Cool, Cooler, Coolest: From Copenhagen to the Lofoten Islands
A short, contrast-rich break where urban sophistication gives way to Arctic wilderness.
Duration
7 days
Season
April - November
Best suited for
Travellers who crave contrast, and want to experience two distinct sides of Scandinavia. If you’re drawn to both the urban rhythm of Copenhagen and to the quiet pulse of Arctic Norway, this journey is for you.
This journey brings together two very different sides of Scandinavia: the urban cool of Copenhagen and the raw, untamed beauty of Arctic Norway. This is the ultimate coolcation.
Begin your adventure in the Danish capital, where creativity and comfort go hand in hand. Here, Nordic design meets culinary excellence, bicycles glide past royal palaces, and the air hums with an effortless sense of style.
Then, take a leap north to Norway’s Arctic frontier. In just a few hours, the rhythm of city life fades into the silence of the fjords. Move through landscapes shaped by wind and water, meet the people who live off the land, and experience how both simplicity and hardship define life at the edge of the world. Taste food that’s been gathered just metres from your table.
It’s a journey through contrasts, from designer high streets and modern gastronomy to rugged coastlines and self-sufficient farm life beneath the midnight sun.
From cool to coolest, in every sense.
Impact Statement
This journey celebrates two sides of Scandinavian living: Denmark’s creative capital and Norway’s self-sufficient Arctic farm communities scattered in-between breathtaking, clean nature. You’ll encounter local designers, producers and chefs who embody circular thinking and environmental care, from farm-to-table dining at Kvitnes Gård to adventure among the Lofoten islands. By supporting small-scale producers and locally owned accommodations, this trip contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals on responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and climate action (SDG 13). Every stop invites reflection on how innovation and tradition can coexist, and how mindful travel helps protect the northern environments that inspire it.
Your itinerary
Itineraries are designed by our travel curators in collaboration with our partners to give you the most rewarding experience possible.
Please note that itineraries can be tailored to your specific wishes when you make an inquiry.
Day 1 of 7
Welcome to Scandinavia
Arrival in Copenhagen
You’ll stay at one of Copenhagen’s most elegant boutique hotels, situated in the capital’s historic centre.
Just round the corner, you’ll find a collection of the city’s most iconic royal and cultural landmarks: Amalienborg Palace, the old stage of the Royal Theatre, Christiansborg Palace and the Royal Danish Opera. Your hotel captures the stylish yet relaxed essence of the city, all rooted in Scandinavian design.
Spend your first evening exploring the buzzing neighbourhoods of Nyhavn, Christianshavn or the emerging meat-packing district. Dinner suggestions and insider tips are tailored to your style.
Day 2 of 7
Danish Delight
Art, Architecture & Local Insight
A private local guide takes you behind the scenes of Copenhagen’s creative culture: Design studios, architectural icons, or a half day trip to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art by train, beautifully located by the sea.
The Danes are known for their iconic sandwiches, delicious pastries and now, their BMOs (‘bolle med ost’ – sourdough buns with a crispy crust, served with cheese and butter). Copenhagen is the Nordic capital with the most Michelin-starred restaurants. Explore their much loved food scene, with or without stars.
Day 3 of 7
Fly from Copenhagen to Evenes (Harstad/Narvik)
From Cool to Cooler
Take a leap northwards to Norway’s Arctic frontier. In a short while, the rhythm of city life will fade into the majestic Lofoten scenery.
Fly directly from the Danish capital to the Arctic, collect your rental car or let us arrange a driver if you’d rather just take in the scenery. Now, Vesterålen awaits.
The contrast from the city appears instantly: Narrower roads, fewer people, mountains rising out of the sea, fishing villages, and vibrant Arctic light.
Our Up Norway roadtrip playlist, featuring some of the best Norwegian tracks, will put you in the right mood (will be shared in your digital travel guide).
Check in at Kvitnes Gård, one of Norway’s most talked-about farm restaurants / eco-farms, where seasonality and circularity gets a new meaning. This evening’s tasting menu is prepared from what’s grown, caught or foraged on-site, with minimal waste.
In the evening, you can unwind in the sauna or simply soak up the peace.
Day 4 of 7
From Vesterålen to Lofoten
Farm Life & Arctic Fjord Roads
On your way to the Lofoten islands, you will stop for a history lesson told using clever technology, then continue, with a fresh perspective, on Scenic Route Lofoten to Ballstad village.
Check into a comfortable Seaside Suite with lots of local charm. Tonight’s dinner features a meal at your lodge’s restaurant, Fangst, which translates “Catch” (as in today’s catch).
Day 5 of 6
Drive the Scenic Route Lofoten
Paddles & Peaks
Day 6 of 7
Hike Lofoten on your final day
Arctic Active & Slow
You can’t leave Lofoten without having ventured out on a hike, and led by an experienced local guide.
Discover Lofoten’s wild beauty where mountains plunge into the sea and fishing villages cling to the coast. Your guide will reveal hidden trails and their favourite viewpoints, tailored to your desired challenge level.
Day 7 of 7
Return to Everyday Life
Coming Home Cooler than Before
Personalize and book the Cool, Cooler, Coolest journey
Personalized itinerary
This journey has been curated to offer you your own journey. It can be booked as proposed or further personalized to you.
Worry-free booking
With our flexible terms, we hope to provide you with all the certainty and adaptability you need when booking a well-deserved escape.
Pricing
The indicated price per person is based on two travellers travelling together. Read more about our pricing here.
Want a cool journey fully tailored to you?
Our travel curators create bespoke itineraries based on your wishes.
Helene Setsaas
Travel Curator
