Trail of the Vikings

Travel by train to Hamburg and onwards to Copenhagen, arriving in time for dinner at the first of the Scandinavian capitals on this tour. Spend two nights in Copenhagen.

The epitome of Scandi chic, the Danish capital is well known for its designer fashion and furniture, as well as a dozen or so Michelin-starred restaurants. Copenhagen also has a rich history. Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy can be found at iconic sites like the harbourside statue of the Little Mermaid, while Viking treasures – from longboats to runic stones – can be discovered in Copenhagen’s excellent museums. Exploring on foot or by electric bike (readily available to rent around the city) the Tivoli Gardens are a good place to start. Dating from 1843, this nostalgic mix of parks, lakes, historic buildings and amusement rides includes a classic wooden rollercoaster from 1914. The 17th-century harbour, Nyhavn, is lined with colourful townhouses and waterfront bars and restaurants, while the city’s royal palaces and castles include Amalienborg, Christiansborg and Kronborg. To fully experience Danish hygge, chill out in the soulful neighbourhood of Christianshavn. Or to immerse yourself in Old Norse heritage, head to Roskilde – 25 minutes from Copenhagen – where you will find the Viking Ship Museum, home to the five Skuldelev longboats.

The epitome of Scandi chic, the Danish capital is well known for its designer fashion and furniture, as well as a dozen or so Michelin-starred restaurants. Copenhagen also has a rich history. Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy can be found at iconic sites like the harbourside statue of the Little Mermaid, while Viking treasures – from longboats to runic stones – can be discovered in Copenhagen’s excellent museums.

Exploring on foot or by electric bike (readily available to rent around the city) the Tivoli Gardens are a good place to start. Dating from 1843, this nostalgic mix of parks, lakes, historic buildings and amusement rides includes a classic wooden rollercoaster from 1914. The 17th-century harbour, Nyhavn, is lined with colourful townhouses and waterfront bars and restaurants, while the city’s royal palaces and castles include Amalienborg, Christiansborg and Kronborg.

To fully experience Danish hygge, chill out in the soulful neighbourhood of Christianshavn. Or to immerse yourself in Old Norse heritage, head to Roskilde – 25 minutes from Copenhagen – where you will find the Viking Ship Museum, home to the five Skuldelev longboats.

In pictures

Leaving Copenhagen, travel by train across the 8km-long Oresund Bridge to Sweden and continue north to reach Gothenburg – a journey of around four hours. The coastal city of Gothenburg has a buzzing waterfront, cobbled streets, canals and a superb art museum. Explore the neighbourhood of Haga with its traditional wooden houses and local artisan boutiques selling chocolates, fashion, antiques and Swedish delicacies. Haga is the perfect place for fika, a traditional Swedish coffee break typically accompanied by freshly-baked cake or a cinnamon bun. Afterwards, walk up to the 17th-century fort of Skansen Kronan for 360-degree views of the city. Dining options in Gothenburg range from tasty street markets to mouth-watering Michelin-starred restaurants. There is plenty of choice, from vegan and organic cuisine to dishes rich in locally-foraged produce. Overnight in Gothenburg.

Today’s rail journey takes you north along the coastline of West Sweden and on to the Norwegian capital of Oslo where you enjoy the next two nights. Surrounded by mountains and sea, Oslo was named European Green Capital for 2019 in recognition of its low carbon footprint, green spaces and sustainable food production. Although the great outdoors is right on your doorstep, the city has a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, ranging from the medieval Akershus Fortress to the modern, harbourside Opera House with its rakish roof. Spend two nights in Oslo.

Today’s rail journey takes you north along the coastline of West Sweden and on to the Norwegian capital of Oslo where you enjoy the next two nights. Surrounded by mountains and sea, Oslo was named European Green Capital for 2019 in recognition of its low carbon footprint, green spaces and sustainable food production. Although the great outdoors is right on your doorstep, the city has a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, ranging from the medieval Akershus Fortress to the modern, harbourside Opera House with its rakish roof. Spend two nights in Oslo.

In pictures

Take a morning stroll in Frogner Park, viewing the 212 bronze and granite works by Norway’s best-loved sculptor Gustav Vigeland, including The Monolith and Wheel of Life. Don’t miss Oslo’s Aker Brygge district where four museums showcase Viking funerary ships, Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon-Tiki raft and the 39m-long schooner Fram, used by Norway’s legendary polar explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. Nearby, you will find Oslo’s best shopping and dining opportunities, including some outstanding seafood restaurants. For a break from sightseeing, relax at The Well with its pools, saunas and steam rooms.

Heading north from Oslo on the Dovre Railway, pass the Olympic city of Lillehammar as you travel through the stunning Gudbrandsdalen valley to Dombas. Change trains and continue to Andalsnes on the Rauma Railway – regarded by many as one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys. Weaving between high mountain peaks and waterfalls as it follows the sparkling, turquoise Rauma River, the journey takes you through beautiful Romsdalen to natural wonders like the 1,700m-high vertical cliff face of Trollveggen and the dramatic stone arch of Kylling Bridge. As you gaze at the passing scenery, you might be reminded of the movie Harry Potter and Half-Blood Prince which was partly filmed here. The railway operates year-round, but from June to August the trains slow down by 10-15 minutes, making the journey time 1 hour 40 minutes. Arriving in Andalsnes, learn about the town’s mountaineering history at the Norsk Tindesenter. If you’re feeling energetic, trek up to the Rampestreken viewpoint (a medium hike along a well signed route). The lookout is 537m above sea level and offers stupendous views over the surrounding mountains and fjords… and it gets even better if you walk on up to the 715m summit of Nesaksla. Don’t forget, we can easily extend your stay here if you would like to enjoy some of the other fantastic hiking opportunities in the area. Another heady attraction, Andalsnes is also famous for its vineyard (the most northerly in the world) where guided tours include wine tasting and a chance to see its 11 cellars. The charming café of Sodahlshuset, meanwhile, is the perfect spot for a coffee and a chance to browse local ceramics and handcrafts. Overnight in Andalsnes.

Heading north from Oslo on the Dovre Railway, pass the Olympic city of Lillehammar as you travel through the stunning Gudbrandsdalen valley to Dombas. Change trains and continue to Andalsnes on the Rauma Railway – regarded by many as one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys. Weaving between high mountain peaks and waterfalls as it follows the sparkling, turquoise Rauma River, the journey takes you through beautiful Romsdalen to natural wonders like the 1,700m-high vertical cliff face of Trollveggen and the dramatic stone arch of Kylling Bridge. As you gaze at the passing scenery, you might be reminded of the movie Harry Potter and Half-Blood Prince which was partly filmed here. The railway operates year-round, but from June to August the trains slow down by 10-15 minutes, making the journey time 1 hour 40 minutes.

Arriving in Andalsnes, learn about the town’s mountaineering history at the Norsk Tindesenter. If you’re feeling energetic, trek up to the Rampestreken viewpoint (a medium hike along a well signed route). The lookout is 537m above sea level and offers stupendous views over the surrounding mountains and fjords… and it gets even better if you walk on up to the 715m summit of Nesaksla. Don’t forget, we can easily extend your stay here if you would like to enjoy some of the other fantastic hiking opportunities in the area. Another heady attraction, Andalsnes is also famous for its vineyard (the most northerly in the world) where guided tours include wine tasting and a chance to see its 11 cellars. The charming café of Sodahlshuset, meanwhile, is the perfect spot for a coffee and a chance to browse local ceramics and handcrafts. Overnight in Andalsnes.

In pictures

Today you have another opportunity to travel on the Rauma Railway – this time enjoying the dramatic views from a different direction. At Dombas, change to the northbound Dovre Railway, travelling across the mighty Dovrefjell mountain range before arriving in Trondheim for a two-night stay.

The unmissable centrepiece of this ancient Viking capital, Nidaros is the world’s northernmost medieval cathedral. Adorned with some 5,000 sculptures of religious figures, angels, gargoyles and dragons, it also boasts some beautiful stained-glass windows, especially the rose window on the western façade. Resting place of St Olav, the patron saint of Norway, the cathedral still hosts coronations – the King’s Crown and other royal regalia are on display in the nearby Archbishop’s Palace. Offering fine views over the city and surrounding fjords, the 17th-century Kristiansten Fortress was built to protect the city from Swedish conquest and contains a fascinating museum and dungeons. Displaying over 80 historical buildings, the open-air Trondelag Folk Museum is also worth a visit. Don’t miss the atmospheric old district of Bakklandet where narrow, cobbled streets are lined with small, colourful houses – once home to seamen, fishermen and labourers, but many now restored as boutiques, cafés and galleries.

The unmissable centrepiece of this ancient Viking capital, Nidaros is the world’s northernmost medieval cathedral. Adorned with some 5,000 sculptures of religious figures, angels, gargoyles and dragons, it also boasts some beautiful stained-glass windows, especially the rose window on the western façade. Resting place of St Olav, the patron saint of Norway, the cathedral still hosts coronations – the King’s Crown and other royal regalia are on display in the nearby Archbishop’s Palace.

Offering fine views over the city and surrounding fjords, the 17th-century Kristiansten Fortress was built to protect the city from Swedish conquest and contains a fascinating museum and dungeons. Displaying over 80 historical buildings, the open-air Trondelag Folk Museum is also worth a visit. Don’t miss the atmospheric old district of Bakklandet where narrow, cobbled streets are lined with small, colourful houses – once home to seamen, fishermen and labourers, but many now restored as boutiques, cafés and galleries.

In pictures

Heading east across the border to Sweden, today’s rail journey takes you through high mountains to the beautiful lakeside city of Ostersund for an overnight stay. As the old trading station between the north and south of Sweden, Ostersund has developed rich culinary traditions and is now recognised as a UNESCO-designated city of gastronomy. Overnight Ostersund.

Enjoy a scenic rail journey, weaving through unspoilt Scandinavian countryside before reaching the stunning capital city of Sweden. Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, Stockholm is spread across 14 islands. Stroll along the narrow, cobbled streets of Gamla Stan – the impeccably preserved medieval centre – and marvel at the beautiful and colourful buildings on Stortoget, the city’s most historic square. You will find plenty of cafés, bistros and restaurants offering local gastronomic specialities. Two nights in Stockholm.

Enjoy a scenic rail journey, weaving through unspoilt Scandinavian countryside before reaching the stunning capital city of Sweden. Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, Stockholm is spread across 14 islands. Stroll along the narrow, cobbled streets of Gamla Stan – the impeccably preserved medieval centre – and marvel at the beautiful and colourful buildings on Stortoget, the city’s most historic square. You will find plenty of cafés, bistros and restaurants offering local gastronomic specialities. Two nights in Stockholm.

In pictures

Visit the world’s oldest open-air museum at Skansen (with its 150 historic buildings) and the nearby Vasa Museum, which displays the amazing relic of the Vasa, a warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. The interactive ABBA Museum is another favourite among visitors. We also recommend a tour of the 600-room Royal Palace, or a trip to Drottningholm Castle – the private residence of the Swedish royal family. You could also take a ferry out to the Stockholm Archipelago for a spot of hiking or canoeing. Stockholm’s wide choice of restaurants offer international and traditional Swedish cuisine, including classic Scandinavian dishes like pickled herring, cured salmon, moose and reindeer.

Travel by rail south through the lush forests and fields of Skane to arrive in Malmo for your next overnight stay. Admire the city’s innovative architecture, epitomised by the ‘Turning Torso’, the world’s first twisted skyscraper. In contrast, you will find Dutch-Renaissance finery in the old town – a warren of cobblestone streets and medieval squares lined with cafés, galleries and designer boutiques. Malmo has more bars and restaurants per capita than anywhere else in Sweden, so you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to eating out. Overnight Malmo. Alternatively, choose to fly home from Stockholm should you prefer.

Travel by rail south through the lush forests and fields of Skane to arrive in Malmo for your next overnight stay. Admire the city’s innovative architecture, epitomised by the ‘Turning Torso’, the world’s first twisted skyscraper. In contrast, you will find Dutch-Renaissance finery in the old town – a warren of cobblestone streets and medieval squares lined with cafés, galleries and designer boutiques. Malmo has more bars and restaurants per capita than anywhere else in Sweden, so you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to eating out. Overnight Malmo.

Alternatively, choose to fly home from Stockholm should you prefer.

In pictures

Travel back over the Oresund Bridge to Copenhagen and onwards to Hamburg for an overnight stay. You’ll have the evening to explore Hamburg, Germany’s bustling port-city. The striking, scallop-roofed concert hall Elbphilharmonie dominates the skyline, while the St Pauli district is renowned for its restaurants and nightlife. Overnight Hamburg.

Take the morning train to Cologne and on to Brussels, before changing to the Eurostar service to London St Pancras.