Scandi Spectacular

Scandi Spectacular

$200.00

23 Days from *$7,899 per person

Cycle the Rallarvegen in Norway and the Kattegattleden in Sweden. Visit Oslo, Geilo, Flam, Voss and Bergen before moving onto Copenhagen, Helsingborg and Gothenburg.

This Quest has it all for the Active Adventurer! White water rafting, hiking and two famous cycle trips. Travel on scenic railways, cruise among majestic fjords and lose yourself in some of Europe’s most picturesque cities. Hike to mountain summits where you’ll gaze over breathtakingly beautiful panoramas. Enjoy the people, culture, food and natural wonders of Norway. Head to beautiful Copenhagen. Then cycle the breathtaking Swedish Coast along the Kattegattleden. This 395km coastal stretch between Helsingborg and Gothenburg has recently been named Europe’s top cycle route.

Inclusions

  • Return Airfares from Australia and one internal flight.

  • 16 Nights mostly 4 Star Accommodation (separate from cycle trips)

  • 10 Breakfasts (separate from cycle trips)

  • Trains, Buses and Ferry Tickets through Norway

  • 3 Day Norway cycle trip

  • 5 Day Swedish cycle trip

  • Cycle Tours include: bike hire, breakfasts, dinners and lunches in Norway. Luggage forwarding in Sweden.

  • First Class Train from Copenhagen to Helsingborg via Malmo

  • Oslo Pass, White Water Rafting and Hike in Voss, E Car tour in Flam

* Sample date used for costing purposes is 30 March 2021.
Price correct at 22 May 20, subject to change.

If you wish to book for more or less travellers, or nights, please see FAQ’s and book ASAP so we can make your adjustments. Only available in Summer.

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Daily Itinerary

 

 

Day 1
Arrive in Oslo to begin your Quest. Oslo buzzes with energy and is one of Europe’s fastest growing cities. This is a modern, environmentally-friendly city mixing the new with the old. The city is easy and safe to explore on foot. The Oslo Pass is included and gives you free entry to 30 museums and attractions. Travel on all public transport, entry to outdoor swimming pools, walking tours, discounts on sightseeing and more are all included with your pass.

Day 2
Put on your walking shoes, pack a day pack and get ready to explore. This morning’s walk is from Maridalsvannet Lake back to Vaterland Park in Oslo’s centre. Follow the Akerselva River past vast forested areas, and pretty fishing and swimming spots. There are beautiful historical buildings to see and the highest waterfall is right next to Hønse-Lovisas hus and the Beier Bridge.

After lunch head off for a forest walk from Østmarksetra to Mariholtet. Have a swim or relax on the beach after your hike. You’ve earned it.

Days 3 to 4
This morning you’ll travel by train from the capital to Geilo. This is considered one of the world’s most scenic train rides. You will travel westbound through rugged mountain terrain on the Bergen Railway. Arrive in Geilo around 3:30pm and have time to explore. Geilo offers many great hiking trails, horseback riding, white water rafting and several cycling options. Drop in to Geilo Bike Rentals and grab your bike.  

The next day you can choose a more relaxed mountain trail or embark on a tough summit trip. 

In Geilo’s Downhill Park you can use the chairlift to access a variety of trails for all rider levels. Try one of the technical single tracks through the woods, or a wider family-orientated trail - the choice is yours. The blue level trails can be ridden on a regular hard trail or a full-suspension downhill bike.

Days 5 to 6
After Breakfast leave Geilo by bus, travelling just 20 minutes to Haugastol. Spend the next 2 nights in Haugastol and cycle Rallarvegen, Norway’s most popular cycle route. Starting at 1000 metres above sea level, this route peaks at 1350 metres before dropping down to sea level at the Fjords.

The entire route is 82 kilometres, but we suggest you take your time. There is so much to see on the way. The road was used when the Bergen Railway line was built, and remains culturally significant. From the mountains and glaciers to the waterfalls and fjords, this is spectacular scenery. Once you arrive you can grab a bike and head Finse.

The next day enjoy a hearty breakfast. Then pack lunch, grab your bike, and take the train to Finse. This is the highest point along the Bergen Railway and you will see the icefalls of the Hardangerjøkulen Glacier* . Photo time! Cycle downhill to the beautiful Flåm. Alternatively, you can take the train to Hallingskeid if you want a shorter and easier trip. When you get to Flåm, just return your bike to the partner rental shop by the train station. Then board the train back to Haugastøl arriving just in time for dinner.

*It’s possible to extend the package with extra nights if you would like to combine your trip with a guided tour on the Hardangerjøkulen Glacier.

Day 7
After Breakfast take the morning train to Flam, travelling via picturesque Myrdal. Grab a bite before you change to the legendary Flåm Railway. The Flåm Railway offers spectacular views of the Norwegian Fjord landscape. Arrive in Flåm around 2.30pm to check-in to the Hotel Fretheim. Collect your Ecar at 3pm for a fun 2 hour tour experience guaranteed to make you smile. Your ultimate destination is the Stegastein viewing platform with panoramic views high above Aurlandsfjord. This is an unmissable sightseeing trip for any visitor to Flåm!

The Stegastein Viewpoint juts 30 metres out from the mountainside, and is 650 metres above the fjord. This is one the most photographed viewpoints in the entire region, so have your camera ready.

Day 8
Check out of the hotel and continue your adventure on the water, sailing through the idyllic Aurlandsfjord. The boat travels through the narrow Nærøyfjord before arriving at Gudvangen, innermost in the Nærøyfjord. It’s about two hours, so you will be in Gudvangen for lunch. Spend some time looking at the Viking Village before taking one of the many scheduled buses to Voss.

The bus trip takes you through Nærøydalen, with its charming villages and scenic landscape. From May-September the bus travels down the steep hairpin bends of Stalheimskleiva. Hold on tight!!

You’ll arrive in Voss with plenty of time for dinner.

Day 9
Join your experienced guide after breakfast for the hike to Breiskrednosi.  Nærøyfjorden is one of the most spectacular fjords of western Norway with snow-topped mountains rising high above the narrow waterway. Watch the meltwater cascade down the sheer cliffs. This region has a well-earned place on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites. From Breiskrednosi, you will be 1189 metres above the fjord in wild, secluded areas, even home to nomadic reindeer. Grouse, eagles, foxes and other wildlife call this place home. The peak of Breiskrednosi offers a unique view of Nærøyfjorden. Perfect if you want a challenging trip above the fjords with no crowds.

Day 10
You’ll need to re-fuel for an invigorating day on the rapids! Enjoy an exciting white water rafting trip - perfect for beginners and the experienced rafters! Depending on the water level, you’ll raft on either the Strandaelva or Raundalselva, both of which offer high class white water action. You’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience! Relax over dinner telling tales of your white-knuckled water adventure!

 Day 11
This morning you’ll take the train from Voss to Bergen in time for lunch. Bergen is Norway’s second largest city but has a delightful small-town charm! Bryggen is easily Bergen’s most iconic attraction. Learn the history of the area while you wander through the winding walkways on the harbour front. If museums are your thing, don’t miss the Hanseatic Museum. Or take the the cable car or funicular right up the mountain. You can always hike back, it’s not far. Enjoy dinner in one of the many waterfront restaurants, as tonight is your last night in Norway.

Days 12 to 14
After Breakfast take a morning stroll around the Bergen Harbour precinct before returning to the hotel. You have a 1pm flight to Copenhagen. Copenhagen has been named the must-visit city in 2019 by Lonely Planet. The city impresses with Nyhavn Harbour, Tivoli Gardens, and numerous impressive Palaces. The Danish people love to cycle too - why not ride the famous Cycle Snake. Nordic cuisine always impresses, and there are cutting-edge boutiques and galleries to visit. Get busy because Copenhagen has an awful lot to deliver.

Days 15
You will need to check out of your hotel after breakfast and store your luggage so that you can squeeze every bit of amazing out of the Danish capital. Around 5pm take the train to Malmo, crossing over the famous Oresund Bridge joining Denmark and Sweden. The Bridge runs 8 kilometres and is an impressive piece of engineering. Once you reach Malmo, it’s an easy change for Helingsborg. On arrival check in to your hotel.

Days 16
Wake up in Sweden and enjoy a hearty Breakfast. Today we suggest you set off for charming port town of Helsingør. This Danish port town is a fun 20 minute ferry ride across the Øresund Strait. The 15th-century Kronborg Castle, also called Hamlet’s Castle, is definitely worth a visit. The underground Maritime Museum gives an interesting insight into more than 600 years of Viking history. You’ll find the Culture Wharf nearby, where they sell delicious Danish Open sandwiches. Perfect for lunch.

When you are ready head back across the Øresund Strait to Sweden. Spend some time in Helingsborg.

Days 17 to 20
Today you will enjoy Breakfast and then collect your bikes. Your luggage will be transferred ahead to your hotel. The Kattegattleden is a world-famous bicycle route along Sweden’s west coast, winning the 2018 Cycle Route of the Year Europe.

On your 5 day / 4 night ride, your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel, and you start each day with a hearty included Breakfast, and finish with an included 2-course Dinner every evening.

Set off early today for your 62 kilometre ride to Angelholm. This part of The Kattegattleden offers a lovely coastal tour with staggering views of Öresund and out to Danish Zealand. Ride past picturesque fishing villages and small marinas, and stop at the Military Defence Museum. Continue through the rocky landscape of Kullahalvön. Some of Skåne’s finest vineyards are located here. Shop for local produce in markets or enjoy a plate of early vegetables. Continue around the peninsula, towards the 500-year-old town of Ängelholm. You’ll likely spot seals and porpoises on your ride around Kullahalvön. Once you’ve passed the Vege River, a fishing paradise, take a detour to the beautiful Vegeholm manor.

Overnight in Angelholm. Rest, recuperation and a hearty dinner will make sure you are up for Breakfast tomorrow and ready to tackle the 97 kilometres to Halmstad. Ride past meadows, forests and through some small-scale agricultural countryside. This ride has it all. After climbing the ridge, there’s a thrilling ride downhill for a snack stop in Bastad. Carry on with an easy stretch toward Hemmeslöv to visit Skottorp Castle for a quick cuppa .Leave the the path to ride into Laholm with its narrow cobblestone streets and cosy atmosphere. Once you’ve biked through the Hökafältet pine forest, you can rest with a view of Lagaoset, where the Lagan River meets the ocean. The sunsets are fantastic. Continues inland towards Östra Stranden and Halmstad city centre; the stretch concludes at Halmstad Castle.You can swim or relax here if you like.

Today you ride 97 kilometres from Halmstad to Varberg. West takes you to the coast towards gorgeous beached before heading easton the coast to Kustvägen. Take a break to visit the windmill in Särdal. Today you will visit the town of Falkenberg, among the oldest of medieval towns. Have a break at a bird-filled nature reserve. As you near Varberg, you’ll cycle past the famous windsurfing beach of Apelviken. Before long, you’ll come to the towering Varberg Fortress. How do you reach the fortress? You can bike the entire way up if you like. In the 1500’s, German Markus Meyer did it through the privy! Or stop and have a well-earned rest in the shade of a leafy tree in the Societetsparken.

Head to Kungsbacka. The ride today should be around 76 kilometres. This day sees the scenery change to rocky cliffs and islands. The path turns off towards Bua harbour, one of Halland’s biggest fishing villages. At Bua harbour try the mixed seafood Bualåda or buy some fresh scampi and prawns from Fiskehuset eat on the jetty at the harbour. This part of the path has some mixed traffic and continues car-free on the old railway embankment. Pause at one of the swimming beaches in Åsa for an ice cream at the café or coffee and a treat at the bakery. Take a detour to Tjolöholm Castle, Sweden’s only Tudor castle. In Kungsbacka, this stretch is on bike paths through the town, which is one of the biggest trade centres in western Sweden.

Day 21
Overnight in Kungsbacka, then a morning cycle along the Säröhalvön peninsula which has an exciting maritime history. It is only 45 kilometres until you reach Gothenburg, the second largest town in Sweden with epithets like "New Amsterdam" and "Little London". You will return your bike in Gothenburg and prepare for a 2 night stay.

Day 22
Wake up in beautiful Gothenburg and head to Haga, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Gothenburg. The pedestrian street Haga Nygata is lined with well-preserved houses, many in the characteristic Gothenburg style called "landshövdingehus" with one floor in brick and the rest in wood. Today they house vibrant shops and cafés. After all your hard work a decent sit down and coffee break is surely required? In Sweden they are called Fika. And when you feel like a coffee break, there are plenty of choices with pavement cafes and outdoor terraces linings the streets in summer. One of the most famous pastries in town – Hagabullen – a plate-sized cinnamon bun, is found at Café Husaren at Haga Nygata. Take a Blue and White Tram around the city. The Botanical Gardens are renowned, so is the “Fish Church”. You should climb to the top of Skansen Kronan Fortress just for the view. Farewell Sweden tonight by indulging in some local seafood and a good craft beer. Skal!

Day 23
Check out of the hotel this morning and your “Scandi Spectacular” Quest has come to an end. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Dr Seuss.

Not ready to go home yet?

You can continue travelling by adding free time, extending your journey or enjoying another Quest.
We will help fit Quests and extra travel together to ensure you take advantage of your already included airfares and the add-on component pricing.

 
 
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