The Award Winning Leader in Escorted Worldwide Rail Holidays
Scandinavia boasts some of Europe's most spectacular scenery, while some of the continent's most exciting railways showcase each landscape in all their glory.
From natural phenomena in the frozen lands north of the Arctic Circle, to cities unlike any you've ever seen before, it is a region of incomparable beauty, history and charm - where you can discover stunning fjords, vibrant capital cities, spot the kaleidoscopic dance of the magical Northern Lights, or admire the incredible, never-setting 'Midnight Sun'.
With an incredible selection of destinations to discover and insightful, expertly crafted travel itineraries, discover Scandinavia with Great Rail Journeys.
Marvel at the beauty and majesty of spellbinding Norway on this enthralling seven-day holiday. Travel from the elegant city of Oslo to the breathtaking fjords and mountains of Norway's west coast. This tour is operated by our sister company Rail Discoveries.
… see more7 days from £1,345 pp
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On this remarkable adventure we explore Norway and Swedish Lapland, journeying north far into the Arctic Circle where we seek out the magical Northern Lights, all whilst travelling on some of Scandinavia's most scenic railways.
… see more11 days from £2,595 pp
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Join us on a remarkable adventure into the mysterious Arctic on this tour that features some unique and unforgettable experiences. Discover the magic of Norway in winter as husky dogs lead you through the snow, chase the incomparable northern lights, and ride aboard the most northern railway in the world. This tour is operated by our sister company Rail Discoveries.
… see more6 days from £1,695 pp
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Majestic mountains and heavenly fjords in Norway combine with the tranquil landscapes of Sweden on an epic journey that includes every great Scandinavian rail experience. On this exciting 16-day tour you'll visit the fascinating cities Oslo and Stockholm and travel beyond the Arctic Circle to the 'Land of the Midnight Sun.'
… see more16 days from £3,995 pp
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With their towering cliff faces, rugged rocky ledges and waterfalls that drop straight into the sea, the awe-inspiring Norwegian fjords really have to be seen to appreciate their beauty and majesty. On this fantastic tour we visit these natural wonders and cross spellbinding landscapes to visit Norway's magnificent cities.
… see more7 days from £1,595 pp
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Discover the contrasting cultures of the fascinating Baltic region, from colourful Scandinavia to the splendour of Russia, via the historic countries of Latvia and Estonia. Explore glorious palaces and UNESCO World Heritage sites on this unique Baltic Explorer rail tour.
… see more19 days from £3,995 pp
View tour details >SPECTACLES OF SCANDINAVIA
THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis to be precise, occur across the Arctic region and are best visible throughout winter (which lasts longer at these high latitudes), when there are more hours of darkness and when the sky is clear of cloud cover.
This fabled event has long been a part of Scandinavian folklore and occurs when particles released by the sun, in the form of solar winds, collide with the particles present in the earth's magnetosphere, causing a superb blend of vivid colours.
GOOD
These wintry months are considered to be prime time to view the lights, clear skies and a fresh blanket of crisp white snow are perfect conditions for spotting this elusive wonder.
POOR
The arrival of summer signifies the coming of the 'Midnight Sun', making the Lights almost impossible to spot as the north of Scandinavia is in almost constant light.
MODERATE
It may be possible to catch a glimpse of the lights in the refl ective waters of Scandinavia's icy lakes during the autumn.
GOOD
With the landscape changing dramatically and the nights becoming longer it is a brilliant to view the Northern Lights, although some cloud cover can shield the display.
The Midnight Sun is a truly spellbinding natural phenomenon. Best seen in June and July, this incredible occurrence is due to a tilt in the earth's axis and means that the sun never truly sets in northern Scandinavia in summer.
Instead, it hangs low and resolute in the sky, casting out an ethereal glow and painting the surrounding landscapes with enchanting, sunset hues of gold, red and pink.
SCANDINAVIAN HIGHLIGHTS
Visit Kiruna's spectacular, world-famous Ice Hotel, the first and largest hotel made of snow and ice in the world and a phenomenal display of art and architecture and is a truly breathtaking sight.
Enjoy an authentic and eye-opening Sami experience, discovering the culture of the people who have inhabited Nordic countries, surviving via reindeer herding, fur trapping and fishing.
Witness Norway's famous fjords - U-shaped coastal valleys created by icebergs, filled with deep waters and surrounded by cliff faces, cascading waterfalls and verdant forests.
WINTER MONTHS
The further North you go, the colder it will be - especially in winter! Make the most of your time in this wintry climate by wrapping up warm in multiple layers. Here are a few tips:
SUMMER MONTHS
Summer in Scandinavia can reach warm temperatures in the day whilst the evenings can be quite chilly, here are a few ideas to help you enjoy the summer months.
RAIL TRAVEL IN NORWAY
Norway is a destination just begging to be explored by rail, with panoramic views of glaciers and ice fields, enchanted forests of conifers, mountain ranges and rocky coastlines juxtaposing with the country's vibrant cities.
With Great Rail Journeys, many tours will get to enjoy the conveniences of Komfort Class while travelling through Norway which includes complimentary hot drinks available within your carriage.
The Nordland Railway runs from the historic Viking capital of Norway, Trondheim, to the beautiful city of Bodø which lies beyond the Arctic Circle.
Our spectacular journey on the 71-mile Raumabanen Railway begins in the village of Dombås. The journey offers magnificent views of the Alpine massif.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest railway journeys in the world, this high-altitude trip links the old Hanseatic city of Bergen and Oslo.
Very well organised throughout and excellent value for money. Our tour guide, Ray Ellis, could not be faulted; he was extremely conscientious and worked very hard to ensure that everything went smoothly, down to the last detail.
The holiday met our expectations although we enjoyed the Norway section the most. Our tour Manager was very efficient and ensured everything ran smoothly.
By Sukie Chapman
26 March 2018
Happiness seems like it's in short supply sometimes, which is why this week's annual announcement of the World Happiness Report may seem like a nice reminder that there are plenty of wonderful places all across the globe.
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By Sukie Chapman
17 November 2017
The world is a weird place. It’s not something we always appreciate as we go about our day-to-day lives, but every so often you learn something about this planet of ours, suspended in a potentially infinite cosmos, that makes you stop and pause for thought.
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By Peter Liney
25 August 2017
Welcome to the land of the midnight sun – where it really never does get dark in mid-summer. If you wait up late enough you can watch the sun graze the horizon, a blazing ball of orange, before it immediately starts to rise again.
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By Joel Draba-Mann
23 March 2016
Brilliant, bold and brimming with elegance – BBC’s War and Peace may have ended, but you can join us on our own tour of the cities featured in Tolstoy’s iconic novel.
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Excellent experience throughout. Exceptionally well led. Evening meals in hotels the only weak area.