After exploring Copenhagen, the journey continued north to Norway โ a land of fjords, mountains, and colorful wooden houses. Hereโs how three summer days unfolded between Bergen and the breathtaking fjords.
๐ Day 1 โ August 22: Arrival in Bergen
๐ Walk to town โ Started the day with a stroll down into Bergen, a charming city surrounded by mountains and water. The crisp sea air and narrow streets gave the town a cozy, welcoming feel ๐ฌ๏ธ.
๐ฅช Quick lunch at 7-Eleven โ Norwayโs convenience stores are surprisingly good for sandwiches and easy meals โ a budget-friendly travelerโs friend.
๐ถ Exploring town โ Wandered around Bergenโs lively center, past colorful wooden houses and the harbor โ.
๐ญ Hot dog stop โ Tried the famous โ3 kroner hot dogsโ ๐ญ โ simple, cheap, and a local favorite snack.
๐ Day 2 โ August 23: Fjord Adventure
๐ข Fjord Cruise with Norled โ Spent six hours cruising from Bergen to Flรฅm through Norwayโs famous fjords. Towering cliffs, waterfalls tumbling into the water ๐ฆ, and tiny villages made the journey unforgettable.
๐ฒ Arrival in Flรฅm โ A quiet, scenic village at the end of the fjord โ perfect for walking around, snapping photos ๐ธ, and soaking in the beauty.
๐ Bus back to Bergen โ A two-hour ride back through mountain roads and valleys, showing yet another side of Norwayโs rugged landscape ๐๏ธ.
๐ Day 3 โ August 24: Bergen โ Train Journey
๐ Bergen to Oslo train โ One of the most scenic train rides in the world, lasting about seven hours. Snowy mountain plateaus โ๏ธ, green valleys ๐ฟ, shimmering lakes ๐ง, and remote villages passed outside the window โ a moving postcard the whole way.
๐ The perfect day for snacks, a good book, and staring out at the endless scenery.
โจ Final Thoughts
Norway is a country that feels like it was built by nature itself. Bergenโs charm ๐๏ธ, the epic fjords ๐ข, and the scenic train route ๐ make for an unforgettable summer trip. Even just a few days here give you a taste of its magic ๐ฒโฐ๏ธ๐.
A 5-Day Journey from Germany to Denmark (and beyond!)
This summer adventure took me from Germany ๐ up through Hamburg ๐, across the Danish countryside ๐พ, and into the heart of Copenhagen ๐ฉ๐ฐ โ a city full of history, canals, cozy cafรฉs, and a relaxed summer vibe. Hereโs how the trip unfolded, day by day.
๐ Day 1 โ August 17: Germany โ Hamburg
The trip started bright and early ๐ with the S9 train from Karlsruhe (6:26am) to the main station, where I caught the ICE to Hamburg (6:51am). The five-hour ride was smooth, with plenty of time for reading, podcasts, and gazing out at the rolling German countryside ๐ณ๐.
By the time I reached Hamburg in the afternoon, there was just enough energy left for a simple dinner ๐ and a walk around the neighborhood before heading to bed ๐๏ธ. Tomorrow, the real journey north would begin!
๐ Day 2 โ August 18: Hamburg โ Copenhagen
After a quick breakfast โ and some time at a local playground ๐ (perfect for stretching legs before another long train ride), it was time to board the train to Copenhagen at 10:53am.
The ride took about five hours ๐ โ passing through fields, lakes, and the pretty Danish countryside. Arriving in Copenhagen felt exciting: new energy, new streets, and bikes everywhere ๐ฒ.
I checked into Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger ๐จ, a lively hostel with a social vibe. After unpacking, I took a short evening walk ๐ถโโ๏ธ around the city to get a feel for it. Tivoli Gardens glowed in the background with twinkling lights โจ, but instead of heading inside, I grabbed a quick dinner at McDonaldโs ๐ at the train station. Simple, but comforting after a long travel day.
๐ Day 3 โ August 19: Classic Copenhagen
This was the first full day of sightseeing โ and Copenhagen delivered.
โต Canal Tour โ The best way to start! From the water, I passed the colorful houses of Nyhavn ๐, old warehouses, and modern architecture. ๐๏ธ Christiansborg Palace โ A striking building that houses Denmarkโs parliament. The views from the tower gave a beautiful perspective of the city. ๐ Amalienborg Palace โ The home of the Danish Royal Family. I was lucky enough to see the changing of the guards ๐ถโโ๏ธ. โ Cafรฉ stop โ Copenhagen is full of cozy cafรฉs, perfect for a break between sightseeing. ๐ก Tivoli Gardens โ The evening highlight! Opened in 1843, Tivoli is one of the worldโs oldest amusement parks. I strolled through gardens, watched the lights come on, and soaked in the magic โจ.
Dinner was casual: sandwiches ๐ฅช from a local shop โ a quick and tasty way to wrap up the day.
๐ Day 4 โ August 20: Islands, Art & Street Food
This day was all about exploring beyond the obvious sights.
โด๏ธ Morning Ferry โ A short boat ride to a nearby island, perfect for sea views and fresh air. ๐ช Kastellet Fortress โ A star-shaped 17th-century fortress surrounded by grassy paths and historic buildings. Great for a calm walk. ๐งโโ๏ธ The Little Mermaid โ Probably Copenhagenโs most famous statue. Small, but iconic โ and definitely worth a photo stop. ๐ด Lunch at Reffen โ A buzzing street food market by the water with stalls from all over the world ๐ฎ๐๐น. Great atmosphere and flavors! ๐จ Copenhagen Contemporary โ A modern art center inside an old industrial building, with large-scale installations and unique exhibitions. ๐ฒ Bike ride โ A quick spin around the city โ Copenhagen is built for cycling ๐ด. ๐ Dinner at Chicky Grill โ A casual, satisfying meal before winding down.
The day ended with a sunset walk ๐ along the waterfront โ the perfect way to see the city glow.
๐ Day 5 โ August 21: Farewell Copenhagen
The last morning was about soaking in a few final sights before leaving Denmark.
๐ฅ Breakfast at the hostel + check-out ๐งณ. โช Trinitatis Kirke โ A peaceful church stop. ๐ญ Round Tower (Rundetรฅrn) โ A gentle spiral walk to the top with panoramic city views ๐. ๐ฝ๏ธ Lunch at Torvehallerne โ A lively food hall full of Danish specialties like smรธrrebrรธd, fresh pastries, and more.
Finally, it was time to head to the airport โ๏ธ for the flight to Norway ๐ณ๐ด, continuing the summer adventure northward.
โจ Final Thoughts
Copenhagen is a city of contrasts: historic palaces and modern art, busy food halls and quiet waterfronts, fairy-tale amusement parks and sleek bicycles zipping by ๐ฒ. Itโs easygoing, walkable, and full of little surprises.
Five days was just enough to see the highlights โ but I couldโve easily stayed longer. Whether youโre into history, food, or just soaking in a relaxed summer vibe, Copenhagen has a little bit of everything ๐.
This summer was a whirlwind of โ๏ธ planes, โด๏ธ ferries, ๐ pools, ๐๏ธ mountains, and more snacks ๐ช than I care to admit. Over three weeks, we explored South Carolinaโs coastal charm ๐, Ohioโs family fun ๐, and Coloradoโs mountain magic โฐ๏ธ. Hereโs the play-by-play of our journey.
Day 1 โ July 21: Flying to Dulles โ๏ธ๐บ๐ธ
We kicked things off with a 7.5-hour flight from Frankfurt to Dulles. One kid slept twice in the bassinet ๐ถ๐ค while the other happily watched TV ๐บ and stayed cheerful ๐. A quick hotel shuttle ๐ later, we settled into the Hyatt Regency Dulles ๐จ for some much-needed rest.
Day 2 โ July 22: Hello, South Carolina ๐๏ธ๐
Shuttle back to the airport, then a 2-hour hop to Savannah ๐ซ. We were picked up ๐ and drove 45 minutes to Haig Point Embarkation. From there, a 30-minute ferry โด๏ธ carried us to Daufuskie Island.
First stop? The pool! ๐ฆ The kids splashed for hours, and later there was plenty of shell collecting ๐ along the beach with family.
Day 3 โ July 23: Bloody Point & Beach Time ๐
We explored Bloody Point, then enjoyed lunch at the clubhouse ๐ฅชโclassic club sandwich for the win. A relaxed, sunny day โ๏ธ.
Day 4 โ July 24: Pirate Adventures ๐ดโโ ๏ธโ
A 1.5-hour pirate ship cruise kept everyone grinning ๐. One kid even napped through the whole thing ๐ด. Lunch at Quarterdeck was a fried chicken sandwich dream ๐, followed byโwhat else?โmore pool time ๐.
Day 5 โ July 25: Pool Day ๐โโ๏ธโ๏ธ
Sometimes the best vacation days are the simplestโjust sunshine, swims, and happy, waterlogged kids ๐.
Day 6 โ July 26: Farmers Market & Fine Dining ๐ฅ๐ท
A charming farmers market trip ๐๏ธ started the day. We wrapped up with a fancy dinner at Calibogue Club ๐ฝ๏ธ, then an evening swim ๐ฆ.
Day 7 โ July 27: Last Island Day ๐ด
One last pool day ๐ before packing up ๐งณ for the next adventure.
Day 8 โ July 28: Off to Cincinnati ๐ซ๐๏ธ
A 2:40 ferry โด๏ธ back to the mainland, drive to Savannah ๐, and then a 1-hour 19-minute flight to Cincinnati โ๏ธ. The little one slept most of the way ๐ดโalways a blessing.
Day 9 โ July 29: Hyde Park Stroll ๐๐
Some light shopping for the kids ๐๏ธ (new shoes ๐!), pizza and swimming at a friendโs ๐๐, and a lovely walk to Hyde Park Square ๐ณ.
Day 10 โ July 30: Aquarium Day ๐ ๐ง
Wide-eyed wonder at the aquarium ๐๐ข. Dinner with friends โค๏ธ rounded out the evening.
Day 11 โ July 31: Rainy but Cozy ๐ง๏ธโ
Rainy day plans: my parents took one kid to an indoor playground ๐ while the other stayed home for naps ๐ค. We ended the day with a cookout ๐ with friends.
Day 12 โ August 1: Summit Park ๐ณ๐
Lunch with friends ๐ฅ, then playtime at Summit Park ๐ . Dinner at Buca di Beppo meant plenty of pasta ๐ and laughs ๐.
Day 13 โ August 2: Colorado Bound ๐๏ธ๐ซ
Early flight to Denver after lunch at Stanleyโs ๐. Dinner at Torchyโs ๐ฎ wrapped up the day.
Day 14 โ August 3: A Little Shopping & A Lot of Food ๐๏ธ๐
Costco run ๐, lunch at Noodles & Co ๐, Ulta trip ๐, and a sunset walk to Chipotle for dinner ๐ฏ.
Day 15 โ August 4: Chill Day ๐ก๐ฅ
Social Security appointment, relaxing at home ๐๏ธ, Dominoโs pizza ๐ for dinner, and gooey sโmores by the fire ๐ฅ.
Day 16 โ August 5: Denver Zoo & Game Night ๐ฆ๐ฎ
A behind-the-scenes zoo tour ๐, animal fun, and a Mario Kart marathon ๐๏ธ. Dinner at Stanleyโs ๐ and more sโmores ๐ฅ to end the night.
Day 17 โ August 6: Small-Town Vibes ๐ฆ๐พ
Arrived at Megโs, explored the farmers market ๐ฅ, enjoyed ice cream ๐จ, and watched Happy Gilmore 2 ๐ฌ.
Day 18 โ August 7: Lake Day ๐คโ๏ธ
Quick Walmart run ๐๏ธ, drive around the ranches ๐, lunch at Caneโs ๐, Dutch Bros coffee โ, and boating at Chatfield Lake ๐ค๐ฆ.
Day 19 โ August 8: Missyโs & Birthday Fun ๐๐
Visited Missyโs, celebrated an early birthday ๐ฅณ, stopped at Dollar General ๐ and TJ Maxx ๐.
Day 20 โ August 9: Pikes Peak ๐๏ธ๐
Reached 14,115 ft at Pikes Peak ๐ฌ๏ธ, then explored charming Manitou Springs โฒ.
Day 21 โ August 10: Outlet Shopping ๐๏ธ
A day at Castle Rock outlet mall ๐๐.
Day 22 โ August 11: Flying Home โ๏ธ
Flight from Denver to Frankfurtโgoodbye, USA ๐บ๐ธ๐.
Day 23 โ August 12: Home Sweet Home ๐กโค๏ธ
Arrived back in Frankfurt, tired but so happy with our summer adventure memories.
๐ Top: Tan fitted tank top ๐ Bottoms: High-waisted hot pink leggings ๐ Shoes: White sneakers or cozy slides (depending on mood) ๐ Accessories: Minimal โ small hoop earrings, dainty necklace, or a crossbody bag ๐ Hair: Relaxed bun or low ponytail for a clean, effortless vibe
โธป
๐ก Styling Tips: โข Add a cropped zip hoodie or denim jacket for layering. โข Balance the bold pink leggings with neutral shoes and accessories. โข If stepping out, throw on oversized sunglasses for a chic finish.
โธป
๐ Swap Idea: Switch the tank top for an oversized graphic tee tucked in for a more streetwear-inspired look.
โธป
โจ Outfit Details: โข Top: H&M โข Bottoms: Primark โข Accessories: gift shop in Colorado
โธป
๐ธ Where to Wear It: โข Casual brunch or coffee date โข Quick errands run โข Chill day at home or yoga class
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โจ Final Tips: Keep it simple and fun! The pink leggings are the star, so let them pop by keeping everything else clean and minimal.
๐ Top: Black sleeveless fitted tank ๐ Bottoms: White tennis skirt with pink abstract ribbon print ๐ Shoes: Tan double-strap flat sandals ๐ Accessories: Minimalist necklace, black smart watch ๐ Hair: Low messy bun
๐ก Styling Tips: โข Pair with a light cropped denim jacket for cooler mornings. โข Add a crossbody bag in a pastel color to tie into the skirtโs pink print. โข Keep makeup fresh and natural to match the sporty-chic vibe.
๐ Swap Idea: Switch the sandals for crisp white sneakers for an even sportier look.
โจ Outfit Details: Top: Primark Bottoms: Altard State Shoes: Amazon Accessories: Gift shop in Colorado
๐ธ Where to Wear It: Casual brunch, tennis match, summer shopping day, or sightseeing on vacation.
โจ Final Tips: Comfort meets cuteness hereโperfect for active days when you still want to look put-together
๐ Top: Oversized brown tee ๐ Bottoms: Light pink pleated athletic skort ๐ Shoes: White sneakers or chunky slip-on sandals ๐ Accessories: Minimal necklace, stud earrings, crossbody bag in neutral or pastel shade ๐ Hair: Low messy ponytail or loose bun for effortless charm
๐ก Styling Tips: โข Tuck in just the front of the tee for a more structured look. โข Add a cropped denim jacket for cooler days. โข Keep the accessories simple to let the pink skort stand out.
๐ Swap Idea: Switch the olive tee for a crisp white cropped tee for a brighter, sportier vibe.
๐ Top: Pink and white striped sleeveless dress (one-piece) ๐ Bottoms: โ (Dress, so no bottoms needed!) ๐ Shoes: Knotted silver metallic flat sandals ๐ Accessories: โข Gold necklace with white floral pendant โข Stacked rings โข Pink nail polish for a playful pop ๐ Hair: Top knot bun for a fresh, effortless look
๐ก Styling Tips: Keep the accessories minimal to let the soft stripes of the dress stand out. A top bun adds to the light, summery vibeโplus itโs practical for hot weather.
๐ Swap Idea: Switch the silver sandals for white sneakers for a sportier daytime look, or nude wedges to dress it up.
๐ Top: Light pink ribbed tank with mesh detail and tiny bow embellishment โ soft, feminine, and breathable.
๐ Bottoms: High-waisted light-wash denim shorts โ relaxed fit for comfort and casual vibes.
๐ Shoes: (Barefoot in image โ perfect for indoors or swap with white sneakers or pastel slides for going out!)
๐ Accessories: โข Dainty gold necklace with a white butterfly pendant โข Matching light pink manicure โข Simple gold hoop earrings or studs would complement the look
๐ Hair: Casual low bun โ ideal for warm weather and effortless style
โธป
๐ก Styling Tips: โข Add a lightweight cardigan or cropped jacket for cooler mornings. โข A white tote bag or mini backpack would be practical and chic. โข Keep makeup fresh with pink lips and dewy skin.
๐ Swap Idea: Swap the denim shorts for a white tennis skirt for a preppy, polished twist.
โธป
โจ Outfit Details: Top: Altarโd State Bottoms: Primark Accessories: Amazon
โธป
๐ธ Where to Wear It: โข Casual brunch โข Summer playdate โข Farmers market stroll โข Lounging at home in style
โธป
โจ Final Tips: Lean into the soft pastel palette with coordinating accessories, or contrast it with bold pops (like neon nails or a bright headband) for a playful edge. Keep things comfy and light โ this look is all about effortless beauty.
๐ Top: Smocked pink sleeveless top with ruffle peplum detail
๐ Bottoms: Matching pink shorts โ soft, flowy, and casual
๐ Shoes: Barefoot here, but white sneakers, pink slides, or strappy sandals would complement the look perfectly
๐ Accessories: Simple silver or gold jewelry (studs + delicate necklace seen), pop socket phone grip accessory
๐ Hair: Relaxed low messy bun โ effortlessly chic
โธป
๐กStyling Tips: โข Add a denim jacket or light cardigan for breezy evenings โข Keep makeup natural and dewy for a soft summer glow โข A straw hat or headband would elevate the look for a day out
๐ Swap Idea: Swap shorts for high-waisted white linen pants for a resort-ready vibe
๐ธ Where to Wear It: โข Lounging at home โข Casual brunch โข Beach getaway โข Spa day or self-care Sunday
โธป
โจFinal Tips: This set is a perfect balance of playful and put-together. Donโt underestimate the power of coordinated loungewearโitโs comfort and confidence rolled into one.
๐ Top: Built-in tank-style top (part of the one-piece dress) ๐ Bottoms: Flowing pleated skirt attached to top (one-piece design) ๐ Shoes: Barefoot (consider white sneakers or sporty sandals!) ๐ Accessories: Minimal โ simple necklace, phone grip ring ๐ Hair: Half-up, natural waves with a center part
โธป
๐ก Styling Tips: โข This dress gives major tenniscore or sporty chic vibes. Add a denim jacket or a lightweight cardigan if youโre heading out. โข White crew socks and retro sneakers would finish the look perfectly. โข For a polished twist, try a slicked-back ponytail or a low bun.
๐ Swap Idea: โข Swap the sporty dress for a romper or a two-piece set with a crop top and flowy shorts for a beach day look.
๐ธ Where to Wear It: โข Casual day out โข Tennis or pickleball court โข Brunch with friends โข Beach boardwalk stroll
โธป
โจ Final Tips: โข Donโt forget your SPF โ this sporty dress is perfect for sunny days! โข Add a scrunchie or visor to lean into the athletic aesthetic. โข A belt bag or mini backpack would be a practical and cute addition.
