Our Route
SFO →
Copenhagen 4 nights
→ Bergen 3 nights
→ Flåm 3 nights
→ Bergen 1 night
→ Copenhagen 1 night
→ Home
Two weeks of Scandinavian summer — the kind where the sun barely sets and the kids are still running around at 10 PM. We packed in canal boats and castles in Copenhagen, winding cobblestone alleys in Bergen, and fjord cruises and mountain hikes in Flåm. Here’s how it all went down.
Day 1 — Arrival
Thursday, June 20
After a red-eye through Paris, we landed in Copenhagen around 5 PM — tired but buzzing with that first-day-of-vacation energy. We checked into the Andersen Hotel and headed out on foot to find dinner in the neighborhood.
First Night Eats
We scouted burger spots near the hotel, plus found Gasoline Grill locations around town. Love Sanchez (Mexican near the hotel) and Prolog Coffee were bookmarked for later in the trip.
Day 2 — Canals & Cobblestones
Friday, June 21
Our first full day started with a canal boat tour — and despite feeling like a “tourist thing,” it was absolutely worth it. Gliding under bridges and past the colorful Nyhavn waterfront gave us our bearings in the city.
Nyhavn — even more beautiful in person
Canal Boat Tour
The guided boat tour loops through Copenhagen’s canals and harbor. A fantastic way to orient yourself on day one. → Book a canal tour
We spent the afternoon wandering Christianshavn. Climbed the spiral tower at the Church of Our Saviour for panoramic views and peeked into Freetown Christiania.
Soaking up the Copenhagen sun on the cobblestones
Day 3 — Tivoli Gardens
Saturday, June 22
Tivoli Gardens at night is pure magic. One of the world’s oldest amusement parks, it’s less about thrill rides and more about the atmosphere — twinkling lights, live music, and the kids going wide-eyed at every corner.
Day 4 — Castle Day
Sunday, June 23
We walked over to Rosenborg Castle — a fairy-tale Renaissance castle right in the heart of Copenhagen. The kids loved the Crown Jewels in the basement vault, and the King’s Garden was perfect for running around afterward.
Inside Rosenborg — Delft tiles, leaded glass, and gardens as far as the eye can see
Rosenborg Castle
Right in central Copenhagen — no train needed. Don’t skip the Crown Jewels. → Book castle tickets
Day 5 — Last Morning
Monday, June 24
We squeezed in a visit to Reffen street food market and lunch at Schønnemann for traditional smørrebrød.
Where We Ate (& Wished We Ate)
Gasoline Grill
No-frills burgers with cult status.
Love Sanchez
Surprisingly great Mexican near Vesterbro.
Slurp Ramen
For the nights when the kids need noodles.
Fiskebaren
Seafood in the meatpacking district.
Café Atelier September
Famous avocado toast in a gorgeous space.
Restaurant Lola
Cute spot in Christianshavn.
Copenhagen → Bergen
Evening flight, June 24 · Arriving in Norway’s fjord country
Days 6–8 — Exploring Bergen
June 25 – 26
Bergen won our hearts. This compact harbor city is all steep wooden houses, dramatic mountains, and that distinctly Norwegian mix of rugged and refined.
Getting lost in the narrow alleys behind Bryggen
Wandering Bergen’s covered walkways
A cold Hansa at Bryggen & Bergen’s impossibly charming side streets
Mt. Fløien Funicular
Ride up for sweeping views. We walked back down through forest. → Book funicular tickets
Bergen Insider Notes
🌭 Trekkroneren — Reindeer hot dogs! A must-try.
🍦 Haillaisen — Ice cream on Skomaker street. The kids’ highlight.
🏘️ Three quaint streets — Cort Pill-Smauet, Knosesmauet, Yrtre Markeveien.
🎨 USF Verftet — Old sardine factory turned art galleries.
🍷 Frille og Dyvekes Vinkjeller — Possibly Bergen’s oldest pub.
Bergen → Flåm
June 27 · Tip: sit on the LEFT side from Myrdal to Flåm!
Day 9 — Arrival & Afternoon Hike
Thursday, June 27
The train ride from Bergen to Flåm is one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world — no exaggeration.
King of the fjords — the view from our afternoon hike above Flåm
Day 10 — Fjords & Vikings
Friday, June 28
This was THE day. We boarded a 9:30 AM fjord cruise through the Nærøyfjord — towering cliff walls, waterfalls, and tiny farms on impossibly steep hillsides.
Tiny villages tucked beneath immense cliffs along the Nærøyfjord
At Gudvangen we visited the Viking Village — the kids tried archery and learned about Norse daily life.
Viking ships & archery lessons — the kids’ favorite day of the entire trip
Ægir Brewery & Pub
Viking-themed brewpub with huge timber beams. Great craft beer and hearty food.
Day 11 — Kayaking the Fjord
Saturday, June 29
Paddling at water level makes the scale of these mountains hit completely differently. Peaceful, a bit challenging, and absolutely unforgettable.
Paddling into the quiet — fjord kayaking at its finest
Flåm → Bergen → Copenhagen
June 30: Train back to Bergen · July 1: Flight to Copenhagen for one last night
The Home Stretch
Last Days
One more Bergen night & a Copenhagen farewell
Days 12–14
June 30 – July 2
Took the train back to Bergen, checked into the Hanseatic Hotel on Bryggen wharf. Flew back to Copenhagen for one last night at the Scandic Kødbyen in the meatpacking district. Early morning flight home. Sleepy kids, full hearts, heavy suitcases. Already planning our return.
Plan Your Own Trip
Everything you need to recreate this itinerary
🏨 Where We Stayed
Andersen Hotel, Copenhagen — 4 nights CHECK PRICES
Clarion Hotel Admiral, Bergen — 3 nights CHECK PRICES
Fretheim Hotel, Flåm — 3 nights CHECK PRICES
Hanseatic Hotel, Bergen — 1 night CHECK PRICES
Scandic Kødbyen, Copenhagen — 1 night CHECK PRICES
🎟️ Experiences to Book
Copenhagen Canal Tour BOOK
Tivoli Gardens BOOK
Nærøyfjord Cruise BOOK
Fjord Kayaking BOOK
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Tak & Takk!
Thank you, Scandinavia — we’ll be back.