Scandinavia by Rail, Road and Sea

This morning after breakfast we’ll meet our private expert guide and enjoy a tour of Stockholm by private coach and on foot. The extraordinary architectural styles of the impressive City Hall, home of the Nobel Prize receptions, and the mediaeval and baroque-era old town areas are highlights. 

Later, we’ll board a historic ship, the SS Drottningholm for a leisurely luncheon cruise around the islands to the Royal Palace of Drottningholm, the permanent residence of Sweden’s King and Queen. Built in the 1600s and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s considered the most well-preserved royal castle in Sweden and is representative of all European architecture for the period. The combination of the exotic Chinese Pavilion pleasure palace, the palace theatre, the spectacular art and furniture collections, and the magnificent palace gardens make a visit to Drottningholm a unique experience.

Dinner tonight is at leisure, giving you a chance to experience the array of dining options Stockholm offers.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel (B, L)

This morning is a free morning to explore the waterfront area around the hotel, wander the streets of Gamla Stan – Stockholm’s old town, or just enjoy a lie-in and a leisurely breakfast. 

At midday, we’ll board our privately chartered tram for a journey around the city on its iconic tramlines, a truly novel way of exploring any city.  

We’ll then stop for lunch at the nearby world-renowned Vasa Museum, a maritime museum dedicated to the Vasa, a 17th-century Swedish warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged in 1961. You’ll have tickets to explore the Museum at leisure after lunch, including the only almost fully intact 17th-century ship that has ever been salvaged.  The Vasa ship, commissioned by King Gustavus Adolphus, was a grand but poorly designed vessel, with too much weight in its upper structure, causing it to capsize just 1,300 metres into its first journey. Preserved by the Baltic Sea’s low salinity, the ship is remarkably intact, with 98% of its original wood still present. Exhibits include artifacts like cannons, clothing, and skeletal remains of crew members, offering insights into 17th-century naval life, shipbuilding, and the political context of the Thirty Years’ War. The museum also features a full-scale model of the Vasa’s upper deck and stories of the 30–50 people who died in the sinking.

Outside the main building, four other museum ships are moored in the harbour – the ice breaker Sankt Erik (1915), the lightvessel Finngrundet (1903), the torpedo boat Spica (1966) and the rescue boat Bernhard Ingelsson (1944), along with numerous other historical maritime collections.

Our private coach will return you to your hotel in the late afternoon, or you can ride the brilliant tram system back in your own time.  Dinner tonight is at leisure.  

Overnight: Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel (B, L)

This morning after breakfast and check out, we begin our journey into the Swedish countryside, taking our private coach for a short ride north to Marielund on the edge of the Uppsala forest for a very special treat – a journey in time on the “Lennakatten”, a heritage narrow-gauge railway, on which steam-hauled, devotedly restored coaches take you along one of Sweden’s most beautiful rail routes.   

Uppsala is renowned for its rich history, academic prestige, and vibrant cultural scene. Home to Scandinavia’s oldest university, Uppsala University, founded in 1477; Uppsala Cathedral, the tallest church in Scandinavia, and the burial place of Sweden’s early Kings and Queens; and Uppsala Castle, perched on a hill offering stunning views of the city, the city buzzes with civic pride and intellectual energy. We’ll enjoy a tour of the town before having lunch at a local restaurant. 

After lunch, we’ll say goodbye to our coach and board a cross-country train on a scenic journey to Östersund, nestled on the shores of beautiful Lake Storsjön, Sweden’s fifth largest lake. 

Dinner tonight is at the hotel. 

Overnight: Hotel Clarion Grand Östersund (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll make our way to the railway station to board the unique Inlandsbanan train, a retro diesel railcar, for a once-in-a-lifetime unique two-day journey through the heart of Sweden. Built between 1908 and 1937, the Inlandsbanan, or Inland Line, is a 1,288-kilometre scenic railway stretching from Kristinehamn in southern Sweden to Gällivare in the north, and is far more than a mode of transportation- it’s an unforgettable voyage into the heart and soul of Sweden.

This amazing journey crosses diverse landscapes, from Värmland’s forests to Swedish Lapland’s Arctic wilderness, passing lakes, rivers, and the Arctic Circle just south of Jokkmokk, and crosses the UNESCO-listed Laponian area. You’ll travel through charming small towns, dense pine, spruce, and birch forests, marshes, mountains, and have many chances to spot wildlife like reindeer, moose, or even bears and wolves. The journey is not just about the destination; it’s about the adventure along the way, with opportunities to stop and explore local attractions, such as the Sami culture, historical sites, and natural wonders. 

We’ll make various stops along the way, including Vilhelmina Norra for lunch at leisure, and arrive in Arvidsjaur, a small town in the heart of Swedish Lapland, about 110 km south of the Arctic Circle, in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer directly to our hotel and check in.

Dinner tonight will be in the hotel’s lakeside restaurant.  

Overnight: Hotel Laponia, Arvidsjaur (B, D)

Today, enjoy some free time until mid-afternoon when our train departs. Relax at the hotel or explore the town of Arvidsjaur, a vibrant hub blending Sami heritage, natural beauty, and modern industries like winter car testing. Arvidsjaur’s history stretches back thousands of years. Initially inhabited by the Sami people, who lived off fishing and hunting, archaeological evidence suggests human activity for millennia. By the 14th–15th centuries the town had become a busy trading hub for furs and skins, and this also brought the Christian missionaries. In 1607, a church was built to Christianise the Sami, and in 1757, Swedish settlers arrived. The Sami culture remains strong, with about 20 Sami families still practicing traditional reindeer herding. 

Arvidsjaur is home to the Lappstaden (Sami Town), a collection of 80 well-preserved 17th-century wooden huts, still used today by Sami families coming from the reindeer pastures into town for supplies, church services, or medical appointments, and the Hembygtsmuseet Gamla Prästgården (local history museum) showcases regional crafts and history.  We can assist with visits to both of these if you like.  

After lunch at leisure, we’ll transfer to the station to reboard the Inlandsbanan for the second stage of our journey through landscapes of crystal-clear lakes and towering forests, crossing the Arctic Circle into Lapland and the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’, and on to Gällivare. There’ll be a meal stop on the train journey to enable you to have some dinner at leisure.  Upon arrival, we’ll simply walk across the road to our hotel and check in.

If you’re keen, you might want to take the 5km by taxi up to the Dundret Summit, the peak of Dundret Mountain (Dundretberget), standing at 823 metres above sea level, to soak up the Midnight Sun and enjoy the panoramic mountain views. This stop in Gällivare is one of the few times in your life you’ll still be in broad daylight at midnight!

Overnight: Grand Hotel Lapland, Gällivare (B)

Today after breakfast, we’ll stroll across the street to the station and catch the local train to Norway. Our train glides past vast iron ore mines in northern Sweden, including Kiruna, the location of Swedish noir TV show like “Midnight Sun”, and then drops down to the Norwegian port city of Narvik via the extraordinary Ofoten Railway, literally carved into the side of a spectacular fjord. 

After checking in, we’ll visit the Museum Nord Narvik, located in the old NSB railway administration building that dates back to 1902. The museum tells the story of the construction and operation of the Ofotbanen railway, the iron ore’s long journey from Kiruna to Narvik’s ice-free harbour and further out into the world, and the development of Narvik city over more than 100 years. The museum also hosts an exhibition on the electrification of the Ofotbanen railway, and displays exhibitions from the battle of Norway, as well as the history and culture of this wild region.

After some time at leisure, we’ll head out to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Scandic Narvik Hotel, Narvik (B, D)

Narvik lies just above the Arctic Circle along the Ofotfjorden, is surrounded by dramatic fjords and towering mountains, is rich in Sami culture, and has a pivotal World War II history tied to its ice-free port. It’s history begins in the Bronze Age, with evidence of early inhabitants, including Vikings, and the indigenous Sami people, practicing reindeer herding, who were the primary settlers for centuries. Modern Narvik emerged in the 1870s as an ice-free port for exporting iron ore from Sweden’s Kiruna and Gällivare mines, as the nearest Swedish port, Luleå, was icebound in winter. During World War II, Narvik’s strategic port made it a focal point during the Norwegian Campaign. The Battles of Narvik (April–June 1940) saw intense fighting between German forces, who sought control of the iron ore route, and Allied forces (British, Norwegian, French, Polish). The battles, including major naval clashes, resulted in 34 sunken warships and significant losses. The town was heavily damaged but marked the first major Allied infantry victory of WWII.  Rebuilt after WWII devastation, Narvik remains a key port, handling 25 million tons of iron ore annually, and has emerged as a university town with a vibrant, youthful vibe and a growing tourism sector, boosted by the 2023 Netflix film Narvik. 

After a lazy breakfast, we’ll head out to visit the Narvik War Museum, which is significant to the Narvik story. The Narvik War Museum (Krigsmuseum) is a well curated, interactive museum detailing the 1940 Battles of Narvik, Norwegian resistance, and WWII’s human toll. You’ll then have a few hours of free time to explore more of Narvik at your own pace and enjoy some lunch at leisure.  You may want to explore the National Freedom Monument (1945, polished steel, 59 ft) and Peace Stone (2006, from Hiroshima’s ground zero) located near the War Museum.

Later in the afternoon we’ll take a coach tour visiting the surroundings of Narvik before heading to the Narvikfjellet Cable Car up to the top of Narvikfjellet Mountain to take in the magnificent views of the surrounding landscape before descending back to the town and dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Scandic Narvik Hotel, Narvik (B, D)

After breakfast and check out, we’ll join our private coach for a scenic journey to the charming town of Sortland to board the famous Hurtigruten for a six-hour cruise of the Lofoten Islands, sailing down to stunning Svolvaer, located on the island of Austvågøya in the Lofoten archipelago. From the comfort of this fully appointed liner, you’ll be entranced by the stunning scenery, including the astounding Troll Fjord, and understand why this is considered the most beautiful of all the Hurtigruten cruises. Apart from the astounding physical beauty of the islands, early human civilisation tells an astounding story, with evidence of human settlement extending back at least 11,000 years in Lofoten. There are numerous options on board for lunch at leisure.

After disembarking in Svolvaer, we’ll walk directly to our hotel, handily situated a short distance from the waterfront and the town square. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Nordis Hotel Lofoten or similar, Svolvaer (B, D)

This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll load our luggage into our private transport, meet our knowledgeable expert local guide and head off for an eye-opening day exploring the rich culture and striking natural landscapes of the Lofoten Islands.

Our first stop is the Lofotr Viking Museum, a historical museum dedicated to the Viking Age (c. 800–1050 CE), it was built around the archaeological discovery of the largest Viking longhouse ever found. In 1983, a farmer plowing fields in Borg uncovered remains of a Viking settlement, sparking excavations from 1986 to 1989. Archaeologists discovered a chieftain’s longhouse, dated to around 500 CE, measuring 83 metres long, 9.5 metres wide, and 9 metres high – the largest known Viking-era building in Scandinavia. 

After farewelling the Vikings, we’ll continue south through the dramatic Lofoten scenery of jagged peaks, sweeping fjords and the picturesque white-sand beaches at Ramberg. From here we drive to the fishing village of Reine, one of the most iconic locations in the islands. Framed by steep mountains and turquoise waters, Reine is a picture perfect spot for lunch. After lunch, there will be time to explore the harbour, photograph the dramatic views or simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere before continuing on to the car ferry at Moskenes, for the journey across to the busy port city of Bodø.  

After checking into our hotel, dinner tonight will be a feast at a local alehouse on the old wharf.

Overnight: Quality Ramsalt, Bodø (B, L, D)

We don’t need to be at the train station until midday, so this morning is yours to explore Bodø at your own pace. You may like to visit the Nordland Museum (Nordlandsmuseet) located in the town centre, showcasing Bodø’s 9,000-year history, from Sami culture to the herring trade and WWII; or visit Bodø Cathedral (Bodø Domkirke), a striking 1956 concrete cathedral with a 36-metre freestanding bell tower, rebuilt after WWII bombings. Its modern design and stained-glass windows are highlights. If you’re interested, your tour leader can facilitate a morning visit to the Norwegian Aviation Museum (Norsk Luftfartsmuseum), Norway’s national aviation museum, displaying military and civilian aircraft, including a U-2 spy plane and WWII Spitfires. Or you may be happy to grab a coffee and wander the city centre to see Bodø’s vibrant street murals. 

Just before midday, we’ll transfer to the railway station for the longest single train journey of this adventure – the Norland Express train to Trondheim. This 720-kilometre journey, Norway’s longest continuous train line, takes us back over the arctic circle, crosses 293 bridges, and travels through 154 tunnels. From your seats, bolstered by a well-catered cafe car, you’ll enjoy almost continuous panoramic views of beautiful, untouched wilderness, and several historic places including many World War II sites. 

Upon arrival in Trondheim at around 10.00pm, we’ll transfer directly to our hotel, the magnificent Britannia Hotel, our luxury home for the next two nights.

Overnight: Britannia Hotel, Trondheim (B) 

Trondheim, Norway’s third-largest city, has deep Viking and medieval roots. Founded in 997 CE by Viking king Olav Tryggvason as Nidaros, Trondheim was Norway’s first capital and a major trade hub. It became a religious center after Olav II (St. Olav) was martyred in 1030 at the Battle of Stiklestad, and by the 12th century, the city was the seat of the Norwegian archbishopric, hosting coronations and religious ceremonies.  After the Protestant Reformation, Trondheim’s prominence as a religious center waned, but it remained a key port for timber and fish trade, and after fires devastated the wooden city multiple times, notably in 1681, a Baroque-inspired reconstruction delivered the old city we see today.

This morning after breakfast, we’ll enjoy a short exploration by coach before taking a walking tour of the old town, including Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybro), a 1681 red wooden bridge over the Nidelva, offering postcard-worthy views of colorful wharf houses in Bakklandet; and the Bakklandet Neighborhood, a charming cobblestone district with 18th-century wooden houses, now home to boutiques, galleries and cafés and where you’ll have time have lunch at leisure. 

After, we’ll explore Trondheim’s Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s national sanctuary built over Saint Olav’s burial site. Admire its Gothic façade, medieval sculptures, rose window, and richly decorated interior steeped in nearly 1,000 years of history.

The rest of the afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore some more – you may be interested in Rockheim, Norway’s national museum of popular music, featuring interactive exhibits on Norwegian rock and pop from the 1950s to today; the Ringve Music Museum, a manor house with a collection of 2,000 musical instruments from around the world, set in a botanical garden; or take a tour through Stiftsgården, Scandinavia’s largest wooden palace (1778), and the royal residence in Trondheim.For those interested in military history, Trondheim was the largest German naval base in Northern Europe between June 1940 and May 1945 – you may like to visit the site of the German U-boat headquarters. Your tour leader and the wonderful Hotel Concierge will be only too happy to help.

Overnight: Britannia Hotel, Trondheim (B) 

This morning after breakfast and check out, we’re back on the wonderful Nordland Railway, this time to Ålesund, a picturesque coastal city renowned for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, vibrant maritime heritage, and dramatic setting along fjords and mountains.

This magical train journey snakes around lakes and rivers, climbs the ranges and traverses the wild treeless alpine plateau, again confirming Norway as one of the most beautiful countries in the world.  We’ll pause in the junction town of Dombas to have a lunch break and change trains for the breathtaking descent on the Rauma Railway and on to Åndalsnes, where we’ll be met by our private coach for the last leg of today’s journey past the lakes, waterways, and mountains of this glorious coastal region to the wonderful art nouveau city of Ålesund. 

Ålesund’s history dates back to the Viking Age, with evidence of settlements and fishing communities. By the 9th century, the nearby island of Giske was a power center for Viking chieftains like Rollo, ancestor of William the Conqueror. The town was officially founded in 1835 as a fishing port.  In January 1904, a devastating fire destroyed 80% of Ålesund’s wooden buildings, leaving 10,000 residents homeless. The city was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) style, with funding from Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, a frequent visitor. Young Norwegian architects, trained in Europe, designed over 600 colorful buildings with turrets, ornate facades, and floral motifs, making Ålesund a unique architectural gem.

After checking into our hotel, we’ll take a late afternoon walking tour of this unique town, finishing off the day with dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Overnight: Quality Waterfront Hotel, Ålesund (B, D)

This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll board our private coach for the long overland journey to Bergen. While there is a train service, it isn’t a fast one and stops at many stations, so this is the least stressful way of completing this journey.  It’s still an epic excursion but as one traveller put it, “the trip cuts through many fjords along the way, with picture postcard scenery all day. In hindsight, I can safely say it was the most scenic bus trip of my life!”  To break the journey up, there are a couple of interesting car ferry crossings, stops for regular breaks and refreshments, and of course photo stops at many awe-inspiring lookouts and views. We’ll arrive in the historic port city of Bergen in the early evening. 

Founded around 1070 by King Olav Kyrre as Bjørgvin, Bergen was a major Viking trading hub and Norway’s capital until 1299. By the 13th century, its strategic fjord location fostered trade with the Hanseatic League, a powerful German merchant network, and Bryggen, the city’s iconic wharf, became a bustling center for cod, timber, and grain trade. From 1360, the Hanseatic League dominated Bergen, establishing a Kontor (trading post) at Bryggen, and German merchants lived in tenements, shaping the city’s economy and culture. Despite fires and plagues, Bergen remained Scandinavia’s largest city until the 1830s and grew as a fishing and shipping hub, with the Bergen Railway linking it to Oslo by 1909. Fires, including in 1916, reshaped parts of the city, but Bryggen was preserved and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its row of colorful wooden Hanseatic warehouses along the Vågen harbor, dating to the 14th century.  Like so many other port cities in Norway, Bergen WWII saw German occupation, with its port used for U-boats. 

Once we’ve settled into our hotel, situated in the heart of Bryggen and our home for the next three nights, we’ll enjoy dinner at a popular local restaurant nearby.  

Overnight: Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz or similar, Bergen (B, D) 

Enjoy a lazy breakfast before setting off late morning on a nostalgic journey through Bergen’s rich transport heritage. Beginning at Holbergskaien Harbour, we’ll board a vintage bus for a scenic drive through the city, taking in the changing character of Bergen’s suburbs and the layered history of its maritime past—once one of Northern Europe’s most important seaports.

At Midttun Station, step aboard Gamle Vossbahan, a vintage steam train complete with a teak dining car, in which we’ll enjoy lunch while it runs along the original isolated Bergen railway towards the historic station at Garnes. 

After time to explore the Garnes station and soak in the atmosphere of a bygone era, we’ll return to Bergen by heritage boat. The boat we travel on will depend on which vessel is in operation – there are a number of fine examples of Norway’s long-standing tradition of coastal seafaring, but all are volunteer run and in need of maintenance from time to time, so ‘our’ boat will be the one in service on the day.  

It’s a lovely round trip that will have you back at the hotel by mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of time to explore the atmospheric surroundings of this World Heritage-listed “Wooden City”.  

Overnight: Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz or similar, Bergen (B, L)

After an early breakfast this morning, we’ll transfer to Bergen Station to begin a full-day journey through the scenic heart of western Norway.

We’ll board the morning train from Bergen to Myrdal and travel along the Bergen Line, one of Europe’s most scenic railway routes, passing through rugged fjord landscapes and isolated mountain terrain. On arrival in Myrdal, 865 metres above sea level, you’ll transfer to the famous Flåm Railway for the breathtaking descent to sea level. 

This marvel of engineering descends nearly 900 metres over a 20-kilometre stretch, connecting Flam with the mountain station of Myrdal.  As the train winds through steep mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush valleys, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views that showcase the raw beauty of Norway’s natural wonders. The Flåm Railway also offers insights into the region’s history and culture, with informative commentary about the construction of the railway and the lives of those who built it.

Upon arrival in the charming hamlet of Flam, nestled in the Aurlandsfjord, we’ll enjoy lunch followed by some free time to enjoy this little village. You may wish to visit the Flåm Railway Museum, browse local shops, or simply relax by the fjord.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll board a ferry for a two-hour cruise through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen. This narrow fjord, framed by towering cliffs and dotted with waterfalls, is considered one of Norway’s most dramatic natural settings. At Gudvangen, disembark and continue by coach for the final leg of the journey back to Bergen.

Your evening tonight is at leisure.

Overnight: Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz or similar, Bergen (B, L)

This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll embark on our last rail journey of the tour – the scenic railway from Bergen to Oslo, described as one of the most scenic routes in the world. The 500-kilometre journey takes you through endless mountains, valleys, and fjords, rising to the highest point of any railway in Norway, where the tundra landscape of lakes and glaciated plateaus is dusted with snow. We then drop down into rich agricultural land, past prosperous towns and cities, and snaking rivers all the way to the capital, arriving in Oslo in the mid-afternoon.

Our private coach will meet us at the station and transfer us to our historic hotel, located in the heart of town – the Grand Hotel Oslo. Opened in 1874, this historic 5-star hotel is renowned for its blend of elegance, tradition, and modern amenities, and is one of Norway’s most iconic hotels.  

After checking in, the rest of the afternoon and evening is free to take advantage of the facilities of the hotel and explore the vibrant area surrounding it.

Overnight: Grand Hotel, Oslo (B)

Oslo, Norway’s largest city and the home of the Nobel Peace Prize, is a historic, vibrant city nestled between the Oslofjord and forested hills. Known for its high quality of life, green spaces, and progressive urban planning, it’s also a city that balances history, innovation, and natural beauty.

This morning after breakfast,  we’ll head out on a morning tour of the city with our expert local guide. Our stops will include the stunning Oslo Opera House, a striking waterfront building that looks like it’s arising from the waters of Oslo Fjord, and where you can walk on its sloped roof; Akershus Castle and Fortress, home to several fascinating museums, including the Museum of the Resistance; and a real highlight of the morning, a guided walk through the famous Vigeland Park.

Vigeland Park is one of Oslo’s most iconic attractions and the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist. Designed by renowned Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, the park features over 200 bronze, granite, and cast iron sculptures, all vividly portraying the human form and various aspects of the human experience. Marvel at the intricate details of famous pieces such as the towering Monolith, which stands 14 metres tall and is composed of 121 intertwined human figures, and the strikingly expressive Sinnataggen, affectionately known as The Angry Boy.  

From here, you’re free to stay in the park, enjoy lunch on your own around the trendy Radhusgata, or  explore more of Oslo, returning to the hotel at leisure. You might be interested in the Viking Ship Museum, showcasing ancient maritime history, or the Munch Museum, dedicated to the iconic works of Edvard Munch and home to the famous ‘The Scream’. Or you may like to stroll Oslo’s waterfront, with its modern architecture, bustling harbor, and scenic promenades. All this is in easy reach of the hotel.

This evening we’ll gather together for a celebratory farewell dinner to look back on our time together.  

Overnight: Grand Hotel, Oslo (B, D)

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. The airport bus or fast airport train both leave from close to the hotel, or if you’re staying on and just can’t resist another train journey, the main railway station is just down the road.

(B)