Unforgettable Scandinavian Adventures: A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Copenhagen, Oslo, and Berlin
Embarking on a journey through Scandinavia and Northern Europe has long been a dream for many, including my husband Jared and me. The allure of its rich history, innovative design, and breathtaking landscapes finally drew us in, and what an experience it was! This comprehensive guide covers our favorite places to eat, essential activities, unique shopping opportunities, and must-see sights during the first leg of our adventure through Copenhagen, Oslo, and Berlin.
Cruising offers an unparalleled way to explore multiple destinations without the hassle of constant packing and unpacking. Our trip with Princess Cruises, our third such voyage, truly felt like a reunion with extended family. The convenience of visiting seven countries while enjoying the comforts of a cruise ship made for an exceptionally relaxing yet adventurous holiday. It’s a travel style we wholeheartedly recommend for anyone looking to maximize their exploration time and minimize logistics.
Given the sheer volume of incredible memories and photographs from our travels, we’ve decided to break down our journey into two parts. This first installment will dive deep into the vibrant cultures and captivating sights of Copenhagen, Oslo, and Berlin, providing all the details you need to plan your own unforgettable trip.
Copenhagen: A Danish Design Wonderland
Our Scandinavian itinerary commenced in Copenhagen, Denmark, a city celebrated for its groundbreaking design and picturesque canals. While the “Spring/Summer” weather proved to be surprisingly chilly for my Texas-acclimated self, with temperatures hovering in the 40s-50s Fahrenheit and frequent rain, Copenhagen’s undeniable charm and architectural brilliance easily made up for it. The city truly is a global hub for design innovation, and its unique aesthetic permeates every street and building.
Jared and I flew in a few days ahead of our cruise departure to immerse ourselves fully in the Danish capital. Our hotel’s prime location, directly across from the legendary Tivoli Gardens, was an absolute treat. This historic amusement park is more than just rides; it’s a magical wonderland that famously inspired Walt Disney in the creation of Disney World. Spending an afternoon here, soaking in the whimsical atmosphere and enjoying classic treats, is a quintessential Copenhagen experience. Though I indulged in plenty of churros topped with sweet cream sauce and sprinkles, we also savored an elegant meal at Cafe Nimb, a stunning restaurant within Tivoli itself.
Copenhagen’s Culinary Delights: Where to Eat
Copenhagen’s food scene is incredibly diverse, offering everything from traditional Danish fare to innovative international cuisine. Here are some of our top recommendations for dining and drinks:
Hija de Sanchez: For authentic and incredibly flavorful tacos that transport you straight to Mexico, a must-try in the heart of Copenhagen.
Vaskt: A delightful spot offering contemporary Nordic dishes with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Cocks + Cows: Known for its gourmet burgers and fantastic cocktails in a lively atmosphere.
Rajissimo: Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with delicious churros, ideally enjoyed while strolling by the canals.
Nicecream: A popular choice for vegan ice cream, offering a guilt-free indulgence with a variety of creative flavors.
Cafe Nimb: An exquisite dining experience within Tivoli Gardens, perfect for a luxurious meal amidst beautiful surroundings.
Ruby: A sophisticated cocktail bar, renowned for its expertly crafted drinks and intimate ambiance, ideal for an evening out.
Holm bager: Located in the unique Freetown Christiania, this bakery offers delicious pastries and a glimpse into a distinct community.
Coffee Collective: A paradise for coffee enthusiasts, serving high-quality, ethically sourced coffee from around the world.
Mes: A Michelin-starred restaurant offering a modern Nordic dining experience with an emphasis on local produce.
Joe & The Juice: A trendy spot for fresh juices, smoothies, and sandwiches, perfect for a quick and healthy bite.
Mikkellar & Friends: A haven for craft beer lovers, featuring an extensive selection of innovative brews in a cool setting.
KBH: A local favorite, offering classic Danish open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød) and other traditional dishes.
Cafe Nordic: A cozy cafe serving traditional Scandinavian breakfasts and lunches, perfect for starting your day.
Shopping for Danish Design and More
When we weren’t indulging in culinary delights, we found ourselves captivated by Copenhagen’s incredible design shops. The city is a treasure trove for anyone interested in Scandinavian aesthetics, from minimalist furniture to vibrant home decor. If I had known I was pregnant during this trip, I would have spent even more time exploring their truly adorable and innovative kids’ shops! Above, you can see the flagship store of Hay Designs, a place where I could have easily moved in, surrounded by their iconic, functional, and colorful creations.
Moss Copenhagen: A popular Danish fashion brand known for its contemporary and comfortable clothing.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen: A quirky and affordable chain offering a variety of homeware, gadgets, and gifts with a playful design.
Hay: A leading Danish design company renowned for its modern furniture, accessories, and lighting, blending functionality with aesthetics.
Plint: A charming shop offering a curated selection of Scandinavian home goods, kitchenware, and lifestyle products.
Rice: Known for its colorful and cheerful melamine tableware, textiles, and accessories that add joy to everyday life.
Henrik Vibskov: An avant-garde fashion designer’s boutique, showcasing unique and artistic clothing and accessories.
Normann Copenhagen: A prominent design brand offering a wide range of furniture, lighting, and home accessories characterized by simple, modern aesthetics.
Bredgade: A street famous for its antique shops, art galleries, and design showrooms, perfect for finding unique treasures.
Atrium: A multi-brand store featuring a selection of international and Scandinavian fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products.
Illum Bolighus: A high-end department store dedicated to Scandinavian and international design, offering luxury homeware, furniture, and fashion.
Monki: A Swedish fashion brand with a unique style, offering trendy and affordable clothing for young women.
Copenhagen’s Must-See Attractions and Navigation Tips
One attraction we deeply regret not having time for was the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Many of you highly recommended it, but the 45-minute to an hour train ride each way from the city center during our short stay made it difficult to justify. If you have more time, definitely prioritize it for its impressive art collection and stunning coastal setting.
However, we made sure to explore some of Copenhagen’s iconic spots, including the picturesque Nyhavn harbor with its colorful buildings, the architecturally intriguing Superkilen park (known for its crazy striped patterns and diverse urban elements), the unique Freetown Christiania, and the charming canals with their swan boats. Navigating Copenhagen initially felt a bit challenging, but we quickly mastered the public transportation system. While we enjoyed walking to soak in the city’s ambiance, the metro proved invaluable for quicker journeys between farther-flung destinations, allowing us to see more in less time.
Cruising to Oslo and Berlin
After our exhilarating days in Copenhagen, we boarded the magnificent Regal Princess, joining our “cruise family” – essentially our European reunion group. The transition from city exploration to the serene beauty of the sea was seamless. Waking up to breathtaking sea views each day as we sailed through Scandinavia was an absolute dream, offering moments of tranquility between our exciting port calls. This cruise truly allowed us to experience the best of both worlds: immersive city visits coupled with the luxurious relaxation of a modern cruise liner.
Oslo, Norway: A Glimpse into Norwegian Charm
Our first port after Copenhagen was the beautiful city of Oslo, Norway. By chance, our visit coincided with a national holiday, which meant many shops and attractions were closed. While this presented a slight challenge for extensive exploration, it also offered a unique opportunity to experience the city’s quieter, more local side. Despite the closures, we still managed to visit several key landmarks that are worth seeing at any time. The Oslo Opera House, with its stunning modern architecture that appears to rise from the fjord, is an absolute must-see. Its walkable roof offers incredible panoramic views of the city and the surrounding waters, making it a destination in itself.
Oslo Highlights: Places to Visit and Enjoy
Torggata Bour: A lively street known for its diverse eateries and vibrant nightlife.
Ice Crime: A popular spot for artisanal ice cream, perfect for a treat on a warm day.
Culture House (Kulturhuset): A multi-purpose venue featuring cafes, bars, and event spaces, often hosting cultural activities.
Black Cat Caffe: A cozy cafe known for its excellent coffee and relaxed atmosphere.
W.B Samson: A historic bakery chain offering a delicious array of traditional Norwegian pastries and baked goods.
Joh Jorge Backe design shop: A boutique featuring high-quality Norwegian design products, from home decor to fashion.
Oslo Opera House: An architectural masterpiece with a unique design that allows visitors to walk on its roof, offering stunning city and fjord views.
Oslo Botanical Gardens: A verdant oasis showcasing a diverse collection of plants, providing a peaceful escape from the urban hustle.
Amidst our exploration, we stumbled upon the Oslo Botanical Gardens, which surprisingly offered a taste of home with its delightful humidity – a welcome sensation for my Texan roots! We spent a leisurely afternoon wandering through the diverse plant collections, enjoying the tranquility and natural beauty. The rest of our day in Oslo involved further exploration, sampling delectable pastries from W.B. Samson, and enjoying a lovely dinner with friends, making the most of our short but sweet visit.
Berlin, Germany: A City of History and Modernity
Our final destination in this leg of the journey was the historic and sprawling city of Berlin, Germany. We were thrilled to spend more than just a brief layover in Germany, truly getting a feel for its vibrant culture and deep history. However, we quickly learned that Berlin is vast and incredibly spread out, making meticulous pre-planning absolutely essential. We made the mistake of not mapping out our desired destinations beforehand, which led to a bit of chaos and a significant amount of time spent in Ubers navigating between sites. You can easily spend most of your day in transit if you’re not careful, so having a clear itinerary with efficient transport routes is key to a successful Berlin visit. Despite this, the city’s historical staples and monuments are virtually everywhere, offering profound insights into its past at every turn.
Berlin’s Hidden Gems and Must-Do’s
While we stumbled upon many charming spots by happenstance, our unplanned approach taught us a valuable lesson about Berlin’s expansive nature. Here are some of the places we discovered and recommend, with a strong emphasis on planning your routes:
Bernholmer Strabe: Home to a magnificent cherry blossom park, especially beautiful in spring, offering a tranquil escape pictured below.
Happy Shop: A unique concept store offering a curated selection of fashion, design, and art items.
Five Elephant Mitte: A renowned coffee roastery and cafe, perfect for exceptional coffee and delicious cheesecake.
Bikini Berlin: A modern concept mall featuring independent boutiques, pop-up stores, and cute cafes with unique designs.
Cafe Komine: A charming spot known for its exquisite and beautifully presented desserts, a treat for the eyes and palate.
Idee Market: Truly one of the coolest craft stores imaginable, a paradise for artists and DIY enthusiasts with an extensive range of supplies.
House of Small Wonder: An enchanting cafe renowned for its rustic-chic decor, delicious brunch, and Japanese-inspired dishes.
Modulor Shop: A massive and inspiring store for creative professionals and hobbyists, offering art supplies, materials, and tools.
Prater: Berlin’s oldest beer garden, a fantastic spot for a traditional German lunch and local beer in a relaxed outdoor setting.
The Barn at Café Kranzler: A stylish coffee shop located within the historic Café Kranzler, known for its high-quality coffee and elegant ambiance.
I absolutely fell in love with this cute, retro coffee shop, especially its stylish terrazzo counters. It was a delightful find amidst our Berlin adventures, offering a perfect spot to recharge and soak in the city’s creative vibe.
For Berlin, even if all other memories faded, the sight of this magnificent wall of fresh cherry blossoms, tucked away in the middle of the city at Bernholmer Strabe, would have made the entire trip worthwhile. It was a truly breathtaking and unexpected discovery that perfectly encapsulated the city’s blend of history, nature, and urban charm.
We hope this detailed guide to Copenhagen, Oslo, and Berlin helps you plan your own incredible Scandinavian and Northern European adventure. Did we miss any of your favorite must-sees in these vibrant cities? We’d love to hear your recommendations!
Be sure to check back soon for Part Two of our Scandinavian travels, where we’ll explore the captivating cities of Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, and Stockholm. A huge thank you once again to our wonderful friends at Princess Cruises for sponsoring this unforgettable annual journey – it truly is our favorite way to explore the world!
