Denmark to Iceland
Faculty: David Martinez and Pete Rusaw
Class Meeting Time: Tuesdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Trip Dates: May, 2026
Cost: $2,400
Highlights
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Scandinavia and beyond, starting in the vibrant city of Copenhagen, where you'll immerse yourself in its charming canals, world-class museums, and historic architecture (with a day trip to Billund, the birthplace of Lego!). Next, hop on a scenic journey to Stockholm, the stunning "Venice of the North," with its beautiful archipelagos and rich cultural heritage. From there, continue to Oslo, a city that blends modern design with breathtaking natural beauty, offering the perfect mix of urban exploration and outdoor excitement. We will explore the towering cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and misty waterfalls of the Norwegian Fjords. Finally, we will end our trip in Iceland! We will marvel at dramatic landscapes of volcanic craters, geysers, and chase the spectacular Northern Lights (weather and season-dependent). The plan in Iceland is to relax in geothermal hot springs, hike to waterfalls, kayak in glacier lagoons, visit volcanic black sand beaches, and snorkel. We will learn about Icelandic culture and history by sampling local seafood markets and restaurants, exploring the cities of Reykjavík and Selfoss, and visiting museums that feature Viking ships, archeological sites, geothermal power, and so much more!
Whether you're a history buff, Lego enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking to relax in picturesque settings, this trip offers an unforgettable mixture of culture, nature, and fun.
Tentative Itinerary
| Day 1 | Copenhagen: Bike tour of the city, visit Tivoli Gardens, and walk along Nywavn (the iconic waterfront lined with historic buildings). |
| Day 2 | Day trip to Billund (Legoland)! We will visit Lego House, a must-see for Lego lovers, with hands-on building zones, giant Lego models, and interactive exhibits. We will also visit Legoland Billund Resort, which includes themed rides and interactive attractions for all ages. We will then take a night train to Stockholm. |
| Day 3 | Stockholm: Walk around Gamla (Old Town), and visit the cathedral and Royal Palace. |
| Day 4 | Stockholm: Morning visit to Vasa museum (the incredible 17th century warship that sank and was recovered almost fully intact); afternoon/evening visit to the Monteliusvägen viewpoint for the best panoramic view of Stockholm (especially at sunset). |
| Day 5 | Stockholm: Free day to enjoy and plan your own adventure! |
| Day 6 | Transit to Oslo. |
| Day 7 | Oslo: Vigeland Park (a stunning sculpture park), Akershus Fortress (a medieval fortress with panoramic views), and the Viking Ship Museum (National Museum). We’ll end the day on the waterfront where we will enjoy fresh seafood. |
| Day 8 | From Oslo, we’ll travel out to visit and spend the day enjoying the famous Norwegian fjords. We’ll spend the night in a remote fishing village. |
| Day 9 | We will continue our exploration of the fjords and enjoy a hike with spectacular views! |
| Day 10 | Return to Oslo to prepare for our departure to Iceland; free afternoon in Oslo. |
| Day 11 | Transit to Reykjavik, Iceland. |
| Day 12 | Reykjavik: We will visit iconic churches and walk along Laugavegur Street (a vibrant street filled with local shops, cafés, and street art), admire the stunning glass architecture at Harpa Concert Hall, and walk along the scenic coastline as we encounter the Sun Voyager (a Viking ship sculpture). Optional activities in the afternoon may include the Sky Lagoon (a geothermal infinity pool with ocean views). |
| Day 13 | Day trip: Eyjafjallajökull Volcano and Sólheimajökull Glacier; Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. |
| Day 14 | Depart on an overnight backpacking expedition or continue to do day trips from Reykjavik. This adventure will have viewing volcanoes and waterfalls, immersing us in the beauty and wonder of the Icelandic great outdoors. |
| Day 15 | Continue the overnight excursion or continue with separate day trips from Reykjavik. |
| Day 16 | We will continue with our adventure, ensuring that we see the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon. |
| Day 17 | Free day in Reykjavik. |
| Day 18 | Return to PDX. |
