Scandinavia trip ideas needed

I would focus on Norway which by far has the most spectacular landscapes. I would skip Copenhagen and Stockholm, although I prefer the countryside over Scandinavian cities, which are all somewhat dull and expensive. Be aware that Copenhagen, Stockholm and Gothenburg have some of the highest rates of violent crime in Europe. There are particular areas in those cities which should be avoided at night. On the other hand, both Oslo and Stockholm are quite pretty cities.

I too would focus on Oslo, the fjords and the surrounding area. I seriously doubt though that there's more violent crime in Stockholm, Göteborg or Copenhagen compared to Paris, London, Rome, Marseilles, Moscow, Rome, Swansea or any other big European city. Sure there are bad areas, just like in any city but that's a different matter. Violent street crime rates tend to be lower if anything in the Scandinavian countries compared to most other parts of the world.

If you want to go to Stockholm just to have been there it's certainly worth the visit. About the same as far as costs as Oslo. Make sure you get to spend at least a few hours wandering around the old city (Gamla Stan). The Royal Castle is always an experience if you're into that sort of thing. The city is also pretty much filled to the brim with museums and parks. Lots to see for sure.

In Stockholm don't miss seeing the Wasa (or Vasa). The gallery of modern art is worth a visit. And of course the new Fotografiska Museum. Catching a ferry into the archipelago is also spectacular. Aland Islands are worth a visit from Stockholm, especially if you can get a small boat in Mariehamn to explore the Aland Islands a bit.

Buy a return flight to Narvik. Hang around Lofoten islands and Troms area. Lofoten is incredibly photogenic. In June you'll have 24 hour daylight. It's an amazing experience you won't forget.

Skip everything else - or else you'll regret not spending more time up north.

p.s. June is pre-bug season in the far north. It's the best time to go!

It's no problem checking the stats on violent crime. Sweden has by far the highest rape rate in Europe, we're 2nd after the UK in knife murders and knife assaults per capita and among the worst countries when it comes to drug related violent crime. It's no secret.

Do you have any sources you could point to Chrise?

As I live in Oslo, I would give you this recommendation: fly to Tromso (somewhat north of Lofoten) and take the ferry (hurtigrute) to Svolvar (the "capital" of Lofoten). You will pass through the most stunning part of Lofoten, with the possibility to see large eagles.
Take a day trip from Svolvar to Reine in Lofoten and back. Fly from Svolvar via Trondheim to Stockholm, possibly the most beautiful city in Scandinavia. Spend 2-3 days there before returning to Oslo.
This way, you will get both the most stunning nature and the best city in one package!

I just came back from a trip to Stockholm, Oslo & Bergen, Norway. I was so-so on Stockholm, but I loved Norway. The fjords are fantastic, and at the risk of offending folks from Stockholm, the people are warmer in Norway(IMHO). Not that Stockholm is not special; it is a fine city. But I felt more like I was conducting business in Sweden and on vacation in Norway.

If you decide to go from Oslo, the train to Stockholm leaves several times per day and it's about six hours' or more, depending on whether you can get an express train. There are also train/bus combination tickets sold, and you should be careful if you buy the ticket online (which is pretty much the only way to do it). You could end up with a bus journey accidentally if you don't read the fine print. The train from Oslo to Bergen is also about 6-7 hours, and it's one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. You can stop at Flam and take the Flamsbahne, another gorgeous ride. Or you can go up the Norwegian coast using the Hurtigrute, as suggested above - expensive, but supposedly a wonderful trip (out of my price range or I would have jumped on it).

Note that both countries, Sweden and Norway, are very expensive, especially the food. I had orange juice, iced tea and a scone at a corner cafe, nothing fancy, for $12. Their currency is much stronger than ours (US dollar or the Euro). The cost of transit tickets is high too - over $100 for that Stockholm/Oslo train ticket.

Nine days seems a bit too short to get all three cities in with the additional transport (train time), but technically, it could be done. Especially if you want to fly to Stockholm or Copenhagen instead of using the train.

Regardless, have a great trip!

Given your time constraints, I would stick to Norway. If you take the train to Stockholm, you will lose the better part of two days going back and forth. The aforementioned Oslo/Bergen train ride was the highlight for me. Don't miss the Munch Museum in Oslo. In Bergen, be sure to take the incline railway up to the overlook (departs from NE edge of the bay if my memory of 25 years serves me. Get a good guidebook and country map. Lonely Planet tends to have the best town & city maps IMHO. Have fun and bring your piggy bank.