Hotels - 30 Jun-12 Jul 2025
I split this out from my overall review because there's a fair amount to say. I just looked at the 2026 Land Tour book and 2 of the hotels have been changed
Hotel Reisen - we got a small room at the front overlooking the water along with binoculars to see everything which was great during the day but there's no AC so we had to keep the window and curtains opened slightly all night. Light and some noise from traffic and revelers. Woke the first morning thinking I'd finally slept late based on the light and realized it was 4am. Other guests had rooms facing the narrow alley ways but they were larger and quieter. A fan helped a lot. Breakfast there was good - especially the cinnamon and cardamon buns. The only dinner out on our own was at a little place close to the hotel called Fika & Wine. The best Swedish meatballs we had and shrimp starter. Gamla Stan is a great location. Mostly pedestrian only, and while there are some touristy shops, most actually were very nice and had unique items. Watch the prices in Scandinavia.
The overnight at Toftahome was ok. The most basic of the hotels but only one night and very quiet out in the country. Was cool and overcast that night so we actually slept pretty well. The folk entertainment were ok and dinner was good. This hotel has been replaced by a different one for 2026 that looks nicer.
Our room at the Phoenix in Copenhagen was on the top floor - large with a couple of easy chairs but the ceiling was sloped. I had to be careful getting into bed not to brain myself. But they have AC. Yay. We had little arched windows with a view of the dome of the marble church. For dinner you could eat in their bistro or use your free Tivoli tickets plus a voucher that could be used at most restaurants at Tivoli and even some souvenir stores there. Good location.
At the Oslo Grand we again got a big room but this time with a flat ceiling facing a courtyard. No sloped ceiling. No view but also no noise as some who had rooms facing out dealt with. Nice dinner in the restaurant. Breakfast was huge but not really that special. They did have an omelet bar. Another well located hotel.
One night at Kviknes was our first fjord hotel. Big room with a great view of both the fjord and mountains plus personal patio. Was getting use to the no AC and short nights by then. Absolute minimum of toiletries - just a combo body/hair wash. Nothing else. The dinner buffet - presented specially to Tauck guests - was amazing. Loads of different seafood, other hot items, salads, desserts, etc. Surprisingly breakfast though big but soso.
Next was two nights at the Alexandra which is a huge complex - pools, spa, game room, etc. Lots of families here and youngsters they hire for the season. I swear our bellboy was like 12. Another big room with a patio and view. Buffet for both nights dinners and breakfast. Pretty good once you figured out where things were.
Other than the lack of AC we liked the Norge in Bergen including the chair swing. Very different decor ideas. The breakfast was excellent though the take away early breakfast was very European - cheese, ham and thin rye bread to make your own sandwich plus liver pate (ugh). This one is another that Tauck is changing for 2026. The new one looks to be fancier and closer to the sights - harbor, fish market, Bryggen area, etc. A must for dining in Bergen is the Trekroneren hotdog stand which features Reindeer hotdogs. My husband ate one and said it was great.
Comments
I enjoyed my reindeer hotdog topped with mustard and lingonberry sauce. You are supposed to put fried onions on top but did not take those, my hubby did and enjoyed. Just messy to eat without dripping on your clothes 😀
Our land and ship tours did not overlap much. We enjoyed the Norge hotel in Bergen.