for Russian history and victory. There is no need to explore others halls of Taganskaya, this is it.

8. Paveletskaya Station

Another and most definitely the less beautiful outrageous huge golden mosaic covers one of the walls of Paveletskaya. I would recommend taking the escalator to the exit upstairs to admire the turquoise dome and a painting of the St Basil’s Cathedral in a wooden frame.

Travelling with Moscow’s metro is inexpensive. You can have a lot of joy for just a few Rubbles.

• 1 single journey: RMB 50 – € 0,70
• 1 day ticket: RMB 210 – € 2,95

Like to know about Moscow, travelling in Russia or the Transsiberian Train journey ? Read my other articles about Russia .

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Wow! It is beautiful. I am still dreaming of Moscow one day.

It’s absolutely beautiful! Moscow is a great city trip destination and really surprised me in many ways.

My partner and I did a self guided Moscow Metro tour when we were there 2 years ago. So many breathtaking platforms…I highly recommend it! Most of my favorites were along the Brown 5 line, as well. I also loved Mayakovskaya, Arbatskaya, Aleksandrovski Sad and Ploshchad Revolyutsii. We’re heading back in a few weeks and plan to do Metro Tour-Part 2. We hope to see the #5 stations we missed before, as well as explore some of the Dark Blue #3 (Park Pobedy and Slavyansky Bul’var, for sure), Yellow #8 and Olive #10 platforms.

That’s exciting Julia! Curious to see your Metro Tour-Part 2 experience and the stations you discovered.

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