Scandinavia · SELF-GUIDED TOURS

The 15 Best Self-Guided Tours in Scandinavia

74 tours  ·  from $7

Good self-guided tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Oslo: Scenic Fjord Cruise with Audio Guide Commentary - Starting beside the Opera House
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Oslo: Scenic Fjord Cruise with Audio Guide Commentary

1.Scenic Fjord Cruise with Audio Guide Commentary

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,375 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $44Our pick

Cruise Oslo’s inner fjord for 90 minutes on a quiet electric ship. You’ll pass Akershus Fortress, Bygdøy, Hovedøya, Sørenga, and the Opera House, with indoor seating, a large accessible deck, Wi-Fi, onboard drinks, and optional audio commentary in seven languages.

“Really enjoyable tour, the boat was very new and allowed good views all round while remaining warm. (I think it was -6 on my tour) The audio guide was helpful, though a little clunky knowing which parts went for where you are which could have been my fault not understanding it correctly.”

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Molde: Atlantic Ocean Road & Varden Audio Guide Bus Tour - Starting at the correct Molde pier
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Molde: Atlantic Ocean Road & Varden Audio Guide Bus Tour

2.Molde: Atlantic Ocean Road & Varden Audio Guide Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 473 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $93

From Molde’s cruise pier, ride a bus along the Atlantic Ocean Road and Hustadvika Coast, with an English or German GuideToGo audio tour. Stop at Eldhusøya and Varden, 407 meters above sea level, for sea, fjord, island, and mountain views. Guides such as Marin and Corinna may also assist on some departures.

“The tour itself was really good. We enjoyed the drive to the Atlantic road and the scenery was beautiful. It was a self guided tour so no guide. We did enjoy it and would recommend it. The only problem was the Meeting point. We all went to the green flag but no one came to collect us and we had to find the bus on our own. Otherwise, it was a very good tour.”

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Geiranger: Bus Tour with Multilingual Audio Guide - Meeting near the pier in Geiranger
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Geiranger: Bus Tour with Multilingual Audio Guide

3.Bus Tour with Multilingual Audio Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 317 reviews · 1h 20m · from $78

Ride Geiranger’s famous road in a climate-controlled bus, climbing 11 hairpin bends to Eagle Bend and viewing the Seven Sisters waterfall. You’ll also stop at Flydalsjuvet, with audio commentary in eight languages. This $78 tour suits cruise passengers who want major viewpoints without hiking.

“Beautiful scenery could not have done on our own , great deal”

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Bergen: Self-Guided Round-Trip Full-Day Excursion - Bergen Railway to Voss
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Bergen: Self-Guided Round-Trip Full-Day Excursion

4.Self-Guided Round-Trip Full-Day Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 158 reviews · 10 hours · from $493

You’ll connect Bergen Railway, bus, premium fjord boat, and Flåm Railway in one long day. Expect clear emailed instructions, no guide, and superb views of Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. Bring food, rain gear, and a charged phone because connections are timed and the day can stretch beyond 10 hours.

“Transport arrangements were clear and we had no issues with getting on the various buses, trains and boat. We experienced sights we would not have seen otherwise, and thoroughly enjoyed the trip from start to finish. Expect some stops along the way that really enhance the day! Highly recommended, and although it may seem pricey, believe me, it was worth every penny.”

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Ålesund: Ålesund and Surrounding Islands Audio Guide Tour - Meeting the bus beside Ålesund’s harbor
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Ålesund: Ålesund and Surrounding Islands Audio Guide Tour

5.Ålesund and Surrounding Islands Audio Guide Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 116 reviews · 3 hours · from $136

You’ll ride from Ålesund to Godøya and Alnes, stopping for island views, Alnes Lighthouse, and the Aksla viewpoint. An audio guide covers the area in English, Italian, Spanish, German, or Norwegian. The small air-conditioned bus keeps the route easy, though tunnels and changing weather can limit views.

“De rit met de kleine touringbus was geweldig en we hebben een heerlijk genoten van de stops. De chauffeur was goed en hielp ook daar waar nodig. 's avonds op het schip zagen we de bezochte vuurtoren ook nog staan. Uitzichtpunt Alska was fantastisch.”

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Copenhagen: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Audio Guide - Take the red Classic Copenhagen route first
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Copenhagen: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Audio Guide

6.Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Audio Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 100 reviews · from $36

Use a 48-hour Stromma bus ticket to explore Copenhagen at your own pace. Ride the Classic route daily, then add Carlsberg, Frederiksberg, Christianshavn, and Reffen on the All Lines ticket. Audio commentary comes in six languages, with free Wi-Fi onboard.

“Everything was fantastic the bus was comfy and the guides were very helpful!!! Would recommend it 10000% over”

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Åndalsnes - Trollstigen & Trollwall Audio Guid Bus Tour - Starting beside the harbor in Åndalsnes
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Åndalsnes – Trollstigen & Trollwall Audio Guid Bus Tour

7.Trollstigen & Trollwall Audio Guid Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 84 reviews · from $77

Join West Norway Travel for a three-hour coach tour from Åndalsnes harbor to the Troll Wall and Trollstigen. Driver Alexander and the Voice of Norway app guide you through the Rauma Valley, past waterfalls and peaks, with photo stops at Troll Wall and the 407-meter Varden viewpoint.

“Waren erste mal mit Ihnen unterwegs und werden es bestimmt wiederholen! Vielen Dank Angelika und Ruth”

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Self-Guided Full Day Round-trip From Bergen - Gudvangen and the two-hour fjord cruise
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Self-Guided Full Day Round-trip From Bergen

8.Self-Guided Full Day Round-trip From Bergen

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 76 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $410

Travel independently from Bergen to Voss, Gudvangen, Flåm, and Myrdal by train, bus, ferry, and the famous Flåm Railway. Tickets and written instructions are included, but you guide yourself. Expect a long, scenic day with limited free time and possible schedule changes in summer.

“Every aspect of the trip was exciting . We were at first anxious to try and self-guide for a train/ferry/bus/train all in one day. But the local tour agency made it SO easy 😃.”

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Oslo To Bergen Self-Guided Full Day Trip with Flåm Railway And Fjord Cruise - Cruising Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord
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Oslo To Bergen Self-Guided Full Day Trip with Flåm Railway And Fjord Cruise

9.Oslo To Bergen Self-Guided Full Day Trip with Flåm Railway And Fjord Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 69 reviews · from $454

Travel from Oslo to Bergen by Bergen Railway, Flåm Railway, fjord boat, bus, and train. You’ll cross alpine scenery, descend to Flåm, cruise Aurlandsfjord and narrow Nærøyfjord, then continue through Gudvangen and Voss. This self-guided trip suits independent visitors who can manage a full day and their own luggage.

“The Flam Train journey is the most memorable part. Another best part is the fjord cruise. The most beautiful journey during our 1 week holiday in Norway.”

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Stockholm: Old Town Self-Guided Tour Learn and solve Puzzles - Starting in the Royal Palace courtyard
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Stockholm: Old Town Self-Guided Tour Learn and solve Puzzles

10.Old Town Self-Guided Tour Learn and solve Puzzles

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 64 reviews · 90 days · from $11

Start at the Royal Palace and follow a 1.5 to 2-hour Curiosa app adventure through Stockholm’s Old Town. Learn about the Grand Square, Saint George and the Dragon, a cannonball in a wall, and a runestone beneath a building while solving optional puzzles in English, Swedish, German, or French.

“cela est tres rapide cela a dure un peu plus 1 h, les enigmes sont asser complexe et quand on décide de passer l'enigme car on ne trouve pas la solution. Le reponse a l'enigme ne nous est pas donné. Cela serai plus sympa de le connaitre afin de pouvoir mieux comprenrde.”

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From Copenhagen: Malmö Self-Guided Tour w/ Transport Tickets - Getting organized at Malmö Central Station
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From Copenhagen: Malmö Self-Guided Tour w/ Transport Tickets

11.Malmö Self-Guided Tour w/ Transport Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 55 reviews · from $70

Travel from Copenhagen across the Øresund Bridge, then explore Malmö independently by rental bike or local bus. See Lilla Torg, Malmöhus Castle, Turning Torso, parks, and the old bathhouse, with transport tickets and a Malmö map included.

“Easy to find bikes and train and company were fast to respond when we had questions. Great way to see Malmo on your own terms”

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Stockholm: Self Guided Kayak Adventure - Starting at the Klara sjö dock
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Stockholm: Self Guided Kayak Adventure

12.Self Guided Kayak Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 55 reviews · 2 - 4 hours · from $45

Start near Stockholm Central Station, receive a short kayaking lesson, map, Prijon kayak, paddle, life vest, and spray deck, then guide yourself across Klara sjö and nearby waterways. The English-speaking host sets you up, while you choose the pace and route for this 2 to 4 hour city outing.

“It was nice to get on the water. It was calm, but in the city. So nice.”

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Self-Guided 22-Hour Round Trip From Oslo To Sognefjord With Flåm Railway - Oslo to Myrdal on the Bergen Railway
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Self-Guided 22-Hour Round Trip From Oslo To Sognefjord With Flåm Railway

13.Self-Guided 22-Hour Round Trip From Oslo To Sognefjord With Flåm Railway

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 54 reviews · from $537

Travel independently from Oslo to Myrdal, down the Flåm Railway, across Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, then by bus to Voss and train to Bergen. Continue to Oslo on the night train, with a sleeping compartment available as an option. Expect tight connections and outstanding scenery.

“All phases of the trip were on time and easily managed! Tickets were sent via text or e-mail to make it problem free!”

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5-Day Kayak & Wildcamp the Archipelago of Sweden - Self-guided - Day 1: Entering the island maze near Aspöja
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5-Day Kayak & Wildcamp the Archipelago of Sweden – Self-guided

14.5-Day Kayak & Wildcamp the Archipelago of Sweden – Self-guided

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · from $938Top rated

You’ll paddle a self-guided route through St. Anna and Gryt, camping on wild islands for four nights. Do the North provides kayaks, tents, cooking gear, food shopping at cost, navigation notes, safety briefing, transport, and 24-hour support. Choose your own pace, coves, campsites, and swimming stops.

“Exciting, on the edge trip. Unforgettable and great value for money. The weather was filthy (last week of the season) but the equipment coped with rain, thunder and lightning, metre high waves and we survived! Memorable. Actually we went in Sept 2022 but I forgot to post a review”

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Bergen: Self-Guided Day Trip to Oslo - Leaving Bergen by train toward Voss
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Bergen: Self-Guided Day Trip to Oslo

15.Self-Guided Day Trip to Oslo

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 46 reviews · 16 hours · from $628

Travel from Bergen to Oslo without a guide, combining the Bergen and Flåm railways, a scenic bus ride, and cruises on Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. You’ll visit Flåm and finish in Oslo, but food, drinks, and the return journey to Bergen are not included.

“Overall good. I liked the mix of bus, train, ferry.”

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