A Winter Week in Scandinavia

Most international flights will land in Oslo in the morning. If your hotel is a Fora partner like Amerikalinjen, you may get lucky with an early check-in, where you can take a nap before exploring the city.

Shop and stroll

Wander the city and enjoy beautiful architecture with a cup of coffee from one of the many cafés that line the streets. If you’re up for shopping, a plethora of high-end and mid-range brands await, with local gems and vintage shops sprinkled throughout.

River plunge and saunas

Do as the Norwegians do and book some time at one of the floating saunas along the Oslo Fjord. At KOK, you can choose between private or shared sessions where you’ll enjoy the sauna and—if you dare—a jump into the icy sea.

Take the train back to the airport and hop on a flight to Alta, in the Arctic region of Oslo. Check in to Sorrisniva, a lodge located on the banks of the Alta River. Enjoy an early dinner at Lavvu, the more casual of the hotel’s two restaurants.

Sorrisniva is home to the Igloo Hotel, which is constructed annually and has a different theme every year. Guests of the lodge can purchase a day pass to explore the Igloo Hotel and the many beautiful ice sculptures housed inside. Finish your visit with a drink at the ice bar.

At night, take a reindeer sled ride to chase the Northern Lights and learn about the indigenous Sami people, their culture and lifestyle from a Sami guide.

There are a plethora of cold-weather activities to enjoy, from ice fishing to snowmobiling to snowshoeing, to name a few. Or, simply enjoy nature from indoors while curled up by the fire with a great book!

Don’t miss the multi-course dinner at Sorrisniva’s Maku restaurant. From the whimsical amuse bouches to your last sweet bite, the culinary team uses local ingredients to craft a spectacular meal.

Next up: Sweden! Fly to Stockholm and arrive in time for dinner at Blanche & Hierta, the wine bar at At Six hotel. It features a wonderful cheese and charcuterie selection, among other small plates. Enjoy a good night’s sleep in your comfy bed as you prep for another day of exploring.

After breakfast at the hotel, head out by foot through the Stockholm streets. Arrive at the Vasa Museum, which houses the well-preserved remains of the 17th-century warship Vasa, which sank on her maiden voyage. Do not miss the gift shop, where you’ll find a plethora of locally-made gifts that are perfect for souvenirs.

Next up, grab a casual lunch at Barrels, which boasts an incredible beer list and a burger that will hit the spot. If you’re up for something sweet, a visit to Fabrique for a cinnamon bun is an absolute must. Locations are all over the city, which means you can hit one while checking out some of the artistic subway stations that are famous in Stockholm.

Finish your day with a dinner you will never forget at Operakällaren, a culinary institution since 1787 located in the famous Opera House. The tasting menu spans hours. Non-drinkers will be pleased with the inventive non-alcoholic beverage pairing, while wine lovers will delight in three different pairing options.

Relax on the 5.5 hour train ride back to Oslo and take in the beautiful scenery. After checking back in to Amerikalinjen or its sister property, The Thief, take a walk to the Munch Museum and visit with three different versions of The Scream, which rotate on the half hour, and other incredible works by Edvard Munch.