A Grand Northern European Tour: Germany, Denmark, Norway & Sweden
This comprehensive travel guide details a classic Northern European circuit, a journey through historic cities, breathtaking fjords, and charming coastal towns. The itinerary connects Germany, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, offering a rich tapestry of urban culture and pristine natural landscapes. The route is particularly popular for combining efficient train and ferry travel with some of the world’s most scenic rail journeys.
Itinerary Overview
The journey is a loop starting and ending in Berlin, Germany. It traverses the Baltic Sea to Scandinavia, explores the heart of Norway’s fjord country, and returns via Sweden’s west coast. The key stops are:
Berlin → Rostock → Copenhagen → Oslo → Hemsedal → Flåm → Myrdal → Flåm → Gudvangen → Voss → Bergen → Norheimsund → Eidfjord → Geilo → Oslo → Gothenburg → Malmö → Copenhagen → Rostock → Berlin.
Part 1: Germany – Urban History & Baltic Ports
Berlin: The Vibrant Capital
Berlin, Germany’s capital, is a dynamic metropolis steeped in history, art, and a vibrant contemporary culture. It serves as the perfect start and end point for this adventure.
Attractions: The Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building (book dome visit in advance), East Side Gallery (longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall), Museum Island (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Holocaust Memorial, and Checkpoint Charlie. For a unique view, visit the TV Tower at Alexanderplatz.
Food & Drink: Indulge in a classic Currywurst (sausage with curry ketchup). Try a traditional German meal at a beer hall, including dishes like Eisbein (pork knuckle) and Sauerbraten (pot roast). Don’t miss the diverse food markets like Markthalle Neun.
Transportation: Berlin has an excellent public transport system (BVG) comprising U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (city train), trams, and buses. A day pass is highly recommended for explorers.
Accommodation Tips: Stay in central districts like Mitte for proximity to major sights, Kreuzberg for a trendy, artistic vibe, or Prenzlauer Berg for a quieter, family-friendly atmosphere. Hostels, boutique hotels, and apartment rentals are widely available.
Cultural Insight: Berlin’s history is palpable. The city doesn’t hide its past but uses it as a foundation for renewal and creativity. This is evident in its world-class museums, cutting-edge art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.
Rostock: Gateway to the Baltic
A historic Hanseatic city on the Baltic Sea coast, Rostock is primarily the transit point for the ferry to Denmark but holds its own charm.
Attractions: The medieval Rostock Old Town with St. Mary’s Church and the Neuer Markt (New Market). The Warnemünde district is a lovely seaside resort with a lighthouse, sandy beach, and promenade filled with fish restaurants.
Food & Drink: As a port city, seafood is a must. Try fresh fish sandwiches (Fischbrötchen) or a hearty fish soup. Rostock also has its own local beer, Rostocker Pils.
Transportation: The main ferry terminal for the Copenhagen ferry is in Warnemünde, easily reachable by S-Bahn from Rostock’s main train station. The city itself is very walkable.
Accommodation Tips: For an early ferry, consider staying in Warnemünde for convenience. Otherwise, Rostock’s city center offers more historic ambiance.
Cultural Insight: Rostock’s wealth was built on its membership in the Hanseatic League, a powerful medieval trading confederation. This maritime heritage is still central to its identity.
Part 2: Denmark – Scandinavian Chic & Coastal Charm
Copenhagen: City of Hygge
The Danish capital is renowned for its design, gastronomy, and the concept of
hygge (coziness). It’s a city that effortlessly blends fairy-tale charm with modern living.
Attractions: The Little Mermaid statue, Tivoli Gardens amusement park, Nyhavn canal with its colorful houses, Christianshavn and the free town of Christiania, Rosenborg Castle, and the Round Tower. Rent a bike to explore like a local.
Food & Drink: Experience New Nordic cuisine or try a classic open-faced sandwich (smørrebrød). Don’t miss the hot dogs from a street vendor (pølsevogn) and Danish pastries (wienerbrød). Copenhagen is also home to Noma and numerous Michelin-starred restaurants.
Transportation: Copenhagen is exceptionally bike-friendly. It also has a reliable metro and train system. The Copenhagen Card offers free entry to attractions and unlimited public transport.
Accommodation Tips: Vesterbro is trendy and central, Nørrebro is multicultural and vibrant, and Indre By (the inner city) puts you right in the heart of the historic action.
Cultural Insight: Hygge is more than a word; it’s a cultural philosophy of creating warm, cozy atmospheres and enjoying the good things in life with good people. Danes also highly value trust and social equality.
Part 3: Norway – Fjords, Mountains & Viking Heritage
The Journey: Oslo to the Fjords
The trip from Oslo into the fjord country is an experience in itself, often involving the famous “Norway in a Nutshell” tour, which can be booked as a package or independently.
Oslo: Norway’s capital is a green city nestled between the Oslofjord and forested hills. Visit the Viking Ship Museum, the Fram Museum, the Opera House (walk on its roof), and the Vigeland Sculpture Park.
The Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen): The train from Oslo to Hemsedal/Geilo/Myrdal is one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys, crossing the high-altitude Hardangervidda mountain plateau.
The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana): A breathtaking branch line from Myrdal down to Flåm, descending 864 meters through tunnels and past waterfalls. It’s a masterpiece of engineering.
The Nærøyfjord Cruise: From Flåm to Gudvangen, this ferry journey takes you through the narrow, UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, surrounded by steep mountains and waterfalls.
The Stalheimskleiva Road: The bus ride from Gudvangen to Voss ascends this serpentine road with incredible views of the surrounding valleys.
The Fjord Heartland: Key Stops
Hemsedal/Geilo: These are popular ski resorts in winter but offer fantastic hiking and outdoor activities in summer. They provide a peaceful mountain base.
Flåm: A tiny village at the head of the Aurlandsfjord. It’s a major tourist hub. Visit the Flåm Railway Museum or go kayaking on the fjord.
Gudvangen: A small village at the end of the Nærøyfjord, home to the Viking Valley (Njardarheimr), a living museum about Viking culture.
Voss: An adventure sports capital year-round, offering everything from paragliding and white-water rafting to skiing.
Bergen:The “Gateway to the Fjords.” Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen (the old Hanseatic wharf), take the Fløibanen funicular to Mount Fløyen for panoramic views, and visit the famous Fish Market.
The Hardangerfjord Route (Norheimsund – Eidfjord):A scenic alternative or addition, known as the “Queen of the Fjords.” See the majestic Vøringsfossen waterfall and the Hardangerjøkulen glacier.
Norwegian Food & Practicalities
Food & Drink: Norwegian cuisine is heavily based on seafood. Try freshly caught salmon (laks) and cod (torsk). Sample traditional dishes like reindeer stew (reinsdyrstek) or meatballs ( The Right of Access (Allemannsretten):A fundamental part of Norwegian culture, this law gives everyone the right to roam freely in nature, even on private land, as long as you act responsibly and respect privacy.
Accommodation Tips: In cities, hotels and hostels are plentiful. In the fjords and mountains, consider staying in a historic hotel like Fretheim Hotel in Flåm or Kviknes Hotel in Balestrand. Cabins ( A Note on Costs: Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Budget accordingly for meals, transport, and accommodation. Self-catering from supermarkets can help manage costs.
The return leg offers a taste of Sweden’s relaxed west coast culture before crossing back to Denmark. The Train from Oslo to Gothenburg:A comfortable and scenic journey along the coast.
Gothenburg (Göteborg):A friendly, laid-back city known for its Dutch-style canals, excellent seafood, and green spaces. Visit Liseberg amusement park (in season), the Haga district with its picturesque wooden houses and giant cinnamon buns ( The Train from Gothenburg to Malmö:Takes you through the fertile agricultural region of Skåne.
The Øresund Bridge:The iconic bridge-tunnel that connects Malmö, Sweden, to Copenhagen, Denmark. The train ride across is an attraction in itself.
The Return Journey: Sweden & Back to Germany
The Swedish West Coast: Gothenburg & Malmö