Essential Scandinavia - Winter Capitals & Fjords by Rail & Sea

Welcome to Stockholm, one of Scandinavia's most beautiful and captivating capitals. Spread across fourteen islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, this is a city of water, light, and history in equal measure. Settle into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace, taking in the waterfront, the cobbled lanes of the old town, or simply watching the city go about its business.

In the morning, join a small group walking tour through the heart of Stockholm, uncovering the city's most celebrated landmarks alongside its lesser-known secrets. A knowledgeable local guide will lead you through Gamla stan, Stockholm's remarkably preserved medieval centre, past the oldest square of Stortorget and down the city's narrowest street, weaving together stories of Swedish kings, Viking heritage, and the customs and traditions that have shaped this remarkable city over centuries. The rest of the day is yours to continue exploring at your own pace.

Board the train and head south through the Swedish and Danish countryside, crossing into Denmark as you make your way to Copenhagen. The journey itself is a pleasure, with the iconic Øresund Bridge carrying you across the strait between the two countries. Settle into your hotel and spend the evening discovering one of Europe's most charming and liveable capitals.

In the morning, explore Copenhagen with an expert local guide on a small group walking tour through the city's historical and cultural highlights. You will wander past the colourful canal-side houses of Nyhavn, take in the medieval square of Amagertorv, and visit Christiansborg Palace, home of the Danish parliament, before venturing off the tourist trail into the city's quieter and lesser-known districts. The afternoon is free to explore further, whether that means the famous Tivoli Gardens, the contemporary food scene, or simply cycling through the streets as the locals do.

This evening, board the overnight ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo. A classic Scandinavian experience in itself, the crossing takes you through the waters of the Oslofjord as you sail through the night, arriving refreshed and ready to discover Norway's capital.
Overnight on board.

Arriving into Oslo, the morning is yours to settle in and begin discovering the city at your own pace.
In the afternoon explore Oslo on a three-hour small group walking tour that blends must-see landmarks with hidden corners only locals know. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, wander from the Royal Palace to the landmark Opera House, discovering Viking heritage, royal traditions and contemporary Norwegian culture along the way. A relaxed and insightful introduction to Oslo’s history, design ethos and strong connection to nature.

After breakfast, travel west on the renowned Bergen Railway, passing mountain plateaus and snow-covered landscapes en route to Myrdal. Here, change to the celebrated Flåm Railway and descend one of the world’s steepest standard-gauge rail lines, winding through dramatic gorges, frozen waterfalls and alpine scenery. Arrive in the village of Flåm beside the fjord, perfectly placed for tomorrow’s unforgettable fjord exploration.

From Flåm, you embark on a scenic boat journey through the Aurlandsfjord and the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. In winter the fjords take on an entirely different character, with waterfalls frozen solid against the steep mountain walls, the water calm and glasslike, and a deep layer of snow draped over the high peaks above. On the return journey, the boat calls in at Undredal, a tiny and idyllic village clinging to the fjord's edge and surrounded by mountains on all sides. Here you will be welcomed into the local shop for hot drinks and a chance to hear first-hand from one of the villagers what life is really like in this remote and remarkable corner of Norway. Before leaving, look out for the award-winning local goat cheese, a fitting taste of the fjord to take home with you. (Return sightseeing cruise from and back to Flåm.)

This morning, the final leg of your journey through Norway's fjord country begins in Flåm. A fjord cruise carries you along the Aurlandsfjord and into the narrow, UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, with towering snow-capped peaks and frozen waterfalls rising on either side. From Gudvangen, a bus connection and final train leg bring you into Bergen. This section of the journey forms part of Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours, and connections run like clockwork. (One-way transit cruise to Bergen as part of the NiaN route.)

For a full explanation of how the route works, read our Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours Explained guide

After breakfast, your journey through Scandinavia draws to a close in one of Norway's most beloved cities. Bergen's colourful Bryggen wharf, bustling fish market, and the funicular up to Mount Fløyen are all worth a final morning visit before you continue your journey home. If you would like to extend your stay, we would be delighted to help with ideas.