A Taste of Scandinavia: Copenhagen, Bergen & Oslo

Copenhagen: The perfect introduction to Scandinavia

Copenhagen completely won me over. It's one of those cities that feels effortlessly cool, where everyone bikes, swims in the harbor, and spends as much time outdoors as possible in the summer. We checked into Hotel Kong Arthur, which quickly became one of my favorite hotels I've ever stayed in. The property is beautifully designed with cozy corners, gorgeous artwork, and inviting spaces to relax after a day of exploring. We rented bikes directly from the hotel (highly recommend!) and spent hours cycling around the city. Every evening, the hotel hosts "Cozy Hour" from 5–6 p.m., where guests enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, beer, or a non-alcoholic drink, and the staff couldn't have been more helpful with local recommendations. But the real star was the breakfast—one of the best hotel breakfasts I've ever had—with an incredible spread served in bright indoor and outdoor spaces (complete with blankets if you choose to sit outside). I'd stay here again in a heartbeat.

Good vibes in Copenhagen

We stopped along the canals of Nyhavn, where colorful buildings line the waterfront, to grab our iconic Copenhagen photo. You cannot go wrong with any of the incredible bakeries, but my favorites were Hart Bageri and Riviera. Just across the street from Riviera is a charming ceramics shop called Lena Pedersen that we loved lingering in and choosing the perfect souvenir. For something unique, stop by Noma Projects for coffee inside their beautiful greenhouse. We loved spending the afternoon shopping through Indre By, ducking into hidden passageways filled with boutiques, and don't miss Rosenborg Castle and the King's Garden. We grabbed a classic Danish hot dog from DØP for lunch, enjoyed cocktails at Gorilla in the trendy Meatpacking District, and had an incredible Italian dinner at Ambra.

Cardamom bun from Riviera CPH

To embrace Copenhagen's wellness culture, we spent an afternoon at La Banchina, alternating between the wood-fired sauna and refreshing harbor swims. After days of biking and walking, nothing felt better than soaking in the waterfront tubs at Hot Tub CPH while watching the boats drift by. We finished the evening at Reffen Street Food, where there's something for everyone, before watching the sunset over the water around their cozy firepits. Broens Street Food was another favorite, where we opted for Gasoline Grill's famous smash burger, though there are dozens of great vendors to choose from.

Hot tub CPH

Bergen: Mountains, fjords & seafood

A quick flight brought us to Bergen, where we hopped on the light rail from the airport into the city and checked into Hotel Norge by Scandic. We were incredibly lucky to be upgraded to a suite featuring two oversized balconies overlooking Bergen, a spa-like bathroom complete with its own sauna, two separate toilets, and plenty of room for the three of us. Beyond the amazing upgrade, the hotel is in an ideal location—about a 10-minute walk from Bryggen and the city's main attractions—and the staff were wonderful throughout our stay.

Fjord views

One of my favorite mornings started with a walk uphill to SKG Vinkafé for a latte and a Norwegian waffle topped with brown cheese, an absolute must-try while visiting Norway. Godt Brød is also a great spot for a latte and a cardamom bun. Later that day, we joined Fjord Expedition for a kayaking excursion that became one of the highlights of the entire trip. About 30 minutes north of Bergen, near Vardøyna, we paddled through the North Sea surrounded by tiny islands and unbelievably peaceful scenery. That evening, we enjoyed one of the best seafood dinners I've ever had at Fjellskål, overlooking the colorful buildings of Bryggen as the sun slowly set over the harbor.

Before leaving Bergen, don't miss riding the Fløibanen Funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen. In just six minutes, you're rewarded with panoramic views over the city, harbor, and surrounding mountains. Whether you hike, grab a drink at the café, or simply soak in the scenery, it's one of Bergen's most iconic experiences.

Sea kayaking

Norway in a Nutshell: The highlight of the trip

The absolute highlight of our Scandinavian adventure was traveling from Bergen to Oslo on the famous Norway in a Nutshell route. The journey is an experience in itself, combining multiple forms of transportation that each showcase a different side of Norway's incredible landscape.

Norway in a Nutshell

We began by boarding the Bergen Railway, traveling through Norway's breathtaking mountain landscapes to the charming town of Voss. From there, we hopped on a bus that wound its way through dramatic valleys, past cascading waterfalls, and tiny villages before arriving in Gudvangen. Next came the electric fjord cruise through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord—arguably the most breathtaking portion of the journey—as towering cliffs, waterfalls, and picturesque farms surrounded us on every side. In Flåm, we boarded the legendary Flåm Railway, one of the world's most scenic train rides, climbing from sea level through waterfalls, lush valleys, and dramatic mountain scenery to Myrdal. The final leg took us aboard the Bergen Railway once again, crossing Norway's expansive mountain plateau before arriving in Oslo. Each mode of transportation revealed a completely different landscape, making the journey feel like a full-day tour through Norway's greatest natural wonders rather than simply a way to get from one city to another.

Flåm Railway (known in Norwegian as Flåmsbana)

Oslo: A relaxing finish

After several active days, Oslo was the perfect place to slow down. We checked into Sommerro, which is easily one of the most beautiful hotels I've stayed in. We fully embraced everything the hotel has to offer—from the rooftop pool and wellness area to the sauna, indoor pool, beautiful breakfast spread, and stylish Art Deco design throughout the property. It's a destination all on its own.

Sauna overlooking the rooftop pool at Sommerro

When we ventured out, we strolled along the waterfront through Aker Brygge, browsed the shops, and enjoyed lunch on the patio at Pastis overlooking the marina. From there, it's an easy walk to the striking Oslo Opera House, where you can literally walk on the roof, before visiting the MUNCH Museum to see Edvard Munch's iconic "The Scream." We visited the Royal Palace and wandered through its peaceful gardens before ending the evening at Himkok, one of the coolest cocktail bars we've ever visited. To finish our Scandinavian adventure, we headed back to Sommerro for live jazz and cocktails—a perfectly cozy ending to an unforgettable girls' trip that gave us the best possible introduction to Scandinavia.

• Biking in Copenhagen can be a little intimidating, but I encourage you to learn a few simple hand signals and give it a go! It really is the best way to explore the city and feel like a local.

• I would recommend not eating in Nyhavn, as it's quite touristy, but absolutely stop there to get your iconic Copenhagen photos!

• Also, the water is cold, but it's so worth it to jump in the harbor and experience a quintessential Copenhagen swim.

• At Fjellskål Seafood Restaurant in Bergen, make sure to request a window seat for the best views of Bergen.

• Pack warm layers for the Norway in a Nutshell Experience. A mini umbrella is also a great thing to have for those short summer rainstorms that are likely to roll through.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Copenhagen, Bergen, and Oslo pages.