Northern Europe Itinerary: 3 Weeks
Nestled with a nuance of atmospheric villages, noteworthy cities and nonpareil natural splendour, Northern Europe is truly something else. Ingrained with a unique interplay of culture, colour and cuisine, this lucid landscape stirs the pot of reflection. Make the most of your next getaway with this 3-Week Northern Europe Itinerary.
This meticulously-planned route offers insight into the net of northern-situated countries. You can up the ante by combining this gem with a Scandinavian, Balkans or Iceland itinerary.
Northern Europe Itinerary: France, Belgium, Netherlands, United Kingdom & Ireland
For those who want to venture beyond the Mediterranean Coast and Greek Islands, Northern Europe is for you.
The umbrella term ‘Northern Europe’ classifies as many things. From Scandinavia to the Baltics, there are many different routes to consider. This 3-week Northern Europe itinerary focuses on the top countries in the northern stretch of mainland Europe.
You’ll begin your stay in the picture-perfect streets of Paris, before popping over to legend-filled Brussels. From there, you’ll explore the quaint towns of Bruges and Ghent in northern Belgium.
Then, you’ll head over to one of the smallest countries in Europe, Luxembourg, before making your way into iconic Amsterdam.
After dabbling in the Netherlands for a few days, head over to Britain’s capital city, London. Finalise your Northern Europe itinerary in Ireland’s charming capital, Dublin.
Day 1-4: Paris, France
Day 5-6: Brussels, Belgium
Day 7-8: Bruges & Ghent, Belgium
Day 9-11: Luxembourg
Day 12-14: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Day 15-17: London, United Kingdom
Day 18-21: Dublin, Ireland
Day 1-4: Paris, France
Get the ball rolling in France’s capital city, Paris. Commence your 3-week trip traversing the teeming attractions and dabbling in the depth of activities.
Paris is peppered with lavish palaces, perplexing museums and plenty of restaurants serving up palatable plates. Feast your senses on the sight, sound smells of one of the world’s most iconic cities.
Hemmed in with history-ridden streets, café-lined boulevards and striking monuments, this part of your Northern Europe itinerary is nothing short of enchanting. Stand in awe at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, observe the harmonic frenzy of the Arc de Triomphe and gawk at the Louvre Pyramid at sunset.
Wind your way around Sacré-Cœur, hit the heights of Montmartre and don’t miss the luxe Palais Garnier. Hop on a day trip to a quaint village-like Fontainebleau, Lille, Chantilly or Auvers-Sur-Oise.
Things to do in Paris:
Release your inner wild child at Disneyland Paris
Stroll through the sumptuous Versailles Palace
Hit the rolling rivers on a Seine River Cruise
See the iconic Moulin Rouge cabaret show
Watch the city lights shimmer at sunset from the Eiffel Tower
Eat ‘til you sleep on a Montemarte cheese, wine & pastry tour
Marvel at the fine arts in the Louvre Museum
See it all on the Paris night bus
Where to Stay in Paris:
€€: Hôtel Rosalie
Day 5-6: Brussels, Belgium
After frolicking around the flirtatious Paris, hop on a high-speed train to Belgium’s capital city, Brussels.
Ease into your Northern Europe itinerary as you navigate the network of labyrinth-like streets. Admire the age-old architecture, peruse the plethora of museums and strut your stuff in the spine-tingling Old Town. Indulge your senses in the mouth-watering food scene – it’d be a crime if you left Belgium without trying a classic waffle, chocolate, beer or French fries.
Sip coffee in the Grand Place, get a dose of greenery in the Parc du Cinquantenaire and swing past St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral. Watch the technicolour lights show inside the Atomium, feel the opulence in the Royal Palace of Brussels and hit the shops in the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert.
Bask in the beauty of the surrounding region on one of the Best Day Trips from Brussels. Figure out the best areas to stay in with this in-depth guide on Where to Stay in Brussels.
Things to do in Brussels:
Wind your way through the colossal-sized Atomium
Relish in the drool-worthy flavours in a Belgian chocolate workshop
See all the city highlights on a Brussels walking tour
Drink like a local on a Belgian beer-tasting tour
Escape the buzz on a tour of Ghent & Bruges
See everything all in two days on the hop-on hop-off bus
Where to Stay in Brussels:
Day 7-8: Bruges & Ghent, Belgium
After soaking up the city buzz in Brussels, head out to the quaint countryside. Hop on a train to northern Brussels, and watch the time tick by in Bruges and Ghent.
Begin your second week in this Northern Europe itinerary in Belgium’s character-packed villages.
Burrowed with plant-bedecked alleyways and a collection of house-hugging canals, Bruges flaunts its own flair. From the aesthetics of Burg Square to the intricately-detailed Basilica of the Holy Blood, there sure is a lot on offer. See the Sint-Salvatorskathedraal, visit the Historium Bruges Museum, or go beer-crazy in the Bruges Beer Experience.
Hemmed in by a huge haul of churches, cathedrals and museums, Ghent also makes for a fantastic foray.
Highlights include the postcard-worthy Saint Michael’s Bridge, the grandiose Gravensteen Castle and the soaring Saint Nicholas’ Church.
Things to do in Bruges & Ghent:
Hit the water on a boat cruise in Bruges
Learn how to master the art of Belgian waffle-making in a workshop
Feel the fresh breeze on a bike tour in Bruges
Get deep into Bruges’ history on a walking tour
Dabble in a Medieval boat tour in Ghent
Kick up the fun on a scavenger hunt in Ghent
Where to Stay in Bruges & Ghent:
€€: Hotel Jan Brito
€€€: The Notary
Day 9-11: Luxembourg
After spending some time in Belgium, cross the border on a high-speed train over into Luxembourg.
As one of Europe’s smallest countries, what Luxembourg lacks in size it sure does make up for in character. Carved with cliff-perched castles, grandiose palaces and a hefty haul of historical landmarks, this country is a must-see. This Northern Europe itinerary invites you in to take a look at top finds like the eerie Vianden Castle, the nifty Palais Grand-Ducal and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame.
Stand in awe at the Bock Casemates landmark, and channel your inner artist in the Musée National d’Histoire et d’Art Luxembourg. Get your heart rate up on the Adolphe Bridge, hike through the Mullerthal Trail and head out into the forest-fringed Bourscheid Castle.
Things to do in Luxembourg:
Feel the enchantment seep through your bones on a castle day tour
Get active (and a little bit sweaty) on an e-bike tour
Relish in the flavours of fine wine on a city walking tour
See all of Luxembourg’s highlights on the hop-on hop-off bus
Where to Stay in Luxembourg:
Day 12-14: Amsterdam, Netherlands
After three enthralling days in Luxembourg, jump aboard a train to the Netherlands' capital city, Amsterdam.
Crowned with rolling canals, beautiful buildings and an innovative art scene, free-thinking Amsterdam is a world-class destination. Popular among globetrotters for its greened-out coffee shops and bedazzling Red Light District, there really is so much beneath the surface.
Dive deep into the history of the Anne Frank House, get immersed in the Van Gogh Museum and enjoy the weather from Vondelpark. Scale around the luxe Royal Palace of Amsterdam, shop for goods at the Albert Cuyp Market and go beer-wild at the Heineken Experience Brewery.
In this chunk of the Northern Europe itinerary, you could pop out to the rich tapestry of villages. Top-picks include Zaanse Schans, Monnikendam and Marken.
Things to do in Amsterdam:
Get around like a local on a guided bike tour
Stand in awe at the Van Gogh Museum
Overdose of local cheese & fine wine on a classic boat cruise
Get enchanted by the tulip-filled Keukenhof Estate
See all the highlights on a village sightseeing bus tour
Keep it budget-friendly with the Amsterdam Pass
Feel the rush in the Red Light District & coffee shops
Get educated at the Amsterdam Museum
Where to Stay in Amsterdam:
Day 15-17: London, United Kingdom
After travelling through France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, it’s time to take this itinerary up a notch. Catch a flight or hop on a high-speed train to the United Kingdom’s capital city, London.
Dowsed with double-decker buses, a rowdy pub scene and a never-ending network of museums and galleries, this city is a serious show-stopper. Even though the UK isn’t technically a part of Europe (thanks to Brexit), it’s worth skimming past in this Northern Europe itinerary.
Watch a performance at one of the many musical theatres, get a birdseye view from the London Eye and swing by the well-intact Tower of London. Spot dinosaurs in the British Museum, feel the royal vibes in Buckingham Palace and eat your way through the Borough Market. Go for a picnic in Hyde Park, stare up at the soaring Big Ben and visit the National Gallery. Take a peek at this guide on all the Best Things to do in London.
Things to do in London:
Hop aboard an iconic double-decker bus
See how the royals live in Buckingham Palace
Dabble in a delightful afternoon tea at Sketch
Visit the emblematic the Tower of London
Pick out local produce in the colourful Camden Market
Feel the breeze on the Thames River
Fumble around the dinosaurs fossils at the Natural History Museum
Hit the heights in the London Eye
Where to Stay in London:
€€€: The Londoner
Day 18-21: Dublin, Ireland
Following an eventful few weeks, it’s almost time to finalise your trip. During the last leg of the journey, catch a flight from London to Ireland’s capital, Dublin.
Pinned with lively pubs, picture-perfect escapes and innovative attractions, Dublin is the best place to wind up your Northern Europe itinerary. Teeming with time-worn castles, impressive museums and riveting Celtic history, you’ll have plenty of time to dabble in the dazzling delights. Grab a frothy pint on Grafton Street, stroll around the verdant National Botanic Gardens and visit the eerie Kilmainham Gaol.
Get tipsy in the Irish Whiskey Museum, get a feel for the artists in the National Gallery of Ireland and roam around Dublin Castle.
Things to do in Dublin:
Sip the day away with an afternoon tea vintage bus trip
Explore the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough & Kilkenny
Discover the rolling River Liffey on a sightseeing cruise
Sample the flavours in the world-class Guinness Storehouse
Hop on a day tour of the Cliffs of Moher
Relish in the samples at the notorious Jameson Distillery
Keep things wallet-friendly with the Dublin Pass
Head out to the Giants Causeway & Dark Hedges tour
Where to Stay in Dublin:
€€: The Fleet
€€€: The Merrion Hotel
Best Time To Visit Northern Europe
The best times to visit Northern Europe is generally between spring (May to early June) and autumn (September to October).
During the shoulder seasons, you bask in mild temperatures and enjoy more affordable prices. Plus, you’ll get to battle through fewer crowds. Score! Northern Europe’s summer season, July and August, boasts pleasant temperatures for exploring. If booking a summer trip is a non-negotiable, be sure to book well in advance.
The winter period, December to February, is a great time to embark on snow activities like skiing and snowboarding. If you travel during December, you’ll get to see the Christmas Markets in big cities like London, Amsterdam and Paris. From Dublin, you’ll also be able to take a day trip to see the Northern Lights too! Talk about magical…
How to Get Around Northern Europe
Northern Europe is absolutely spectacular, from the sprightly cities to the snow-drenched slopes. Before you embark on your next endeavour, make sure you’re familiar with the best ways of getting around.
Train
To get around big cities like Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and London, hopping on a high-speed train is a quick and reliable option. If you’re booking a multi-destination trip, there are many ways to save money – European residents can purchase an Interrail pass and non-European residents can opt for a Eurail pass. As a general rule of thumb, always compare times, tickets and prices using Omio or Trainline.
Bus
Taking the bus is the most ideal option for budget travellers and backpackers. Not only will you put less of a dent in your wallet, but you’ll be able to save on a night’s accommodation by booking overnight buses. Yeehaw!
Flixbus is one of the most reliable options in Northern Europe, but you can also compare other options using Busbud.
Aeroplane
Flying is the most time-efficient way of travelling around Northern Europe. To score top deals, book on Skyscanner at least 3 to 4 months in advance.
And if your flight gets delayed (an inevitable Euro happenstance), check out Compensair to see if you can get compensated.
Car
Hiring a car provides a gateway into more authentic travel. Free to go at your own pace and drive to your schedule, you can experience the slower style of travelling. Sure, it can add a little more time to your trip, but if an immersive experience is what you're after, this is your best bet.
Travel Tips for Your Northern Europe Itinerary
Here’s everything you need to know before you travel to Northern Europe:
Layer up! It doesn’t matter what season you’re travelling in. Bring extra layers of clothing to combat the winds
If you’re looking for the fastest option, hop on a high-speed train or catch a flight
Buy local goods at the markets, not from chain stores
If you’re a non-EU resident, organise an International Drivers License
Watch out for the different currencies – the UK uses the pound, not the euro
Organise a travel budget and learn how to concoct a savings plan for Northern Europe
Purchase flights and accommodation a minimum of 3-4 months in advance
Don’t be afraid to be spontaneous
Buy a local SIM card in Northern Europe. See this full guide on the Best eSIMs for Europe.
Learn how to score cheap flights
Organise your European visa documents
Purchase travel insurance
Learn how to pack light so you can avoid Europe’s notorious baggage fees
Leave your cash inside a safe in your accommodation
Keep it budget-friendly with the free walking tours
Planning an Epic Europe Adventure?
Northern Europe is nestled with a panoply of pleasurable pursuits. The rest of the continent is replete with paradisal beaches, plummeting clifftops and untouched natural splendour. If you’re wondering what else is on offer in Europe, check out these in-depth itineraries:
Europe Itineraries (17 Different Routes)
Mediterranean Itinerary: 3 Weeks
Southern Spain Itinerary: 7 Days
Greek Islands Itinerary: 10 Days
FAQS
What is Northern Europe best known for?
Northern Europe is famous for its diverse natural landscapes, quaint villages and mouth-watering cuisine. From the active volcanos to the lush forests, this is an adventure lover’s paradise.
What are the 8 countries of Northern Europe?
The Northern Europe region isn’t limited to just 8 countries. Varying by definition, the list includes Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Germany, the Netherlands and formally, the United Kingdom.
Why is Northern Europe so expensive?
Most countries in Northern Europe have strong economies and high standards of living. When planning a trip to Northern Europe, be sure to take higher costs of accommodation, transport, food and activities into consideration.
How many countries should I visit in Europe in 2 weeks?
Europe has over 44 countries, each with its own unique culture, cuisine and landscape. In 14 days, you can visit at least 3 countries and do day trips from the major cities.
Why Visit Northern Europe?
Why not?! Steeped deep in history, culture and architectural masterpieces, Northern Europe is a once-in-a-lifetime destination.
Before you dabble in all the delights, save this 3-Week Northern Europe Itinerary to your bucket list!
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