Denmark · Norway · Sweden

Scandinavia - Self-drive tour: Relaxed tour through southern Scandinavia

16 days · Individual · from €1,895.00
‹ Adventure Europe
Duration
16 days
Start/End
Copenhagen/Horsens
Tour type
Individual
Accommodation
Hotel
Price from · per person
€1,895.00
Dates & prices ›
Price from · per person
€1,895.00
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Scandinavia - Self-drive tour: Relaxed tour through southern Scandinavia

Duration

16 days

Start/End

Copenhagen/Horsens

Tour type

Individual

Level

Easy

Accommodation

Hotel

Overview

In short stages you travel from Copenhagen via Gothenburg and the skerry coast with Smögen and Strömstad to Oslo, the Telemark Canal and along Norway’s south coast to Lindesnes and Stavanger, returning via Denmark. Ideal for first-time visitors to Scandinavia.

Experience the beauty of southern Scandinavia on this tour – from Copenhagen along Sweden's rugged west coast to southern Norway, passing picturesque fishing villages, and back via Denmark. Enjoy short driving distances, unique accommodations along the way, and highlights such as Oslo, the Telemark Canal, Smögen, and Lindesnes. This trip is ideal for first-time Scandinavians or anyone unfamiliar with the south – a perfect combination of culture, nature, and a relaxing coastal drive.

Culture
Round trip

Tour Code

DKCPH001

Tour language

GermanGerman

Itinerary

  • Day 1
    Arrival in Copenhagen

    Hotel in Copenhagen

    You will travel to Copenhagen independently by car. Alternatively, you can fly to Copenhagen and rent a car there. Use the rest of the day to explore Denmark's beautiful capital. Among the most famous sights are the Little Mermaid, the baroque Amalienborg Palace, the Nyhavn harbor canal, Rosenborg Castle, and the historic Tivoli Gardens amusement park. You can choose to arrive by plane from an airport near your home. You can then pick up your rental car at Copenhagen Airport. Alternatively, you can travel by private car, allowing you to begin your road trip immediately upon arrival.

    Arrival in Copenhagen

    Day 1

    Hotel in Copenhagen

    You will travel to Copenhagen independently by car. Alternatively, you can fly to Copenhagen and rent a car there. Use the rest of the day to explore Denmark's beautiful capital. Among the most famous sights are the Little Mermaid, the baroque Amalienborg Palace, the Nyhavn harbor canal, Rosenborg Castle, and the historic Tivoli Gardens amusement park. You can choose to arrive by plane from an airport near your home. You can then pick up your rental car at Copenhagen Airport. Alternatively, you can travel by private car, allowing you to begin your road trip immediately upon arrival.

  • Day 2
    Copenhagen – Gothenburg

    Hotel in Gothenburg

    approx. 315 km

    Today you'll cross the Öresund Bridge and head to Sweden. You'll travel along Sweden's west coast, passing through Malmö, Helsingborg, and Varberg, before reaching Gothenburg. Gothenburg captivates visitors with its industrial charm. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the Haga district with its cobblestone streets, small boutiques, and cafés.

    Copenhagen – Gothenburg

    Day 2

    Hotel in Gothenburg

    approx. 315 km

    Today you'll cross the Öresund Bridge and head to Sweden. You'll travel along Sweden's west coast, passing through Malmö, Helsingborg, and Varberg, before reaching Gothenburg. Gothenburg captivates visitors with its industrial charm. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the Haga district with its cobblestone streets, small boutiques, and cafés.

  • Day 3
    Gothenburg – Vänersborg

    Hotel in Vänersborg

    approx. 90 km

    Use the morning for a stroll through Gothenburg before continuing your journey. Today's rather short leg takes you from Gothenburg into the southern Swedish interior. You'll spend the night on the southern shore of Vänern, Sweden's largest lake. Along the way, a detour to Läckö Castle, picturesquely situated on the shores of Vänern, is worthwhile; it's known for its Baroque architecture and beautiful castle gardens.

    Gothenburg – Vänersborg

    Day 3

    Hotel in Vänersborg

    approx. 90 km

    Use the morning for a stroll through Gothenburg before continuing your journey. Today's rather short leg takes you from Gothenburg into the southern Swedish interior. You'll spend the night on the southern shore of Vänern, Sweden's largest lake. Along the way, a detour to Läckö Castle, picturesquely situated on the shores of Vänern, is worthwhile; it's known for its Baroque architecture and beautiful castle gardens.

  • Day 4
    Vänersborg – Strömstad

    Hotel in Strömstad

    approx. 200 km

    Today your journey takes you back to the impressive, rugged west coast of southern Sweden. A highlight is a visit to the charming little town of Smögen, whose colorful row of houses along the water is a popular subject for photographs. A side trip to Fjällbacka is also worthwhile: the town boasts magnificent views of the offshore archipelago and even served as a backdrop for scenes from Ronja the Robber's Daughter. Near the Norwegian border, you'll spend your last night in Sweden before your journey continues to Norway.

    Vänersborg – Strömstad

    Day 4

    Hotel in Strömstad

    approx. 200 km

    Today your journey takes you back to the impressive, rugged west coast of southern Sweden. A highlight is a visit to the charming little town of Smögen, whose colorful row of houses along the water is a popular subject for photographs. A side trip to Fjällbacka is also worthwhile: the town boasts magnificent views of the offshore archipelago and even served as a backdrop for scenes from Ronja the Robber's Daughter. Near the Norwegian border, you'll spend your last night in Sweden before your journey continues to Norway.

  • Day 5
    Strömstad – Moss

    Hotel in Moss

    approx. 80 km

    Today you'll face another short leg of the journey, during which you'll cross the border between Sweden and Norway. To the left, the Oslofjord unfolds, stretching all the way to the Norwegian capital. A worthwhile stop is the old town of Fredrikstad, whose well-preserved fortifications and charming alleyways invite you to linger. Your destination for the day is a unique accommodation near Moss. The picturesque peninsula offers abundant nature, allowing you to end the day relaxing with a leisurely stroll.

    Strömstad – Moss

    Day 5

    Hotel in Moss

    approx. 80 km

    Today you'll face another short leg of the journey, during which you'll cross the border between Sweden and Norway. To the left, the Oslofjord unfolds, stretching all the way to the Norwegian capital. A worthwhile stop is the old town of Fredrikstad, whose well-preserved fortifications and charming alleyways invite you to linger. Your destination for the day is a unique accommodation near Moss. The picturesque peninsula offers abundant nature, allowing you to end the day relaxing with a leisurely stroll.

  • Day 6
    Moss – Oslo

    Hotel in Oslo

    approx. 70 km

    From Moss, today's route takes you along the Oslofjord all the way to the Norwegian capital, Oslo. A stop on the Bygdøy peninsula is highly recommended, where several important museums await you – including the open-air museum, the Viking Ship Museum, and the Fram Museum. Besides the cultural highlights, numerous small hiking trails invite you to stroll through the idyllic and unspoiled surroundings.

    Moss – Oslo

    Day 6

    Hotel in Oslo

    approx. 70 km

    From Moss, today's route takes you along the Oslofjord all the way to the Norwegian capital, Oslo. A stop on the Bygdøy peninsula is highly recommended, where several important museums await you – including the open-air museum, the Viking Ship Museum, and the Fram Museum. Besides the cultural highlights, numerous small hiking trails invite you to stroll through the idyllic and unspoiled surroundings.

  • Day 7
    Oslo

    Hotel in Oslo

    Use your day off to explore Oslo at your leisure. Leave the car behind and take the bus into the city. Numerous highlights await you: visit the Opera House right on the harbor, stroll along the lively Karl Johans gate to the Royal Palace, or explore the modern Aker Brygge district with its restaurants and shops. Art enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Munch Museum and the Vigeland Sculpture Park.

    Oslo

    Day 7

    Hotel in Oslo

    Use your day off to explore Oslo at your leisure. Leave the car behind and take the bus into the city. Numerous highlights await you: visit the Opera House right on the harbor, stroll along the lively Karl Johans gate to the Royal Palace, or explore the modern Aker Brygge district with its restaurants and shops. Art enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Munch Museum and the Vigeland Sculpture Park.

  • Day 8
    Oslo – Tonsberg

    Hotel in Tonsberg

    approx. 100 km

    Today you continue your tour, driving south along the western side of the Oslofjord via Asker and Drammen to Tønsberg. A trip to the peninsula near Tjøme is highly recommended, where you can visit the famous "Verdens Ende" – the "End of the World" – at its southernmost point. From here, you can enjoy impressive views of the sea and the archipelago. The small Vippefyret lighthouse is also a popular photo opportunity.

    Oslo – Tonsberg

    Day 8

    Hotel in Tonsberg

    approx. 100 km

    Today you continue your tour, driving south along the western side of the Oslofjord via Asker and Drammen to Tønsberg. A trip to the peninsula near Tjøme is highly recommended, where you can visit the famous "Verdens Ende" – the "End of the World" – at its southernmost point. From here, you can enjoy impressive views of the sea and the archipelago. The small Vippefyret lighthouse is also a popular photo opportunity.

  • Day 9
    Tonsberg – Skien

    Hotel in Skien

    approx. 70 km

    It's just under an hour's drive from Tønsberg to Skien. Skien is best known as the starting point of the Telemark Canal. This historic waterway was opened at the end of the 19th century and was considered a remarkable feat of engineering at the time. Stretching approximately 105 kilometers, the canal connects Skien with Dalen inland, overcoming an elevation difference of more than 70 meters through 18 locks. Today, it is considered one of the most beautiful waterways in Europe. A trip on one of the traditional canal boats offers breathtaking views of forests, mountains, and idyllic villages along the route.

    Tonsberg – Skien

    Day 9

    Hotel in Skien

    approx. 70 km

    It's just under an hour's drive from Tønsberg to Skien. Skien is best known as the starting point of the Telemark Canal. This historic waterway was opened at the end of the 19th century and was considered a remarkable feat of engineering at the time. Stretching approximately 105 kilometers, the canal connects Skien with Dalen inland, overcoming an elevation difference of more than 70 meters through 18 locks. Today, it is considered one of the most beautiful waterways in Europe. A trip on one of the traditional canal boats offers breathtaking views of forests, mountains, and idyllic villages along the route.

  • Day 10
    Skien – Vrådal

    Hotel in Vrådal

    approx. 110 km

    Today your route takes you along Lake Norsjø into the heart of southern Norway's inland region, the picturesque Telemark area. Along the way, a visit to the famous Heddal Stave Church near Notodden is highly recommended; it's an outstanding example of traditional Norwegian wooden architecture. Your accommodation for the night is nestled in the unspoiled nature of Telemark and offers numerous opportunities for short hikes as well as magnificent viewpoints to enjoy the idyllic scenery.

    Skien – Vrådal

    Day 10

    Hotel in Vrådal

    approx. 110 km

    Today your route takes you along Lake Norsjø into the heart of southern Norway's inland region, the picturesque Telemark area. Along the way, a visit to the famous Heddal Stave Church near Notodden is highly recommended; it's an outstanding example of traditional Norwegian wooden architecture. Your accommodation for the night is nestled in the unspoiled nature of Telemark and offers numerous opportunities for short hikes as well as magnificent viewpoints to enjoy the idyllic scenery.

  • Day 11
    Vrådal – Fevik

    Hotel in Fevik

    approx. 160 km

    After your inland excursion, today's leg of the journey takes you back to Norway's picturesque south coast. We recommend the route along the charming coastal towns of Kragerø, Risør, and Gjeving – idyllic fishing villages with colorful wooden houses and a maritime atmosphere, nestled in the rocky coastal landscape. Small beaches and sheltered bays invite you to linger and take short walks. You'll spend tonight in a comfortable beach hotel, the perfect place to unwind after a long day.

    Vrådal – Fevik

    Day 11

    Hotel in Fevik

    approx. 160 km

    After your inland excursion, today's leg of the journey takes you back to Norway's picturesque south coast. We recommend the route along the charming coastal towns of Kragerø, Risør, and Gjeving – idyllic fishing villages with colorful wooden houses and a maritime atmosphere, nestled in the rocky coastal landscape. Small beaches and sheltered bays invite you to linger and take short walks. You'll spend tonight in a comfortable beach hotel, the perfect place to unwind after a long day.

  • Day 12
    Fevik – Spangereid

    Hotel in Spangereid

    approx. 120 km

    Today your journey continues along Norway's stunning southern coast, passing charming coastal towns like Lillesand, Kristiansand, and Mandal. Kristiansand is particularly worth a stop: this vibrant port city offers a pleasant stroll, cafés, and a maritime atmosphere. Your destination for the day is the small village of Spangereid, near Lindesnes, the southernmost point of mainland Norway. A trip to the Lindesnes lighthouse offers spectacular views of the open sea and is a true highlight of this coastal region.

    Fevik – Spangereid

    Day 12

    Hotel in Spangereid

    approx. 120 km

    Today your journey continues along Norway's stunning southern coast, passing charming coastal towns like Lillesand, Kristiansand, and Mandal. Kristiansand is particularly worth a stop: this vibrant port city offers a pleasant stroll, cafés, and a maritime atmosphere. Your destination for the day is the small village of Spangereid, near Lindesnes, the southernmost point of mainland Norway. A trip to the Lindesnes lighthouse offers spectacular views of the open sea and is a true highlight of this coastal region.

  • Day 13
    Spangereid – Stavanger

    Hotel in Stavanger

    approx. 180 km

    Today marks the final leg of your journey in Norway! The drive along the Jæren, the North Sea road, is particularly worthwhile, with its long sandy beaches perfect for short breaks or walks. Your destination for the day, Stavanger, is one of Norway's largest and most famous cities. Originally a small fishing village, Stavanger grew into a vibrant city after the discovery of oil reserves. Today, the city captivates visitors with its winding streets, the charming old town of Gamle Stavanger with its typical white wooden houses, the harbor, and its interesting museums and cultural offerings.

    Spangereid – Stavanger

    Day 13

    Hotel in Stavanger

    approx. 180 km

    Today marks the final leg of your journey in Norway! The drive along the Jæren, the North Sea road, is particularly worthwhile, with its long sandy beaches perfect for short breaks or walks. Your destination for the day, Stavanger, is one of Norway's largest and most famous cities. Originally a small fishing village, Stavanger grew into a vibrant city after the discovery of oil reserves. Today, the city captivates visitors with its winding streets, the charming old town of Gamle Stavanger with its typical white wooden houses, the harbor, and its interesting museums and cultural offerings.

  • Day 14
    Stavanger – Hirtshals

    Inside cabin on the ferry to Hirtshals

    Use the day for an excursion in the surrounding area. A boat trip through the impressive Lysefjord is highly recommended, with its steep cliffs and spectacular views. Alternatively, a visit to the flower island of Flog og Fjære is worthwhile. For those interested in Vikings, a trip to Sverd i fjell – three imposing swords embedded in the rock at the entrance to Stavanger harbor – is a must. In the evening, your ferry departs for Hirtshals; your overnight stay in a cabin is already included.

    Stavanger – Hirtshals

    Day 14

    Inside cabin on the ferry to Hirtshals

    Use the day for an excursion in the surrounding area. A boat trip through the impressive Lysefjord is highly recommended, with its steep cliffs and spectacular views. Alternatively, a visit to the flower island of Flog og Fjære is worthwhile. For those interested in Vikings, a trip to Sverd i fjell – three imposing swords embedded in the rock at the entrance to Stavanger harbor – is a must. In the evening, your ferry departs for Hirtshals; your overnight stay in a cabin is already included.

  • Day 15
    Hirtshals – Horsens

    Hotel in Horsens

    approx. 230 km

    In the morning, you'll reach northern Denmark at Hirtshals. A worthwhile detour is the famous Rubjerg Knude lighthouse, spectacularly situated on the shifting dunes of the rugged North Sea coast. Your journey continues via Aalborg and Aarhus, where a short stop for a leisurely stroll through the city is recommended. Your final overnight stay of this trip is in Horsens.

    Hirtshals – Horsens

    Day 15

    Hotel in Horsens

    approx. 230 km

    In the morning, you'll reach northern Denmark at Hirtshals. A worthwhile detour is the famous Rubjerg Knude lighthouse, spectacularly situated on the shifting dunes of the rugged North Sea coast. Your journey continues via Aalborg and Aarhus, where a short stop for a leisurely stroll through the city is recommended. Your final overnight stay of this trip is in Horsens.

  • Day 16
    Return journey

    Today is your journey home. If you're traveling in your own car, you'll cross the German-Danish border towards home. If you're traveling in a rental car, your route ends back in Copenhagen.

    Return journey

    Day 16

    Today is your journey home. If you're traveling in your own car, you'll cross the German-Danish border towards home. If you're traveling in a rental car, your route ends back in Copenhagen.

Price from

€1,895.00

Phone: +43 512 209071

Services

What's included

  • 14 nights including breakfast in good mid-range hotels and special hotels in a room with shower/toilet

  • Ferry departure Stavanger-Hirtshals including transport of standard car and overnight stay in an inside cabin with shower/toilet including taxes and fees

  • Pocket travel guide of your choice

  • Street map available upon request

What's not included

  • Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)

  • Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)

  • personal equipment

  • Visa and vaccinations, if required

  • Tip

  • Rental cars (we would be happy to create a suitable offer for you)

  • Ferry crossings, tolls and fuel, unless listed as included.

  • Optional excursions, activities and entrance fees

  • Meals not included in the services

  • personal expenses

Character of the trip

Fitness

Easy

Altitude

Low

Culture / nature

Balanced

This self-drive tour is ideal for those who enjoy driving themselves and exploring the countryside independently. Daily distances range from 70 to 315 kilometers, and include several ferry crossings. Along the way, there's plenty of time for walks, sightseeing, and local activities.

Dates and prices

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Individual dates

Optional

Extra bed (adults)

pro Person, Season 01.05.–15.10.2027

€1,640.00

per person

Extra bed for child up to and including 12 years

per child, season 01.05.–15.10.2027

€860.00

per person

    Notes on the trip

    Route

    Approximately 1,725 km from Copenhagen to Horsens

    Tip

    There are several excursions and highlights that can be booked in advance. Feel free to contact us about them!

    Notes

    We recommend traveling to Denmark by car. Alternatively, you can fly or take the train to Copenhagen and rent a car there. We are happy to help with the planning. Please note that the itinerary is subject to change. This trip is generally not suitable for people with reduced mobility. However, we are happy to discuss individual cases to see if we can accommodate your travel requests. Please contact us.