
What’s the best time to visit Scandinavia?
25/03/2025 · By Tim Hall
Great Rail Journeys Tour Manager Tim Hall reveals his expert advice for a holiday in Scandinavia, including his top three rail trips in Norway and Sweden.
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Majestic in every sense, Scandinavia showcases the immensity of nature like few other places. Awe-inspiring landscapes, secluded islands and idyllic towns are connected by some of the world's most scenic journeys. Seek the Northern Lights dancing across snow-covered tundra, marvel at cascading waterfalls while sailing through dramatic fjords, stand in awe at the Midnight Sun in summer or encounter reindeer and huskies in Lapland.
Leading expertly curated escorted tours for 50 years, our award-winning holidays unveil the very best of Scandinavia. Travel onboard exceptional trains, such as the Bergen Railway or the Nordland Railway, and explore remarkable destinations, from capital cities to the Lofoten Islands, as you take in the endless splendours of this corner of the world.
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From narrow fjords framed by lush cliffs and plunging waterfalls to the dramatic coasts of the Lofoten Islands and Swedish Lapland's vast snowy expanses, Scandinavia offers awe-inspiring vistas at every turn. Take it in by rail, while ferrying through the frigid waters or during urban explorations in cultural cities.
Majestic in every sense, Scandinavia showcases nature's phenomena like few other places. In winter, you have the best chance of seeing the spectacular Northern Lights - a natural display of dancing lights in green, blue and red - while the summer brings the remarkable Midnight Sun, when the sky never fully darkens.
Many Scandinavian moments stay with you. Take in Sweden's scenery on a husky safari, with a pack of energetic dogs at the helm, or dine with the indigenous Sámi people of Swedish Lapland. Each itinerary fully immerses you in Scandinavia, providing authentic, once-in-a-lifetime experiences throughout your journey.
Norway boasts many contenders for the 'world's most beautiful railway'. The Bergen Railway is the highest and most beautiful rail route in northern Europe. The scenic Flåm Railway showcases stunning fjord views, and the Nordland Railway offers inspiring views of Arctic scenery while following Norway's longest route.





Spellbinding Scandinavian rail journeys take us from the ancient Viking capital of Trondheim to Swedish Lapland, visiting the best places to see the Aurora Borealis, with many opportunities to experience these swirling lights. Travelling by rail through amazing landscapes, cross the Arctic Circle to Bodø to seek the ethereal Northern Lights on a...





Experience the beauty of Norway, from natural wonders to charming cities, on this tour across stunning landscapes. Journey through an impressive wilderness of plateaus and waterfalls on two of the world's most famous train journeys: the spectacular Bergen Railway and the cherished Flåm Railway. Marvel at towering cliff faces on a sensational...





Embark on this summertime journey across Norway. From Oslo in the south to the Lofoten Islands north of the Arctic Circle, enjoy four epic trips on the world-renowned Flåm, Bergen, Nordland and Rauma railways. On this top-rated tour, discover Norway's beautiful cities and cruise across shimmering Geirangerfjord. Experience a taste of life in this...





Experience the beauty of Norway in winter on an unforgettable journey through breathtaking fjords and colourful cities. Travel on one of the world's most famous rail journeys - the Flåm Railway - crossing snowy plateaus and winding past cascading waterfalls, before soaking up the scenery of Norway's wild landscapes aboard two fjord cruises. Step...





Discover the architecture, culture and history of three beautiful cities on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Beginning in modern, innovative Helsinki, enjoy a guided tour of the city's architectural marvels and a cruise around the beautiful archipelago. Travel by train to charming Tallinn and wander the fairytale streets of Estonia's timeless...





Experience Norway in magical winter, first exploring Oslo and Bergen with an epic journey on the spectacularly scenic Bergen Railway, before embarking on a six-night cruise into the enthralling Arctic wilderness. Our northbound sea voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes passes beautiful fjords, and crosses the Arctic Circle, before a husky sled ride into...





Uncover the extraordinary landscapes and traditional culture of Arctic Norway and Sweden on a journey from Tromsø to Narvik and Kiruna. Meet the indigenous Sámi people and their reindeer and travel into atmospheric Swedish Lapland aboard the Ofoten Railway. Enjoy a husky-hauled sled ride through an enchanting winter wonderland - a magical way to...





Discover evocative Scandinavian landscapes on picturesque rail journeys between the cultured capitals of Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Starting in Oslo, uncover its stylish modernity and thousand-year history on a guided tour, before travelling by rail to Stockholm. In the Swedish capital, visit the colourful Gamla Stan, one of the best-preserved...





Explore Norway's iconic mountains, glaciers and azure fjords, and discover Swedish Lapland's untamed wilderness on this epic holiday. Experience all the great Scandinavian rail experiences, cross the Arctic Circle to the 'Land of the Midnight Sun' and visit an authentic Sámi village to gain an insight into the traditions of Lapland's indigenous...





Embark on an amazing exploration of six incredible countries. Travelling through Denmark and Sweden, cross the Baltic Sea to explore the idyllic charms of Latvia, Estonia and Finland, before flying by from Helsinki - or opt to return by ferry and rail. Experience the history and distinct culture of these attractive capital cities, taking in the...





Discover glorious Norway in summer, combining guided city tours and a journey on the Bergen Railway from Oslo with a six-night cruise through some of the world's most magical fjords into the land of the Midnight Sun. An epic voyage north is marked by the crossing of the Arctic Circle, before continuing into northern Norway to marvel at...





Embark on an immersive exploration of Norway's northern coast, witnessing striking natural wonders and encountering captivating history. Beginning in the ancient Viking city of Trondheim, board the iconic Nordland Railway for a scenic journey across the Arctic Circle to Bodø. Enjoy a serene cruise across Beiar fjord and visit a Sámi village...
Discover the fantastic railways of Scandinavia & the Baltic. It should come as no surprise that we love railways and we know many of you do too! That's why our tours feature some of the most iconic railways and trains on the continent.