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Big Harbor Canal and Christina Church in Gothenburg, Sweden

Scandinavian Road Trip & Gothenburg

(12 days / 11 nights)

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Scenic Scandinavian Road Trip

This 12-day tour combines the best of the capital cities of Scandinavia with a scenic road trip in the countryside of Sweden and Norway. Starting and ending in Sweden, you will get to explore the culture and history of Stockholm, Gothenburg, Copenhagen and Oslo including castles, palaces and museums. On the road, you will get to see picturesque towns like Kalmar, Ystad and Örebro, while soaking in the landscape along the way.

12 days / 11 nights

Price p.p. from

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 2881 EUR

— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Hassle-free & seamless road trip experience
  • Flexible & customisable tour options
  • Trusted local travel experts
  • Great customer reviews
  • Carbon offsetting

Read more

— Book With Confidence

  • Optional cancellation insurance
  • Affordable deposits from 10%

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Explore the colourful capitals of Norway, Sweden & Denmark
  • Experience the ultimate Scandinavian road trip, taking the scenic route from country to country
  • Discover Scandinavian royalty by visiting castles and palaces
  • Walk through the small and charming capital, Copenhagen
  • Enjoy the charms of Swedish Fika in Gamla Stan (Old Town)
  • Stroll the quaint streets of Gothenburg
  • Drive through the scenic countryside of Sweden, including Kalmar and Ystad
  • Visit the coast of Skåne and the mystical iron age monument Ale's stones with an impressive view of the Baltic Sea.
  • Relax by the water at Nyhavn in Copenhagen and visit the Little Mermaid

Travel style

Self-Drive i

Interest

Castles and Royalty i, Classic i, Countryside and natural scenery i, Culture and History i, Family i

Season

May - Sep

Departure

Daily

Interest

Castles and Royalty i, Classic i, Countryside and natural scenery i, Culture and History i, Family i

Driving distance

1902/1181 km/mi

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your Nordic adventure.

  • Day 1: WELCOME TO SWEDEN

    After you arrive at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, pick up your rental car. Then drive to Stockholm’s scenic city centre. After settling in at your hotel, spend the rest of the day exploring the beautiful city. Stroll the well-known street Drottninggatan where you can shop, take photos and feel the relaxed vibe of the capital city. In charming Old Town (Gamla Stan), you will find numerous attractions, including the Royal Palace, the parliament, old churches, beautiful cobblestone streets and medieval houses.

    Spend the night in Stockholm.

    Driving distance: 40 km / 25 miles
    Estimated driving duration: 40 minutes (without stops)

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 2: A SLICE OF THE SWEDISH COUNTRYSIDE

    Today you will kick off your road trip and drive to the south of Sweden. First you will stop by the picturesque town of Söderköping before reaching the city of Kalmar, a medieval city with well-preserved 17th and 18th century buildings. Here, you can visit the Kalmar Castle, which has a rich history dating back over 800 years. Spend some time strolling the quaint streets of this town and let the architecture transport you back in time.

    Spend the night in Kalmar.

    Driving distance: 410 km / 255 miles
    Estimated driving duration: 4 hours and 45 minutes (without stops)

    Attractions Attractions
  • Day 3: SWEDEN’S SPLENDID SOUTH COAST

    From Kalmar, drive south along the coast to Skåne where we recommend a visit to Kiviks Musteri and the apple orchards. It is also recommended to stop for coffee in the picturesque town of Simrishamn. Continue to the popular attraction Ales Stenar stone ship monument, which consists of 59 massive boulders arranged in a 67 metre-long outline with a picturesque view of the Baltic Sea. You will continue your drive to the charming town of Ystad where you will spend the night.

    Spend the night in Ystad.

    Driving distance: 290 km / 180 miles
    Estimated driving duration: 4 hours (without stops)

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 4: DRIVE TO CAPTIVATING COPENHAGEN

    From Ystad, drive to Smygehuk, the southernmost point in Sweden. Here you will find cosy cafés, eclectic craft shops and fish smokeries. Continue along the south coast to the old towns of Skanör and Falsterbo, located on the Falsterbo peninsula, where you will encounter long stretches of white sand beaches. Next, cross the famous Öresund Bridge and arrive in the charming capital city of Denmark, Copenhagen. You can explore the beautiful harbour area of Nyhavn and have fun at the amusement park Tivoli Gardens.

    Spend the night in Copenhagen.

    Driving distance: 130 km / 80 miles
    Estimated driving duration: 2 hours and 20 min (without stops)

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 5: A DAY IN CAPTIVATING COPENHAGEN

    You have the whole day to explore Copenhagen. We recommend seeing the city by foot, visiting landmarks including Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, and the famous Little Mermaid statue. An optional boat tour from the harbour is also highly recommended as you can appreciate the architecture and beauty of the city by water. Next, stroll Ströget street for some shopping and grab something to eat.

    Spend the night in Copenhagen.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 6: FROM COPENHAGEN TO GOTHENBURG

    Today you will make your way back to Sweden. Drive from Copenhagen to Helsingør, where you will board a ferry with your car, to Helsingborg in Sweden. In Helsingør we recommend taking a stroll around the pretty town and visit the Kronborg Castle, which was made famous in William Shakespeare's Hamlet. Once in Helsingborg we recommend a visit to Sofiero Palace & Garden, where you will find historical parks and gardens with a stunning variety of rhododendrons. Continue driving along the west coast of Sweden until you reach Gothenburg.

    Spend the night in Gothenburg.

    Ferry from Helsingør to Helsinborg: 20 minutes

    Driving distance: 260 km / 162 miles
    Estimated driving duration: 3 hours (without stops)

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 7: EXPLORE GLORIOUS GOTHENBURG

    After breakfast at your hotel, get ready to greet Gothenburg, Sweden's second largest city. It is recommended to walk down Avenyn, the main shopping street that is chock full of interesting stores and fine restaurants. Other points of interest include the Feskekôrka fish market and the fun Liseberg amusement park. Art lovers should make a stop at the Gothenburg Museum of Art followed by an afternoon Fika in Haga.

    Spend the night in Gothenburg.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 8: FROM GOTHENBURG TO OSLO

    From Gothenburg, head north to the Bohus Fortress, an impressive structure that was built in 1308 and today houses a museum. If you would like more time in Oslo, you can head directly to the capital city, but we recommend the scenic route to Marstrand, which has been referred as Sweden´s little St. Tropez. Here you can enjoy a nice lunch or take a dip in the ocean from the cliffs. You leave the car on the main land and take a short passenger ferry to the island Marstrand.

    Continue your drive to Oslo. After you arrive, park your car and explore the modern city by foot. Notable attractions include the Royal Palace and the Aker Brygge area and spending some time along the beautiful harbour area. 

    Spend the night in Oslo.

    Driving distance: 290 km / 180 miles and if you go on a detour to Marstrand 328 km / 204 miles
    Estimated driving duration: 3 hour and 13 min (without stops) and if you go on a detour to the island Marstrand 3 hours and 52 min (without stops)

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 9: EXPLORE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF OSLO

    This morning get an early start to explore the Norwegian capital at your own pace. Highlights include driving to the beautiful Vigeland Sculpture Park, and the Holmenkollen ski jump which played a large role in the 1952 winter Olympics in the city.

    Other options include visits to Oslo City Hall, the Oslo Opera House, Munch Museum and Fram Polar Ship Museum, as well as strolling the popular Karl Johans street. You will then have the rest of the day to explore at your own leisure.

    Spend the night in Oslo.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 10: THE SCENIC ROUTE TO ÖREBRO

    From Oslo, you will drive east in your rental car to Örebro. Along the way, make a stop at Karlstad, which is known as the city of sunshine. Karlstad is a beautiful place as it lies on the river delta where the Klara River and the mighty Lake Vänern meet. On your way to Örebro we also recommend a stop in Kristinehamn where you find a 15-metre tall Picasso sculpture which was donated to the city by the artist in 1964. Other sights here include the Kristinenhamn church and the Järsberg Runestone.

    Spend the night in Örebro.

    Driving distance: 325 km / 202 miles
    Estimated driving duration: 4 hours (without stops)

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 11: CASTLES ON THE WAY TO STOCKHOLM

    This morning, visit the 14th-century Örebro Castle and walk through the Wadköping open-air museum, with buildings that date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. After a proper dose of history in Örebro, continue to the town of Eskilstuna, where you can visit the charming open-air museum Rademachersmedjorna. This area is famous for its many castles and manor houses, including the 16th-century Gripsholm Castle. After a day of sightseeing, continue east to return to Stockholm, where you can enjoy the evening at your leisure.

    Spend the night in Stockholm.

    Driving distance: 197 km / 122 miles
    Estimated driving duration: 2 hours 16 minutes (without stops)

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 12: STOCKHOLM AND DEPARTURE DAY

    Enjoy one last Scandinavian breakfast before it’s time to check out of your hotel. If you have time, why not squeeze in some last-minute shopping, go sightseeing, or spend some time relaxing at a café? When you are ready for departure, drive to the airport and return your rental car before journeying home.

Optional extras

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

Reviews

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

We plan to use Nordic Visitor again

It was a fabulous trip overall. Irja and her colleagues did a terrific job arranging our itinerary and our accommodation along the way while allowing us to plan our own diversion. Unfortunately, there wasn't time to see many of the things that had been recommended along the way. We definitely plan to use Nordic Visitor again.

Sweden is a beautiful country

We chose the self-driving tour. This gave us the freedom to set our own agenda, while still having some structure to the trip so that we did not need to worry about hotel accommodation. The hotels were consistently nice, and the breakfast buffets provided gave us a good start to the day. The rental car was comfortable, and the GPS kept us from getting lost. Sweden is a beautiful country, and we had a great trip!

Great vacation

Except for some minor issues at some of the hotels, this was a great vacation. In fact, we will probably book another tour with Nordic Visitor, this time to Iceland.

Accommodation

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

Standard rooms in good quality and comfortable three-star hotels in combination with charming country hotels.

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Superior

Standard rooms in four-star hotels in combination with Superior rooms in premium three-star hotels.

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Rental car

Enjoy the journey, in the rental car of your choice.

VW Polo (Automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x2
  • A

VW Polo (Automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Economy
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 2
  • Doors: 4-5
  • Operation: Automatic

Suzuki Vitara (Automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x2
  • A

Suzuki Vitara (Automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Compact
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 2
  • Doors: 4-5
  • Operation: Automatic

Toyota Corolla Station Wagon (Automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x4
  • A

Toyota Corolla Station Wagon (Automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Intermediate Wagon
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 4
  • Doors: 2
  • Operation: Automatic

Toyota Avensis Station Wagon (Automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x4
  • A

Toyota Avensis Station Wagon (Automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Station Wagon
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic

Toyota RAV4 (Automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x4
  • A

Toyota RAV4 (Automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Intermediate SUV
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 5
  • Operation: Automatic

Price per person from

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 2881 EUR

Tour Information

We recommend that all our travellers read through the following information about driving in Scandinavia, what the tour includes, accommodation and other useful information for your travels.

ABOUT OUR SELF-DRIVE TOURS
This is a self-drive tour, which means you will follow a detailed and personalised itinerary during your road trip in Scandinavia. No dedicated driver or tour guide is included. All accommodation, rental vehicle, and other planned activities or added services will be pre-booked by Nordic Visitor (as specified in the itinerary). As this is a self-drive tour, you are welcome to stop when and where you choose on your drive. Except for accommodation and booked activities, other highlights we’ve listed in the itinerary are suggestions based on Nordic Visitor favourites.

For inexperienced drivers who still want to explore and discover Scandinavia, we recommend one of our guided small group tours, where you travel with a local, experienced tour leader.

ACCOMMODATION
Our team of local travel experts carefully select hotels around the country based on excellent ratings, personal experience and comfort. Please note, that in Scandinavia our room types are based on European standard sizes. For instance, a double bed often consists of two single beds pushed together. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra bed, a rollaway or a sofa bed, and a single room is often smaller than the standard double.

DRIVING IN SCANDINAVIA
For information on driving in Scandinavia we recommend that you take a look at our travel guide for driving in Norway. It is very similar for the rest of our Nordic countries. There you will find handy information on tolls, ferry routes, tunnels and more! In general, the roads in Scandinavia are of high standard and are well-maintained. Rural roads are generally two lanes and can be narrow and winding, particularly in mountainous areas. Scandinavians drive on the right side of the road.

PARKING IN THE CAPITALS OF SCANDINAVIA
Parking and overnight parking at hotels (most hotels in small towns and the countryside have free parking), fees for parking meters or parking garages, fines for parking violations or towing charges are not included in the package price. Parking fees in Scandinavia are typically between EUR 10 and EUR 50 per night, depending on the type of parking. We always recommend that you inquire about the best parking option when you check in at your hotels.

CURRENCY RATE
All bookings are charged in Euros (EUR). Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. Therefore, conversions from EUR to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

AFTER BOOKING WITH NORDIC VISITOR
After booking your package with Nordic Visitor, you will be contacted within two working days by one of our travel consultants, who will serve as your dedicated contact person for all your travel needs before, during and even after your holiday. Your travel consultant will provide you with details about your booking and your remaining payment (if not paid in full). You will also receive more information about what to expect during your holiday.

CARBON OFFSETTING YOUR TOUR
Nordic Visitor is working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours. Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund.

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