From Norway’s iconic fjords to the tranquil pine forests of Sweden and Finland, this 12-day private tour blends majestic scenery with deep-rooted culture. You’ll travel comfortably with a private driver-guide, enjoy boutique stays close to nature, and experience the serene rhythm of Nordic life—from soaring cliffs to silent lakeshores.
Destinations On This 12 Day Fjords & Forests Tour
Day 3: Nærøyfjord & Aurlandsfjord (via Flåm)
Day 10: Finnish Lakeland (Saimaa Region)
Day 1 – Arrive in Bergen
Gateway to the Fjords
Touch down in Bergen and meet your private driver-guide, who’ll be with you throughout your journey. Your guide will talk you through your itinerary while transporting you to a charming hotel right in the historic heart of town.
Bryggen Wharf
Wander through Bergen’s UNESCO-listed waterfront, where colorful, leaning wooden buildings tell the story of its Hanseatic merchant past. Inside the alleyways, you’ll find small artisan shops selling wool, ceramics, and hand-carved souvenirs—perfect for a low-key first afternoon.
Mount Fløyen
Hop on the funicular to reach Mount Fløyen’s sweeping lookout. Your guide can lead you through the walking trails at the summit, winding through mossy pine forests. The views at the top are simply breathtaking – you’ll be able to see the historic Bryggen Wharf, forested peaks, and the surrounding fjords and islands.
Day 2 – Bergen
Fish Market & Seafood Tasting
Start the morning at Bergen’s famous fish market. Your guide will help you sample traditional dishes, such as warm fish soup or gravlax on rye, and introduce you to lesser-known local favorites, like whale sausage or klippfisk.
Troldhaugen
Visit the former home of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s most famous composer. The lakeside setting is peaceful and reflective, and you can walk through the home, museum, and even the little hut where he used to write.
Day 3 – Aurlandsfjord & Nærøyfjord (via Flåm)
Today is a true scenic highlight, mixing iconic rail journeys with one of Norway’s most beautiful fjord cruises.
Flåm Railway
Board the world-famous Flåm Railway and ride down the steep, winding route through waterfalls, alpine peaks, and tunnels carved into cliffs. You’ll stop briefly at Kjosfossen waterfall—keep your eyes peeled for the mythical Huldra dancer who appears through the mist.
Fjord Cruise
Sail through the glassy waters of Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, passing sheer rock walls, waterfalls, and tiny farms clinging to the hillsides. The air is incredibly crisp and clean here, and the silence between cliffs is unforgettable.
Aurland Stay
Tonight, stay in a cozy fjord-view lodge with a fireplace and panoramic views. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the outdoor hot tub or sauna and soak under the stars.
Day 4 – Geirangerfjord
Eagle Road & Ørnesvingen Viewpoint
Climb the famously twisty Eagle Road with its 11 hairpin bends, leading to one of the best views over Geirangerfjord. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a drone video—except it’s all around you in real life.
Seven Sisters Waterfall
Whether you see them from the water or a roadside stop, the Seven Sisters are dramatic and memorable. According to local legend, the sisters dance playfully down the cliff while a lonely suitor waterfall watches from across the fjord.
Stay in Geiranger Village
Check in to a hotel nestled between the mountains and the water. After dinner, walk the shoreline trail or simply sit on the deck and listen to the distant rush of waterfalls echoing off the cliffs.
Day 5 – Ålesund
Today’s destination is one of Norway’s most distinctive towns, thanks to a complete rebuild after a major fire over a century ago.
Atlantic Road
Your private guide will take you through the scenic route along the Atlantic Road. This winding highway leaps across bridges that link small islands right over the ocean—perfect for photos and a fresh-air stop.
Ålesund’s Art Nouveau Center
Stroll through downtown Ålesund and take in the elegant towers, floral motifs, and pastel facades. After the 1904 fire, the town was rebuilt with flair—and it shows in every window, balcony, and winding street. Your guide will tell you the story of the infamous fire and how nearly the entire city was destroyed.
Mount Aksla Viewpoint
Climb or drive to the top of Mount Aksla for a fantastic view of the town below, with its fan-shaped layout stretching across islands. Grab a warm drink at the café and just watch the light change over the fjord and mountains.
Day 6 – Oslo
From Sea to Capital Sophistication
Today, you’ll fly or drive east from Norway’s rugged coast to its elegant capital. Once in Oslo, check in to a stylish city hotel and take the afternoon at your own pace.
Aker Brygge Waterfront
Stroll the lively harbor promenade, where modern glass buildings sit beside moored sailboats and floating saunas. Stop for a drink at a waterside café or simply watch the locals swimming, biking, or enjoying an after-work ice cream—Oslo’s version of rush hour is pure calm.
Karl Johans Gate (Optional Evening Walk)
End your 6th day with your private guide leading you through Oslo’s main boulevard. You’ll pass the National Theatre, the Parliament, and eventually the Royal Palace, all within walking distance.
Day 7 – Oslo
Vikings, Sculptures & Forest Calm
Today, enjoy a day of cultural insight and nature close to the city. Oslo is where Nordic history, bold modern design, and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony.
Vigeland Sculpture Park
Walk through Gustav Vigeland’s surreal and emotional outdoor sculpture park, where more than 200 life-size figures capture a range of emotions, from love to loss. Your guide will share the story behind the artist’s vision and how this public space became one of Norway’s most cherished.
Fram or Viking Ship Museum
Visit one of Bygdøy’s signature museums—either the Fram Museum, which tells the daring story of Arctic exploration, or the Viking Ship Museum, where thousand-year-old ships still sit in haunting silence. The craftsmanship is stunning, and the atmosphere is surprisingly meditative.
Nordmarka Forest (Optional Afternoon Hike)
Just beyond the city limits, the forest trails of Nordmarka feel like a different world. Your guide will lead you on a scenic hike through spruce trees, past mirror-like lakes, and end with a cozy break at a wooden café hut that serves homemade pastries and hot chocolate.
Day 8 – Dalarna (Sweden)
Into Swedish Forests & Folk Traditions
Say farewell to Norway and cross the border into Sweden’s peaceful Dalarna region, often referred to as the cultural heart of the country. The drive takes you through rolling hills and endless trees, with plenty of stops along the way.
Falun Copper Mine (Optional Stop)
Step into the UNESCO-listed Falun Mine, which once supplied two-thirds of Europe’s copper. The iconic deep-red paint seen on Swedish cottages was first produced here—and you can still smell the earth and minerals underground.
Lakeside Stay in Leksand or Tällberg
Check into a traditional lakeside inn surrounded by forests and meadows. Tonight is all about quiet comforts: maybe a sauna, a glass of wine by the fire, or a sunset walk along the water’s edge.
Day 9 – Dalarna
Today, you’ll slow down and experience Swedish countryside life, where traditions still thrive, and nature shapes the rhythm of the day.
Traditional Handicrafts
Visit local workshops where artisans carve and paint the famous Dala horses—cheerful red wooden ponies that have become a Swedish symbol. You can even try your hand at painting one yourself to bring home.
Leksand & Tällberg Villages
Wander through postcard-perfect villages filled with red cottages, white-trim windows, and sweeping views over Lake Siljan. Your guide will introduce you to the concept of lagom—Sweden’s idea of “just enough”—as you sip coffee with cinnamon buns in a sunny garden café.
Day 10 – Finnish Lakeland (Saimaa Region)
Crossing into Finland
This morning, travel east into Finland and enter the vast Finnish Lakeland, where the landscape is defined by water, forest, and sky. The drive is quiet and scenic, offering plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Lake Saimaa & Puumala Region
Arrive in the peaceful Saimaa region, home to thousands of lakes and islands. Your accommodation will be nestled in the woods or on the lakeshore, offering private access to the water and a sauna.
Traditional Finnish Sauna
Experience the Finnish ritual of löyly—a session in a wood-fired sauna followed by a plunge into the lake. It’s an essential Finnish tradition that leaves you feeling grounded, cleansed, and deeply relaxed.
Day 11 – Finnish Lakeland
Spend a full day immersed in Finland’s most serene and unspoiled natural surroundings.
Canoeing or Lake Cruising
Paddle across the glassy waters of Lake Saimaa, where the only sounds are birdsong and your paddle dipping through the water. If you’d rather not paddle, a peaceful electric boat ride with a picnic lunch is equally magical.
Forest Trails & Wildlife
Explore one of the nearby national parks on foot with your guide. Look for moose tracks, wild blueberries, and—if you’re lucky—the rare Saimaa ringed seal, one of the world’s most endangered mammals.
Foraged Dinner Experience
Dine on a meal prepared with local ingredients—trout, mushrooms, nettles, spruce shoots—crafted with Nordic simplicity. Whether it’s served in a lakeside hut or by a fire under the stars, this will be one of the most memorable meals of your journey.
Day 12 – Helsinki & Departure
Today, travel south to Helsinki for your final few hours before departure. Depending on timing, enjoy a short and sweet taste of Finland’s capital.
Design District or Market Square
Take a brief stroll through the Design District, filled with homegrown Finnish brands and boutiques, or visit Market Square by the harbor to browse for local crafts, smoked fish, and Arctic berries.
Private Airport Transfer
Your guide will bring you to the airport in time for your flight home. As you leave, you’ll carry with you the quiet power of Scandinavia’s landscapes: fjords that roar, forests that whisper, and skies that always seem to stretch a little further than expected.
