Travellers looking to escape the summer heat can now enjoy a brand-new Scandinavian ‘coolcation’ – a carefully curated journey through Norway and Sweden that blends culture, cuisine, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Launched this week, guests can experience the best Scandinavia has to offer- starting in Oslo with cultural and culinary highlights, riding the rails to scenic Bergen, flying on to Stockholm’s world-class museums and indulging in spa bliss in Sweden’s wine country, before ending in stylish Copenhagen with canal cruises and delicious Nordic cuisine.
The 14-night Norway and Sweden Summer tour, available from May to August, was created by specialist travel company Off the Map Travel to give travellers the chance to avoid the heat and take pleasure in cooler climates, breathtaking scenery, and cultural experiences.
“We wanted to create an experience that showcases the very best of Scandinavia – a region known for its rich cultural heritage, magical natural landscapes, and cool, refreshing climate that offers welcome relief from the summer heat experienced elsewhere,” Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel, said.
“This journey is designed for travellers who prefer more clement weather and are bored of the usual beach holidays crowded by other tourists. It’s for those who want more – vibrant cities, stunning natural landscapes, and unique cultural experiences, all waiting to be explored in one unforgettable journey. This trip offers a refreshing and truly different alternative to the typical summer getaway.”
Ideal for art lovers, begin your Oslo adventure at the stylish Hotel Amerikalinjen, where design and heritage meet by the vibrant waterfront. Explore world-class museums, the Vigeland Sculpture Park, and the Twist gallery set in a forested valley over the first two days.
The next four days bring adventure: offering a series of breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences. On day three, guests board the iconic Bergensbanen railway for a seven-hour scenic journey through dramatic mountains to Bergen. The next day, they take the Funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for stunning views, exploring peaceful trails on the walk back down the mountain, and enjoy the vibrant fish market and historic Bryggen, before concluding with a private fjord tour, scenic stops at the Flåm Railway, Stegastein Viewpoint, and Olmheim Cider Farm, topped off with a relaxing evening at a hillside retreat with stunning fjord views from your VIP room.
On the final day in Norway, guests will embark on a fun-filled tour through Veitastrond Valley, visiting cheese farms and tasting local delicacies beneath the majestic Jostedalsbreen Glacier.
Guests will fly east to Stockholm on day seven – checking into the elegant Hotel Reisen, where they can unwind and take a leisurely stroll through the charming Old Town, before enjoying the evening at their own pace. Over the next two days, they’ll immerse themselves in Stockholm’s culture, from the Vasa Museum and Gamla Stan to shopping in Östermalm, enjoying a boat tour of the archipelago, and dining at one of the city’s renowned restaurants.
The next part of the trip is all about blissful relaxation, escape, and serenity. Travel by train to Falkenberg and retreat to the idyllic Åstad Vingård, nestled between vineyards and fjord views, where you’ll stay in a tranquil Scandinavian Stenbacka room, which boasts a private sauna, and enjoy a seasonal four-course farm menu at Logen Restaurant. Spend day 11 unwinding in wine country with stunning vineyard views, indulge in the on-site spa, take a peaceful countryside walk, or simply relax in a hot tub, before an evening of pure relaxation.
To finish the trip, guests will travel to Copenhagen to explore Denmark’s stylish capital. Over the next three days they’ll spend time enjoying canal cruises, design district explorations, and a private culinary tour of the Danish capital – recognised by almost every foodie as being home to some of the tastiest cuisine locations in the world
“After days packed with adventure, you’ll get to relax in some truly beautiful, handpicked boutique hotels,” Cooper added.
“With summer temperatures in Scandinavia averaging between 15°C and 25°C, it’s the perfect climate for exploring, much more comfortable than the sweltering 40°C heat you’d find in the Mediterranean during July and August – so you’ll be able to enjoy the sights and activities without the discomfort of extreme heat.”
