This itinerary blends the wonders of two magical Nordic nations, Denmark and Sweden. Begin your exploration in Denmark, the charming smaller neighbor to the north. Denmark boasts excellent connections to Sweden by land and ferry, making it an ideal starting point for your adventure.
Popular itinerary for a journey through Denmark & Sweden:
Denmark is not just one of the happiest countries in the world. It is a kingdom with a long and captivating history that is intertwined with modernity. This land of Viking legends, medieval castles, beloved folk tales, and modern innovations is packed into a small, picturesque geographic area.
In contrast to Denmark, Sweden boasts a vast and diverse landscape. From its dense forests and rugged mountains to the picturesque serenity of its lakes and the beauty of its coastlines, Sweden surrounds you with natural wonders at every turn. Its extensive coastline is adorned with countless archipelagos, consisting of thousands of islands and islets. This island paradise offers opportunities to explore by sail, kayak, or simply by strolling through quaint seaside villages.
To gain a deeper understanding of Denmark and Sweden, delve into the heart of their cultures. Steeped in tradition, innovation, and a strong sense of community, these cultures offer a truly enriching experience.
This 14-day trip starts and ends in Copenhagen.
Day 1: Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital since the 15th century, has evolved from a small Viking fishing village into the modern, vibrant city it is today. The city serves as the seat of the Danish royal family, government, and parliament, drawing numerous tourists to Scandinavia and welcoming cruise ships to its docks.
Upon arrival at Copenhagen airport and settling into your hotel, start your exploration with a visit to the National Museum of Denmark. Delve into Denmark’s rich history through the museum’s archaeological finds, paintings, and various exhibits. In the evening, savor dinner at a traditional restaurant known for its fresh or pickled fish dishes like herring.
Spend the night in Copenhagen.
Day 2: Copenhagen, continued
Explore all the iconic attractions of Copenhagen. Begin your day with a leisurely stroll from the Little Mermaid statue, passing by the Gefion Fountain and the Amalienborg Royal Palace. The Amalienborg museum offers a glimpse into the palace’s royal treasures and rooms. Don’t miss the Changing of the Guards ceremony, typically held around noon.
From the palace, take a short walk to Kongens Nytorv (King’s Square) and Nyhavn, the historic waterfront district where you can embark on a boat tour of the canals. Continue your exploration along Strøget, known as Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street.
In the evening, enjoy the charming atmosphere of Tivoli Gardens, Europe’s oldest amusement park.
Spend the night in Copenhagen.
Day 3: Copenhagen, continued
Discover Denmark’s most famous brewery at the Home of Carlsberg. Immerse yourself in an ultra-modern exhibition showcasing the brewery’s history and beer production process. Enjoy a taste of Carlsberg beer at the bar, explore part of the Jacobsen family art collection, and visit the stables to pay tribute to the draught horses that once transported beer around Copenhagen.
Experience Denmark’s innovative design and architectural trends at the Designmuseum Danmark, which features art, crafts, and industrial designs from various periods and cultures around the world.
In the evening, indulge in a gourmet dinner at one of Copenhagen’s Michelin-starred restaurants, offering modern interpretations of Nordic cuisine.
Spend the night in Copenhagen.
Day 4: Malmo, Sweden
Cross the Oresund Straight to Sweden, driving over and below the Øresund Bridge, a remarkable combination of 2.5-mile tunnel and 5-mile bridge that connects Copenhagen with Malmo in Sweden. Malmo, the 3rd largest city in Sweden, is a modern and ethnically diverse city, home to people who hail from 170 countries. Originally founded as a Danish city in the late 13th century, Malmö boasts a long network of bicycle trails, allowing you to leave your car behind and explore the city on bikes.
Visit the Gamla Väster district, the oldest part of the city. Don’t miss Malmöhus Castle and its beautiful Slottsträdgården gardens. Take a lunch break in the charming old city center.
In the afternoon, if the weather permits, head to Ribersborgsstranden Beach (known to locals as ‘Ribban’), just 10 minutes from the old town. Ribban is a 1-mile beach featuring the historic Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, an open-air cold bath house and sauna. You can also rent a kayak to explore the coast for stunning views of the Øresund Bridge, or enjoy a city circular tour through Malmö’s canals.
Spend the night in Malmo.
Day 5: The Swedish Province of Skane
Skåne is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring bright yellow rapeseed fields, beech tree forests, and white sandy beaches, and Malmö is the largest city in this southern Swedish province.
In Skåne, you’ll find the major hiking route of Skåneleden, which encompasses the province. With a total of 870 miles of trails divided into 136 sections that pass through coastline, forests, and lakes, you can choose a section to your liking for a day out in nature.
Spend the night in Ystad.
Day 6: Ystad and Kiviks
In the morning, explore the small historic center of Ystad. Don’t miss the Rosary, a rose garden with 91 different kinds of roses laid out in the courtyard of a 14th-century monastery. The garden was designed to honor the memory of the Franciscan monks who once lived and cultivated there.
Head to the charming town of Kivik, nestled in the heart of apple orchards. Visit the family apple farm Kiviks Musteri. Founded in 1888, this was Sweden’s first commercial fruit farm. Kiviks Musteri boasts over 70 varieties of apples, and you’ll have the chance to learn about them and, of course, sample them. Don’t miss their refreshing cider, and indulge in local delicacies at the on-site restaurant.
Spend the night in Kivik.
Day 7: Kalmar and Öland
The journey continues with a scenic drive to Kalmar, where you’ll hop on a ferry and cross the narrow strait to the enchanting island of Öland. Since Öland’s roads tend to be on the narrower side, exploring by bike is a great way to explore the island’s charm. Sweden’s second-largest island in the Baltic Sea, Öland is a favorite summer destination for the Swedish royal family. With a rich history spanning almost 10,000 years, Öland boasts a fascinating array of archaeological sites and ruined stone forts.
The island is also known for its long, tranquil beaches, unique nature, and diverse wildlife. You can enjoy many bike trails of varying lengths and scenic views.
After your day of exploration, return to Kalmar to spend the night.
Day 8: Visby on Gotland
Drive to Oskarshamn and catch a ferry to Visby, a gem on Gotland, Sweden’s largest Baltic island. Spend the afternoon exploring Visby, where you can walk the old medieval walls and visit the beautiful botanical garden.
Spend the night in Visby.
Day 9: Visby, continued
Rent bikes and explore Gotland’s scenic trails. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, stop to admire the views from one of the sea stacks jutting out from the coastline, and stop to relax and refresh in the quaint fishing villages.
Spend the night in Visby.
Day 10: Växjö
After soaking up the charm of Visby, catch the ferry back to the mainland and set course for Växjö. This vibrant city offers a delightful afternoon adventure. A must-see is the renowned Swedish Glass Museum, showcasing a dazzling collection of glasswork from various eras.
Spend the night in Växjö.
Day 11: Helsingør and Kronborg Castle
Drive to Helsingborg and take a ferry back to Helsingør in Denmark, a small port town that controls the Øresund Strait at its narrowest point. To manage the passage of ships and levy customs taxes between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, Danish kings built Kronborg Slot, also known as Kronborg Castle. This star-shaped fortress, constructed in the 16th century, is famous for its association with Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” During the summer months, actors perform scenes from Hamlet on the castle grounds. Don’t miss the crypt with the statue of the mythical Holger the Dane, who, according to legend, will awaken to defend Denmark in times of danger.
After exploring the castle, relax at Værftets Madmarked, a street food market just outside the castle, where you can enjoy a wide selection of food and drink stalls.
Stay overnight in Stege.
Day 12: Møns Klint
Head south to Møns Klint, a breathtaking area of natural beauty featuring white chalk cliffs that drop dramatically into the Baltic Sea. The Danes fondly refer to this area as “The Cold Caribbean.” Stop at the GeoCenter Møns Klint for an informative overview of the region. You can then choose between hiking trails, kayaking, or a guided boat tour of the cliffs.
End the day back in Stege, the largest town on the island of Møn. Once a prosperous herring fishing port, Stege comes alive in the summer with Tuesday markets held from the last Tuesday in June until the first Tuesday in August. On market days, the town is bustling with stalls of all kinds. Enjoy the local food and the festive atmosphere.
Stay overnight in Stege.
Day 13: Roskilde and Copenhagen
Drive towards Roskilde, a historic city famous for its Viking Ship Museum. The Vikings, who raided Europe for 300 years, were fearless navigators and seamen who built ships that conquered the high seas and rivers of Europe. At the museum, you can learn more about the Vikings and their journeys, see their well-preserved ships that were found in Denmark, and view their reconstructions.
From May to September, you can experience boating on a Viking ship yourself just outside the museum (at an extra cost). As a participant, you become part of the ship’s crew and actively engage in rowing and setting sail.
After exploring the museum, stroll through the narrow streets of Roskilde, enjoy the local cafes and independent shops, and visit Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the burial place of Danish monarchs.
End your day by returning to Copenhagen to spend the night.
Day 14: Copenhagen
Make the most of your remaining time in Copenhagen! Depending on your flight, squeeze in a return visit to a favorite spot or embark on a last-minute exploration.
