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Planning a 10-day Scandinavia trip: Is this itinerary too ambitious?

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Anton_B
Joined:
27.09.2020
Posts: 2491
Topic Starter
07.01.2025 21:14
I'm currently putting together a 10-day trip covering Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, but I'm worried I might be packing too much in. My current plan involves three days in Oslo, three in Stockholm, and four in Copenhagen, including travel time between cities. Do you think this is manageable using the train system, or will I spend the majority of my vacation sitting in transit? I'd love to hear from anyone who has done a similar route and if you'd recommend cutting one city to spend more time exploring the others.
18 replies in this topic
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robert_d
Joined:
01.09.2023
Posts: 2288
28.01.2025 02:59
Honestly, 10 days for all three is doable, but it will feel like a highlight reel rather than a deep dive.
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jacek_bg
Joined:
29.12.2024
Posts: 1761
05.02.2025 16:44
In reply to a previous post
I did this route by train back in 2019. The SJ trains in Sweden and the Norwegian rail lines are super comfortable, so you won't feel like you're 'wasting' time, just enjoying the scenery.
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Krasen_K
Joined:
27.08.2022
Posts: 728
30.03.2025 22:41
In reply to a previous post
Three days in Oslo is a bit much. I'd cut one day from Oslo and add it to Copenhagen, which has way more to do.
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Oli_S
Joined:
30.08.2023
Posts: 2267
03.04.2025 00:58
In reply to a previous post
Don't underestimate the travel time between Oslo and Stockholm. It takes about 5-6 hours, so you lose half a day right there.
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Yulia_M
Joined:
04.03.2021
Posts: 1377
24.04.2025 19:58
If you really want to enjoy yourself, pick two countries. Scandinavia is expensive and beautiful-you don't want to be rushing through every museum.
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Nadiya_D
Joined:
07.08.2022
Posts: 682
28.04.2025 00:36
In reply to a previous post
I agree with the person above. I did 10 days in just Norway and Sweden and I still felt like I missed half the stuff I wanted to see.
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Leni_C
Joined:
09.01.2021
Posts: 1812
16.05.2025 09:21
Why not fly between the cities? It saves so much time compared to the train.
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Martin_85
Joined:
31.01.2025
Posts: 1582
18.06.2025 22:56
In reply to a previous post
Flying is faster, but you miss the beautiful countryside. Stick to the train, but maybe limit yourself to two cities to avoid burnout.
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NqkoiNesh
Joined:
04.02.2023
Posts: 2169
12.07.2025 07:59
In reply to a previous post
I think your plan is perfectly fine. People here always act like you need a week in every city, but for a first-time visitor, three days is enough to see the main sights.
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Misho_B
Joined:
17.03.2022
Posts: 2324
15.08.2025 07:36
Make sure you book your train tickets well in advance. Prices skyrocket if you wait until the last minute.
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Oli_L
Joined:
06.05.2025
Posts: 1783
30.08.2025 21:10
In reply to a previous post
Copenhagen is my favorite of the three. Definitely keep your four days there, you'll need them!
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kamilo
Joined:
30.04.2024
Posts: 1500
05.12.2025 10:39
Is it too ambitious? Yes, a little. But if you're the type of traveler who likes to keep moving, go for it.
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Fari_P
Joined:
27.11.2022
Posts: 1343
18.12.2025 01:33
In reply to a previous post
I'd skip Oslo and spend more time in the Swedish countryside. Oslo is fine, but Stockholm has so much more history and character.
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Leni_C
Joined:
21.02.2025
Posts: 1554
25.12.2025 20:58
In reply to a previous post
Don't forget to account for checking in and out of hotels. That 'travel time' adds up faster than you think.
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Marius_C
Joined:
02.01.2025
Posts: 1731
30.12.2025 10:07
In reply to a previous post
I did exactly this itinerary last summer. It was exhausting but worth it. Just pack light, dragging a giant suitcase onto trains is a nightmare.
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Igor_Tech
Joined:
13.02.2023
Posts: 69
11.03.2026 22:32
In reply to a previous post
Thanks for the tips everyone! I think I'll drop Oslo and add those days to Stockholm and Copenhagen instead.
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Fari_P
Joined:
22.06.2022
Posts: 1160
12.03.2026 20:29
In reply to a previous post
Good call! You'll have a much more relaxed trip that way.
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Leon_M
Joined:
03.01.2026
Posts: 554
27.03.2026 22:46
Whatever you decide, make sure you try the cinnamon buns in Stockholm. Life-changing.

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