Copenhagen: One Of The Most Livable Cities In The World

Colorful houses, cozy alleys, and the famous harbor characterize the cityscape of Copenhagen. A canal tour is a perfect way to get to know the city and many of its sights.

Nyhavn, with its many colorful little houses lining the canal, combines the famous aspects of Denmark’s capital like no other part of the city. The nearby Tivoli is Denmark’s most popular amusement park; with its numerous restaurants and music scene, it is the ideal place to end a day in Copenhagen.

The Danish are known to be bike lovers of the world, so doing as the Danish do, rent a bicycle to see more of the city, other attractions include visiting the Little Mermaid (she truly is little) or to Christiania (the oddball haven for hippies).

Copenhagen Central Station (Københavns Hovedbanegård) → Malmö Central Station | Duration: 0:39 h | Transfers: 0 | Transport: Train

The railway line between Copenhagen and Malmö offers the first highlight of the journey. Leading from the Danish Capital through a tunnel to the artificial island of Peberholm, then it crosses the Øresund strait on Europe’s longest road and rail bridge, the Øresund bridge.

Malmö: Former Industrial Town Turned Cultural Center

The third-largest city in Sweden has undergone a fundamental transformation in recent years. Industrial halls have given way to hip and trendy quarters.

The Malmö Live event center and concert hall are home to both classical and modern music. Malmöhus, Sweden’s oldest Renaissance castle, the old St. Peter’s Church with its impressive Gothic architecture, and the charming cafés and restaurants of the old town are among the most popular sights.

Foodies should visit the Saluhall Market Hall, where local specialties and modern creations are offered door to door.

Malmö Central Station → Gothenburg Central Station | Duration: 3:12 h | Transfers: 0 | Transport: Train

Every hour there is a train from Malmö to Gothenburg operated by Öresundståg. The first train starts at 5 in the morning and it takes 3:12 h. You can also take a high-speed train operated by Swedish Railways. There are 6 connections daily and it takes 2:34h. Book Here

Gothenburg: Cozy Harbor Town With Culinary Specialties

Similar to Copenhagen, Gothenburg can be explored wonderfully on a boat trip through the city’s canals. The city is home to Sweden’s largest port without losing any of its warmth.

No district embodies this cozy atmosphere more than Haga, where you can find candlelit restaurants, artisan shops, and plenty of cinnamon buns. The famous fish church of Gothenburg, called Feskekörka, got its name from resembling a neo-gothic church; however, it is a restaurant and market hall for fish and seafood of all kinds. A distinct street food scene and numerous food trucks characterize the districts of the city.

Other activities include stepping onboard a historical ship in the Museum Maritiman or sweating it out at the Frihamnen sauna, an innovative structure in the middle of the city. Make sure to book a slot at the sauna in advance, it may fill up since it’s a free attraction!

Gothenburg Central Station → Oslo Central Station | Duration: 3:30 h | Transfers: 0 | Transport: Bus

There are 6-7 daily bus connections from Gothenburg to Oslo. The journey takes 3:30h and costs 35 to 45 Euro in 2nd class. Book Here

Oslo: Norway’s Tranquil Capital

Next on our Scandinavian itinerary is Oslo. Oslo was voted the European Capital of the Environment in 2019 and we can easily see why. The dense city center is easy to cross on foot, by bike, and with a well-developed local transport network, making it difficult not to be environmentally friendly!

Oslo’s harbor district is the center of urban life. The former shipyard site is characterized by numerous industrial-style brick buildings, which today house restaurants, boutiques, and a shopping center. Something not to miss is the Vigeland Park; this is the largest sculpture park in the world by one artist, hours could be spent here looking at its quirky creativity.

Amongst Oslo’s most famous sights are the Royal Castle, the Den Norske Opera House (where it is encouraged to walk on the roof!), and the museum peninsula Bygdoy, which is home to ten different museums.

Oslo Central Station → Stockholm Centralen | Duration: 6:32 h | Transfers: 1 | Transport: Bus, Train

When you want to travel from Oslo to Stockholm, take the bus first to Karlstad C and change to the IC Train to Stockholm Central. Book Here

Stockholm: City Of Islands

The districts of the city extend over 14 islands and the cityscape is broken up by 26 parks, which is why Stockholm seems to blur with the landscape. The narrow, winding streets and colorful houses of the old town of Gamla Stan give an impression of what Stockholm looked like in the Middle Ages.

If you want to sleep like royalty, the castle accommodates rooms decorated in 5 different styles based on 5 different centuries. The Vasa Museum houses a recovered warship from 1628 which is extremely impressive to be up close and personal with it after it only sunk in the harbor outside its door.

Before heading out of town, don’t forget to “Take a Chance” at the ABBA Museum where you’re more than encouraged to sing along!

Stockholm Central Station → Turku | Duration: 11:05 h | Transfers: 0 | Transport: Ferry

From Stockholm the journey continues by ferry for a change. The crossing takes you past the countless islands of the archipelago. You can easily compare ferry connections and prices at Direct Ferries.

Turku: Old Heart Of Finland

Finland’s oldest city has been the seat of government for centuries. Turku is characterized by its many wooden houses from the 19th century, which dominate whole districts.

The city’s landmark is the Turku Cathedral, which is also the most important church in Finland and the center of festivities during the Christmas season.

The market hall Eerikinkatu is the ideal place to taste the regional specialties. This cozy atmosphere of the small stands attracts two million visitors a year.

Turku → Helsinki | Duration: 2:13 h | Transfers: 0 | Transport: Train

The route between Turku and Helsinki is one of Finland’s best-developed rail networks and trains run almost every hour on the 200-kilometer route. The Journey takes 2:13 h and starts from 7,90 €. Book Here

Helsinki: Nature And Architecture In Harmony

Finland’s capital is surrounded on three sides by the sea and one-third of the city consists of green areas. The forests of the largest city park border the city center directly, making for a nice backdrop of greenery.

No building embodies Helsinki’s symbiosis with nature more strongly than the rock church, Temppeliaukio, as it’s built directly into a granite rock. And only a short stroll away is the Sibelius monument where an interesting steel pipe structure art piece stands.

The Cathedral of Helsinki bears the nickname “White Heart” and is the landmark of the city. The fortress island Suomenlinna belongs to the UNESCO world cultural heritage and is one of the most popular sights of the country; here you can find countless walking paths.

A rest stop at a quaint cafe or the brewery after a stroll around the island café would be a nice place to wrap up the journey with us on this Scandinavian itinerary.