Scandinavia

Best and worst sights, experiences and destinations:

Best: Jostedal's Nigerdsbreen Glacier
Why: Absolutely breathtaking.

Worst: glacier
Why: It is so far away from where you have to stop across the lake, and there's barely anything there compared to Alaska's. Was not wroth the money.

Mary Azevedo in Walnut Creek, CA USA 10/15/2009

Best: Everything
Why: Copenhagen (boat cruise, Stroget, Nyhavn,National Museum, Tivoli) Stockholm (Vasa Museum and Gamla Stan walk) Helsinki (Church in the Rock) Tallinn (Self-Guided Walk) Oslo (Frogner Park---you could spend hours,Self-Guided Walk)

Worst: Christiania in Copenhagen
Why: Guess we didn't see the value in it with all the other wonderful sights. I

Judy in Alexandria, MN USA 10/06/2009

Best: LOVED THE VASA WARSHIP MUSEUM!
Why: unique experience, great museum.

Jenna Close in Oceanside, CA USA 10/03/2009

Best: The Tallinn 'Self Guided Walk'
Why: Tallinn is an amazing town and Rick's 'Walk' covers all the best sights. The ferry ride from Helsinki was a wonderful experience, also.

Ash Morris in Tulsa, OK USA 10/03/2009

Best: Rue Cler - Paris
Why: Nice, comfortable, friendly, neighborhood.

Worst: Tallin Estonia - "Villa Hortensia"
Why: Stayed one night after booking two in the delux double room. Filthy and I mean shoe sticking to the kitchenette area and bathroom floor filthy. RS folks need to look a little closer before any further recommendations are made. Disappointed!!!

Larry Carrigan in Tempe, AZ USA 09/22/2009

Best: See description below.
Why: Thorvaldsen's museum (Copenhagen, Denmark) was excellent!

Renting bikes in Copenhagen is obviously great - we biked to the village of Dragør on Amager island and it was very easy and enjoyable. Next time I will find a B&B on Amager and stay there (I have not stayed at House of Colors - http://houseofcolors.dk/engelsk.html or Copenhagen Guesthouse Lavilla - http://copenhagenguesthouse.com/ but they look nice).

Viking Ship Museum (Roskilde, Denmark) and Louisiana art museum (Humlebæk, Denmark) are both definitely worth the short jaunt on the train!

Petroleum Museum (Stavanger, Norway) was great! Norwegian Emigration Museum (Stavanger, Norway) – I would recommend bringing money and pay them to do the research – everything is in very old difficult-to-read writing – plus it’s in Norwegian. I brought all the requested information – it proved very helpful to have a list of the siblings for the relative you are tracing’s – helps them find information faster.

Bryggen Walking Tour (Bergen, Norway) - you get access for the rest of the day to the museums you visit on the tour!

Balestrand Aquarium (Balestrand, Norway) - We were looking to rent a canoe, but we ended up buying admission to the aquarium as you can then use any of the numerous canoes or rowboats on their dock for as long as you want. Great way to paddle out into the Esefjord.

The Stortinget parliament tour (Oslo, Norway) was fantastic. The guide was wonderful and I could just picture the day to day operation of the place. I would definitely recommend standing in the line 20 minutes early as they are very serious about only letting 30 people in for the tour.

Worst: Flamsbana (Flam to Myrdal train, Norway)
Why: The Naeroyfjord boat cruise and the Flamsbana train were highly disappointing. This was probably as a result of having been on numerous boats from Stavanger, Bergen and Balestrand, but the tourist cruise from Gudvangen was less than enjoyable. There were so many rude Italian tourists on the boat and Flamsbana reaching literally over my head and putting their camera in front of my face to get a photograph! Additionally, the Flamsbana was sold out for all the trains that day (mid-August) - fortunately we got in line early. It appeared that most of the cars had been reserved for all the folks coming in off a cruise ship. Flamsbana now costs 230 kr one way. The Nutshell is just getting so crowded – next time I would stick to the express boats and Balestrand and skip Flam. Good to know tip: the bus stop behind the train station in Flam is blocked from view by all the tourist buses - look behind them to find the stop! The very small Fjord1 boat from Balestrand to Flam was ten times more enjoyable!

In Copenhagen, Denmark: Metro to the airport is not so great – machine only took credit cards, and then printed out what looked like a ticket in Danish. Later I google-translated it and it actually said “invalid / void” but there was no way to know this. Since the whole system is automated there is no one in the station to ask!

Dave in Seattle, WA USA 08/31/2009

Best: Norway in a Nutshell
Why: It is beautiful and unique. Even though it rained and was cold during much of the trip it was a must do and worth the time and money.

J. Perschbacher in Atlanta, GA USA 08/02/2009

Best: National Museum in Copenhagen and Den Gamle By in Arhus
Why: Great collections of items and homes from Danish history.

Worst: Netto Badene harbor cruise in Copenhagen
Why: The tour guide gave long explanations of the sights in Danish but translated only a small fraction of the explanations into English. The view of the mermaid was very disappointing since you could only see the mermaid's back and huge crowds of people on the shore. We visited the park where the mermaid is located and got a much better view.

Chris Peter in El Cajon, CA USA 07/29/2009

Best: Viking Ship Sailing on Roskilde Fijord
Why: Tourists were allowed to participate in rowing, hoisting sails, etc. Guides were extremely helpful and pleasant. Also, House of Colors in Copenhagen remains a great place to stay. New owners; same friendly atmosphere.

Worst: Richard Karpen Walk in Copenhagen
Why: Royal Copenhagen Walk was cut in half from what was listed. We did not visit many of the sights listed. Walk stopped at Round Tower. We saw nothing that could identify this as Royal. I was stunned and certainly disappointed after what I had read.

J Phelps in Statesboro, GA USA 07/19/2009

Best: Viking Walking Tour of Gamla Stan in Stockholm
Why: This tour,called "Ice Age to IKEA", and led by two people dressed in Viking garb, gives you not only information about the history of Stockholm, but also helps you understand the present-day culture of Sweden. You can join the tour at 11:30 and 14:30 in front of the Nobel Museum in Stotorget Square.

Eric S in Wauwatosa, WI USA 07/16/2009

Best: Frogner Park, Oslo Viking Ship Museum, Cafe Kappeli
Why: Beautiful park. Oslo viking ship museum is much better than the one in Roskilde. Enjoyed our day trip to Helsinki and the Cafe was so pleasant.

Worst: Rain in Balestrand, Forgetting camera
Why: Rain puts a damper on things in Balestrand as there is not much to do indoors. We still managed a hike and bike ride and loved the views. Left our camera at Ketchup and Curry in Oslo, which was stressful, but we got it back!

C. Marr in Hamilton, ON Canada 06/12/2009

Best: Vaxholm Sweden
Why: It was a great day trip from Stockholm and provided a fun look at a different part of Sweden. There isn't a ton to do there, but that was part of the fun. Just walking up and down the old cobblestone streets.

Worst: Bergen, Norway
Why: I think I may just be jaded because it was raining the entire time so we didn't get to see or do much.

Lori K in Chicago, IL USA 06/02/2009

Best: Baltic ferrys
Why: Great rooms- RESERVE THE UPGRADED ROOM ON THE tALLINN TO STOCKHOLM ROUTE

Worst: food
Why: Save your money on the buffets and just eat in the snack bar

GEORGE T. TUTT in GRESHAM, OR USA 05/18/2009

Best: Norway in a Nutshell/Oslo Sights
Why: All I can say is "wow"! The sights were amazing. We took pictures, but they just don't do the scenery justice. The train, bus and boat all worked perfectly and were very easy to navigate. We started from Bergen, and then got off the boat in Aurland (one stop from Flam) to stay the night. The next morning we took a bus to Flam and continued on the train and on to Oslo.

We also had a great time in Oslo. We only had a full day there, but were able to hit most of the major sights with no problem. We were pleased to find that the Nobel Peace Prize Center was free, as the Prize had just been given out the day before. There were some very interesting activities at the Center, but due to time constraints we just went through the exhibits...which were great.

jlb in Houston, TX USA 11/02/2008

Best: They loved Norway in a Nutshell and their trip into the Gudbrandsdal Valley
Why: Scenery, Scenery, Scenery.

JoAnn Eaton in Northfield, MN USA 09/13/2008

Best: The town of Kalmar is great, and well worth the drive from Stockholm! Please encourage your readers not to skip this town. The Kalmar Castle English speaking tour was great!
Why: It was a well done tour, very informative, and delightful!

Jan Manselle in Portland, OR USA 09/12/2008

Best: Oslo's Norwegian Folk museum
Why: Very well done. Maybe kids like skansen more, but if you want culture and history, this is far better. More centrally set up. More informative.

Worst: Copenhagen Erotica museum
Why: Guide says better than the one in Amsterdam. Nope, not really. Really a lot of the same. For the price we felt really cheated.

Eriol in Houston, TX USA 09/08/2008

Best: Buy the OSLO card and the TALLINN card.
Why: It pays for itself.

Worst: Don’t buy the STOCKHOLM card
Why: Because it would be hard to pay for itself (as Rick pointed out,) Some of the things we wanted to do (archipelago tour) were not covered. Buy the 8 ride pass at the Pressbryan convenience stores in the T-bana. If you’re retired, ask for a ‘Pensioner’ rate.

DennisA in Thousand Oaks, ca USA 08/14/2008

Best: 1. Aero, Denmark 2. Kronborg Castle in Helsingor 3. Copenhagen - Richard Karpen's walk tours
Why: 1. We spent 3 days biking, exploring (finding 3,000 yr old passage tombs in the middle of farmer's fields....), wandering, beaching -- and wished we could have allowed a week. 2. Kronborg Castle - Wandering around the casements under the castle was fascinating 3. Copenhagen - Richard Karpen's walking tours were informative and fun -- we took 3 of them!

Worst: Touring the "Kikngdom of Crystal" between Vaxjo and Kalmar, Sweden
Why: We toured 5 different glassworks, to find that 4/5 had the same glassware -- which wasn't very interesting or innovative. The companies had merged (into Kosta-Boda), and the same designers were designing for all of them. It was very disappointing. The only glassworks with interesting, innovative glass was "Transjo Glashytta" (RS p. 375). When we returned, our hotel (Frimurare Hotellet) directed us a short block away (small shop in the old wall -- "Westholm Glasstudio" www.glashyttan.net )-- where I found some beautiful handblown glass created by the owner, Dennis Westholm.

Jane and Gerry Grunau in Abbotsford,, BC Canada 07/29/2008

Best: Stockholm Royal Armory, Vasa Museum, Suomenlinna
Why: The Royal Armory was awesome, a showing armor, dress, and coaches. It wasn't overwhelming, either. The Vasa was aweinspiring, though the smell did make my father ill. Suomelinna was a good scenic walk combined with a boat ride leaving from the market.

Worst: Midsummer in Stockholm
Why: For starters, we didn't know anyone, so we were just there but had no link to the holiday. Besides, everyone leaves the city to go to the country. We went to Skansen that day based on a recommendation, but the only demonstrations they were doing that day were folk dancing, and everything else was vacant. Very disappointing. Be aware that everything closes early, so you have to make a picnic for dinner or else go hungry because it's hard to find a grocery store or restaurant still open. The day before, we were in Turku, Finland, and the castle there closed at 3pm for the holiday, so the holiday can mess up other things, too.

Heather Kandoll in Vancouver, WA USA 07/11/2008

Best: Copenhagen
Why: Beautiful city, friendly people, great attractions that aren't limited to churches and museums. What a great place!

M. Nelson in Chicago, IL USA 06/29/2008

Best: The Hop on Hop Off Tour - Stockholm
Why: It gets you full circle around the city by Bus AND boat, get on when you want, comes every 15 minutes to stops, fantastic!

Jim Asprinio in san Francisco, USA 05/11/2008

Best: Bryggen walking tour, Kon-Tiki museum
Why: The Bryggen walking tour in Bergen was my favorite thing in Scandinavia. Our guide was excellent, and we got to see (and learn) a lot in a short time. It made Bergen so interesting! The reason we went to Scandinavia in the first place was to visit the Kon-Tiki museum in Oslo, and it didn't disappoint.

We also really enjoyed the Kiek in de Kok museum in Tallinn (loved the old postcards), the 3T tram tour in Helsinki, the Vasa museum in Stockholm (plus the Gamla Stan self-guided tour--loved Iron Boy!), the Viking Ship museum in Oslo, the Holmenkollen ski jump, and the Floibanen funicular in Bergen.

Worst: Norway-in-a-Nutshell boat ride and bus ride
Why: We enjoyed the train ride part of Norway-in-a-Nutshell (especially the Flam railway and its stop at the waterfall), but the boat part was not that impressive (same not-that-impressive scenery for a long time, plus it rained the whole time we were on it), and the bus ride was just scary. For the price (1165 NOK, $192 each), I wouldn't take the Norway-in-a-Nutshell tour again.

Kyla Gurganus in Ypsilanti, MI USA 01/10/2008

Best: Hans Christian Anderson walks in Copenhagen
Why: Priceless perspective on danish culture and goverment welfare model, in addition to other wonderful perpectives. Took walks on two consecutive days...wish it could have been more.

Gene Field in Tampa, FL USA 09/09/2007

Best: Richard Karpen tour in Copenhagen
Why: Very lively, kept adults and children alike entertained. A close second would be our guide in Bergen from the Bryggen Museum. Getting to walk through the three buildings with a guide was great! Then, tips to finde less expensive food in Oslo was good -- Deli Deluca :-)

Worst: Oslo walking tour guide
Why: They call it the "promenade tour." Our guide was knowledgable but very very dry and slow moving. We really just stoped at a few places while the guide appeared to like to hear herself talk. Even if that were different it would not compare to. Our feet hurt from standing so much vs moving a bit. Ugh, I could not wait for it to end.

Mike McDonnell in Wroughton, UK 09/02/2007

Best: Balestrand, Norway
Why: Would have never thought to stay in this wonderful small town. Well worth it, especially enjoyed taking the fjord day cruise on Fjord 1. The all-day (cheap) excursion only had 6 people on board. What wonderful cruise! Nice hikes around Balestrand and up into the foothills.

Worst: really none, but...NIN a headache
Why: The Norway-in-a-Nutshell itself was great, but landing there when a cruise ship is in (which is almost daily) is a logistics nightmare. Crowded, two cancelled early morning Flam trains, and one cluelss Flam railway agent. If you have tight connections or no printout for your online reservation, be warned!

Elaine in Livingston, MT USA 08/28/2007

Best: Balestrand Hotel
Why: After a couple of very busy days in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Balestrand, Norway, was the perfect place to unwind. And the Balestrand Hotel was a great hotel. Unni Marie and Eric were warm, welcoming innkeepers who went out of their way to make our stay enjoyable. Beautiful spot and a wonderful breakfast.

Larry Getz in Edmonds , WA USA 08/08/2007

Best: Son vs. Parents
Why: For our 7 year old son: The rides and the lego creations at Legoland at Billund, Denmark.

For mom and dad: Once off the Norway in a Nutshell route, the peace and quiet and scenery of Balestrand, Norway.

Worst: Oslo
Why: After Stockholm and Copenhagen, Oslo doesn't have much to offer. Still, it somehow feels more like a "real" place than those other places.

Bob DenOuden in Eugene, OR USA 08/03/2007

Worst: Royal Armory, Stockholm
Why: It should NOT be rated 3 triangles at all! It pales in comparison to others in Europe. Madrid (and England) are much better. If you have seen them, this is a waste of time. Waiting in line for so long to get tickets to this is not worth it. Very little in the way of armor. They had a giant shoe exhibit and clothing. Very disappointing.

CL in Koebenhaven K, DK 07/16/2007

Best: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo
Why: Amazingly old, nicely presented, interesting neighborhood walk from the Viking museum to the Kon Tiki museum

Worst: Oslo Sweater Shop
Why: Way overrated. A much nicer selection and experience at the shops along the Bryggen in Bergen or at the Ski Museum in Oslo

Lori in Minneapolis, MN USA 07/05/2007

Best: Norway In A Nutshell
Why: Fantastic. We started in Aurland and even though the ferry schedule stated that there would be no return stop to Aurland they accommodated us when we asked.

Worst: The cost of Scandinavia
Why: This is the land of $10 hamburgers and $50 pizza! This was not the result of an unfavorable exchange rate but simply the prices of things. So...get over the sticker-shock and enjoy your trip (being forewarned...)

Earl in Lockport, IL USA 07/03/2007

Best: Norway in a Nutshell
Why: I didn't think it was possible to say "Wow" so many times in one day.

John in Towson, MD USA 06/12/2007

Best: Norway in a Nutshell, Vasa museum, Oslo pass and Tallin
Why: Norway in a Nutshell for it's natural beauty, the Vasa museum is just such a unique experience, and the Oslo pass allowed us to experience more of Oslo at a lower price. Tallin at the end of our trip was a perfect conclusion to a wonderful trip. The prices were reasonable and we found ourselves wandering around for two days without visiting a single museum.

Worst: Helsinki
Why: It was not bad but, there aren't many things to do or see there.

sandy winters in willis, te USA 06/03/2007

Best: Copenhagen
Why: Friendly people....sexy Danes because they ride the bicycles. In fact one Dane told me that American women are "fat". She apologies but I said she telling the truth.

Worst: Helsinki
Why: Per Danes, Swedes, & Norwegians: Helsinki is a bland city, they are telling the truth. Rick, you're right about Cafe Kappeli in Helsinki.

Jude1349 in deptford, NJ USA 05/30/2007

Best: self-guided tours on foot
Why: accurate, giving exciting tips on what to see and where to go

Ann-Louise Blixt in Helsingborg, Sweden 05/17/2007

Best: one day bus pass in Oslo; Hurtigruten coastal trip
Why: ease in getting around Oslo [not true in Bergen];Hurtigruten coastal voyage has grezt scenery, food and activites

richard welsh in westfield ctr, oh USA 04/17/2007

Best: Louisiana (modern art museum near Copenhagen) and Museum of Danish Resistance in Copenhagen
Why: There is a lot more to Louisiana than what you can see from the entrance. It is huge. I like the way the museum has windows that look out to the sea and over the beautiful landscape. The cafe in the museum also has a wonderful view. We saw a fun exhibit of famous movies.

I would also like to suggest seeing the Museum of Danish Resistance, about the experiences of the Danish people during World War II. The museum is free, in English, small, and very informative about the struggles of the Danish people during this painful time. I usually never read about the displays in a museum, except I did in this one. We toured 5 museums in Copenhagen in one day. I think this is the museum I will most remember.

Jan Wishau in Columbia, MO USA 02/24/2007