ScandiRail

There is no better place to spend the countdown to Christmas than in Scandinavia! An Interrail trip to 12 cities throughout Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Mostly solo, but with guests. Read more

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Trip start
November 21, 2019
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Day 1
Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 12:25 PM
⛅ 2 °C
Altitude: 62 m
Germany Osnabrück Railway Station 52.27331, 8.061852°16’24” N 8°3’42” E
Reis naar Duitsland
November 21, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 2 °C
After a mix-up with QR codes at the Overvecht ticket gates, I found my way onto the NS Sprinter with my Big Boi backpack, amongst the commuter passengers. With some WhatsApp assistance from my lovely Eurail CPH colleagues I was able to properly begin my Interrail journey from Hilversum.

In a comfortable compartment, complete with heater, I made my way across Dutch farm country, passing by Almelo and Hengelo-ooooo.

After nearly leaving my scarf on the train (a vital garment), I boarded my third train in the German sticks at Osnabrück. 2 hours later I railed into a very m(ist)erious Hamburg.Read more
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Day 1
Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 6:05 PM
🌧 7 °C
Altitude: 17 m
Germany Sandtorhafen 53.54374, 9.9889953°32’37” N 9°59’20” E
Miniatur Wunderland
November 21, 2019 in Germany ⋅ 🌧 7 °C
There's probably no better way to start an Interrail trip than with a visit to a huuuuuuuuge model railway world with scenes from all over Europe. I was totally geeking out!
TravelerLooking forward to seeing this myself one day!
11/22/19Reply
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Day 2
Friday, November 22, 2019 at 4:05 PM
⛅ 7 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Germany Sandtorhafen 53.54167, 9.9866753°32’30” N 9°59’12” E
Hamburg
November 22, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C
This is Hamburg on a Good Day, which according to my walking tour guide means "it could be raining". 🙃
The Elbphilharmonie is supposed to look like a crystal, reflecting the sun, sky and water. But this was a design mistake in Hamburg where sun is the exception - oops.
Today I also met an English girl and a Dutch person, so felt at home. I attach evidence that I did in fact go to Hamburg and not just use a VPN and trawl Shutterstock for pics!Read more
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Day 2
Friday, November 22, 2019 at 7:48 PM
⛅ 7 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Germany Puttgarden 54.49975, 11.22654°29’59” N 11°13’34” E
Reise nach Dänemark
November 22, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C
My DSB train went onto a ferry! Enough said.
TravelerWow!
11/22/19Reply
TravelerThat’s nothing. Wait till your ferry gets on board the train! 😄
11/22/19Reply
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Day 3
Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 12:09 PM
☁️ 6 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Denmark Yellow Palace 55.68333, 12.5933355°40’60” N 12°35’36” E
Changing the Guard
November 23, 2019 in Denmark ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C
I started my Copenhagen stop like in most cities - with an orientation walking tour. Except that my guide for this tour was the Danish Royal Guard, who led me past the sights of the capital, from Rosenborg Slot to Amelienborg Palace. They do this every day at 11:30 closing the streets as they go.Read more
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Day 4
Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 2:28 PM
☁️ 7 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Denmark København N 55.69936, 12.5423655°41’58” N 12°32’32” E
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CPH Foodie Day
November 24, 2019 in Denmark ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C
After an impromptu Thanksgiving Dinner and drinks (hehe) last night with my Canadian friend, Harriet, and others, we were rather low on energy today.

So of course we used our precious daylight hours for a Copenhagen foodie bike tour. Beginning with a smørrebrød brunch (see pic) at Hallernes Smørrebrød, we then biked the hip streets of Nørrebro, where Santa and his helpers gave us free cinammon grød (Danish porridge)! 🎅

Finally we visited Superkilen Park and Nørrebro library for a taste of Copenhagen's famous coffee scene.

Now feeling MUCH BETTAH!Read more
TravelerYou left your bike in the Netherlands, but found one in Denmark!
11/24/19Reply
TravelerYeaah! A Donkey bike called Als.
11/24/19Reply
Traveler Fake vegetarian!
11/24/19Reply
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Day 5
Monday, November 25, 2019 at 7:48 PM
☁️ 5 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Denmark Tivoli Gardens 55.67333, 12.5683355°40’24” N 12°34’6” E
The Most Wonderful Day in Copenhagen
November 25, 2019 in Denmark ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C
A day spent in great company (Javi, Sandra and Harriet) in great places!

First we took a trip up the aesthetically pleasing Rundetaarn (Round Tower), a tower made in a way which allows horses to trot to the top - highly recommend! Then we visited The Lego Store - because Denmark.

Our day concluded in the Most Wonderful Place in Copenhagen - Tivoli Gardens. It was the most Christmassy place I've ever seen! The thrill of the rides, festive decorations and cosy stalls made me giddy with excitement, with just 1 month to go until the big day!Read more
TravelerWhat a wonderful you’re having! 😍
11/25/19Reply
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Day 6
Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 4:52 PM
☁️ 5 °C
Altitude: 22 m
Denmark Århus Å 56.15333, 10.2016756°9’12” N 10°12’6” E
Aarhus by Night
November 26, 2019 in Denmark ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C
Travelling in winter can be a disadvantage when cloud cover and the Earth's angle work in vicious tandem to create 3:30pm sunsets. This was the time in Aarhus after I had arrived and eaten lunch...

However, a seasoned traveller can turn anything into an advantage. And so began my night-time (late afternoon 😆) tour of Aarhus. I had no plan. I simply followed the neon signs and Christmas lights from block to block and saw where my feet took me.

I saw a rainbow halo, a haunting yet beautiful Christmas tree, a hyggelig street and a rooftop lookout. Spontaneity can be the best plan of all.Read more
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Day 7
Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at 1:37 PM
☁️ 8 °C
Altitude: 17 m
Denmark Concert Hall Aarhus 56.15333, 10.256°9’12” N 10°12’0” E
ARoS
November 27, 2019 in Denmark ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
For me, Aarhus's main attraction is the the ARoS Art Museum, due to its top-floor, immersive and panoramic rainbow walkway! But I actually stayed at the museum for a whole day (well until sunset), exploring every exhibition.

I met Boy, was geography nerding out in an exhibition about "home", then film nerded out in a Douglas Gordon exhibition of video art!

Today confirmed my suspicions. I like the #art.Read more
TravelerSold! 😍
11/27/19Reply
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Day 8
Thursday, November 28, 2019 at 3:28 PM
☁️ 8 °C
Altitude: 34 m
Denmark Aarhus C 56.16833, 10.2033356°10’6” N 10°12’12” E
What Did I Miss?
November 28, 2019 in Denmark ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
For the final year of my Bachelor studies I was set on going to do a particular Erasmus Mundus journalism Masters at none other than Aarhus University! Of course I switched to IR at my dear Utrecht, but I couldn't come to Denmark without seeing what I missed.

Thanks to Couchsurfing I was able to see the university campus with a student guide! It was pretty indeed, with a lake and all. We also saw some Aarhus highlights - the botanical garden and Den Gamle By (Old Town) - before joining a Couchsurfing meet-up with other locals.Read more
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Day 9
Friday, November 29, 2019 at 4:15 PM
☀️ 2 °C
Altitude: 22 m
Denmark Odense 55.39833, 10.3916755°23’54” N 10°23’30” E
H.C. Andersen's City
November 29, 2019 in Denmark ⋅ ☀️ 2 °C
My stay in Denmark came to a fairytale ending with a blue-sky day in Odense, the hometown of legendary writer H.C. Andersen.

Joanna and I reunited there for the magical H.C. Andersen Christmas Market. There were cute stalls, period costume actors, carol singers and horse and cart rides. A proper jul experience and a truly Danish day.

Now onto Sweden, med min syster, because, as Andersen said, 'To travel is to live'.Read more
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Day 10
Saturday, November 30, 2019 at 4:15 PM
☀️ 0 °C
Altitude: 44 m
Sweden Botaniska Trädgården 55.705, 13.1983355°42’18” N 13°11’54” E
Student Lund - a 1 day immersion
November 30, 2019 in Sweden ⋅ ☀️ 0 °C
This footprint is late. This is because on my first day in Sweden I did not just explore Lund, I became part of it, with not 1, but 2 traditional events!

After a beautiful sun-splashed tour of Lund's university and historic streets, Joanna and I visited the jultid event at Kulturen open-air museum. We were lucky to see the Lucia procession, a Scandinavian December tradition!

In the evening, Joanna had a gig at a Swedish uni ball with Bleckhornen, her student ensemble. I did not just watch, but JOINED IN, donning a busarong and having the time of my life playing a tambourine! 🥁 We then proceeded to have a great time at the clubhouse. This is why the footprint is late. 🤙Read more
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Day 11
Sunday, December 1, 2019 at 2:23 PM
⛅ -1 °C
Altitude: 19 m
Sweden Stockholm Central Station 59.33, 18.0583359°19’48” N 18°3’30” E
We both made it!
December 1, 2019 in Sweden ⋅ ⛅ -1 °C
Today was the start of my ScandiRail minibreak, a short stay in Stockholm with Joanna. The 7:25am train to the capital was a challenge for some, but we both made it to Stockholm, exhausted, by 2:30pm!

After recovering from our journey, we indulged in a spot of H&M crawling (there was one in every block!) and visited the Gamla Stan island at night.Read more
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Day 12
Monday, December 2, 2019 at 4:44 PM
☀️ -3 °C
Altitude: 46 m
Sweden Skansen 59.32705, 18.1037559°19’37” N 18°6’14” E
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The Most Swedish of Days
December 2, 2019 in Sweden ⋅ ☀️ -3 °C
At least one day in the Swedish capital must be spent doing the quintessential Swedish things. Today was that day. 🇸🇪

Beginning in the open-air museum of Skansen, we saw wooden Swedish houses, ate smorgåsar and learnt what moose look like... not this 👉🦌

After the 3pm sunset, we took a chance on ABBA: The Museum. We dreamed of the heat of our last summer at the Mamma Mia exhibit and joined in as the band's 5th dancing queen member. 🕺

Our evening meal was (naturligtvis) classic Swedish meatballs with cider. Meatballs for the People served the best I've ever had. I'll leave it up to you to guess what my meatballs were made of... 😏Read more
Traveler Great jumper!
12/7/19Reply
Traveler It came from a loving source ❤
12/7/19Reply
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Day 13
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at 10:16 PM
❄️ 2 °C
Altitude: 19 m
Sweden Stockholm Central Station 59.33167, 18.0659°19’54” N 18°3’36” E
The Art of the Underground
December 3, 2019 in Sweden ⋅ ❄️ 2 °C
Forget the Sound of the Underground. In Stockholm it's all about the Art.

Almost every station of the tunnelbana is decorated by an artist, making it the world's longest art gallery and a veritable feast for the eyes. Visiting the highlights was a perfect activity to brighten a cold, dark Stockholm evening. 🚇🌈Read more
TravelerThey are quite a sight.
12/3/19Reply
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Day 14
Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 12:07 PM
⛅ 2 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Sweden Linnaeus Garden 59.86167, 17.6316759°51’42” N 17°37’54” E
Golden Hour
December 4, 2019 in Sweden ⋅ ⛅ 2 °C
Today's Golden Hour lasted a little longer than an hour, for most of the short time that the sun was in the sky.

It began with a final, beautiful morning in Stockholm, in which I visited the Rådhuset (City Hall). The sun shining on its tower's 3 gold crowns matched the glorious gold mosaics of the Gold Room.

I then chased the sun to snowy Uppsala for the afternoon, where it backlit the cathedral (Scandinavia's biggest) and shone upon the ice-lined River Fyris!

Scandinavia may have its grey days, but it shines brightly in the sun! 💛Read more
TravelerShine bright like a diamond! (Now, who sang that?)
12/4/19Reply
TravelerHahaha
12/4/19Reply
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Day 15
Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 3:19 PM
☁️ 5 °C
Altitude: 143 m
Sweden Älmhult station 56.55333, 14.13556°33’12” N 14°8’6” E
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IKEA Museum
December 5, 2019 in Sweden ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C
I've already had The Most Swedish of Days. But there was one thing lacking. Something so important that it's deserving of a whole day and special stop.

It is of course IKEA, the greatest of all Swedish things!

The first IKEA store opened in 1958 in the unassuming town of Älmhult, Småland, giving birth to an international phenomena. Now this maiden store houses the one and only IKEA Museum. It is a shrine to everything IKEA from blue bags to meatballs and Billy bookcases to Allen keys, complete with a fully-stocked IKEA Restaurant.

Upon completion of the museum you can even become a cover boy, girl or non-binary pal on the coveted IKEA catalogue!Read more
TravelerThat cover is brilliant!
12/5/19Reply
Traveler Usually wet washing, but sometimes on the beach!
12/5/19Reply
Traveler Wow!
12/5/19Reply
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Day 16
Friday, December 6, 2019 at 3:37 PM
🌧 6 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Sweden Western Harbour 55.61333, 12.97555°36’48” N 12°58’30” E
One Short Day in Malmö City
December 6, 2019 in Sweden ⋅ 🌧 6 °C
After my minibreak, I headed back down south to Skåne, Joanna and The Grey. We spent one short day in Malmö, seeing the sights - including many naked, and presumably cold, statues - and learning the history at the museum in Malmö Castle.

The moment of the day came at the end of my night-time explore around the Turning Torso and Västra Hamnem waterfront... In the cold, lonely darkness I found singing hills! You better believe it!
(Credit to Spotted by Locals for the travel tip 😃).Read more
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Day 17
Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 2:27 PM
🌬 6 °C
Altitude: 33 m
Sweden Styrsö 57.60833, 11.78557°36’30” N 11°47’6” E
Göteborg Archipelago
December 7, 2019 in Sweden ⋅ 🌬 6 °C
In just 2 hours this morning I sped north from Skåne to Sweden's second city - Göteborg. But after exactly 30 minutes of waddling and squeezing through Haga Nygata Christmas market, I decided it was time to leave again! 😂

Happily, Göteborg has an archipelago full of islands, reachable by a ferry which is covered by the city travelcard. So I sailed across to the car (and people)-free island of Styrsö for an afternoon of solitary nature bathing.

Walking by the sea, getting blasted by wind on a plateau and eating on a rock overlooking the sunset, was blissful and rejuvenating. Now, bring on Liseberg!Read more
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Day 17
Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 9:31 PM
🌙 4 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Sweden Rondo 57.69667, 11.9933357°41’48” N 11°59’36” E
A Swedish Christmas Reunion
December 7, 2019 in Sweden ⋅ 🌙 4 °C
2 footprints in 1 day! What is this?? Well, this evening was a special Winter's Tale. I reunited for one night only with Sandra, my Copenhagen roomie, as our paths crossed once again in Göteborg!

We spent the last night of her trip at the magical Liseberg amusement park, wandering beneath the ginormous Christmas tree in awestruck wonder. ✨ Sandra had her first ever fish 'n' chips, then we went for her first ice skate! Just before closing, we had the rink to ourselves and managed to buy the last hot chocolates of the day. ☕❤Read more
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Day 18
Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 5:23 PM
🌧 6 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Sweden Lisebergshallen 57.69336, 11.9948857°41’36” N 11°59’42” E
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Highs and Lows
December 8, 2019 in Sweden ⋅ 🌧 6 °C
Not every day of a month-long trip can be amazing. Just like Liseberg's incredible Valkyria rollercoaster, which I rode 4 times today, a trip will always have its highs and lows.

Day 2 in Göteborg began with a low, as my walking tour guide failed to show. Strolling around a city alone, in the wind and rain, not knowing which landmarks to spot, isn't quite so fun.

I then returned to Liseberg to ride its fantastic coasters and wheels. Valkyria was one of the best I've ever ridden. The view from the Lisebergshjulet wheel was also top-notch and A Christmas Carol on Ice was a joy to behold.

But, as a solo traveller surrounded by Christmas lights, couples, friends and families, I felt a tinge lonely, especially as I'd been with Sandra just 24 hours earlier. Hopefully the lows of today will only heighten the highs still to come, as I head north to Norway.Read more
Traveler You got to see an ice show! Wow!
12/9/19Reply
Traveler Best ride ever or not, there's no way you'd get me on that! I love the rider who is screaming and then giggling! (Or maybe it's hysterical laughter!)
12/9/19Reply
Traveler My final ride was with 2 middle-aged Swedish ladies. It was hilarious! Excited, nervous Swedish chatter, with a gasp of "holy shit" when it stopped before the drop. 😅
12/9/19Reply
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Day 19
Monday, December 9, 2019 at 5:10 PM
❄️ 0 °C
Altitude: 29 m
Norway Oslo Central Station 59.91167, 10.7533359°54’42” N 10°45’12” E
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Resa till Norge
December 9, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ❄️ 0 °C
After a stroll through a park with some penguins (very Mary Poppins), it was time to say hejdå to Göteborg and Sweden, as I boarded my train to The North - the destination was Lillehammer.

I ended my Swedish sojourn with a flurry of Avicii and swapped it for Kygo and a flurry of snow after crossing the border.

At my train changeover I got a sneak peak of Oslo (more of that in a week) and a sudden introduction to Norwegian prices. Eugh, how will I afford to eat?Read more
Traveler 😍
12/13/19Reply
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Day 19
Monday, December 9, 2019 at 9:36 PM
🌙 -6 °C
Altitude: 196 m
Norway Mesna 61.11667, 10.46561°7’0” N 10°27’54” E
Juletid på Lillehammer
December 9, 2019 in Norway ⋅ 🌙 -6 °C
Ok... just look how cute Lillehammer is on a December night! My heart is melting, unlike the snow, which is here for the long-run. Lillehammer really knows how to winter, with countless Christmas lights and cosy stores selling candles, jumpers and blankets. 🕯⭐ Can I stay? Or maybe just bring this culture back to UK and NL? I LOVE IT!Read more
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Day 20
Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 12:52 PM
☀️ -10 °C
Altitude: 245 m
Norway Lillehammer 61.11, 10.4766761°6’36” N 10°28’36” E
2
The Olympic City
December 10, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ☀️ -10 °C
-12°C. 🥶 That was the temperature in Lillehammer for most of today. But I wasn't too cold! After 2 weeks of temps around 0°C, I'm getting used to it. So donning 5 layers, hat, scarf and gloves I visited Lillehammer's top attractions.

Firstly, the Maihaugen open-air museum. I had thought Skansen was a snowy wilderness, but I hadn't seen nothing! The snow-covered wooden houses and pine forests of Maihaugen were straight out of Frozen. I was most excited to see the Norwegian stave church - Dad would be proud.

I then went next-door to the Norwegian Olympic Museum. The Norwegians, like me, prefer the Winter edition - skiing is their national sport. I learnt about the origins of the Winter Olympic Games and tried, but mostly failed, at a biathlon simulation. I'll stick to skating!Read more
Traveler Big summer blow out!
12/10/19Reply
Traveler Yoohoo!
12/10/19Reply
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Day 21
Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 11:25 AM
☀️ 2 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Norway Bybrua 63.42833, 10.4016763°25’42” N 10°24’6” E
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4 Hours of Sun
December 11, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ☀️ 2 °C
I did not plan this trip simply to take today's main photo. But it's pretty neat that I got to see the view from this year's Interrail Pass cover!!! They are the wharves of the River Nidelva and they do not disappoint!

I made the most of today's 4 hours of sunlight by climbing steadily higher up Trondheim's snowy hills for some incredible views. First to Kristiansten Fortress, then all the way to the Tyholttårnet for a sunset lunch(!) at it's revolving restaurant. I said "ha det" to the sun. I will see it next on Monday. 👋🌞

I then came cautiously back down the icy hills to Trondheim's Julemarkedet. It was one of the loveliest of the trip, with a horse & cart, Viking food teepee, salmon tasters and a Christmas choir.

Trondheim, you did good! 👏Read more
Traveler Creepy
12/11/19Reply
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