Scandinavia by Rail

Day 1 – London to Cologne

Depart on a mid-morning Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Brussels, then onward to Cologne for an overnight stay. 

Day 2 – On to Hamburg

We catch a direct train to Hamburg, arriving early afternoon. Our hotel for tonight is conveniently located close to the railway station. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city – why not visit Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model train exhibition, or one of the many excellent museums.

Day 3 – Continue to Copenhagen

A morning direct train takes us to Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, for a 1-night stay. Our lunchtime arrival allows time for sightseeing and the city centre is easily explored on foot. Don’t miss the trendy and historic Nyhavn harbour area, and the city’s most famous landmark – the Little Mermaid statue.

Day 4 – To Oslo

By morning train, via Gothenburg, to Oslo, arriving in time for our evening meal. Situated at the end of a 70-mile-long fjord, Norway's capital and largest city is rich in culture and folklore with a fascinating Viking history. We have a 3-night stay here.

Days 5 & 6 – Oslo at Leisure

Two days to either enjoy Oslo or to explore further afield with your InterRail Pass. History lovers will be fascinated by the Viking Ship Museum, whilst art lovers should consider the MUNCH Museum. A walk through Vigeland Park is also worthwhile – this sculpture park displays Gustav Vigeland's life work, comprising over 200 sculptures in granite, bronze and wrought iron.

Day 7 – Dovre & Rauma Lines

Travel on both the Dovre line towards Trondheim, and then the Rauma branch line to Andalsnes. The Dovre line climbs spectacularly over Dovre Fell and is one of Norway’s most scenic main lines. The Rauma line is one of Norway’s most scenic branch lines, running down from the mountains to the sea. Late afternoon arrival for a 1-night stay, our hotel has panoramic views over the Romsdalsfjord.

Day 8 – North to Trondheim

Morning train back to Dombas, where we rejoin the Dovre line to Trondheim. Trondheim is close to the Arctic Circle and as such, the sun is still above the horizon at midnight during Norwegian summertime. Our mid-afternoon arrival allows for time to walk around the old town, with its historic bridge and colourful houses. The cathedral with its gothic and baroque influences and striking stained glass windows is also worth visiting. Stay 1 night.

Day 9 – Over to Sweden

We say farewell to Norway today, travelling by rail with a change at Storlien on the border. There are two services a day, one early morning and one late afternoon, and neither requires reservation, so we can be flexible here. Arrive Östersund late morning or in the evening for a 1-night stay. Östersund is a great place to discover Swedish food – the city is an appointed UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

Day 10 – South to Stockholm

Enjoy a leisurely morning before a direct lunchtime train takes us south to the capital. Evening arrival for a 3-night stay, our hotel here is conveniently located opposite Central station, the city’s public transport hub.

Days 11 & 12 – Stockholm at Leisure

Stockholm is arguably one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, it is built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges. Art lovers should take a tour of the metro system, where more than 90 of the 100 stations are decorated by 150 artists, and visit the Nationalmuseum and Moderna Museet. History lovers will delight at Skansen – the world’s oldest open-air museum and the Vasa Museum which houses the resurrected 17th Century Swedish sunken warship. Alternatively, use your InterRail Pass to travel to the Lennakatten Railway or Nynäshamn Railway Museum.

Day 13 – Return to Copenhagen

Direct train to Copenhagen for mid-afternoon arrival. The rest of the day is free to enjoy this captivating city. Why not visit the Round Tower – one of Denmark's most iconic landmarks. Besides its distinctive Spiral Ramp, which leads to a spectacular 360-degree view of the city, the tower also houses astronomy in the Observatory and changing exhibitions, concerts, talks and events in the Library Hall. Alternatively, take a wander around TorvehallerneKBH, a beautiful indoor market made up of two glass halls filled with food stalls, coffee spots, and fresh produce stands.

Day 14 – Back to Cologne

A full day’s rail travel back to Cologne via Hamburg. Once again, we overnight close to the railway station.

Day 15 – Homeward Bound

We take a morning ICE to Brussels where we connect with the Eurostar to London, arriving mid-afternoon.