Essential Scandinavia

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Essential Scandinavia
Essential Scandinavia
Essential Scandinavia
Essential Scandinavia
Essential Scandinavia
Essential Scandinavia
Essential Scandinavia
Essential Scandinavia
Essential Scandinavia
Essential Scandinavia
Essential Scandinavia
Essential Scandinavia
Essential Scandinavia
Essential Scandinavia
Essential Scandinavia
Essential Scandinavia
Essential Scandinavia
Essential Scandinavia
9 Days
From AUD $1950
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating

Essential Scandinavia

Essential Scandinavia

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
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Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

See the essential sites and cities of Scandinavia in Northern Europe with this nine-day adventure through Denmark, Sweden and Finland.

Highlights

  • Take some time away from the city with a day trip to Donso Island in the archipelago of Gothenburg. Head out on a walk with your leader on one of the nature trails, looking out for birds, enjoying coastal views and taking photos of some iconic Swedish sights.
  • Sweat the day away at a relaxing Finnish sauna – a quintessential experience in Helsinki and known as one of the key experiences to happiness – and maybe take a quick refreshing dip in the Baltic Sea!
  • Tick trendy Copenhagen off your bucket list and wander the colourful houses, then explore Copenhill and learn about their sustainability efforts while taking in the views of the city from above.
  • Head out on a pub crawl in Gothenburg – what walkable city doesn’t get better when the sun goes down? Enjoy a couple of drinks with new friends and explore the nightlife of Sweden's second-largest city.
  • Choose your own adventure with heaps of free time to customise your trip however you like – maybe rent bikes and cycle through the cities, see museums and soak up the history, art and culture, or cafe hop to sample some local delicacies.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Train,Tram,Boat,Bus

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Copenhagen, Denmark

Finishes

Helsinki, Denmark

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Copenhagen
Velkomst! Welcome to Denmark. Your adventure kicks off in colourful Copenhagen with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, which is highly recommended, why not visit the pastel waterfront houses in the Nyhavn area (and grab the iconic I’m-in-Scandinavia-pic), drop in at an industrial bar for a drink or stroll around the famous Tivoli Gardens – home to the world's oldest rollercoaster. Maybe venture into the Freetown of Christiania – a self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood that has been the source of controversy since 1972, when squatters took over a former military area. After your meeting tonight, maybe head out for an optional welcome dinner with your local leader.

Accommodation:

  • Hostel (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Copenhagen
Head out on an orientation walk this morning and get to know the area. You’ll then have some free time to explore – maybe hire a bike or stroll along the harbour. See the Little Mermaid statue and maybe sit by the seaside while you have lunch with her. You can head out to the classicist palaces of 18th-century Amalienborg – the main residence of the Danish Royal family – or visit Frederik's Church, the Court House, the National Museum or the Christiansborg Palace. Later this afternoon, rejoin your group and head to Copenhill for a guided tour. This artificial ski slope sits on the roof of a modern energy plant and is used for hiking, climbing, skiing, sledding and rooftop views. You’ll learn how they combine heat and power at this waste-to-energy plant, then you have the option to join your leader for dinner at Reffen – the largest street food market in the Nordics, full of delicious food, local music and craft beers.

Included Activities:

  • Copenhagen - Copenhill Guided Tour
  • Copenhagen - Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:

  • Copenhagen - National Museum of Denmark (130 DKK)
  • Copenhagen - Christiansborg Palace (215 DKK)
  • Copenhagen - Glyptotek Art Museum (125 DKK)
  • Copenhagen - The Round Tower (40 DKK)
  • Copenhagen - Amalienborg Palace (95 DKK)
  • Copenhagen - Botanical Garden - Free
  • Copenhagen - Little Mermaid - Free
  • Copenhagen - Tivoli Gardens (160 DKK)

Accommodation:

  • Hostel (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Gothenburg
Take the train to Gothenburg today – Sweden's second-largest city, Gothenburg is known for its trendy neighbourhoods, seafood restaurants, vibrant cultural mix and world-class craft beer scene. When you arrive, you’ll have a free afternoon to maybe take a paddan boat tour through the canals and see the city from the waterways. You might also like to check out the World of Volvo Museum or the Aeroseum – this Cold War museum sits within a subterranean hangar and features historic aircraft and a flight simulator. Later tonight, meet back up with your leader for a classic pub crawl for a couple of drinks.

Included Activities:

  • Gothenburg - Pub Crawl

Optional Activities:

  • Gothenburg - Paddan Boat Tour (260 SEK)
  • Gothenburg - Aeroseum (130 SEK)
  • Gothenburg - World of Volvo Museum (225 SEK)

Accommodation:

  • Bed and Breakfast (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Gothenburg
Today, hop on public transport to the ferry terminal, then travel to Donso Island – one of the most popular islands among locals here. This little island is home to lots of hidden beaches, swimming spots for summer and the classic little red houses you’d expect from a small Swedish town. When you arrive, you’ll head out on a hike to soak in some of the landscape. Enjoy the scenic walk through woodlands and viewpoints of the archipelago. This walk can be extended, depending on the desires of the group. Tonight is a free night back in Gothenburg.

Included Activities:

  • Donso Island - Nature Trail
  • Donso Island - Day Trip

Accommodation:

  • Bed and Breakfast (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Stockholm
Take the train to Stockholm – often referred to as the 'Venice of the North' and arguably Scandinavia's most beautiful city. Stockholm is packed with amazing architecture, leafy parks and clear waters. When you arrive, you’ll join your leader for an orientation walk, strolling by the narrow cobblestone streets and colourful merchant houses. You’ll then be introduced to the delicious art of Swedish Fika – enjoying a cup of coffee or tea with something sweet, often with friends or family. More than just coffee and cake, this practice is believed to promote social wellbeing, mindfulness and the enjoyment of life. Tonight, maybe head to Stockholm's Sodermalm district – the inner-city island with the best nightlife.

Included Activities:

  • Stockholm - Orientation Walk
  • Stockholm - Swedish Fika

Accommodation:

  • Hostel (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Stockholm
Today is a free day to explore Stockholm at your own pace. Maybe grab a cinnamon roll in Stockholm’s oldest café – Sundbergs Konditori in Jarntorget Square – dating back to 1785. You could take a self-guided millennium walking tour or visit the ABBA Museum. Maybe take a trip to Drottningholm Palace – the residence of the Swedish royal family – or head to the Nobel Prize Museum, the Vasa Museum or the Nordic Museum. If you’re not sure what to check out today, your leader will always be on hand with some tips! Tonight, maybe sit down at one of the restaurants on the cobblestoned islet of Gamla Stan or in Kungsholmen.

Optional Activities:

  • Stockholm - Wooden Bike Tour (seasonal) (500 SEK)
  • Stockholm - Nordic Museum (170 SEK)
  • Stockholm - Gröna Lund Amusement Park (130 SEK)
  • Stockholm - Nobel Prize Museum (140 SEK)
  • Stockholm - Vasa Museum (220 SEK)
  • Stockholm - Millennium Books Tour (450 SEK)
  • Stockholm - The Royal Palace (180 SEK)
  • Stockholm - Fotografiska (Photography Museum) (220 SEK)
  • Stockholm - City Hall (130 SEK)
  • Stockholm - Skansen Open Air Museum (285 SEK)
  • Stockholm - Drottningholm Palace (150 SEK)
  • Stockholm - Abba Museum (299 SEK)

Accommodation:

  • Hostel (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Stockholm - Overnight Ferry
Today after breakfast, you have a free day to take up any optional activities that you didn’t get a chance to yesterday. If you haven’t already, go in search of some classic Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce or pickled herring. If the season is right, hire a handcrafted wooden bike and tour the city’s bike lanes. In winter, you can take in the waterways, which often completely freeze over. You may even spot some people daring enough to walk over the ice! Tonight, you’ll take an overnight ferry to Helsinki.

Accommodation:

  • Overnight Ferry (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Helsinki
Arrive in Helsinki late this morning. After you disembark from the ferry, head to your accommodation and drop off your bags. Helsinki has long celebrated the soothing ritual of the sauna, weaving it seamlessly into daily life and Finnish culture. The city boasts an array of saunas known as one of the keys to happiness – Finland has topped the World Happiness report for the last six years! Chill out in one of the city’s traditional public saunas today, mixing with the locals and maybe taking a quick dip in the Baltic Sea. After, maybe head to one of the contemporary art museums or Helsinki Cathedral. You might want to see the unique Rock Church (Temppeliaukio Church), which has been built directly into the rock around it and looks almost subterranean. Tonight, why not head out with your group for some dinner and drinks and celebrate the end of an amazing trip.

Included Activities:

  • Helsinki - Finnish Sauna

Optional Activities:

  • Helsinki - Mannerheim Museum (14 EUR)
  • Helsinki - Open-Air Museum Seurasaari (18 EUR)
  • Helsinki - Ateneum Art Museum (22 EUR)
  • Helsinki - Rock Church (8 EUR)
  • Helsinki - Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum (22 EUR)
  • Helsinki - Cathedral (10 EUR)
  • Helsinki - National Museum of Finland (20 EUR)
  • Helsinki - City Museum - Free
  • Helsinki - Design Museum (20 EUR)
  • Helsinki - Suomenlinna Sea Fortress (7 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Helsinki
After breakfast, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in Helsinki, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. If you do decide to stay, why not spend the day at Suomenlinna Sea Fortress – this UNESCO World Heritage site was built gradually from 1748 on a group of islands just off the city’s coast.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $1,950
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

See the essential sites and cities of Scandinavia in Northern Europe with this nine-day adventure through Denmark, Sweden and Finland.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 11 Feb 2026

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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