Nordic Summer Adventure: 10 Days in Scandinavia

Begin in Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital city, where students bike past Nyhavn harbor, the Little Mermaid, and the Royal Palace. A private wooden boat tour shows the city from the canals, followed by an evening at Tivoli Gardens.

Meals highlight Danish flavors: street food at Reffen, a smørrebrød cooking class, and ice cream at Nyhavn. Students pitch tents together, cook simple dinners outdoors, and share breakfasts before setting out for the day.

Heading north, the Skagerrak coast offers beaches, paddleboarding, and swimming. A stop at Fårup amusement park adds thrill rides before a seaside picnic with rugbrød, seafood, and pålegg. Nights under canvas help bond the group from the start.

Cross the iconic Øresund Bridge into Malmö, Sweden. Explore the old town and Lilla Torg’s cafés, with dinner featuring traditional Swedish meatballs.

Take a short train to Lund to see the cathedral, wander historic streets, and brunch at a local café. Afternoons may include cycling along the southern coast with views of the Baltic Sea, photography stops, or time in small charming towns.

Students camp together, preparing dinner outdoors. Evenings include reflection circles with hot drinks—another chance to connect and share what they’ve noticed about life in Scandinavia.

Travel overnight by train from Malmö to Oslo, Norway’s largest city and cultural capital. This avoids short flights and gives students the sense of a true road trip across the region.

In Oslo, explore Grünerløkka, the Opera House roof, and the museums: Munch Museum and Vigeland Sculpture Park. Food is woven in—brunost waffles for lunch, seafood by the fjord at Aker Brygge, and an evening sauna with a cold fjord swim.

Group dinners remain simple, sometimes student-cooked, sometimes shared at local restaurants.

These two days highlight Norway’s natural beauty. Outdoor tours include hiking near Holmenkollen, kayaking or RIB boat rides on the fjords, and quiet walks in the forests.

The group stays in a traditional hytte—a Norwegian vacation cabin—or tents nearby. Students cook dinner together: hotdogs on tumblers (small grills, since bonfires are prohibited in June), Kvikk Lunsj chocolate, fresh bread and “Pinnebrød”.

Gather with your group for Rustic Ties, our closing ceremony. Reflect on your experiences, celebrate the friendships you’ve built, and talk about what you’ll take home with you from your Nordic adventure in Scandinavia.

Your program leaders will take you to the airport for your departure and say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.