Nordic Cities by Rail

Arrive in the capital city of Denmark; the epitome of cool Scandi culture. Awarded the UNESCO World Capital of Architecture from 2023 to 2026, Copenhagen has a strong architectural legacy and high ambitions for sustainable living. With one of the most distinct and innovative food scenes in the world, Copenhagen caters to all budgets and tastes from bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants, many of which are highly regarded as culinary trailblazers. Settle into your hotel where you'll spend the next 3 nights - the perfect amount of time to immerse yourself in the laidback Danish lifestyle.

With a wide range of activities waiting to be discovered, Copenhagen boasts modern museums, historic castles, and unique neighbourhoods. Home to one of the oldest monarchies in the world dating back to the Viking Age, intriguing royal artefacts and beautiful palaces provide a fairy-tale like backdrop to modern Copenhagen. Some of the most notable historic sites include Rosenborg Castle & Amalienborg Palace where you can witness the changing of the Royal Danish Guard. Everyday at 11.30, they leave their barracks at Rosenborg and march through the city to Amalienborg. Kronborg Castle is another must-see site in Copenhagen and one of Northern Europe's finest Renaissance castles. On the UNESCO World Heritage List and the world-famous setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet, you can easily spend a couple of hours exploring this former home of kings and queens. If you're lucky enough to visit in August, you can catch the Shakespeare Festival at the open-air theatre here. Perhaps the most enchanting Danish Castle is Frederiksborg located in Hillerod across three small islands where the towers reflect beautifully on the surrounding waters (approx. 50min train from the city centre). Home to the Museum of National History, we highly recommend a tour of the changing exhibitions showcasing 500 years of Danish history.

Spend some time exploring the peaceful canals and harbour of Copenhagen, famous for Hans Christian Anderson's Little Mermaid statue. Despite being in the city, you're never far from a beach. During the summer, swimming in one of the many harbour baths is a popular pastime. The central theme park of Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest in the world and was an inspiration for both Hans Christian Anderson and Walt Disney. Founded in 1843, Tivoli is a national treasure and international attraction. With beautiful scenery, exotic architecture and gardens, and nostalgic rides, part of its charm is that there's something for everyone to enjoy. Divided into several distinct neighbourhoods, there's much to see outside of the central city circle with the popular areas of Vesterbro, Norrebro, and Osterbro being amongst the most visited. Made up of a group of small islands, the coloured houses and Freetown of Christiana comprise the charming neighbourhood of Christianshavn. This district is well worth a visit, particularly on a boat trip down one of its beautiful canals; you can even explore the canals by kayak! One of the best ways to explore Copenhagen is on two wheels. An integral part of Danish life, everyday 49% of Copenhagers commute on their bikes, taking advantage of this cycle-friendly design. Bikes are available to rent throughout the city; it's even been ranked the world's top cycling city several times, most recently in 2019.

Admire the iconic Oresund Bridge (bridge of 'Nordic noir' fame) as you travel by train from Copenhagen to Sweden's second city, Gothenburg (approx. 3hrs). Nestled on the west coast of Sweden, Gothenburg is a vibrant and cultural city with picturesque archipelago islands. The old fish market Fish Church, or Feskekorka, was built in 1874 and is an iconic seafood house for fishmongers and restaurateurs. Admire the beautiful market as you sample fresh seafood in their outdoor seating area, soaking up the Swedish sun. Of course, famous for their sauna traditions, no trip to Sweden would be complete without it. The public and free sauna in Frihamnen has a unique appearance set atop the river; you can also swim in newly opened saltwater and freshwater pools here. We also recommend visiting Tradgardsforeningen, one of Europe's best-preserved 19th century parks and world-class botanical gardens, all within the city centre.

Divided between the north and south, the archipelago has more than 20 islands, all with their own distinct charm. From Gothenburg port, the ferry takes approx. 15mins to the first of the northern islands Hono, Foto, Ockero and Halso; here, you have lovely swimming spots equipped with diving boards and jetties as well as scenic hiking trails. To reach the car-free southern islands, the ferry takes approx. 1.5hrs from Gothenburg. Back in the city centre, you can visit impressive Nordic collections at the Gothenburg Museum of Art. Dating from the 15th century, this museum has three stars in Michelin's Green Guide and houses masterpieces by Albert Edelfelt, Monet, & Picasso. After your artistic fix, take some time to wander the quaint streets lined with local clothing brands, vintage fashion, and interior design pieces around Magasinsgatan and the Majorna areas.

As one of Europe's most popular hubs for craft beer, Gothenburg is home to some of the world's best breweries. In addition to your craft beer, we recommend participating in the Swedish tradition of 'fika' (meaning to take a break with a friend to enjoy a coffee and some baked goods) - this has become a world-wide sensation and a cherished concept amongst Swedes. The charming neighbourhood of Haga has an excellent selection of small artisan shops and local cafes; the perfect place to fika. Also in Haga is Skansen Kronan, the 1690's fortress with stunning views across the city. Once used as a prison, emergency residency and museum, you can see for miles from the top of the hill - and a great spot for a picnic! Back inn the centre, the fabulous riverside opera house offers a wide range of operas, musicals, classic and modern ballet; guided tours are offered here should you wish to learn more about this architecturally beautiful house of entertainment.

Today, you hop back on the train, travelling west to east to your next city stop - Stockholm (approx. 5hrs). Set on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges, Sweden's capital city is an alluring international attraction. Effortlessly combining beautiful nature with a rich history and cultural sophistication, Stockholm is a visionary hub set atop shimmering waters where Lake Malaren meets the Baltic Sea. Boat trips, kayaking and paddleboard adventures are very popular ways to see the city from a different perspective. Home to a broad range of museums, there's plenty to visit including Vasa Museum which houses the resurrected 17th century Swedish sunken warship. The Swedish Museum of Natural History with it's extensive collections and Nobel Prize Museum are also worth a trip.

Hop on a ferry to explore the expansive Stockholm archipelago, uncovering a whole new side to the city. We recommend visiting Vaxholm island with its traditional wooden houses and locals enjoying homemade ice cream on the waterfront. Fjaderholmarna is a group of islands with a thriving scene of independent shops, artistic studios and eateries (approx. 30mins ferry from Stockholm). On the pier, you can also find an excellent craft beer experience straight from the tank. Take advantage of the efficient metro system as you explore the city. Stockholm Metro is one huge art gallery with more than 90% featuring artworks by over 150 artists; you can see striking art installations, paintings, sculptures and mosaics.

Once a 15th century hunting ground, Royal Djurgarden covers 270 hectares of green oasis, acting as a lovely retreat from the city centre. If you're looking for more relaxation opportunities, head to the inner-city beaches for a refreshing dip or enjoy a walk along the waterfront. From innovative food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants, the food scene in Stockholm is renowned for its high quality and sustainable produce. If you're looking for Swedish comfort food ('husmanskost'), head to the downtown park of Kungstradgarden, or if you're after more traditional dishes like Swedish meatballs, Sodermalm is a great location.

Fly home from Stockholm or extend your stay with an extra 3 nights in Helsinki (includes the overnight ferry from Stockholm).