Discover hygge among harbourside cobbles, unearth history in ancient castles and indulge in fika in charming Old Towns on this itinerary, where you'll explore three of Scandinavia's most diverse cities – their streets host to many a Scandi noir thriller. You'll begin at Copenhagen's colourful waterfront before heading across the iconic Oresund bridge to Malmo's small-town charm and historic grandeur before finishing in Stockholm's ever-so-quaint Gamla Stan and sprawling archipelago. It’s all linked together with ultra-scenic train journeys alongside gourmet Nordic cuisine and charming hotels just moments from scenes made famous by the likes of The Bridge and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.
Scandinavia’s Nordic Noir Cities by Rail
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At a glance…
A discovery of three of Scandinavia's most diverse cities and the scenes of many a Scandi noir thriller
» Price from: £1,140
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1 » UK to Copenhagen
Fly to Copenhagen and self-transfer to the city centre before checking in to your hotel, a waterfront, ultra-charming converted warehouse filled with wooden-beamed ceilings and elegant furnishings in the heart of the Nyhavn district, all clinking yachts and colourful harbour-side houses. You’ve got the rest of the day to explore and simply people-watching with a local beer – or a Gammel Dansk – is a joy in itself. Make time to explore the Amalienborg Palace, complete with bearskin-hat soldiers on parade, and the charming garden square of Kongens Nytorv, then come evening, perhaps head to the hotel's onsite restaurant, Pakhuskælderen. Here, top-end Danish beef, pork and deliciously fresh seafood from Oresund make up a French-inspired menu.
Stay: 71 Nyhavn, Copenhagen
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Day 2 » Copenhagen
After a sumptuous buffet breakfast, perhaps head to Tivoli Gardens’ historic architecture and winding greenery and Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid statue – go early to avoid the tourist crowds. The Christiansborg Palace is another must-see, home of the Danish parliament and an abundance of splendorous tapestries, royal rooms and 11th-century ruins – and one of the locations for Danish noir TV series The Killing. For dining, city-centre Noma serves stunning 20-course menus based on three seasons – or head to Host, all rustic wooden tables, white wood walls and delicious, contemporary Nordic dishes. Work it all off with a swim – you're never far from a public bath or beach.
Stay: 71 Nyhavn, Copenhagen
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 3 » Copenhagen to Malmo
After breakfast, make your way to the train station for the short journey across the historic Oresund Bridge to Sweden – an iconic Nordic noir image as the scene of Scandi thriller The Bridge. On arrival, transfer to the oldest and most charming part of town to check in to your hotel, the Clarion Collection Hotel Temperance, all dark wood features interspersed with modish lighting, plush velvet sofas and an al fresco bar. Fuel up with complimentary afternoon waffles at the hotel before perhaps exploring Malmo’s fusion of old and new, from the futuristic Turning Torso to the Gothic splendour of the city’s oldest building, St Peter's Church. And, for your hit of Nordic Noir, head to Gamla Staden (the Old Town), which appeared in many scenes the classic series Wallander. Come evening, your included dinner offers soup, salad and everything from gravlax with mustard and dill to pork cutlets with béarnaise sauce.
Stay: Clarion Collection Hotel Temperance
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 4 » Malmo to Stockholm
After breakfast, take the train to Stockholm – a stunning journey in itself as you speed through farmland and forest dotted with lakes. Check in to your hotel on arrival, all high ceilings and chandeliers among Gustavian architecture, a wonderful champagne bar, private wine cellar, gym, sauna and fine dining restaurant that offers inspired French cuisine under a huge glass roof. Gamla Stan is just steps from your hotel with its cobbled streets and red and gold-hued buildings, home to fresco-lined museums, galleries and palaces, while the picture-perfect islands of the world-famous Stockholm archipelago are easily reached via a quick ferry journey.
Stay: King's Garden Hotel, Stockholm
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 5 » Stockholm
After a delicious buffet breakfast including freshly-made pancakes and smoothies, discover Stockholm’s myriad museums, from Vasa – the home of the famous Swedish warship – to the shrine to Sweden's most famous musicians, ABBA. After a cycle through the sweet island of Djurgarden, refuel with a Swedish fika, enjoying a coffee and a cinnamon bun or two. Those who like their Scandi noir will be spoilt in Stockholm – many scenes in Stieg Larsson's The Girl With A Dragon Tattoo series were filmed here and there are even walking tours where you'll visit all the most notable locations.
Stay: King's Garden Hotel, Stockholm
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 6 » Stockholm to UK
After breakfast, self-transfer back to the airport for your return flight back to the UK.
Meals: Breakfast
Gallery
To book call us on:
At a glance…
A discovery of three of Scandinavia's most diverse cities and the scenes of many a Scandi noir thriller
» Price from: £1,140
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