Scandinavia Train Tours

Scandinavia is a region of Northern Europe made up of 3 countries: Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

Absolutely! Scandinavia is one of the world's safest regions. In fact, the Nordic countries – Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland – consistently rank among the top 10 safest places in the world. This is down to their low crime rates, high standard of healthcare, and excellent road safety. Learn more about what it's like to travel in the world's happiest countries.

Scandinavia is a welcoming place for everyone, and gender equality is woven into everyday life here. This makes it a great destination for solo adventures as well as family or group trips. Find out more about why Scandinavia is ideal for solo travel in this blog.

There are plenty of reasons why Scandinavia should make your travel wish list. It's home to gleaming fjords, vast forests, and rugged coastline. But the scenery is far from the only draw. Scandinavia's colourful capital cities are brimming with Viking heritage and cutting-edge culture, not to mention cinnamon-dusted pastries.

And thanks to excellent rail links across Norway, Sweden and Denmark, there's no need to limit yourself to exploring just one country on your trip. Scandinavian trains are fast, reliable, and treat you to postcard-perfect views along the way.

On these trips, you could hop between the capitals of Norway, Sweden and Denmark by train, plane or ferry. Or, take a Scandinavian cruise to check out the Baltic cities of Helsinki and Tallinn as well.

Another point in Scandinavia's favour? Most locals speak English fluently as a second language, so you don't have to learn 3 languages. If you would like to pick up a few words, read this handy guide to the Scandinavian languages.

With 3 countries to experience, there are countless places worth visiting in Scandinavia. Here are a few of the top spots to get you started:

Norway
Bergen
Flåm
Geirangerfjord
Oslo
Tromsø

Sweden
Gamla Stan
Gothenburg
Kalmar
Malmö
Stockholm

Denmark
Copenhagen
Nyhavn
Tivoli Gardens

Uncover more popular destinations in this guide to Scandinavia's attractions, or get inspired by these blogs:

• Scandinavian cities you need to visit
• Ultimate Scandinavia guide – The best times and places to visit

You can visit Norway's fjords at any time of year – each season has its own special appeal. Summer is the most popular time to explore the fjords, thanks to warmer weather and longer days. If you’re after the midnight sun, head further north to the Lofoten Islands. June to August are also ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking and swimming.

Visit in spring or autumn, and you'll find fewer visitors at Norway's most famous fjords. Another plus is that you'll either see flowers blooming (March to May) or trees looking fiery in beautiful autumnal shades (September to November).

For a completely different experience, head to Norway in winter. Thanks to the cold weather and shorter days, this is the quietest time of year. But winter here has its charms. Glimpse snow-dusted peaks from a cosy train carriage, or chase the northern lights in Northern Norway.

Find out more about the best time to visit Norway and the most beautiful Norwegian fjords in these blogs.

The best routes are the ones that deliver on scenery, cities, and that feeling of being exactly where you want to be.

Here are 3 of our favourites in Norway:

• Norway in a Nutshell® – Expect fjords, waterfalls and mountain passes
• Flåm Railway to Myrdal – The steepest standard-gauge railway in the world
• Dovre Railway Line – Wild plateaus and highland views are waiting
   

For a multi-country adventure, ride the rails from Stockholm to Copenhagen, then board a cruise to Oslo. Watch as Swedish forests give way to the Danish coastline before bringing you to the sparkling Oslofjord. You could head home from here, but why not travel on to Bergen or hop on a ferry back to Copenhagen?

Whether you stick to one country or string them together, you're in for a treat.

On a self-guided tour, you'll travel independently without a guide or tour group. With our support before and during your trip, you'll have the freedom to go at your own pace, without ever feeling like you're on your own.

Your personal travel consultant will take care of all the details before you arrive. This includes your accommodation, rail tickets, and any other local transport. You’ll also get a customised itinerary, personal recommendations, and more.

Plus, if anything unexpected comes up, our 24/7 helpline means we're just a call away.

Yes, we'll book you into hotels near the train stations. No long treks with your luggage – just a short walk to somewhere welcoming.

Of course, Scandinavia train tours run year-round with flexible departure dates. Simply choose the date that suits you from the online availability calendar.

Yes, you can make your tour your own. Extend your stay with extra nights, add optional activities, or spend more time in the places that catch your eye. Just let us know when you book the tour online, and your dedicated travel consultant will get in touch to confirm the extra days with you.

Stay a little longer in Sweden, and you could join a guided walking tour of Stockholm or take a boat trip around its archipelago. Meanwhile, in Norway, optional activities include kayaking, whale-watching boat tours, and fjordside sauna experiences. Dreamy.

We recommend booking flights after your tour is confirmed. It's a good idea to check flights in advance for dates and prices, but it's best to hold off on buying them until your travel consultant has secured your package. This way, you'll have all the information you need to pick the most convenient flight times.

Want private airport transfers? No problem. Just ask your travel consultant, or add one to your itinerary when you're booking online.

The weather in Scandinavia can be unpredictable, no matter when you visit. Here are some essentials for your trip:

• Waterproof jacket
• Insulated jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots
• Cosy jumpers or fleeces
• Warm socks
• Gloves, scarves and hats
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Smart clothes for evenings out
• Umbrella
• Camera
• EU plug adapter
• Reusable water bottle
   

When choosing your luggage, we recommend wheeled suitcases or soft-sided bags that are easy to manoeuvre through train stations.

Scandinavian trains often have overhead racks for small bags and large storage areas at the end of each carriage for suitcases. You might also consider packing a day bag for essentials that you'll want easy access to during your train journeys.

For more information on what to bring and how to prepare for your trip, dive into these Scandinavia and Norway packing guides.