It’s rare to find a destination that celebrates old and new so seamlessly as Scandinavia. Looking to Scandinavia’s past is guaranteed to stir your imagination, with traces from prolific rock paintings to sunken Viking ships. Forward thinking, sleek minimalist décor and evolutionary environmental practices allow you to simultaneously peer into the future. This paradox is evident in Scandinavia’s capitals of Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen – cities that can all be explored in the course of one exciting trip.
Oslo, Norway
Norway’s charming capital city embodies its Scandinavian roots. Dining out in Norway’s capital Oslo is a great introduction; aquavit, a potato-based liquor and pickled herring are staples on many menus and, like Sweden, fine seafood dining is a main attraction. Hungry for history? You’ll find Viking helmets, swords and grand 9th-century ships on display at the Viking Ship Museum. The Vigeland Sculpture Park and the famous Munch Museum, featuring works by the eponymous artist, also serve as wonderful cultural outings. Venture on an evening cruise through Oslo’s stunning fjord, glide past city sites such as the spectacular Opera House – a recent award-winning addition. To get an even fuller picture of the country’s offerings, take the Norway in a Nutshell tour, including a visit to the breathtaking city of Bergen, a “fjord safari” or ride on the famous Flåm Railway.
Stockholm, Sweden
Built on 14 islands and connected by 57 bridges, Sweden’s capital city of Stockholm is part lush archipelago and part urban marvel. Surrounded by more than 24,000 islands, islets and skerries (small rocky islands often too small to inhabit), waterways serve as a wonderful means for admiring the city. Exploring by foot, you’ll get a chance to soak up trendy shops, flora-filled parks and sites such as The Vasa Museum. Considered a Swedish icon, the Vasa is the world’s only preserved 17th-century vessel, which sunk in Stockholm’s harbor during her maiden voyage of 1628, and is now gloriously restored. If you’re looking for more recent history, check out the brand new ABBA Museum, a salute to Sweden’s most beloved pop group as well as Fotografiska, a new museum considered the world’s largest venue for contemporary photography.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Voted the world’s happiest people by the United Nations World Happiness Report, Denmark seems to have figured out how to embrace life’s simple pleasures. In the capital of Copenhagen, the city’s bike-riding inhabitants appear to outnumber cars – an urban model for the future. We suggest renting a bicycle and exploring Copenhagen’s charming streets; begin at Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park that dates back to 1843. Copenhagen is the land of Danish royalty and you’ll find age-old decadence well-preserved inside the city’s romantic castles, from the charm of Frederiksborg Castle just north of Copenhagen to the renaissance beauty of Rosenborg Castle to the architectural splendor of Amalienborg Castle. And art thrives just outside Copenhagen at Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, a private museum featuring modern and ancient art complemented by its inspiring architectural surroundings.
So whether your interests include stays at sleek and contemporary hotels, capital-city pursuits or fjord exploration, choose from Scandinavia tours, or we can put together a custom trip with unmatched in value and exclusive privileges. Call or visit us online today to plan your own Scandinavian adventure.
