Personal Review: My Journey On The "Viking Homelands" Itinerary (Stockholm To Bergen) - Viking Ocean Cruise Cruises Near Me, Deals & Cruise Travel Agents Near Me

If you have ever considered a European cruise, you have likely seen the ads for Viking. They are everywhere—dramatic drone shots of Norwegian fjords, crystal clear water, and the promise of "The Thinking Person’s Cruise." But does the reality match the marketing?

As a travel advisor with Vincent Vacations, I recently had the opportunity to sail the 15-day Viking Homelands itinerary, traveling from Stockholm, Sweden to Bergen, Norway. This isn't just a cruise; it is arguably the flagship route that put Viking Ocean Cruises on the map.

Below is my detailed, personal review of the experience—from the ship and the dining to the breathtaking ports of call—and why I believe this specific itinerary is the best way to experience Northern Europe.

The Viking Difference: First Impressions

Boarding a Viking Ocean ship feels less like entering a cruise terminal and more like stepping into a high-end Scandinavian boutique hotel. I sailed on the Viking Mars (though all Viking Ocean ships are nearly identical in design), and the first thing you notice is the calm.

There are no casinos. There are no kids running down the hallways (Viking is strictly 18+). There are no photographers jumping out from behind columns to snap your picture for a fee.

Instead, you are greeted with light wood tones, woven textiles, and floor-to-ceiling windows that immediately connect you to the sea.

The Stateroom

One of the biggest selling points for Viking is that every single stateroom has a private veranda. There are no "inside" cabins. I stayed in a Penthouse Veranda, but I have toured all categories. Even the entry-level Veranda staterooms are spacious (270 sq. ft), with heated bathroom floors (a game-changer in the mornings!), premium Freyja toiletries, and a king-size bed that feels like sleeping on a cloud.

Vincent Vacations Tip: We always advise our clients to book early to secure the starboard side if sailing North (Stockholm to Bergen) or the port side if sailing South, to maximize your coastal views.

The Route: 15 Days of History and Nature

The Viking Homelands itinerary is a marathon of culture, covering six countries: Sweden, Estonia, Poland, Denmark, Germany, and Norway. Here is a breakdown of the journey, port by port.

Part 1: The Baltic Jewels

Days 1-2: Stockholm, Sweden The cruise began with an overnight stay in Stockholm, which was brilliant. It eliminated the stress of flight delays. We had a full 24 hours to explore "The Venice of the North." We walked the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan (the Old Town) and visited the Vasa Museum, which houses a 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage and was salvaged nearly intact.

• The Highlight: The sail-away from Stockholm is, without exaggeration, one of the top three travel experiences of my life. To reach the open Baltic Sea, the ship must navigate through the Stockholm Archipelago—a maze of 30,000 islands. We sat on our balcony with a glass of wine for four hours, watching tiny red cottages and lush green islands drift by. It was pure magic.

Day 3: Tallinn, Estonia Tallinn was a surprise favorite. It feels like a fairytale movie set. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by medieval walls and guard towers. Viking’s included walking tour was excellent, taking us to the upper town for panoramic views and the lower town for shopping.

• Don’t Miss: The roasted almonds sold by street vendors in medieval garb—the smell alone will draw you in.

Day 5: Gdańsk, Poland After a relaxing sea day, we arrived in Gdynia, the port for Gdańsk. This city is a place of immense history—it’s where WWII began and where the Solidarity movement eventually helped bring down the Iron Curtain. The architecture is stunning; the reconstructed Long Market features colorful facades that rival Amsterdam. We bought amber jewelry here (it’s the amber capital of the world) for a fraction of what you’d pay in the US.

Day 6: Bornholm, Denmark This island is a hidden gem that big cruise ships can't reach. We tendered into the town of Rønne. It’s a quiet, peaceful stop filled with half-timbered houses and hollyhocks growing against the walls. It was a perfect "palate cleanser" after the busy city stops.

Part 2: The Big Cities

Day 7: Berlin (Warnemünde), Germany This is a long day, but worth it. Warnemünde is the port, but the main event is Berlin. Viking organizes a private chartered train exclusively for guests. The ride takes about 2.5 hours, but with coffee and pretzels served on board, it goes fast. Seeing the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Brandenburg Gate in person was surreal.

Day 8: Copenhagen, Denmark We docked practically right in the city. Copenhagen is vibrant, clean, and incredibly walkable. We visited Nyhavn (the famous colorful canal harbor) and snapped a photo of the Little Mermaid statue.

• Dining Tip: Instead of rushing back to the ship for lunch, we grabbed a "Smørrebrød" (open-faced sandwich) at a local cafe.

Day 9: Aalborg, Denmark Aalborg offers a deep dive into true Viking history. The included excursion takes you to Lindholm Høje, an ancient burial site with hundreds of stone circles arranged in the shape of ships. Standing on that hill, imagining the Vikings who stood there 1,000 years ago, gave me chills.

Part 3: The Majestic Fjords

This is what we came for. As we crossed into Norway, the landscape changed dramatically.

Days 10-11: Oslo, Norway We had another overnight stay in Oslo. The sail into the Oslofjord is stunning (have your camera ready at 6:00 AM!). We visited the Vigeland Sculpture Park, which features over 200 bronze and granite sculptures by a single artist. It is unlike anything else in the world.

Day 12: Stavanger, Norway Stavanger is the gateway to the Lysefjord. While the town itself is charming with its white wooden houses, we opted for an optional excursion: the cruise to Pulpit Rock. Seeing that sheer cliff face rising 1,900 feet straight out of the water was humbling.

Day 13: Eidfjord, Norway This was, hands down, the most beautiful day of the trip. Eidfjord is a tiny village deep inside the Hardangerfjord. The silence here is profound. We took an excursion to the Vøringsfossen waterfall, which plunges 600 feet into a canyon. The air was so fresh it felt sweet.

Days 14-15: Bergen, Norway Our journey ended in Bergen, the rainiest city in Europe (though we lucked out with sunshine!). We rode the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for a view over the city and explored the leaning wooden warehouses of Bryggen.

Life Onboard: The "Viking" Way

While the ports were incredible, the ship itself was a destination. Viking operates on a philosophy of "inclusive value," which was refreshing compared to other lines where you feel nickel-and-dimed.

What’s Included?

I loved not having to sign a receipt every time I wanted a coffee or a glass of wine with dinner.

• Beer, Wine, and Soft Drinks: Included with lunch and dinner.

• Wi-Fi: Fast and free for everyone (Starlink has been rolled out on many ships!).

• Specialty Dining: No cover charges.

• Spa Access: The Thermal Suite is free for all guests.

• Excursions: One shore excursion is included in every port.

The Food

The food on Viking is, simply put, outstanding.

• The Restaurant (Main Dining): The menu changes daily based on the region. In Norway, I had fresh salmon and venison; in Poland, pierogies.

• Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant: This is arguably the best Italian restaurant at sea. You must book your reservation as soon as your booking window opens (we can help with that!). The Bistecca Fiorentina (ribeye steak) is legendary.

• Mamsen’s: Located in the Explorer’s Lounge, this deli serves the owner’s mother’s traditional Norwegian recipes. Do not leave the ship without trying the heart-shaped waffles with brown goat cheese (brunost) and jam. It sounds odd, but it is delicious.

The Nordic Spa

After a long day of walking in Berlin or hiking in Norway, the Spa was my sanctuary. It features a Thalassotherapy pool, a steam room, a sauna, and—for the brave—a Snow Grotto (a room filled with literal snow). The Nordic ritual of "hot, cold, rest" became my daily routine.

Who is this cruise for?

Viking Ocean Cruises is not for everyone, and that is by design.

• It IS for: Travelers who love history, culture, and learning. If you enjoy watching documentaries, visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites, and prefer a quiet glass of wine over a pool party, you will love this.

• It is NOT for: Families with young children (18+ only), gamblers (no casino), or those seeking Broadway-style glitz and formal nights (the dress code is "elegant casual"—no tuxedos required!).

Why Book with Vincent Vacations?

You might be wondering, "Can't I just book this online?" You certainly can, but booking a trip of this magnitude with Vincent Vacations ensures you get the most out of your investment.

1. We Know the Staterooms: Not all Veranda staterooms are equal. We know which ones are near the elevators (noisy) and which have the best views for specific itineraries.

2. Managing the Excursion Timeline: Viking excursions open for booking at different times depending on your stateroom category. The best excursions (like the "Into the Fjords" boat in Eidfjord) sell out in minutes. We monitor these timelines for you.

3. Navigating Airfare: Viking offers great airfare deals, but the routing can sometimes be tricky. We work with the Viking Air desk to customize your flights, ensuring you don't get stuck with a 45-minute connection in Frankfurt.

4. The "Little" Tips: We tell you where the laundry rooms are (yes, they are free to use!). We tell you to book the "Kitchen Table" experience if you are a foodie. We guide you on packing layers for the unpredictable Norwegian weather.

Final Verdict

The Viking Homelands itinerary is a bucket-list journey that lives up to the hype. It is a seamless blend of cosmopolitan cities and raw natural beauty, all delivered with the understated elegance that Viking is famous for.

Walking off the ship in Bergen, my only regret was that I hadn't booked the 29-day version.

Are you ready to see the Fjords?

Northern Europe is calling. This itinerary sells out well in advance—often 18 to 24 months out—especially for the prime summer months of June, July, and August.

Let us help you plan your Viking adventure.

👉 Click here to get a custom quote for your Viking Cruise

Or give us a call today. We can’t wait to help you sail into the midnight sun.