Scandinavia Loop: Bridges, Fjords and Ferries

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This trip is planned for 17 Jul – 31 Jul 2027.

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Day 1 · Sat 17/07 3:48 hr

From Hamburg to the Baltic coast at Malmö

Arrival and the first great bridge

A long travel day; plan a break on the Danish motorway.

Note: you'll cross the Great Belt today already, and you'll plan the return crossing deliberately as a stage at the end of the trip.

Start

Hamburg

This is where your journey starts. From Hamburg, you'll head via Denmark towards the Øresund.

362 km · 3:30 hr
1
Sight

Øresund Bridge

The nearly eight-kilometre Øresund Bridge connects Copenhagen with Malmö, diving halfway through into the tunnel beneath the artificial island of Peberholm. The crossing is a spectacular start, subject to a toll, and best booked online in advance.

55–65 € in total child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

9 km · 15 min
Campsite

First Camp Malmö-Sibbarp

The site sits right on the coast at Sibbarp with an open view of the Øresund Bridge and a swimming beach on your doorstep. Ideal for the first night, arriving by the water and watching the bridge at sunset.

35–50 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 2 · Sun 18/07 2:30 hr

Malmö and the Swedish south coast to Ronneby

City stroll and spa park

Malmö in the morning, driving and a park in the afternoon — a nicely balanced day.

7 km · 12 min
2
Town

Malmö Old Town and Ribersborg

Malmö combines the cobbled squares of Stortorget and Lilla Torg with the striking Turning Torso by the water. At Ribersborgsstranden you can take a dip in the Baltic before continuing on.

0 € child-friendly
Website
196 km · 2:15 hr
3
Nature

Ronneby Brunnspark

The sprawling Ronneby Brunnspark is one of Sweden's finest spa parks, with exotic trees, flower beds and old spring houses. A peaceful spot for a stroll and to catch your breath at the end of the driving day.

0 € child-friendly
Website
6 km · 5 min
Campsite

Ronneby Havscamping

The campsite lies on the archipelago coast south of Ronneby, with swimming spots and sea views. A good base for combining the Brunnspark with the coast.

30–42 € / night child-friendly
Website
Day 3 · Mon 19/07 3:36 hr

Along the archipelago coast to Gothenburg

Coastal drive and city life

Today's the longest pure driving stretch; set off early and take a swimming break in Halmstad.

332 km · 3:20 hr
4
Town

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is a relaxed harbour city with a canal-town feel, the canal district of Haga and the Feskekörka fish market. Water lovers can take boat trips through the archipelago, while the charming old town is perfect for a first wander.

0 € child-friendly
Website

See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)

12 km · 18 min
Campsite

Lisebergs Camping Askim Strand

The campsite sits right on the sandy beach at Askim south of the city, with a swimming bay and good bus connections into the centre. Perfect for combining city and beach.

38–55 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 4 · Tue 20/07 54 min

Exploring Gothenburg

Rest day in the city

No change of location — a relaxed city day to recharge before Norway.

If theme parks aren't your thing, spend the day in the archipelago instead, or at Universeum.

11 km · 18 min
5
Activity

Liseberg

Liseberg is Scandinavia's best-known amusement park, with classic rides and beautifully kept gardens. A good day to catch your breath and enjoy a little thrill.

45–60 € / person child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)

2 km · 25 min
6
Sight

Haga and Skansen Kronan

The Haga district, with its wooden houses and cafés, is made for wandering, while the old Skansen Kronan fortress above offers views across the city. A calm contrast to the bustle of the amusement park.

0 € child-friendly
Website
Another night: Lisebergs Camping Askim Strand
Day 5 · Wed 21/07 3:36 hr

Across the border to Oslo

Arrival in Norway

Register your vehicle in advance with AutoPASS/Epass24 so the Norwegian toll is charged correctly.

Driving time just under five hours; fuel up cheaply while you're still in Sweden.

329 km · 3:30 hr
7
Town

Oslo

Oslo lies at the end of the Oslofjord, combining modern architecture such as the Opera House with plenty of green space and water. The first afternoon is enough for a walk across the walkable opera roof, with views over the fjord.

0 € child-friendly
Website

See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)

4 km · 3 min
Campsite

Ekeberg Camping

The site sits on the Ekeberg ridge with panoramic views over the city and fjord, and is well connected to the centre by bus and tram. A practical base for exploring Oslo without needing the car.

35–50 € / night child-friendly
Website
Day 6 · Thu 22/07 12 min

Discovering Oslo

City by the fjord

Get around cheaply on Oslo's public transport and leave the car at the campsite.

The Oslo Pass is worth it if you're visiting several museums.

7 km · 5 min
8
Sight

Bygdøy Museum Peninsula

On Bygdøy, the Fram Museum with its legendary polar ship and the Kon-Tiki Museum sit close together. A great morning for stories of sea voyages and exploration, easily reached by ferry from the town hall.

15–25 € / person child-friendly
Website
3 km · 2 min
9
Nature

Vigelandsparken

Vigeland Park displays over 200 bronze and granite figures by the sculptor Gustav Vigeland in a sprawling green space. Admission is free, and both children and adults will find plenty to marvel at among the figures.

0 € child-friendly
Website
Another night: Ekeberg Camping
Day 7 · Fri 23/07 3:18 hr

Into Telemark to Rjukan

Mountains, industrial history and Gaustatoppen in sight

A moderate driving time, but through winding mountain terrain — allow time for photo stops.

118 km · 2 hr
10
Sight

Heddal Stave Church

Heddal is Norway's largest stave church, an impressive 13th-century wooden building with enchanting carvings. A good stop on the way into Telemark.

8–12 € / person child-friendly
Website
60 km · 1:15 hr
11
Town

Rjukan

Rjukan lies deep in the Vestfjorddalen valley beneath Gaustatoppen and is a UNESCO World Heritage industrial site. Famous for its Solspeilet sun mirror, which directs light into the otherwise shaded town centre.

0 € child-friendly
Website
3 km · 2 min
Campsite

Rjukan Hytte- og Caravanpark

The site lies on the edge of Rjukan, right by the river and beneath the mountains. A quiet base for Gaustatoppen and the Telemark Canal.

28–40 € / night child-friendly
Website
Day 8 · Sat 24/07 12 min

Gaustatoppen and Krossobanen

A hiking day above the clouds

Watch the mountain weather: only climb Gaustatoppen in clear conditions, otherwise the trek isn't worth it.

Bring sturdy footwear and wind and rain protection; it's cold up top even in July.

8 km · 6 min
12
Nature

Gaustatoppen

From the 1,883-metre summit of Gaustatoppen, on a clear day the view stretches over a sixth of Norway all the way to the sea. The climb from the Stavsro car park takes around two and a half hours each way; if you'd rather, take the Gaustabanen funicular inside the mountain.

0–45 € / person
Website
7 km · 5 min
13
Activity

Krossobanen

The Krossobanen is Northern Europe's oldest passenger cable car, built so that the people of Rjukan could at least see the sun in winter. At the top, a view opens up over the narrow valley and towards the Hardangervidda.

12–18 € / person child-friendly
Website
Another night: Rjukan Hytte- og Caravanpark
Day 9 · Sun 25/07 3:24 hr

The Telemark Canal at Dalen

Locks and still water

Check and book a canal boat trip in advance, as the boats run to a fixed timetable.

If you want to travel the whole canal by boat, allow an extra day.

85 km · 1:45 hr
14
Nature

Telemark Canal at Dalen

The Telemark Canal uses a chain of hand-operated locks to overcome the height differences between Skien and Dalen. At Dalen you can view the old locks and take a stretch on the historic canal boats Victoria or Henrik Ibsen.

0 € child-friendly
Website
80 km · 1:30 hr
15
Sight

Vrangfoss Lock Staircase

Vrangfoss is the canal's most impressive lock system, with five chambers in a row. As a boat is locked through, you can watch the water level rise and fall.

0 € child-friendly
View on map
· 6 min
Campsite

Buøy Camping Dalen

The campsite lies on an island in the river at Dalen, peaceful and close to the end of the canal. A good base for a boat trip and for swimming.

26–38 € / night child-friendly
Website
Day 10 · Mon 26/07 3:36 hr

Via Setesdal to the south coast at Kristiansand

From the mountains to the sea

The Setesdal route is winding; expect a leisurely pace and plan for breaks.

Book tomorrow's ferry today, if you haven't already.

180 km · 3:30 hr
16
Town

Kristiansand

Kristiansand is the sunny capital of southern Norway, with the chequerboard Posebyen district, a long town beach and a fish market at the harbour. Bystranda, right in the middle of town, is perfect for a swim.

0 € child-friendly
Website

See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)

4 km · 3 min
Campsite

Roligheden Camping

The campsite lies on a bay with a sandy beach, just a few minutes from the centre. Ideal for combining city and beach, and for a relaxed drive to the ferry the next morning.

34–48 € / night child-friendly
Website
Day 11 · Tue 27/07 3:48 hr

Kristiansand and the ferry crossing to Hirtshals

Back across the Skagerrak to Denmark

Check the ferry time: with a late departure, the Dyrepark fits nicely into the morning.

A short drive from the terminal to the site — today the crossing is the highlight.

10 km · 8 min
17
Activity

Kristiansand Dyrepark

The Dyreparken is one of Norway's most popular animal and amusement parks, with Nordic wildlife and the fairy-tale town of Kardemomme By. A lovely morning before the ferry awaits in the afternoon.

40–55 € / person child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

13 km · 22 min
18
Ferry

Kristiansand–Hirtshals Ferry

The high-speed ferry run by Fjord Line or Color Line crosses the Skagerrak from Kristiansand to Hirtshals in around two and a half to three and a half hours. A relaxed crossing that takes you out of Norway without retracing your route.

140–220 € in total child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

131 km · 3:15 hr · 140–220 €
Campsite

Hirtshals Camping

The campsite lies on the North Sea coast near Hirtshals, close to dunes and beach. A peaceful spot to arrive in Denmark after the crossing.

30–42 € / night child-friendly
Website
Day 12 · Wed 28/07 1:18 hr

North Jutland: Skagen and the migrating dune

Where two seas meet

A relaxed coastal day with short drives and plenty of time for beach and dunes.

In Skagen, it's worth strolling among the yellow houses and enjoying a fish meal at the harbour.

23 km · 28 min
19
Nature

Grenen

At the Grenen headland near Skagen, the North Sea and Baltic Sea meet, so you can stand with one foot in each. A sandy path leads out to the tip, often accompanied by seals and seabirds.

0 € child-friendly
Website
35 km · 30 min
20
Nature

Råbjerg Mile

Råbjerg Mile is Northern Europe's largest migrating dune, shifting several metres further northeast each year. Climbing the sand hill feels like a little desert excursion.

0 € child-friendly
Website
14 km · 18 min
Campsite

Skagen Strand Camping

The site lies amid dune landscape near Hulsig with its own beach access. A good base for Grenen, the migrating dune and the charming town of Skagen.

32–46 € / night child-friendly
Website
Day 13 · Thu 29/07 3:48 hr

South via Aarhus to the Great Belt

City and the second great bridge

Aarhus in the morning, the Great Belt in the afternoon — manageable with an early start.

If you want to see the whole bridge, head to the beach at Nyborg in the evening.

210 km · 2:15 hr
21
Town

Aarhus

Aarhus is a lively university city with the ARoS art museum and its walkable rainbow panorama, plus the Den Gamle By open-air museum. A good stop for culture and a wander through the Latinerkvarteret.

0 € child-friendly
Website
19 km · 14 min
22
Sight

Storebælt Bridge

The Storebælt Bridge spans almost 18 kilometres, connecting the islands of Funen and Zealand, and is among the longest suspension bridges in the world. Crossing the Great Belt is tolled and makes for an impressive final major structure on your journey.

33–40 € in total child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

127 km · 1:20 hr
Campsite

Nyborg Strandcamping

The campsite lies on the coast near Nyborg with a direct view of the Great Belt and its bridge. Perfect for watching the structure at sunset before crossing it the next day.

30–44 € / night child-friendly
Website
Day 14 · Fri 30/07 3:30 hr

Across the Great Belt to the Baltic coast at Lübeck

Back on German soil

Driving time just over three hours; plenty of time for Lübeck in the afternoon.

The Fehmarn Bridge completes the chain of bridges and ferries, without needing to retrace the Øresund route.

· 12 min
23
Sight

Crossing the Great Belt

In the morning you'll cross the Storebælt Bridge from Funen to Zealand — one last great bridge moment. After that, it's on across Zealand towards the German border.

33–40 € in total child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

207 km · 3:15 hr
24
Town

Lübeck

Lübeck's old town is encircled by the Trave and, with the Holstentor and its brick gables, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An atmospheric last evening with marzipan and a wander through the alleys and courtyards.

0 € child-friendly
Website

See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)

6 km · 5 min
Campsite

Camping Lübeck-Schönböcken

The campsite near the city lies in western Lübeck and is well connected to the old town. A peaceful last night of the trip before the short stretch to Hamburg.

26–38 € / night child-friendly
Website
Day 15 · Sat 31/07 1:06 hr

Final stretch back to Hamburg

Arriving home

A very short final stage — the morning stays relaxed.

Fit in a fuel stop and taking down the roof tent before returning the car.

6 km · 5 min
25
Town

Lübeck

One last morning in the Hanseatic city, perhaps with a coffee by the water, before the short drive home to Hamburg.

0 € child-friendly
Website

See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)

72 km · 1 hr
26
Town

Hamburg

Back in Hamburg, the loop of your Scandinavia round trip closes. From the great bridges via Oslo and the fjords to the North Sea, you've completed the arc without ever retracing your route.

0 €
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See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)

This trip is planned for 17 Jul – 31 Jul 2027.

Copy it and move it to your own dates.

Free account, no credit card. Copying, moving and adjusting are included.