You are about to embark on a journey that will stay in your heart forever. The lands of the north are calling. You will find that a Denmark and Sweden Itinerary is the perfect way to spend your hard-earned vacation time.
These two countries share a deep history and beautiful landscapes. You will see ancient castles and modern cities. This scandinavia itinerary 7 days guide will help you plan every detail. Though you might wish you had more time, this week will give you a fantastic taste of Nordic life.
First of all, you must pick the right time to visit. Summer is the most popular choice for many travelers. You will enjoy long daylight hours in July, sometimes up to 17 hours of sun. The weather is usually mild.
Temperatures often sit between 20°C and 26°C during these months. However, May is also a wonderful choice. You will see gardens in full bloom and avoid the largest crowds. If you visit in December, you will experience the magic of Christmas markets. Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen becomes a winter wonderland at that time.
Day 1: The Charm of Copenhagen
Your adventure starts in the capital of Denmark. Copenhagen is a city on the water. You should stay at a central hotel like The Square to make travel easy. This hotel has a high rating of 8.1 and sits right near the central station. You will find the city is very walkable. Blue canals. Colorful houses. Friendly people on bicycles. These sights will greet you immediately.
First, you should walk toward Nyhavn. This is the famous old harbor with bright buildings and wooden ships. You might recognize it from postcards. It is the heart of the city. Later, you should walk along the harbor to see the Little Mermaid statue. She is a symbol of the city based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen. First-class memories start here.
You must not miss Tivoli Gardens. It is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. You can buy a day pass for about 419 DKK. The atmosphere is special. Ancient wooden coasters. Beautiful flowers. Sparkling lights at night. You can enjoy the rides or just walk through the gardens. Additionally, you should try a Danish pastry. It is a local treat that you will love.
Day 2: Culture and Canals
You should spend your second day diving deeper into Danish culture. A canal cruise is a great way to see the city from a different angle. You will glide past the Royal Danish Opera House and Christiansborg Palace. The palace is where the parliament meets. Similarly, you should visit Amalienborg Palace. You can watch the changing of the guard there at noon.
If you want a great view, you should climb the spiral tower of Vor Frelsers Kirke. You will see the whole city and the sea from the top. On top of that, you might want to visit the National Museum or see the crown jewels at Rosenborg Castle. The history of the Vikings is everywhere here. You will learn about their seafaring past.
Finally, you should enjoy dinner in the Vesterbro district. It is a hip area with many great food spots. You can find everything from traditional Danish food to modern Japanese dishes. The city feels alive at night. Therefore, you should take a slow walk back to your hotel and soak in the night air.
Day 3: Crossing to Stockholm
Today, you leave Denmark behind. You will travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm. The best way to do this is by train. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours. It is a direct trip that travels through the beautiful Swedish countryside. You will see red farmhouses and thick green forests through the window. It is very relaxing. Plus, the train has free WiFi and power points for your comfort.
You will cross the Öresund Bridge. This is a massive link between the two countries. It is about 16 kilometers long. If you were driving, you would pay a toll of about 360 DKK to cross. However, the train makes it much easier for you. You should book your tickets early to get a lower price. Ticket prices usually range from 400 to 1300 SEK.
Once you arrive at Stockholm Central Station, you are in the heart of Sweden’s capital. Stockholm sits on 14 separate islands. It is often called the “Venice of the North”. You should check into a hotel like Downtown Camper. It is very central and has a great spa on the top floor called The Nest. You will have amazing views of the city from there.
Day 4: The Heart of Old Stockholm
Your first full day in Stockholm should begin in Gamla Stan. This is the Old Town. Narrow cobbled streets. Bright orange and yellow stone houses. Buildings here date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. You should visit Stortorget, which is the main square. You will see the famous colorful houses in a row. It is a great place for a fika. This is a classic Swedish coffee break with a pastry.
Later, you must visit the Vasa Museum on the island of Djurgården. It is the most visited museum in Scandinavia. You will see a massive warship that sank in 1628 on its very first trip. It was pulled from the harbor and is almost perfectly preserved. It is a breathtaking sight. You will learn about the era of the Swedish Empire.
Additionally, you might want to visit the ABBA Museum if you love music. It is very interactive. You can dance with holograms of the band. On top of that, you can visit Skansen. This is the world’s oldest open-air museum. You will see traditional Swedish houses and even local animals like moose and reindeer. It feels like a trip back in time.
Day 5: The Stockholm Archipelago
You should spend your third day in Stockholm exploring the water. The Stockholm Archipelago has over 14,000 islands covered in trees. You can take a boat tour that lasts about 2.5 hours. This is a quick way to see the beauty of the islands without leaving the city for too long. Similarly, you could take a ferry to an island like Vaxholm.
Vaxholm has a historic fortress and many nice restaurants. You can walk along the water and watch the boats go by. If you feel active, you could even take a kayaking tour. You will paddle through the calm water and see the city from a unique view. The air is fresh and the scenery is peaceful.
Finally, you should head back to the city for a nice dinner. Stockholm has a great food scene. You can find affordable fine dining or cozy local spots. You should try Swedish meatballs or fresh seafood. Gradually, you will fall in love with the pace of life here. It is elegant yet relaxed.
Day 6: Heading to Gothenburg
Today, you will take the train from Stockholm to Gothenburg. This is the second-largest city in Sweden. The train ride is very popular and comfortable. Gothenburg is located on the west coast. It is known for its slower lifestyle and cozy cafes. You will find that people here are very friendly.
You should stay at the Clarion Hotel Post. It is located in an old postal building right by the station. It has a rooftop pool with a view of the city. If you want a cheaper option, Linnéplatsens Hotell & Vandrarhem is a clean and fresh hostel. Gothenburg is a very walkable city, but you can also use the trams. You can buy a single ticket on the Västtrafik app.
First, you should visit the district of Haga. It is an older part of the city with wooden houses. You will find Café Husaren here. They sell giant cinnamon buns that the city is famous for. Later, you should walk up the hill to Skansen Kronan. It is an old fortress that gives you a great view of the red roofs of the city.
Day 7: The West Coast Islands
Your final day should be spent in the Gothenburg Archipelago. These islands are very different from the ones in Stockholm. They are often rocky and have small fishing villages. You can take a ferry from Saltholmen to islands like Styrsö or Vrångö. These islands are car-free. You explore them on foot or by bicycle.
Vrångö is perfect if you love nature. It has sandy beaches and beautiful nature reserves. You can take a slow walk and enjoy the sea breeze. Styrsö has a more traditional summer resort feel with pretty houses and gardens. On top of that, you could take a boat trip to Vinga Lighthouse. It is the most westerly island and very iconic.
Finally, you return to the city for one last meal. You should visit the Saluhall food market or the Fish Church for fresh seafood. Gothenburg is a paradise for lovers of fish and shrimp. This ends your sweden travel itinerary on a high note. You will leave with many memories.
Planning Your Extended Trip
If you have more time, you can easily turn this into a norway, sweden, denmark itinerary 10 days trip. You would simply add a few days in Oslo, the capital of Norway. Oslo is only about 3.5 hours from Gothenburg by bus. You could see the Opera House and the Munch Museum.
Some travelers prefer an even longer stay. A norway, sweden, denmark itinerary 14 days allows you to see the fjords of Norway. You could take the Norway in a Nutshell train ride. Similarly, a scandinavia itinerary 14 days could include a trip to Finland or even Iceland.
For those who love the sun, a scandinavia itinerary 10 days summer trip is perfect for exploring more of the coast. You could visit the region of Skåne in southern Sweden. It is famous for its farm shops and flat landscapes. You could even take a denmark to sweden ferry from Frederikshavn to Gothenburg to see more of the sea.
Practical Tips for Your Journey
You should know that Sweden is mostly cashless. You will use your credit card for almost everything, even small purchases like ice cream. Most places in Denmark also take cards, but it is good to have some local currency just in case. You will walk a lot, so bring comfortable shoes. Many travelers take 10,000 to 20,000 steps per day.
Pack light if you can. A standard backpack or small carry-on is often enough. This makes moving between trains and hotels much easier. Additionally, you should download the local transport apps for each city. This saves you time when buying tickets. Gradually, you will get the hang of the local systems.
Scandinavian design is famous for being clean and simple. You will see this in the hotels and shops. Therefore, you should leave some room in your suitcase for souvenirs. You might find a beautiful piece of home decor or a unique piece of clothing in Stockholm’s Drottninggatan.
A Summary of Your 7-Day Experience
Your week in the north will be full of color and history. From the canals of Copenhagen to the islands of Gothenburg, you will see the best of these two nations. Scandinavia itinerary 7 days trips are often busy, but they are rewarding. You will see two world-class capitals and the beautiful nature that surrounds them.
Though the weather can change, the beauty of these places remains. You will remember the taste of the cinnamon buns. You will remember the sight of the giant Vasa ship. You will remember the feeling of the sun on your face at 10 PM. This Denmark and Sweden Itinerary is just the beginning of your love for the North.
If you want to stay longer, a sweden itinerary 10 days gives you more time in the smaller villages. You could visit Kalmar or the island of Öland. Every region has its own charm. Sweden and Denmark are waiting for you to visit them.
FAQ
Which Swedish city is closest to Denmark?
The city of Malmö is the closest major Swedish city to Denmark. It is located just across the Öresund Bridge. You can travel between central Copenhagen and Malmö in only about 40 minutes by train. This makes it a very popular spot for a quick day trip if you want to see two countries in one day.
How many days in Denmark is enough?
If you only want to see the main sights of the capital, 2 days in Copenhagen is often enough to see the harbor, Tivoli, and the major palaces. However, if you want to see the countryside, castles like Kronborg, or the city of Aarhus, you should plan for at least 5 to 7 days. A full 10-day trip allows you to see the beautiful islands like Ærø as well.
Which one is better, Sweden or Denmark?
Both countries offer very different experiences. Sweden is a much larger country with vast forests, thousands of islands, and big cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg. Denmark is smaller and more compact, making it easier to travel between towns. Denmark is also known for its hygge culture and very bike-friendly streets. It depends on if you want big nature or cozy city vibes.
What is the prettiest Scandinavian country?
Beauty is in the eye of the traveler, but many people find Norway to be the most dramatic because of its deep fjords and high mountains. However, Sweden is praised for its stunning archipelagos and historic old towns. Denmark is loved for its picturesque harbors and fairytale-like castles. You should visit all three to decide for yourself!
Concluding words
This Denmark and Sweden Itinerary – 7-Day Travel Guide shows you the perfect balance of city life and natural beauty. You start in the cozy canals of Copenhagen, move to the grand islands of Stockholm, and finish in the relaxed atmosphere of Gothenburg. You will see world-class museums, ancient Viking history, and stunning coastal views. Whether you love history, food, or nature, these seven days will provide an unforgettable experience in the heart of Scandinavia.
