As a family, we love spending our summers traveling, and over the years, Europe has become a top destination for us. This year, we planned not one, but two European trips. Our first adventure took us to Scandinavia, where we spent 16 days exploring the breathtaking beauty of Norway and Denmark. It was truly an unforgettable experience, and I’m excited to share the highlights of our time there.
Arrival in Bergen, Norway
Our Scandinavian journey began in Bergen, a charming city located on Norway’s southwestern coast. After a flight that included a layover in Reykjavik, we met up with my parents at the airport and made our way to Bergen. This city, once the capital of Norway, is a perfect starting point for exploring the Norwegian Fjords.
To get from the airport to the city, we took the Airport Bus (Flybussen), which cost around $12-15 per person and took about 30 minutes. There’s also a light rail option, which is a little cheaper and takes about 45 minutes to reach the city center.
We stayed at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, located right on the harbor in the heart of Bergen. The hotel was comfortable and spacious, which is not always the case in European accommodations. Breakfast was included, which was a huge bonus—especially since Norway can be pricey. The breakfast buffet had a great selection of food, including eggs, cheese, smoked salmon, and freshly squeezed juices. The location was perfect for exploring Bergen, with Bryggen, the city’s historic old town, just steps away.
Exploring Bergen
During our three days in Bergen, we took in the sights and enjoyed some local food and drinks. One of the highlights of our trip was the Bryggen Walking Tour. This 90-minute tour provided a fascinating look at the city’s history, including its role in the Hanseatic League. We walked through the old wooden buildings along the harbor and learned about Bergen’s past, which really enhanced our experience.
Another must-do in Bergen is taking the funicular up to Mount Floyen. The ride up is an adventure in itself, but the panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape are absolutely stunning. Once at the top, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including hiking trails, a playground for kids, and even a restaurant where you can relax and take in the scenery.
For a more unique experience, we also had fun posing with the mountain goats that roam the area—something the kids loved!
Venturing Beyond Bergen
One of our favorite aspects of traveling is getting off the beaten path, and in Norway, we did just that with a rental car. We took a scenic drive to Borgund Stave Church, one of the best-preserved stave churches in Norway. The 3-hour drive was filled with spectacular views, waterfalls, and even the world’s longest road tunnel, the Laerdal Tunnel, which stretches over 24 kilometers!
On the way back, we chose to take the Aurlandsfjellet National Route instead of going through the tunnel. This mountain road offers jaw-dropping views, especially at the Stegastein viewpoint, which overlooks the Aurlandsfjord. If you ever have the chance to take this drive, don’t miss it—it’s a must-see!
The Norwegian Fjords: Geiranger, Flam, and Stavanger
After our time in Bergen, we boarded a 7-night Norwegian fjords cruise. Sailing through the fjords was an experience I’ll never forget. The views from our balcony were incredible, and I’d put the Norwegian fjords on the same level of beauty as Switzerland’s landscapes. The cruise was on the MSC Meraviglia, and we loved it. It was affordable and comfortable, offering fantastic service at a great price.
We made several stops during the cruise, including Hellesylt, where we took a guided tour to see the Briksdal Glacier. This was one of my favorite parts of the trip. The tour included a scenic bus ride through the highlands, and the glacier was absolutely stunning.
Next, we visited Flam, where we took a two-hour boat trip down the Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The scenery was nothing short of spectacular. Afterward, we walked through the town and enjoyed a lively market.
Our final stop was Stavanger, Norway’s fourth-largest city. We spent the day exploring the vibrant port area, visiting one of the oldest churches in Norway, and taking a cruise down the Lysefjord to see Pulpit Rock. Although the weather was a bit rainy, the views were still incredible.
A Quick Trip to Copenhagen, Denmark
After our fjord cruise, we spent a few more days in Denmark, specifically in Copenhagen. We stayed in an Airbnb in the Indre By neighborhood, just a short walk from Nyhavn and Tivoli Gardens. Copenhagen is a beautiful city, but I’ll be honest—the cost of living here was quite high. Meals, especially, were very expensive, with even simple dishes costing $150 for the four of us.
Despite the high prices, we had a wonderful time at Tivoli Gardens. This historic amusement park has a magical vibe, and we all enjoyed the rides, food, and overall atmosphere. Plus, we were able to use travel rewards points to cover our tickets, which was a nice bonus!
We also rented a car and ventured out of the city to visit some impressive sites, including Kronborg Castle (the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet), Frederiksborg Castle, and the Roskilde Cathedral. Each of these places was worth the trip, and we wished we had more time to explore them properly.
One of our favorite moments in Denmark was when we crossed the Øresund Bridge to Sweden. We visited Ribersborg Beach in Malmö, a lovely spot with a relaxed atmosphere. The beach was full of happy dogs, which my kids absolutely loved. The food prices in Sweden were much more affordable, which was a welcome change after Copenhagen.
Final Thoughts
Our trip to Norway and Denmark was incredible. The natural beauty of Norway, with its stunning fjords and picturesque towns, was definitely a highlight. We loved the fjords cruise, the hikes, and the incredible landscapes that we were able to explore. Copenhagen, while expensive, offered us some great experiences, especially at Tivoli Gardens and during our day trips to historic sites.
While we’ll definitely return to Norway in the future to explore more of its northern regions, I think we’ll take a break from Copenhagen for a while. The city has a lot to offer, but it was just a bit too pricey for us.
If you’re planning a similar trip, I hope this post gives you some helpful insights. Thanks for reading, and happy travels!
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