Duration
Reviews
Transport
This route is an 36 day trip covering taking you from London to Scandinavia, the Baltics and back. You’ll spend 34 nights in your accommodation with one spent on an overnight ferry. Otherwise, you’ll travel by train or bus during the day. Prefer to fly out and back rather than taking the Eurostar? No problem, just request a price and reply to the email to let us know – we’ll adjust the price for you.
Route
- London
- Brussels
- Hamburg
- Copenhagen
- Oslo
- Stockholm
- Helsinki
- Tallinn
- Riga
- Vilnius
- Warsaw
- Berlin
- Amsterdam
- London
Sustainability
This trip only creates 384.5 kg of carbon emissions! To fly the same route would cost 1480 ♻️
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Trip Style
Are you entranced by Scandi style, Nordic cuisine and Baltic culture? Take our Northern Loop to discover the best of Europe’s furthest flung nations. This is the perfect route if you’re after something a little different. Its gorgeous scenery also makes it a perfect winter trip (wrap up warm though!)
Trip Description
Want a taste of the Nordic way of life? Head off on our Northern loop
Start your Northern Europe holiday by hopping on the train in your local town or city and heading straight for London for your Eurostar to the Belgian capital. Check out Europe’s most impressive square, taste silky Belgian chocolate and let’s not forget about that beer…
Take a comfortable train to the heart of Hamburg in the morning. You’ll have a hard choice to make as you decide whether to explore the arty dock quarter, or settle down on the main square for a historical local beer. Get back on the train because Copenhagen awaits; a stylish and modern city with a liberal and relaxed attitude. Join the students relaxing in the parks with a chilled beer, hire bikes and make the most of the city’s excellent cycle paths or visit the fascinating world that is Freetown Christiania.
Continue North via Oslo – check out the nearby Ski Slopes and modern architecture, before you head on to the glorious city of Stockholm. Its gilded golden buildings and gorgeous canals are the perfect place to soak up some culture at a relaxed pace. Hop on your overnight ferry to Helsinki and enjoy the sunset as you head across the Baltic sea. Dissembark bright and early to enjoy the Finnish capital’s stylish boutiques and cafes.
Cross the sea and kick off the Baltic part of your trip. Tallinn’s old town has plenty of Russian influence, as well as Slavic style – think a mixture of Prague and St Petersburg. It’s also full of trendy cafes and bars, with a blossoming foodie scene to check out. Next up the beautiful cities of Riga and Vilnius – although they might often be known as Stag destinations, there’s plenty of culture to be found in these Baltic gems.
Travel south towards Eastern Europe and stop off in Warsaw, the Polish Capital. Often overlooked, this is the place to go for traditional Polish food and crafts at cheap prices. It’s also a treasure trove of fascinating WW2 history with the city being almost totally destroyed and rebuilt.
Re-entering Western Europe, you’ll continue your homewards journey via Berlin. Seek out the city’s famous street art at the East Side Gallery, head to a biergarten to sample the local brew, walk across the buzzing Potsdammer Platz or visit the iconic Brandenburg Gate.
Next nip down to fascinating Amsterdam to end your trip on a high-point. Stroll along the canals or hire a pedalo, visit the many museums and enjoy the liberal atmosphere of the city. In the evenings head down to the Red Light District and explore the world famous canalside bars and clubs.
Finally, you’ll hop back on a train back to London via Brussels, and onwards back to wherever you started in mainland UK.
What's included?
- All overland transport tickets from the first to the last city, as shown in the key.
- Any Interrail or Eurail passes if required, based on the best value for you.
- Compulsory seat reservations on high-speed rail, night trains or ferries.
- Accommodation in top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels, tested by us.
- Walking directions between the stations and your booked accommodation.
- Optional walking tours, pub crawls and other activities at our partner hostels.
- A personalised travel booklet with maps, language guides, top tips, and more.
- Exclusive discounts on attractions across Europe.
- Peace of mind with alternative travel included if there is a strike or similar disruption.
- Access to our 24hr emergency phone number while you’re away.
The Route
Itinerary
This is a mid-paced trip offering a great combination of Northern European, Scandinavian and Baltic cities. Journeys are mid-length to long, usually at least 3-4 hours each and involving some full days of travel, but we’ll always ensure that you arrive in good time to make the most of each city. Your travel to and from the UK is included, so you can relax safe in the knowledge that everything’s sorted in advance.
London
Start your trip from London, or your nearest UK station. Why not stay a few nights in London if you’ve got time?
Highlights
- See some world-famous landmarks
- Watch a show at one of many West End Theatres
- Experience the quirky nightlife of Shoreditch
Brussels (2 Nights)
Belgium’s biggest city accommodates an eclectic mix of old and new, from Europe’s most beautiful square lined with guild houses and continental cafes to its bureacratic alter ego as capital of the European Union itself. Come for the delicious beer, waffles and moules frites.
Highlights
- Visit Mini Europe in the capital of the EU
- See Europe’s most beautiful square the Grand Place
- Explore nearby cities such as Ghent and Bruges
Hamburg (3 Nights)
Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany, but you can still expect a green environment mixed with a maritime spirit. Check out the cool music scene which hosted the Beatles in their early days, as well as the bustling Reeperbahn district, the historical St Michaelis Church, and the famous Fish market. Hamburg has an eclectic feel that’s hard not to love.
Highlights
- Visit the Tierpark Hagenbeck
- Go to the Fish market – either very late or very early
- Explore the 800-year-old harbour
Copenhagen (4 Nights)
Copenhagen is a place where equal rights and liberal attitudes take precedence, a land where the atmosphere incredibly safe and remarkably relaxed. Make sure you visit the hippie commune of Christiania where squatters’ rights still hold sway.
Highlights
- Visit the little mermaid
- Go to one of the world’s oldest theme parks
- Sample the fruity beers at plenty of microbreweries
Oslo (3 Nights)
Oslo will take you by surprise. It is not a big city, but it has exceptional museums and you can walk all over and around it into the overlooking hills. Head to the ski jump for a thrilling view but if that’s not your thing go and see Edvard Munch’s The Scream at The National Gallery.
Highlights
- See some excellent preserved viking ships
- Understand Norway’s heritage at the Folk Museum
- Have a go at the ski jump overlooking the city
Stockholm (4 Nights)
Stockholm has been described as the most beautiful city in Europe with its calm waterways, colourful buildings and cobbled streets. The Swedes are known for their sleek design, polite manners and propensity to have fun. Forget the meatballs, Stockholm has much more.
Highlights
- Wander up the cobbled streets of the old town
- Admire the colourful skyline from a boat tour
- Visit the ABBA museum
Helsinki (3 Nights)
Helsinki is understated elegance – sophisticated and arty. Here is where you’ll find Finland’s national gallery and museum, as well as an array of day trip options further afield. Take a boat out to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress or visit the world famous Rock Church, a space age cathedral carved right into the stone in Toolo, Helsinki.
Highlights
- Visit the Finnish folk museum with live actors
- Stroll through the magnificent Sibelius Park
- Take a boozy sightseeing tour on the red pub-tram
Tallinn (2 Nights)
At once a modern, stylish city and a medieval maze of passageways and cobbled streets, Tallinn is a great combination of old and new. Recently the city has become a centre for contemporary art and design, with loads of independent boutiques and ateliers springing up – perfect for whiling away slow summer days.
Highlights
- Visit the museum of (both) occupations
- See the sumptuous Aleksander Nevsky cathedral
- Drink at numerous pubs with local Estonians
Riga (2 Nights)
Riga may be austere and gracious on the surface but dig deeper and you’ll discover awesome nightlife and a wealth of Baltic culture. Wind your way around the cobbled streets by day, come evening go underground to seek out some of the Baltic region’s best music venues.
Highlights
- earn about the varied and fascinating history of Latvia in a walking tour of the old town.
- Dance the night away, Latvian style, at Folksklub Ala Pagrabs
- Marvel at the Art Nouveau style buildings – like famous building at 2a, Alberta Iela
Vilnius (2 Nights)
Vilnius is home to one of Europe’s largest Baroque old towns. The spires and coloured facades have a distinctly continental feel – not surprising since you’re only a few hours away from the North of Poland. Enjoy exploring the hub of Lithuania’s culture and arts scene – and don’t forget the hearty local cuisine once the sun sets.
Highlights
Warsaw (3 Nights)
Known as the ‘Phoenix City’ after having risen from the ashes of so many ruinous wars, Warsaw is home to an abundance of Polish art, vibrant nightlife and wholesome cuisine. A plate of delicious dumplings and soup will keep you nourished around the stunning rebuilt Old Town.
Highlights
- See the imposing Soviet Palace of Culture
- Visit the entirely reconstructed Royal Palace
- Have a drink at the fashionable old town bars
Berlin (3 Nights)
Berlin is the alternative, cool kid of Europe and a pro at being edgy. It’s how people dress, their liberal attitudes, the graffiti, the skaters and BMXers, the art, the clubs and the food. Berlin is also crammed full of fascinating WWII history around every corner.
Highlights
- See a section of the old Berlin Wall
- Climb the dome of the renovated Reichstag
- Discover the nightlife of Schoneberg and Kreuzberg
Amsterdam (3 Nights)
Despite being credited with certain recreational pastimes, there is actually a lot more to the city than the stereotypical picture, with its abundance of engaging museums, beautiful townhouses and canals. Find out what makes Amsterdam the beating heart of the Netherlands.
Highlights
- Visit the Van Gogh Museum
- Discover Europe’s biggest historic centre by pedal
- Take a tour of the red light district
London
Return via Eurostar to the UK capital and then travel onwards to your nearest station!
How to get there
No stress! All your transport to and from the UK is included so you don’t need to worry about anything else.
Optional Extras
Reviews
4.89 Average
578 Reviews
Overall Rating
1 week ago
I had the most amazing time on the Iron Curtain Tour! We managed to fit so much into the week, with so many great recommendations by our awesome tour leader. Any difficulties as a cause of current travel situations were resolved without issue, and I always felt safe. Euroventure tours are to the best places, with the best people, and I cannot recommend them enough. Please do yourself a favour and book with them!
Overall Rating
2 weeks ago
I had an amazing time on the iron curtain tour which was well organised so I could see a lot in a short space of time. Our tour leader was great; very knowledgeable and made good recommendations in each city. I was also pleased with the quality and location of the hostels. I will definitely consider booking with euroventure again.
Overall Rating
2 weeks ago
The Iron Curtain Tour I went on was a great adventure! Euroventure was responsive with communication and on the tour the hostels were wonderful! My group was affected by the pandemic closures, but we made the most of it and Euroventure kept us updated throughout the week. No issues during travel!
Overall Rating
2 weeks ago
Can't Fault Euroventure team for everything and creating the trip of a lifetime! Even with the current coronavirus issues, they are flexible, understanding and dealt with any concerns of the virus to reroute the trip. Will definitely be using them again!
Overall Rating
3 weeks ago
Had a wonderful trip organised with Euroventure. All hotels fab and instructions on how to get to places spot on. No issues at all and I definitely recommend. Hil
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