The Nordic Odyssey is an epic twelve-day adventure that encompasses everything from lively capital cities to charming villages and incredible natural landscapes by train and ship. This holiday also offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Nordic countries. Experience unique attractions such as: Viking remnants; royal palaces; scenic railways; majestic fjords; and the world-famous cities of Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, and Bergen.
A day-by-day plan to guide your Finnish travels.
Download PDFYour exciting holiday begins at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport where you are greeted and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Helsinki, Finland’s bustling capital. For those who arrive early, we recommend buying the Helsinki Card, which grants free entry to major city attractions and museums as well as unlimited travel on public transportation.
Spend a relaxing night in Helsinki.
After your complimentary breakfast at the hotel, spend the first part of your day exploring more Helsinki attractions such as Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, Parliament House, Finlandia Hall, the New Opera House, or the Sibelius Park and Monument. Later, spend an enchanted evening on the sea as a cruise ship whisks you away to Stockholm, Sweden’s stylish capital.
Take full advantage of the on-board amenities including cafes, restaurants, and shops and spend the night in one of the ship’s comfortable cabins.
Savour the maritime scenery during breakfast as the ship navigates through Sweden’s Archipelago, a collection of over 30,000 islands and inlets. After pulling into the harbor at Stockholm, a city built on 14 islands, check in to your centrally-located hotel.
Indulge in breakfast at your hotel before venturing out to see more of magnificent Stockholm. We recommend a visit to the city’s charming Old Town with its narrow alleys and well-preserved medieval houses or a guided tour at the Viking mounds in nearby Uppsala. Enjoy the afternoon at Fjäderholmarna, the closest of Stockholm’s Archipelago islands, where you can partake in a guided tour, browse the local handicrafts, and enjoy an authentic Swedish dinner at your choice of restaurants.
Spend the night in Stockholm.
After a tasty Scandinavian breakfast, it’s time to board the train bound for Copenhagen with lovely scenery of Southern Sweden on the way. Once you’ve arrived and settled in at your hotel in Copenhagen’s centre, we recommend a stroll down the famous “Ströget” street or a visit to other attractions such as the Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace (home to Danish Parliament), the old harbour of Nyhavn, the famous Little Mermaid statue, or the famous Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks.
Spend the night in Copenhagen.
Approx. duration of the train trip is 5 hours and 15 minutes.
After breakfast at your hotel, we recommend the insightful self-guided tour of the historic Carlsberg brewery, only 3.5 km by bus from central Copenhagen. After sampling this popular beer at the end of your tour, you can decide for yourself if you agree with their slogan: “Carlsberg, probably the best beer in the world”. By late afternoon it’s time to board the ship to Oslo, which cruises gently up the Kattegat Sund on its way to Norway’s capital city. Take part in the dancing and entertainment on board or just relax and watch the sunset from the deck.
Spend the night in one of the ship’s cosy cabins.
Today is yours to explore Oslo after arriving early to port in the scenic Oslo fjord. From your hotel conveniently located in the heart of Oslo, you have easy access to many of Oslo’s top attractions. Bask in the cosmopolitan glow of Bogstadveien, Oslo’s busy shopping street or visit the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Jump Tower, the Viking Ship Museum, Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Royal Palace, Akershus Fortress, or the historic Arctic expedition ship “Fram”.
Spend the night in Oslo.
Enjoy an early breakfast then head to Oslo Central Station to board the Bergensbanen train that winds though Norway’s breathtaking mountainous terrain on its journey to Bergen. This railway, voted one of the 20 best in the world, takes you through the charming villages of Gol and Geilo before a stop at Myrdal to switch trains. The next 20 km of the journey is on the world famous Flåm Railway, which descends nearly 900 metres to the charming village of Flåm, where the night is spent surrounded by the towering mountainsides of the Aurlandsfjord*.
Spend the night in Flåm.
Departure Oslo: 08:11
Arrival Myrdal: 12:39
Departure Myrdal: 13:27
Arrival to Flåm: 14:25
* Please note that timings are preliminary and might change without notice.
We recommend that you book luggage transfer for the Norway in a Nutshell part of your travel. Your luggage will be picked up in Oslo and will be waiting for you upon arrival in Bergen. Pack an overnight bag if you spend the night in Flåm. Price per item is €40.
Spend the early part of your day roaming the village of Flåm and visit the Flåm Railway Documentation Centre to learn about the construction of the world’s steepest railway track. The afternoon promises a unique Norwegian adventure as an express boat carries you to Bergen through Aurlandsfjord and Sognefjord, Norway’s deepest and longest fjord. As the fjords open up to the sea, the scenery includes abundant bird life.
Spend the night in Bergen.
Departure Flåm: 15:30
Arrival Bergen: 20:40
* Please note that timings are preliminary and might change without notice.
Historic Bergen, Norway’s second largest city, has no shortage of activities. Visit Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which dates back 900 years as a major Hanseatic trading centre. You can also catch a glimpse of local culture at the lively Fish Market or ride the Floybanen Funicular to Mount Floyen to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. We also recommend an afternoon ride on the mini-train sightseeing tour around the city centre.
Spend the night in Bergen.
The first half of your day is free to appreciate Bergen’s historic charms before boarding the return train to Oslo. On the way, you can relax once more while taking in some of the world’s most beautiful scenery*. Upon arrival in Oslo, the rest of your evening is free to explore the city’s many restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs.
Spend the night in Oslo.
Departure Bergen: 15:59
Arrival Oslo: 22:45
* Please note that timings are preliminary and might change without notice.
Passengers departing on an afternoon flight can further explore the city and do some last-minute shopping on Bogstadveien, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many restaurants downtown, or just relax in one of Oslo’s beautiful parks. We recommend transfer by express train (not included) to Gardermoen Airport in time for your departure flight.