Thanks everyone, this is so helpful. So here's what I'm thinking - does this work: Fly into Copenhagen, overnight Ferry to Oslo, NIM with one overnight in the middle ending in Bergen, Fly to Stockholm, home from there. Once we get the overseas tickets we can figure out how to divide the time (we're using frequent flyer miles to make this happen so I want to do it soon).

If this does work, where would you overnight for the NIM
would you spend a few days in Bergen, or just use it as jumping off place to fly to Stockholm?

thanks

I'd spend a day in Bergen - nice old town section but not more.

In Bergen, take the funicular up to Mount Floyen for great views. Or you can walk up, or down. If I'd had more time, I would have taken the Cable Car up to Mount Ulriken, as well, as it's supposed to have even better views. It's also possible to hike up to Mount Ulriken.

Well we did it - tickets are bought - into Copenhagen and out of Stockholm with the intention of visiting Norway in between. Thank you all for your thoughts - more posts/questions will come as we begin to flesh this out. Vikings, fyords, Hamlet - oh my