A wonderful Nordic rail adventure in Sweden and Norway, this journey features world-renowned railways, time in cultured cities and memorable encounters with Scandinavia’s natural wonders

 Your grand Scandinavian vacation starts today in the waterside city of Stockholm, Sweden. As you arrive, make your own way to our centrally located hotel to meet the Tour Manager and your fellow travelers. Check in for the first of two nights, and then you are free to get your bearings in your new surroundings.

Stockholm is one of Europe's most attractive and unusual capital cities, built across 14 islands that are connected by no fewer than 57 bridges. Much of the city's charm is wherever you wander, you are always close to water. There's time to get to know the local neighborhood or perhaps wander along the Strömgatan, admiring both the architecture and calm water before we regroup this evening for our first dinner together at our hotel. Overnight Stockholm.

Please Note - For departures 5th and 12th June we will stay at the Elite Hotel Adlon in Stockholm.

 Stockholm has over 750 years of history and culture, which we are introduced to on a guided sightseeing tour. We stop to enjoy the view of City Hall, the building where the esteemed Nobel Prizes are awarded, and admire the Baroque official residence of the Swedish monarch.

Afterward, we tour the areas of Östermalm, Långholm and the parkland island of Djurgården. We continue to Stockholm's Old Town, Gamla Stan, one of the best-preserved medieval centers in the world.

During our tour, we stop for "fika," a Swedish-style coffee break, during which we enjoy a hot drink and a slice of homemade cake. The rest of your afternoon is free, and you could explore the old buildings or the city's many shops. Alternatively, visit Museum Island, where the Vasa Museum displays a fully intact 17th-century ship.

This evening, you are free to dine independently, and the city has an excellent range of dining options, from traditional Swedish dishes to Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. Overnight Stockholm.

 We begin our day by boarding an InterCity train to Östersund, a city set on the shores of Storsjön Lake, Sweden's fifth-largest lake. Östersund is a major cultural and transportation center and flaunts the title of Sweden's only UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

The town also nurtures an enduring legend about the lake's rarely sighted monster. Storsjöodjuret ("the great lake monster"), generally described as a serpent with multiple humps, reportedly emerged from the chilly waters into the town in 1635 and has been spotted infrequently ever since.

Östersund is a scenic place to admire the waterside attractions and spend the night before we continue our journey north. You might like to visit Jamtli Museum - a collection of three museums showcasing the art and history of the local area. Tonight, you dine independently, and you may like to discover the town's celebrated cuisine by tasting the local specialties. Overnight Östersund.

 We make an early start after breakfast, beginning our slow train journey toward the untamed wilderness of Swedish Lapland. The Inlandsbanan* snakes northward through a landscape of pine and birch forests. As we travel into this magical landscape, look out for local wildlife, including moose and reindeer, hearing commentary about the sights outside our windows.

We arrive in Sorsele, where we visit the Inlandsbanan Museum before making our way by coach to a nearby Sámi village to learn about the lives of Scandinavia's indigenous people. We view the traditional buildings, hear about their culture, and are introduced to their reindeer. We continue to spend the night in Arjeplog, where we enjoy an authentic Sámi dinner served around a campfire. Overnight Arjeplog.

*Please note: departures before June 12 and after August 14 will travel by coach to Sorsele rather than on the Inlandsbanan train.

 Today, we experience a highlight of our tour - an all-day excursion by coach to the remote Sámi town of Jokkmokk. Driving even further north, we travel along long, straight roads, passing dense forests and glassy lakes. On our approach to the "Land of the Midnight Sun," we cross the Arctic Circle and take part in a small ceremony to celebrate.

On arrival in Jokkmokk, we visit the local Sámi Museum to see historic artifacts, including silverwork and traditional dress, of the indigenous Sámi people. We also learn more about their semi-nomadic way of life and traditions of fishing, reindeer herding and agriculture during our visit. We make our way back to Arjeplog, retracing our long but scenic route, arriving back in time for dinner at our hotel. Overnight Arjeplog.

 Our journey continues by coach toward the Norwegian town of Bodø. We set off along the Silver Road, once a trading route where silver was transported to the Norwegian coast, enjoying the stunning scenery during our morning drive.

Passing deep forests, rolling hills and crystalline lakes, we travel through beautiful river valleys and admire the spectacular Saltdal Fjord. On arrival in Bodø, voted as Europe's Cultural Capital in 2024, we visit the Norwegian Jekt Trade Museum. A jekt is a type of historic boat that was used to transport dried fish along the Norwegian coast over centuries of trade. Only three of these boats survive in Norway, and we see one of them: the Anna Karoline.

Following our visit to the museum, we transfer to our hotel for check-in and then enjoy some free time to get our bearings in Bodø. We reconvene at our hotel this evening for dinner together. Overnight Bodø.

 After a leisurely morning in Bodø, we transfer to the station to begin our epic journey along the Nordlandsbanen, whose popular name is the "Polar Express," to Verdal. Known as Norway's longest train journey, we travel along a vast stretch of this route, experiencing the nation's sensational, untamed landscapes. Our train glides past immense fjords, rugged mountains and deep valleys, allowing us to marvel at the ever-changing scenery. The route is punctuated by many natural wonders, including the spectacular Svartisen Glacier, which we witness en route.

Disembarking the Nordland Railway at Verdal, we transfer to the small village of Stiklestad for the night. Our contemporary hotel is located inside the Stiklestad National Culture Centre and, after checking in, we take our seats for dinner at the hotel's restaurant. Overnight Stiklestad.

Please Note - For departure July 17, we will stay at the Thon Partner Hotel Backlund in Levanger.

 We get to know the ancient landscape of Stiklestad on an hour-long guided tour this morning. This historic village is an important site of Norwegian culture and is best known for the Battle of Stiklestad, which occurred in 1030. It was here that the Norwegian King Olaf II Haraldsson fell in battle. Olaf II is considered the first king of Norway and was responsible for the nation's shift towards Christianity.

Our guided tour takes us to the site of the king's death and offers a glimpse at other sites of local intrigue before we return to our hotel for lunch. Afterward, our journey continues by coach to the popular Viking city of Trondheim, our base for the next two nights. We arrive in this fascinating city mid-afternoon, and there is time to look around or to relax at our waterside hotel before dinner. Overnight Trondheim.

Please Note - For departure August 21st we will stay at the Quality Hotel Prinsen in Trondheim.

 An expert local guide greets us to share some of their knowledge of Trondheim's history. On our guided tour, we explore the Old Quarter and the colorful waterfront houses of Bakklandet. We continue to the Royal Residence, the largest wooden building in Northern Europe with 140 rooms.

For the rest of your day, you are free to continue sightseeing at your own pace and can dine independently. Amongst the city's broad avenues, old warehouses and pretty timber dwellings, there are a number of attractions waiting to be explored, such as the Ringve Music Museum and the Archbishop's Palace Museum - a treasure trove of archaeological discoveries. The Nidaros Cathedral is the world's northernmost Gothic cathedral and has a glorious rose window depicting the day of judgment. Trondheim has an array of inviting eateries to try this evening. Overnight Trondheim.

 Ahead of us today is a picturesque journey by rail, road and ferry to beautiful Geiranger. Leaving Trondheim by train, we wind past pretty villages and hamlets to Dombås, where we change trains for a journey along the stunning Rauma Railway.

Considered one of Norway's most beautiful train lines, the route glides beside azure rivers and emerald forests before the vistas become even more spectacular. After crossing the 100-year-old Kylling Bridge, we pause to admire the Verma waterfall before entering the Romsdalen Valley. Here, we marvel at the majesty of nature, including the Trollveggen, or Troll Wall, Europe's tallest vertical rock face.

Arriving at Åndalsnes on Romsdalfjord, we travel by coach up the twisting Trolls Ladder, glimpsing incredible scenery at each turn. This spellbinding trip continues as we cross serene Norddalsfjord by ferry. Stepping off the boat, we continue by coach to Geiranger and our hotel, which has astounding views of the iconic fjord. We enjoy a buffet dinner at our hotel this evening. Overnight Geiranger.

 We wake to a glorious panorama of pristine Norwegian scenery, with an unforgettable day ahead of us. After breakfast, we transfer to the nearby port and embark on a relaxing fjord cruise across Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Acclaimed for its unique landscape, this nine-mile-long branch of Storfjord (meaning "Great Fjord") boasts towering cliff walls while, along its shores, waterfalls plunge from mountainous forests. As we cruise, we enter a world of color - the lush green of the trees contrasting with the blue water and brilliant white of distant snow-capped peaks. When it rains, waterfalls appear as if from nowhere, cascading into the water below.

Disembarking in Hellesylt, we take a scenic drive to Hornindalsvatn - Europe's deepest lake at more than 1,600 feet. Keep an eye out for the lake's mythical monster lurking beneath the crystal-clear surface. Returning to Geiranger, we gather for dinner at our hotel. Overnight Geiranger. p>

 We leave Geirangerfjord after breakfast this morning to continue through Norway's fjord country by coach to Flåm. There's a second chance to look back on the fjord as we stop en route at the Dalsnibba viewing point, which provides panoramic views over Geirangerfjord and its village.

We continue through awe-inspiring scenery, seeing tranquil fjords snake between rolling mountains of verdant forests. Glacier-lined valleys carve glittering paths between spectacular mountain peaks, often still topped by snow in late spring. We pause at the ancient Kaupanger Stave Church, built in the 12th century, with distinctive wooden architecture*.

Around mid-afternoon, we reach Mannheller, where our coach boards a ferry for a short trip across the Sognefjord. Back on land, we enter the world's longest road tunnel - with a length of over 15 miles - which takes us almost all the way to Flåm at the head of Aurlandsfjord. Here, we check in to our four-star hotel, where we have dinner this evening. Overnight Flåm.

*Please note: For tours departing before mid-June and after mid-August, the Kaupanger Stave Church is closed. We instead visit the Hopperstad Stave Church, and our route to Flåm does not include the world's longest road tunnel.

Please Note - For departure 5th June we will stay at the Myrkdalen Hotel in Myrkdalen.

 Yet another highlight of our Scandinavian vacation lies ahead today, starting with a fjord cruise aboard a luxury eco boat across the serene Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, sailing past giant peaks and quaint villages dwarfed by nature. Arriving in the charming village of Gudvangen, we return to Flåm by coach for the second installment of today's great adventure.

Described as one of the most beautiful and steepest rail journeys in the world, the iconic Flåm Railway is our chariot for a superb trip to remote Myrdal. Our route cuts through Norway's craggy mountains, entering tunnels and trailing the edge of Tyrifjorden lakeside. The train takes us ever higher, up to the cascading Kjosfossen Falls, which we stop to admire before reaching the high-altitude station at Myrdal, where we change trains and continue onward to the harbor city of Bergen. We check in for the next two nights and enjoy dinner at our hotel. Overnight Bergen.

 We set off on a guided tour of Bergen this morning - traveling by coach and on foot. Once Norway's capital, this attractive city is surrounded by seven striking mountains and is renowned for its maritime history and colorful waterfront area, the Bryggen. Its UNESCO-listed wharf was once the center of the old Hanseatic port, a key hub in trade between Norway and the rest of Europe. Opposite the harbor is the Klosteret area, which has beautiful 18th-century wooden houses and charming alleys where you can walk along the Nordnes peninsula.

Our tour ends at the fish market, where, with a free afternoon and evening ahead, you might like to find lunch. You could visit the Bryggens Museum to view the world's largest collection of runic inscriptions or ride the Fløibanen funicular for spectacular views across scenic islands. When seeking out dinner, Bergen has a good choice of cuisine, including fresh seafood. Overnight Bergen.

 This morning, we are bound for city life once more as we board the train to Oslo, traveling aboard Northern Europe's highest railway line, the Bergen Railway. As we travel, look out upon sprawling views of the Hallingdal Valley, through which the Hallingdalselva River flows to Lake Krøderen. We will also see the mountain of Norefjell and the awe-inspiring Hardangerjøkule Glacier.

After passing through picturesque resort towns and villages such as Geilo, Gol and Flå, the backdrop to our journey on the Bergen Railway becomes more urban as we make the final approach into Norway's modern capital city. We pull into the station this evening and transfer to our stylish, central hotel to check in for the first of two nights. On arrival, we check in to our stylish, central hotel ahead of a free evening during which you can dine independently. You might like to try some new Nordic cuisine, fresh seafood, or maybe opt for a traditional Norwegian dinner at the oldest restaurant in Oslo, the Engebret Café near Christiana Torv. Overnight Oslo.

 After breakfast this morning, we set out on a guided coach tour of the Norwegian capital, beginning at the modern Opera House, whose angled exterior is covered with marble and white granite. People are encouraged to walk on the building's slopes when the weather is appropriate for some of the best views across Oslofjord. We also view the Royal Palace, a 19th-century neoclassical palace that is the official residence of Norway's monarch with acres of parkland.

With a free afternoon, you could visit one of the city's many galleries or museums, such as the Munch Museum and the National Museum, containing works by the expressionist painter Edvard Munch, renowned for "The Scream." You could also cruise around Oslofjord, possibly stopping at the Fram Museum to view a 19th-century ship used for polar exploration or visit the Norsk Folk Museum, which contains historic Norwegian buildings.

This evening, we celebrate our time in Norway with a three-course dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Oslo.

 On this Scandinavian adventure, we have experienced breathtaking glaciers, dramatic fjords and the untamed wilderness that spans Swedish Lapland, up through the Arctic Circle and into wild Norway. We have also taken unforgettable journeys on northern Europe's most spectacular railways, including the memorable "Polar Express," and toured fascinating cities where history and culture mingle.

After a relaxed morning in Oslo to revisit a favorite café or do some last-minute sightseeing or shopping, your tour comes to a close. You are free to transfer to the airport for your return journey home or continue on at leisure.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest railway journeys in the world, this high-altitude trip through southern Norway links the old Hanseatic city of Bergen and the Norwegian capital, Oslo. The harsh climate experienced in this part of the world has produced a landscape that is breathtaking and wild, and the Bergen Railway enables us to soak up the spectacular views whilst relaxing in warm, comfortable carriages.

A branch line of the Bergen Railway, the scenic Flåm Railway takes passengers on a wonderful 12.5-mile (20km) journey up one of the steepest railway lines in the world. On its journey from Flåm, located at the innermost corner of the Aurlandsfjord, the train negotiates horseshoe curves, twists, turns and 20 tunnels - 18 of which were drilled by hand.

The scenery is truly spectacular, with rivers and waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and remote farms passing by the window as you travel towards Myrdal at 2,838 feet (865m).

The Inlandsbanan connects Kristinehamn in the south of Sweden with Gällivare in the north, a journey of approximately 810 miles (1,300km). We join the railway in Östersund, an inland city in the middle of the country, for the trip to Sorsele, near the Arctic Circle. This fantastic journey up the 'backbone of Sweden' takes us past tranquil lakes and tumbling streams bursting with life.

The Nordland Railway runs between the historic Viking capital of Norway, Trondheim, to the beautiful coastal city of Bodø in northern Norway. The railway is 453 miles in length, making it Norway's longest mainline railway. It is also one of only a few railway lines in the world that crosses the Arctic Circle. The railway, also called Polar Express, takes passengers through the beautifully varied scenery of northern Norway, and includes views of lakes, rivers and fjords, as well as the spectacular Svartisen Glacier.

The Nordland Railway crosses the Arctic Circle (66 degrees north) near Lønsdal, the highest station on the line at 1678 feet above sea level. The northern part of Norway is famous as an ideal place to view the Northern Lights in winter, while during fine weather in the summer, the sun remains visible 24 hours a day.

Our spectacular journey on the 71-mile Raumabanen Railway begins in the village of Dombås. The train takes us along the valley carved by the River Rauma, offering magnificent views of the awe-inspiring crags, peaks, and plateaus of the Alpine massif along the way.

Just beyond Verma, the train enters the semi-circular Stavem Tunnel, which reverses the train's direction, taking us back the way we just came, before crossing the famous Kylling Bridge.

Further along the line we pass Trollveggen (Troll Wall), the tallest vertical rock face in Europe, continuing through the wild, awe-inspiring landscape towards the town of Åndalsnes, on the shores of the beautiful Romsdal Fjord.

The 3-Star Hornavan Hotel in Arjeplog sits snuggly on the wooded shores of Lake Hornavan, close to the town center and surrounded by mountains. Decorated with warm wooden features to reflect its beautiful environment, the hotel features a spa area with a hot tub, sauna, and a gym. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, mini-fridge, desk, and seating area.

A short distance from Bergen's harbour area, this 4-Star hotel is well-placed for exploring the city. There are three restaurants on site, as well as Champagne bar, a modern art collection and a gym. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, desk, minibar and hairdryer.

The elegant 3-star Thon Hotel Bristol is located in central Bergen, 450 yards from the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Waterfront. Breakfast is served in the top floor restaurant which has a view over the city. Coffee and tea are available in the lobby. The brightly decorated guest rooms have private bathrooms with a shower, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer. Each room is equipped with a minibar, a desk, a flat-screen television, and free Wi-Fi.

Prominently situated beside Bodø's marina and pier, close to the Salten Museum, the 3-Star Thon Nordlys hotel overlooks the Nyholm Sound with views of the imposing Lofoten Wall in the distance. The hotel's Egon Restaurant offers steaks and seafood specialties and excellent breakfasts, while the Windjammer Bar serves pizzas, burgers, and a variety of chilled beers. All guest rooms feature free Wi-Fi, TV, minibar, and desk.

The 4-Star Fretheim Hotel in Flåm is a long-standing favorite with our customers. Built on an old farm, the villa is located by the cobalt blue waters of Sognefjord, set in a valley alongside cliffs that rise sharply into the clouds. The interior is tastefully decorated with glazed floors and wood paneling, while the in-house bar offers exclusive views of the fjord - the perfect spot to unwind after an exhilarating day.

 The 3-Star Havila Hotel sits on the edge of the fjord, overlooking the peaceful waters. There are two restaurants serving Nordic cuisine in typical Scandinavian surroundings, and on the 7th floor, you'll find a bar boasting a heated outdoor terrace for more breathtaking panoramas. Most rooms have private fjord views that can be enjoyed alongside other amenities, including free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen television, a mini fridge, and tea & coffee-making facilities.

Located outside Oslo Central railway station and a short walk from the city's cathedral, this 4-Star hotel oozes Nordic style, with two contemporary bars, an innovative restaurant, and a rooftop field where produce is grown for the hotel. All guest rooms are furnished with warm and welcoming décor, and are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, iron, hairdryer, minbar, and tea & coffee-making facilities.

Located in Oslo's buzzing city centre, this modern 4-Star hotel is 37-storeys high, overlooking the city and Oslo Fjord. Facilities include a state-of-the-art gym, a sauna, a swimming pool, a rooftop restaurant and bar. The stylish guest rooms are equipped with a writing desk, satellite TV, a tea &coffee maker and free Wi-Fi.

The 3-Star Hornavan Hotel in Arjeplog sits snuggly on the wooded shores of Lake Hornavan, close to the town center and surrounded by mountains. Decorated with warm wooden features to reflect its beautiful environment, the hotel features a spa area with a hot tub, sauna, and a gym. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, mini-fridge, desk, and seating area.

The contemporary and stylish 4-Star Scandic Stiklestad offers comfortable accommodation in the historic village of Stiklestad, right next to the National Cultural Centre. Enjoy modern amenities such as the international Skalden restaurant and a well-stocked and cozy bar area. The comfortable guest rooms are air-conditioned and soundproofed, equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, minibar, desk, and a seating area.

The 4-Star Clarion Hotel Sign is our base whilst in Stockholm. Located close to the train station and opposite a lovely park, this is the perfect base from which to conduct our explorations. This hotel boasts of some excellent amenities, including a restaurant serving American-influenced cuisine, a fitness center and a spa with a heated outdoor pool and numerous massage treatments (payable locally). Well-furnished guest rooms come are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, hairdryer, safe and ironing facilities.

This modern 3-Star hotel in the centre of Trondheim is a short distance from the station and near to a variety of shops, bars and restaurants. On site, there is a bar and lounge, while the town's main attractions, including Archbishop's Palace, Torvet Square and Marinen Park, are all nearby. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, desk, fridge, ironing facilities, tea & coffee-making equipment and hairdryer.

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Vacations By Rail would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.