Scandinavia Explorer

Intrepid Travel · 15 days

4.4

20 Reviews

Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Tour Scandinavia and discover the many charms and delights on this two-week adventure through Norway, Sweden and Finland.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (12), Lunch (1), Dinner (1)
Accommodation: Hotel (9 Nights), Cabin (2 nights), Bed and Breakfast (2 nights), Overnight ferry (1 night)

Highlights

Cruise past waterfalls and snow-capped peaks through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Naeroyfjord in Norway. Be surrounded by cascading waterfalls and mountain peaks up to 1400 m tall.
Visit Dalarna County, nestled in middle Sweden and often referred to as ‘Sweden in miniature’ because of its abundance of lakes, forests and local traditions.
Follow your local guide along narrow, winding roads through villages and past traditional red cottages when you explore the rural settlements around Lake Siljan. You'll also get a chance to meet and mingle with the local villagers.
Discover Stockholm's maritime history at the Vasa Museum, which houses an original wooden war ship from 1628. This impressive vessel gives you a rare glimpse into the naval power Sweden was once famous for.
Wind up your adventure in Helsinki, where you’ll visit highlights like Senate Square, the Old Market Hall, the sea fortress of Suomenlinna and the Design Museum.

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

Train, Public bus, Overnight ferry, Private vehicle, Tram, Metro

Guide Language

English

Starts

Oslo, Finland

Finishes

Helsinki, Finland

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Oslo

Hei! Welcome to Norway. Your adventure begins in the charming capital of Oslo. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive in Oslo early, maybe kickstart your exploration of the city by seeking out the famous painting, The Scream, at the Munch Museum, learning about Norwegian WWII history at the Resistance Museum, sailing through the beautiful Oslofjord or strolling through the Vigeland sculpture park. After your welcome meeting, why not seek out some traditional Norwegian fare for dinner with your group.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Oslo

This morning, follow your leader on an orientation walk in the city. Then, you’ll have some free time in Oslo. Maybe go island hopping on Oslofjord, browse the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art on the harbourfront, taste local flavours at the Vulkan food hall, explore the immense Akershus Fortress or check out the cool shops in the Grunerlokka district. Ask your leader for recommendations if you need some pointers for planning your day.

Included Activities:

Oslo - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional Activities:

Oslo - Holmenkollen Museum (195 NOK)
Oslo - Fram Museum (180 NOK)
Oslo - Akershus Castle & Fortress (100 NOK)
Oslo - Island Hopping on Oslofjord (130 NOK)
Oslo - Museum Edvard Munch (180 NOK)
Oslo - Resistance Museum (100 NOK)
Oslo - 24 hour Transport and Sightseeing Pass (550 NOK)
Oslo - The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (195 NOK)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Bergen

Leave Oslo behind and take the train across the stunning countryside of the Fjell region to Bergen. No other train ride between two cities in Europe is at a higher altitude than this one, and few can match the views passing by your window. Linking Norway's two main cities, this line offers some spectacular scenery of lush valleys, idyllic villages, dramatic mountains and picturesque lakes as it crosses the Hardangervidda Plateau. Today’s trip is long and you'll arrive in Bergen quite late – but don’t worry, you’ll have time to explore tomorrow. There are some great seafood restaurants in town, so maybe head out with the group for a bite to eat this evening.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Bergen

After breakfast this morning, join your leader for a ride on the Floibanen funicular. Taking you to 350 m (1050 ft) above the city in just seven minutes, this railway offers a bird’s eye view of the town and vistas of the sea. If you feel like getting active, you can continue exploring after riding the funicular by following one of the area’s hiking trails. You’ll have free time in the afternoon to explore however you like. Maybe visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bryggen area and wander through the reconstructed medieval homes and warehouses. Or, you could visit the beautifully preserved wooden Hanseatic Museum (a former trade building) and explore the old Hanseatic port district – the Hanseatic merchant confederation dominated Baltic maritime trade between the 13th and 15th centuries.

Included Activities:

Bergen - Floy Mountain Funicular round trip

Optional Activities:

Bergen - Mt Ulriken Cable Car & Shuttle (310 NOK)
Bergen - Vidden Trail Hike - Free
Bergen - Bergenhus Fortress - Free
Bergen - Aquarium (370 NOK)
Bergen - Rosenkrantz Tower (170 NOK)
Bergen - Hakons Hall (120 NOK)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Norwegian Fjords

Leave Bergen after breakfast and travel by bus to the fjord region. The journey will take you through epic landscapes and remote regions, so have your camera at the ready. The typical Norwegian huts that you’ll stay in tonight are set in a beautiful landscape, surrounded by steep cliffs with an excellent view of the Kjelsfossen waterfall cascading from the top of the fjords. Gaze up at the sight of these giant, ancient geological formations. Your accommodation for the next two nights is located near the village of Gudvangen.

Accommodation:

Cabin (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Norwegian Fjords

Today, take a boat trip and be captivated by the sight of mountain peaks reflected in the glassy waters of Naeroyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The name Naeroyfjord takes its origins from the Norse god of seafarers and the sea, Njord. The fjord itself, formed by glacial erosion of the surrounding bedrock, is 18 km long and only 250 m wide at its narrowest point, with its depth reaching up to 500 m. Surrounding mountain peaks rise up to 1400 m and waterfalls crash down sheer cliff faces. The boat cruise will finish in the fishing village of Flam, where you can ride the famous railway up to Myrdal (at extra cost). This is one of the most picturesque (and steepest) railway journeys in the country. Alternatively, you could explore on foot to discover nearby waterfalls and ancient moraines. Fishing enthusiasts will love the opportunity to throw a line in the crystal waters, sit back and soak up the serenity (a fishing licence is required and costs around 150 NOK). In the afternoon, catch the bus back to Gudvangen and spend the rest of the day as you please.

Included Activities:

Gudvangen - Naeroyfjord Boat Cruise to Flam (one way)

Optional Activities:

Gudvangen - Bike Hire (350 NOK)
Gudvangen - Kayak Hire - Half Day (650 NOK)
Flam - Gauge Railway (730 NOK)
Flam - Stegastein Lookout (470 NOK)
Flam - Railway Museum - Free
Gudvangen - Hiking Options - Free

Accommodation:

Cabin (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Lillehammer

You have another long bus journey ahead of you after breakfast today, as you travel to the Alpine playground of Lillehammer. Cross vast plains and remote valleys and drive through the Laerrdal Tunnel – the world's longest road tunnel at 24.5 km. The tunnel is divided into four sections, broken up by ‘mountain caves’. These caves are 6 km apart and are equipped with special lighting to help drivers concentrate by giving off the illusion of driving into daylight. Lillehammer, which held the Winter Olympics in 1994, is situated on Lake Mjøsa. When you arrive, head out for a brief orientation walk to get your bearings in the laidback 19th-century town centre. Explore the main pedestrian street of Storgata, lined with wooden houses, boutiques and restaurants.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Lillehammer

This morning, you’ll visit the Maihaugen Open Air Museum, home of the Garmo Stave Church, which tells the story of people in the Gudbrandsdalen Valley over the last 300 years. This museum includes farms, a town and a large residential area that gives you an insight into various periods of Norway's history. The afternoon is free for you to keep exploring. Consider conquering the misty mountains on a hike or visiting the Olympic Museum. Otherwise, Lillehammer is an ideal spot for many outdoor activities, which your leader can help you organise if you’re interested.

Included Activities:

Lillehammer - Maihaugen Open Air Museum

Optional Activities:

Lillehammer - Sigrid Undset's Home at Bjerkebæk (160 NOK)
Lillehammer - Hiking Options - Free
Lillehammer - Olympic Museum (225 NOK)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Vikarbyn

Board a private bus today and cross the border into Sweden. Head to the lakeside town of Rattvik – a laidback spot that sits on the shores of Lake Siljan. Rattvik is steeped in history and culture – it’s situated in Dalarna County in the heart of Sweden and is famous for the Dala wooden horse, which has become a Swedish national symbol. Tonight, you’ll stay in a peaceful spot located 7 km outside of Rattvik.

Accommodation:

Bed and Breakfast (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Vikarbyn

This morning, you'll get a chance to get under the surface of this region with a special guided village safari led by local experts. You'll get to know the history behind the villages and learn about the traditions of the area surrounding Lake Siljan. Discover the traditional local way of life and mingle with the villagers. Then, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the local area and its lakes. Maybe take a leisurely boat trip across the lake, do some fishing, go for a hike or browse the local shops selling artisanal wares.

Included Activities:

Lake Siljan - Cultural Village tour with picnic lunch

Optional Activities:

Lake Siljan – Historic boat trip (250 SEK)
Lake Siljan – Canoe or SUP rental (150 SEK)

Accommodation:

Bed & Breakfast (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Stockholm

Leaving the Swedish lakes behind, head to the country's capital of Stockholm by train. Often referred to as the 'Venice of the North', Stockholm is full of impressive architecture, pristine parks and clear waters. After an introductory orientation walk, use the rest of your day to settle into your accommodation and explore the area around you. You could head underground for the world’s longest art exhibition – connecting the 14 islands of the city, the subway (Tunnelbana) system's 100 stations are like the longest modern art exhibition in the world, featuring artwork from more than 140 artists. Or, you could simply wander the narrow cobblestone streets and the colourful merchant houses. Why not soak up the culture and try a cinnamon roll in Stockholm’s oldest cafe – Sundbergs Konditori, located in Jarntorget square.

Included Activities:

Stockholm - Orientation Walk
Stockholm - 3 day public transport pass

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Stockholm

After breakfast, visit the Vasa Museum on the inner-city island of Djurgarden. The 17th-century warship, Vasa, sank in Stockholm Harbour in 1628 on its first voyage. Its wreckage was recovered in 1961. One of the most visited sites in Sweden, the Vasa Museum collection consists of the Vasa itself and all the objects that were found within the ship. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish, so why not leave the city behind for a few hours and see the waterways of Stockholm on a cruise past tiny islets and along narrow waterways? Or consider taking a self-guided Millennium Trilogy Walking Tour or a visit to the Abba Museum. Alternatively, you could take a trip to Drottningholm Palace, the residence of the Swedish royal family. Tonight, maybe head to Stockholm's Sodermalm district – the inner-city island with the best nightlife, full of cool shops, bars and cafes. You might like to have dinner at one of the city’s renowned restaurants on the cobblestoned islet of Gamla Stan or on Kungsholmen.

Included Activities:

Stockholm - Vasa Museum

Optional Activities:

Stockholm - Millennium Books Tour (450 SEK)
Stockholm - Drottningholm Palace (150 SEK)
Stockholm - Skansen Open Air Museum (285 SEK)
Stockholm - Abba Museum (299 SEK)
Stockholm - Fotografiska (Photography Museum) (220 SEK)
Stockholm - City Hall (150 SEK)
Stockholm - Nobel Prize Museum (150 SEK)
Stockholm - Nordic Museum (170 SEK)
Stockholm - Gröna Lund Amusement Park (130 SEK)
Stockholm - The Royal Palace (200 SEK)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Stockholm

Today is free for you to enjoy your last day in Sweden, so get out and about to explore any of the sites you haven’t gotten around to yet. In the evening, you'll board an overnight ferry for Helsinki, Finland.

Accommodation:

Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Helsinki

Arrive at Helsinki's port in the morning, then take public transport to your hotel. Join your leader for a short orientation walk to get to know the historical sites and gastronomic wonders of Helsinki, then the rest of today is free for you to explore the city however you like. You might like to visit the city's cathedral, the Design Museum, the waterfront market or the Old Market Hall for local delicacies. You could also take a short ferry ride to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Suomenlinna sea fortress. Throughout its 450-year history, Helsinki has often been the buffer between the east and the west. This is shown in the local cuisine, with a mix of root vegetables, berries and fresh fish featuring heavily in many dishes. Consider heading out in the evening to try some traditional dishes at dinner with your group.

Included Activities:

Helsinki - Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Helsinki

With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. If you would like to extend your stay in Helsinki, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Optional Activities:

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

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
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 will do 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.

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.

From
AUD $9160

AUD $6,870

(Tour only)

Offer ends 17 Jun, 2026 Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Tour Scandinavia and discover the many charms and delights on this two-week adventure through Norway, Sweden and Finland.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 17 Jun 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

4.0

Nicola

Traveled, August 2023

09/02/2023

Aino, our wonderful tour leader, guided us around Scandinavia for an unforgettable two weeks that gave us a taste of Norway, Sweden and Finland. It was a good mix of cities and nature. I loved that the logistics were taken care of, but that it was otherwise pretty self-directed. It’s great for single people and couples.

4.5

Jacqueline

Traveled, August 2023

09/03/2023

Absolutely stellar itinerary sharing majestic Scandinavian scenes of nature and beautiful cities. The architecture of the Oslo opera house and Helsinki Oodi library are must sees.

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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