a visit from norway

Welcome to Norway

Harald Hognerud - DeHistoriske

Visit the amazing Norway Fjords

Fjord Norway - Robin Strand

Bryggen Wharf is one of Norway`s most historical sights

Øyvind Heen - Visitnorway.com

In Norway you will find architectural masterpieces

Christopher Hagelund - Visitnorway.com

Discover Norway by activities

EspenMortensen-esmofoto.no_www.nordnorge.com

Visit Norway with the enchanting and famous Norwegian fjords and discover Norway's culture, cities, nature and much more...

Norway is world-famous for its beautiful nature, especially the Norwegian fjords . Also, the many  national parks are impressive with mountains, ice-blue glaciers, deep green forests, lakes, and beautiful green valleys and pastures. Norway is one of the three Scandinavian countries; with Denmark and Sweden, Norway is ranked as one of the best countries to live in and has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

The Norwegian coastline is 25,148 km, but including the long fjords, mainland, and numerous small islands, the length is more than 100,000 km.

Every year in Oslo, the Nobel Peace Prize  ceremony takes place by the Norwegian committee. 

The northern lights and midnight sun

In the north of  Norway , the sun never sets during the summer, so that you can see the sun 24/7. This fantastic view is called the midnight sun .

The sun never rises above the horizon in the winter, making northern Norway the perfect spot to watch the Northern Lights, and the season is from September to April.

In northern Norway, you can discover the Northern Lights  from September to April, and the sun never rises above the horizon.

See more: Northern Lights and midnight sun in Tromsø

Norway´s major cities

Norway has borders with Finland, Sweden and Russia and the coastline face the North Atlantic Ocean. The Gulf stream runs along the Norwegian coast, and the climate here is mild and relatively wet, and to the north and east, the winters are longer and colder.

Oslo is the capital with about 635,000 inhabitants. Other major cities are Bergen, Trondheim , Tromsø and Stavanger  . Europe´s northernmost point is North Cape .

See more:  What to see and do in Oslo

The Norwegian fjords are world renown

Norway has the highest concentration of fjords in the world. The Geiranger Fjord and the Nærøy fjord is on the Unesco World Heritage List.

Norwegian nature can be just as wild as it is beautiful. The weather may change quickly in the mountains – from bright sunshine to rain, dense fog and strong winds. 

See more: Experience the Norwegian Fjords

Norway is the home of skiing

A Norwegian proverb claims Norwegians are born with skis on their feet, and Norway is undoubtedly a winter sports nation, with skiing and cross-country in particular as the two most beloved sports.

Norway is undoubtedly a winter sports nation, with skiing and cross-country as the two most beloved sports. The Norwegians appreciate their family, friends and leisure activities, and on weekends they love hiking in nature, skiing, biking or other outdoor activities.

The best-known skiing areas are Lillehammer, Beitostolen, Dovrefjell, Rondane, Hallingdal and Valdres.

Many ski centres offer Alpine skiing and snowboarding, including Hafjell, Trysil, Kvitfjell and Hemsedal. The ski season lasts from November to Easter.

Extreme sports like freeskiing, kiteboarding, downhill and mountain bike racing, rock climbing, rafting, parachuting, and BASE jumping are becoming increasingly popular.

In 1957 The Outdoors Recreation Act (Allemannsretten) allowed everyone to access the open country, even private property. In Norway, there is a network of well-maintained trails and cabins. 

Norway facts

King Harald V. has been the head of state since 1991. The king has no political power but performs ceremonial duties. Norway has a parliamentary democracy and is one of the most democratic countries in the world. The parliament is called Stortinget.

Essential values in Norway are economic, social and gender equality and openness and equal rights in general – such as financial, social and gender equality.

In Norway are living 5.300 million people live, and Norway is the third happiest in the world, according to the 2022 World Happiness Report. Other top countries are their Nordic neighbours, Finland (no.1) and Denmark (no.2).

Norway is the world’s largest exporter of salmon.

> See why visit the Nordic countries

Famous people from Norway

Edvard Munch and Henrik Ibsen are widely regarded as influential figures in the history of art and literature.

Today noway is the world’s biggest exporter of black metal music. The so-called Nordic noir literary genre has been prevalent in recent years. Here we will mention authors like Jo Nesbø and Karin Fossum. 

Major industries in Norway 

The country has a very high standard of living and a sound health system like the other Nordic countries . The major industries in Norway are chemicals, food processing, metals, gas and oil, shipping, pulp, and paper products.

What to See and Do in Norway

Norway Fjords

Most Popular Attractions

Nature & Wildlife

Top 9 Museums

Top 9 Family Attractions

Heritage Norway

Popular Outdoor Activities

Getting to Norway

Best season

Popular cities in norway.

Narvik is the gateway to the Arctic

Popular Regions in Norway

Northern Norway

Southern Norway

Discover the northern lights.

Welcome to Alta

Lyngenfjord

Top attractions in norway.

The Pulpit Rock

The Royal Palace

Bryggen Wharf Bergen

Holmenkollen & Ski Museum

The Geirangerfjord

Oslo Viking Ship Museum

Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park

The Nærøyfjord

Akershus Castle & Fortress

Vøringsfossen

Amazing viewpoints in norway.

Geiranger-Trollstigen

Jostedalsbreen National Park

Mount Fløyen in Bergen

Romsdalseggen

Besseggen Ridge Hiking Trail

Galdhøpiggen Hiking

Visit the arctic.

Svalbard in Norway

Kiruna in Lapland

Lofoten Islands

Highlights in fjord norway.

The Atlantic Road

Loen Skylift

Flåm Railway

Practical Tips

Visa to Norway

Opening hours in Norway

Weather in Norway

What to Pack for Norway

Currency and Tip in Norway

Public Transport

Driving in Norway

Credit Cards in Norway

Internet & Wifi & Phones

Safety in Norway

Emergency in Norway

Transport to and from Oslo Int. Airport

Tourist Offices

Tax free Shopping in Norway

Electricity

Beautiful west norway.

Facts - Norway

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Reasons to Visit Norway

Norway in Two Weeks

Historic Hotels in Norway

Spectacular Viewpoints

Bergen Railway Tour

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Norway Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Visit Norway!

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Being born and raised by the beautiful Norwegian fjords, I often get asked to share my best travel tips for Norway . Through my years as a travel blogger I have written several helpful guides to visiting Norway, but I realised I’ve never actually created one, massive resource for travelling to Norway – kind of like an ultimate Norway travel guide!

So, that’s what this is.

In this post, I aim to share EVERYTHING you need to know before your trip to Norway, including the best places to visit in Norway, when to visit Norway, and what the expectations are when it comes to tipping in Norway.

And more, of course.

I’ll also link to all my best Norway resources and articles where they are relevant, which you can also find by heading to the Norway travel category where I have collected all posts about travelling to Norway. 

Don’t forget to join my Norway Travel Tips Facebook group to connect with others who are currently planning their trips, discover new Norway travel hacks and share inspiration to make the most of your travel plans!

Since this post turned out to be massive, feel free to use th table of contents to navigate ! Just click the little button on the right of it to expand and click your way through my guide!

Table of Contents

Norway Travel Guide: Welcome!

The photo above is the view from my house. I’m serious. This is what Norway looks like, and it’s no wonder publications and travellers alike call Norway one of the most beautiful countries in the world .

I grew up by the fjords, and not just any fjord. The Aurlandsfjord, with Flåm at its end and the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Nærøyfjord as one of its ‘arms’, is one of the most popular fjords in Norway.

This means that my little municipality of 1700 people (my village has around 600 inhabitants) is visited by over 1,5 million tourists a year.

Side note: having grown up where I have, I also run a blog dedicated to Flåm and the area – head this way to read!

It wasn’t until I moved to Wales at 17, followed by London and Florida that I started realising just how beautiful and special Norway is, and now I love sharing my Norway travel tips and guides with visitors from all over the world.

3 Things to know about Norway before visiting

In order to cover all the best places to visit in Norway, I’d first like to point out that there are a few things you should know before you book a trip to Norway. 

#1 The Cost of Things

One of those things is that Norway is expensive as hell .

There’s no denying it, and you’ll be better off by knowing this in advance. By saving and budgeting, your trip to Norway will go a lot smoother, and being prepared for high prices will save you any frustration during your trip.

Especially in the more touristy areas you’ll find that the prices are quite high.

#2 The Language

Another thing to know about Norway is that the Norwegian language can come across as quite rude . This is not to say that Norwegians are rude, but a result of the lack of ‘polite filler words’ in our day-to-day language.

By this, I mean that we don’t add ‘please’ to the end of a sentence when ordering food or asking for something, we very rarely say ‘excuse me’ if interrupting someone, and the language generally lacks the politeness of English.

You may come across exceptions to this rule, but it’s still worth being aware of so you don’t get offended when someone bumps into you on the street without apologising.

It’s not that we are being rude, it is just our culture and the way of our language.

One last thing worth knowing before you visit Norway is that in general, Norwegians speak and understand English very well .

This is something we are aware of and are proud of, and I believe it is a result of all English/American TV shows and movies aired in Norway simply being subtitled, and not dubbed.

This means that a Norwegian might get offended or annoyed if you speak English as if we don’t understand you, by over- pronouncing or speaking extremely slowly.

I have personally gotten slightly defensive when a tourist once was extremely surprised by the fact that I speak English.

So ask us politely and normally if we speak English, don’t act surprised when we say ‘of course’. If you comment on how Norwegians speak very good English in general, make sure to do just so. Don’t say it in a surprised tone on how one specific person speaks it so well.

There you have some of the things I think you should know before visiting Norway. Now, let’s get down to business!

The 8 Best places to visit in Norway

Norway is quite a large country, in spite of only having a little over 5 million inhabitants.

Out of all the great places to visit in Norway , you’ll find that some are more popular than others.

Most travellers, unless they are on a cruise, will arrive by plane into one of the two main airports in the country; Oslo or Bergen.

From there, they’ll either have a packed itinerary taking them through all the best places to visit in Norway or play it by ear.

Those visiting by cruise will often dock in destinations such as Flåm , Olden or Geiranger.

In this section, I have tried to break down the most popular places to visit in Norway. In no particular order.

Naturally, Oslo is one of the top places to visit in Norway.

The capital of Norway has a variety of fun attractions, and you’ll find that there are a plethora of fun things to do and see. You can enjoy a boat ride or go swimming in the Oslo fjord, take a stroll through one of the city’s many parks, or rent a bike and explore Oslo on a budget.

The Akerselva River runs through the city, and the path alongside it makes for a lovely stroll.

Head this way to read the ultimate guide to things to do in Oslo . You’ll need more than a day to get through all the 30+ activities on the list!

#2 The fjords

Obviously, I couldn’t write a list of the best places to visit in Norway and not include the famous fjords.

However, they are in need of their very own section, as there are several of them worth visiting. Norway is actually the country in the world with the highest density of fjords ! Considering that the word itself is Norwegian, I’m not surprised.

I have covered the fjords in a separate section below, as well as this post about the best fjords in Norway .

The second largest city in Norway is a very popular destination for travellers to Norway due to its proximity to the famous fjords.

This is also where I currently live!

Bergen is famous for the wooden houses along the docks of the city; Bryggen , great local restaurants , and some incredible hikes overlooking the city.

Many tours to the fjords start in Bergen, and it is the perfect starting point for a Norwegian holiday.

Bergen is not only one of Norway’s major cities, but it is also the largest cruise port in the country. So if you are visiting Norway on a cruise you are very likely to be dropping by Bergen.

When you are visiting Bergen, don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in the city , this overview of some great Bergen tours , or even these Bergen fjord cruises (to help you make the most of your trip)!

Bergen Hotel Deals

#4 trondheim.

Trondheim is known amongst Norwegians for their killer student community, and amongst visitors for the beautiful Nidaros Cathedral.

This is the perfect city for a stroll, and both the main square and the pathways along the Nidelva River are beautiful areas to visit.

#5 Lillehammer

Lillehammer gets an honourable mention on this list of places to visit in Norway thanks to the hilarious Netflix show Lilyhammer .

Lillehammer was also the host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, which many Norwegians still remember and remind people that they hosted.

Most travellers will visit Lillehammer as a day trip from Oslo.

#6 Northern Norway

I’m sorry to put this as one item on the list, as I know that there are many beautiful places to visit in Northern Norway.

Alta , Bodø, Tromsø and Lofoten are amongst popular destinations in Northern Norway, and visitors from all over the world travel to Norway to head up North in the winter in order to see the Northern Lights, as well as experience incredible activities such as dog sledding, learning about Sami culture and sleeping in an igloo hotel .

Northern Norway is actually where you’ll find several of the world’s best places to see the Northern lights .

Personally, I think Alta might be one of my favourite destinations in Norway! Just make sure to pack well .

Heading up north? Don’t miss my guide to shooting the Northern lights with a GoPro !

Northern Norway Hotel Deals

#7 the lofoten islands.

The Lofoten Islands (or just Lofoten) is an archipelago of islands located in Nordland county in Northern Norway.

It is an incredibly popular destination for photography enthusiasts, and with good reason. These islands boast of incredible nature with steep, alp-like mountains, stunning white-sand beaches, and even some killer waves for anyone who’s into surfing.

I couldn’t possibly write a Norway travel guide without mentioning this place (even though I have a separate section for Northern Norway right above it).

I didn’t visit Lofoten until I was 28, and I couldn’t believe I had taken that long to explore the place. Absolutely stunning, is the only way to describe it.

Curious about visiting Lofoten? Here are 23 reasons you need to visit Lofoten now!

In my collection of itineraries, I have now added self-drive Lofoten itineraries (it is a place where a rental car is a must)! Head this way to find them!

#8 Stavanger

Stavanger is an incredibly pretty city, and one I didn’t actually visit until I was in my twenties. I wish I had sooner because it really took my breath away!

From the pretty Fargegaten (the coloured street pictured below) to walking through the Old Town, Stavanger has plenty of reasons to visit.

Head this way to read my favourite things to do in Stavanger !

The best fjords to visit in Norway

Below is an overview of which fjords to visit in Norway, but you can also head this way to read my extensive guide to the 5 best fjords to visit in Norway!

I told you the fjords deserved their own section in this post. Basically, most people who travel to Norway come to experience the Norwegian fjords, and with good reason.

The fjords offer breathtaking scenery, majestic mountains and a landscape that will stay in your memory forever.

First things first.

What is a fjord?

You’ll be surprised with the amount of people who arrive in Norway with no clue what a fjord actually is.

Some think it’s a lake, others think it’s the name for Norwegian mountains. We have had people ask us if we drain the fjords in the winter (?) or if we turn off the waterfalls at all (??).

My friend once got asked if we built the visiting cruise ship on the fjord in order to get it there , because apparently , it was too hard to believe that it had sailed its way there.

A fjord is a body of water that fills a deep and narrow valley created by a glacier, often with steep, dramatic mountains surrounding it. As it is connected to the ocean, it is not a lake. As it is not flowing anywhere, it is not a river. It is a fjord.

How do I use ‘fjord’ in a sentence?

I wanted to mention this briefly as I have heard (and read) too many fun variations of sentences including the fjords. Here’s my low-down of how to use the fjords in a s entence;

• You are by the fjords, not at the fjords when you are in the area surrounding it, such as in my village Aurland.
• You are only on the fjord if you are on a boat, on the fjord . If you are going for a swim, you are in the fjord.
• The mountains are not fjords, so you cannot ‘ hike a fjord ‘. You can hike by or near a fjord. However, you can hike in the fjord landscape.
• The fjords as a plural is used to describe several of the fjords in Norway, which are mainly found in the west. Thus, the term ‘the fjords’ could also just mean ‘the area in Western Norway spreading across the Lysefjord, the Sognefjord and the Geirangerfjord. Don’t ever call it the fjords (plural) if you are only talking about one of them.

Now that we’ve got the technical stuff covered, let me share the best fjords in Norway with you. There are only 3 you need to know, in my opinion.

#1 The Lysefjord – Lysefjorden

Lysefjorden is a small fjord near Stavanger, and it is the location of the famous Pulpit Rock and Kjerag/Kjeragbolden. These two popular hikes have incredible views of the fjord below and are both worth a try if you are in the area. 

The Lysefjord ends in Lysebotn, a small village at the bottom of the mountain and at the end of the fjord.

The fjord can be explored by ferry, and there are also car ferries running there in the summertime, allowing you to bring your own car on the fjord adventure.

Along the Lysefjord you’ll also find Flørli, which is the last ferry stop before Lysebotn. Here you can hike the famous Flørli 4444, which is the world’s longest wooden stairs.

They consist of (you guessed it) 4444 wooden steps going up the mountainside along the old water pipes.  The pipes are reminders of Flørli’s rich hydro energy history.

Please note that there are limited schedules for the ferries on Lysefjorden in the winter, and so I advise you to do your research before heading to the pier for pickup.

#2 The Geiranger fjord – Geirangerfjorden

One of the busiest little villages in Norway, mainly thanks to the cruise traffic visiting this fjord, is Geiranger.

This quaint little place is neatly nestled at the bottom of a mountain, and looks tiny when pictured with the majestic fjord landscape surrounding it.

The Geiranger fjord is one of two fjords in Norway (the other one is next) that have been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The area surrounding Geiranger boasts some incredible viewpoints, such as Dalsnibba and Ørneredet (the Eagle’s Nest). A popular hike overlooking the fjord goes to Westerås Farm, where you can even spend the night if you book in advance.

Going on a fjord cruise in Geiranger is a must if you want to see the famous waterfalls ‘De Syv Søstre’ (the Seven Sisters) or ‘Friaren’ (the Suitor).

These waterfalls face each other along the fjord, and have a pretty interesting backstory , which I’ll tell you if you ask!

#3 The Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord

These two fjords, the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord, are actually ‘fjord arms’ of the Sognefjord, which is the largest fjord in Norway.

A fjord arm is simply a smaller fjord connected to the main fjord, which is connected to the ocean. I really should be a teacher with these amazing explanations.

The Aurlandsfjord is the name of the fjord where you’ll find my village, Aurland, as well as the famous neighbouring village Flåm.

Flåm is one of Norway’s largest cruise ports, after Stavanger, Bergen and Geiranger. You can imagine how busy it gets in a village of 300 inhabitants when 5000 cruise passengers embark.

One of the best activities in the area is the newly opened Flåm Zipline, which is Scandinavia’s longest (and fastest)! Read my review (and watch my video) here !

Flåm is home to the famous Flåm Railway, one of the world’s most scenic railways. Aurland is home to the impressive Stegastein Viewpoint , a viewing platform built 650 metres above sea level and offering panoramic views of the fjord below. It’s with good reason that I love this area.

The Nærøyfjord is a fjord arm of the Aurlandsfjord, and has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status along with the Geiranger fjord (above). This is where the Sognefjord is at its narrowest, which provides for some impressive sceneries.

Before heading to the Aurlandsfjord area, don’t miss the travel guide I have written about it! It’s a 30+ page eBook , and I am so excited to have finally published it!

The 4 Best Things to do in Norway

Now that we have covered the different places to visit in Norway (and I’m sure I’ve missed a few), it’s time to cover another important topic; what is there to do in Norway?

Naturally, each of the places above will have their own distinct activities and things to do, and some are very location specific.

However, there are some experiences in Norway that are more popular than others, and they are worth knowing about before visiting Norway.

I also have separate posts on what to do in Oslo , Bergen , Stavanger , Lofoten , Flåm and Olden specifically.

#1 Hiking in Norway

There are many popular hikes in Norway, and you’ll see photos of them everywhere and anywhere you turn online.

The most famous ones are Pulpit Rock, and the dreaded 10-hour hike Trolltunga (which some tourists still manage to complete in sandals and jeans), but there are loads of great lesser known hikes in Norway too!

Here are two of my favourite unknown hikes in Norway!

#2 Explore the fjords by boat

As mentioned above, the fjords are some of the main reasons people visit Norway. Naturally, heading out on the fjords by boat is a must during your trip to Norway, and luckily there are several ways to cross this on your list!

On all three of the fjords I’ve listed in this post you can go on a fjord cruise which will take you through the fjords so you can enjoy the scenery.

Most of the companies have classic car ferries covering the routes, but if you go on a fjord cruise in the Nærøyfjord from Flåm to Gudvangen or back) you can travel on fully electric vessels, which is an experience on its own.

Another fun way to explore the fjords is to go out on a FjordSafari, which is in a smaller boat allowing you to get much closer to nature. These tours are popular in Flåm and Geiranger.

If you prefer a more active approach, kayaking on the fjords is always an option, and you can choose between renting your own or joining a kayaking tour.

There are even tours that include an overnight stay along the fjord, giving you a fjord experience to remember for life.

#3 The Flam Railway – Flåmsbana (and other train journeys)

Named one of the most scenic train rides in the world, this is at the top of many people’s Norway bucket list. The Flåm Railway runs between Myrdal and Flåm, and takes approximately one hour each way.

This is the #1 attraction in Flåm, and tickets sell out extremely fast, so do make sure to book early.

Originally, the Flåm Railway was constructed with the purpose of connecting the Oslo-Bergen Railway with the boats coming into the Sognefjord (Flåm is literally at the end of it), but today its main job is transporting almost 10’000 tourists a day to the top of the Flåm Valley and back down to the fjord.

If you are one of those travellers, do read this sarcastic mini guide by yours truly on how to be a tourist in Norway.   Remember that offence is taken, not given.

#4 Norway in a Nutshell

This isn’t technically a ‘thing to do in Norway’, but more like a way to explore Norway. Norway in a Nutshell is a popular non-guided tour, starting in either Oslo or Bergen.

Basically, it takes you from either city via train, connecting you to the famous Flåm Railway at Myrdal. On the train to Myrdal you will have already seen some of Norway’s beautiful nature, and experienced the impressively poor w ifi they advertise on the NSB trains.

From Myrdal to Flåm you not only get no wifi at all, you also won’t have any phone signal. So grab your camera and enjoy the stunning views of the Flåm Valley.

One of the most impressive things about the Flåm Railway, in my opinion, is the fact that in one of the tunnels the train turns almost 180 degrees, and you’ll exit the tunnel with the view you had on one side of the train on the opposite side. That’s all happening inside a mountain, guys!

The next step of the classic Norway in a Nutshell itinerary is to get on a fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen. On this cruise you’ll sail through the Nærøyfjord, and get to cross off the UNESCO listed area from your list. From Gudvangen you continue on to Voss by bus, where you will jump on a train back to either Oslo or Bergen.

Do note that this is mainly the classic Norway in a Nutshell itinerary, and that there are many variations of it, for example allowing you to end in a different city from where you started.

Here’s my guide to booking the Norway in a Nutshell tour on your own (saving you quite a bit of $$$)!

What to see in Norway

Okay, I understand that some of these could have been included on the ‘things to do’ list, but as they are more on the scenic side,  it made sense to add them in their own category. Naturally, the Norwegian nature is a big reason many people come to visit, and so naturally, these things are mostly natural phenomenon, with a few buildings sprinkled in.

In no particular order, these are the things people come to see in Norway:

• The fjords, mainly the Nærøyfjord, the Geiranger fjord and the Lysefjord
• The Northern Lights
• Famous mountains such as Trolltunga, Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten
• Snow (seriously)
• Impressive structures such as the Opera House in Oslo and the Stegastein Viewpoint
• Historic buildings such as Bryggen in Bergen and the ships at the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo

The Best Time to Visit Norway

This is another question I get a lot; when is the best time to visit Norway? I have dedicated an entire blog post to it here , but you can also keep reading for an overview.

Side note : if you are planning your trip to Norway around the Aurora Borealis/northern lights, read my post covering the best times to see the Northern Lights in Norway !

Naturally, every season has its charms, and there are pros and cons for visiting Norway at any time of year. Visiting Norway in the summer is naturally the most popular time to visit Norway.

This is when it is warmest, and many would say the country is at its prettiest in the summer. Summer is high season for tourism in Norway, and this also means that there are more people. Everywhere.

Visiting Norway in the winter is becoming increasingly popular, as people want to venture away from everyone else and experience something unique.

Norway in the winter is cold, dark and quiet, and that’s exactly what many people are looking for. I have also written a complete guide to visiting the fjords in the winter , which I update yearly to ensure that all the latest info is there.

Don’t miss this complete packing list for visiting Norway in winter!

Onto spring, which is when many locals will advise you to visit Norway. April is still considered to be shoulder season in Norway, but more and more tour companies and providers are offering high season opening hours and schedules.

It is a little colder than summer, so you’ll have to dress well if you visit in the spring (seriously, we sometimes have snow in May!). but it’s worth it to beat the crowds.

The same can be said for visiting in the autumn, which is personally my favourite season. If you visit in September you’ll enjoy similar opening hours as August, and still catch the end of summer beauty of the country.

Unfortunately, there is no right answer to the question of when to visit Norway, and it is a decision that has to be made by each traveller.

If your priority is to have the most off-the-beaten-track experience of Norway, I would say autumn, while if it’s really important to you to have the green grass and good weather, you may have to brave the crowds of July. Either way, I hope you’ll have an amazing time in Norway!

Visiting Norway on a budget

Now onto something else completely. Is it possible to visit Norway on a budget? Well, it depends on how you define budget.

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Norway on a backpacker budget, simply because you won’t get the real experience of the country if you can’t afford to join any of the activities on offer and have to spend half your trip trying to hitch-hike a ride and finding a spot to set up your tent.

Visiting Norway on a budget in the sense that you can be smart about your money and not break the bank completely, however, is completely doable!

Here’s how you can visit Oslo on a budget , with tips that are valid for any of the Norwegian cities .

It’s all about doing your research in advance, checking for price increases and asking locals for tips. For example, in both Bergen and Oslo you can skip the expensive airport express and go by local transportation, paying less than half the price.

Instead of joining the Norway in a Nutshell tour, why not set it up on your own? As you saw above from my outline of the itinerary, it’s pretty straight forward, and completely doable to book separately. Here’s exactly how to do it on your own !

The Best Hotels in Norway

There are lots of great places to stay in Norway, from the ultimate luxury hotels to budget-friendly Bed & Breakfasts. You’ll find that there are many historic hotels across the country, offering unique experiences and fun stories to share with their visitors.

These are often members of De Historiske , which is a collection of historic hotels, and an affiliate of Historic Hotels of Europe.

Some of my favourite hotels in Norway are hotels that have a story to tell, whether they are part of De Historiske or not. Such as Amerikalinjen in Oslo, Vangsgaarden in Aurland, Hotel Union in Geiranger and Hotel Norge in Bergen.

Here are some of my favourite hotels in Oslo , specifically.

Oslo Hotel Deals

Below you will find some specific hotel deals for Oslo – courtesy of Booking.com! Hotels in Norway (and especially Oslo) fill up fast, so as soon as you have your travel dates I highly recommend booking your stay.

Travelling in Norway – How to get around

When visiting Norway you’ll want to get around in the most efficient (and budget friendly) way.

There are three main modes of transport in Norway , in addition to each city having their own system.

If you are visiting Oslo, the public transport system is called #Ruter ( yes, with the hashtag ), and in Bergen it’s called Skyss.

Both companies have apps where you can check schedules, plan your trip and buy your tickets, so I suggest downloading these before you leave. Just search for their names in your respective App store.

Want specifics? Here’s how to travel from Bergen to Flåm (and back) , and here’s how to get from Oslo to the fjords !

Note that in Spring 2019, NSB (the national rail company) and Nettbuss (my favourite bus company) announced that they were joining forces and rebranding as Vy .

Nettbuss was already owned by NSB, so by “joining forces”, I mainly mean that they are to be seen as one company publicly.

This has been a long process, and now you can book bus and train transportation (schedules, prices and tickets) on their websites; Vy and VyBuss .

Ideally, they want to merge their websites, so that you can book both bus and train tickets in the same spot – but so far it hasn’t been working greatly. So my advice is to use the separate websites for now.

Travelling Norway by car

Many people decide to rent a car in Norway and getting around that way. Renting your own car is a great way to explore the country, as it will allow you to take things at your own pace and set your own itinerary.

There are also so many great places to stop on a road trip in Norway .

Most car rentals are found near the major airports, and so it’s quite common to rent your car where you first arrive in Norway.

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN NORWAY

I’m sorry to have to caps lock that heading, but this is important. If you are renting a car in Norway and driving yourself, please read my advice very carefully.

• Do not use the emergency blinkers for anything other an emergency.  In Norway drivers are legally required to stop for vehicles with their emergency lights on, and you can only imagine the amount of times I’ve stopped and worriedly ask someone of they are okay, only to have them smile and hold up their camera and tell me that “they were only taking photos”. The emergency light does not allow you to stop in the middle of the road or in someone’s driveway. Please drive safely and keep this in mind.
• Do not drive slower than 10km/h below the speed limit. It fucking kills to be stuck behind an idiot who is too busy taking photos of the mountain to look at the road. Now before you call me insensitive, I’ve been there and I know how it feels to be insecure of the roads and not comfortable to drive faster. But that’s when I pull over and let other cars past. So please, if you are not comfortable following the speed limits, or you want to take in the scenery as you drive, please pull over whenever you can to let people past . Too many accidents are caused by a mix of insecure tourists and impatient locals.
• Calculate for extra time , no matter where you are going. The Norwegian roads, especially by the fjords, are narrow, windy, and often end in a ferry port to get you to the other side of the fjord. On our more popular tourist routes, such as the Snow Road (Aurlandsvegen) to the Stegastein Viewpoint, there are several hairpin turns to get through before you’re at the top, and most areas of the road only have space for one car at the time. Then think of the hundreds of other drivers you’ll be meeting on these narrow roads and plan accordingly. 
• Don’t overestimate yourself  or be cocky. i’m sure you’re the man and have a big car back home, but these roads can be insane. It’s not uncommon for locals to to have to get out of their cars in order to help visitors reverse theirs.

Excuse my French above, but I’ve seen too many near-accidents (and actually fatal accidents) caused by people who don’t follow these tips.

Travelling Norway by bus

There are several major bus companies with routes crossing Norway in this or that direction. Personally, I prefer travelling by bus over train, and love to get comfortable in my seat and watching the houses and farms fly by outside the window. 

The major bus companies to note in Norway, and to check if you are planning on travelling by bus in Norway are;

• VyBuss (formerly Nettbuss)
• Nor-Way Bussekspress

Travelling Norway by train

This one doesn’t require a lot of explaining, because there is only one major train company in Norway; Vy. It’s government funded, and so it is basically the national rail company. Super simple. All train tickets in Norway can be booked on their website , with few exceptions.

One of those exceptions is that SJ, a Swedish company, is currently operating certain train lines in eastern Norway. However, tickets are still sold by Vy on their website, so as a visitor you won’t really notice the difference.

As mentioned above, NSB and Nettbuss announced in early 2019 that they will be rebranding into a new company called Vy (and old Norwegian word for ‘view’). So, if you see either names or logos anywhere when traveling, you’ll know why.

Some train routes are owned by private companies, mainly when the purpose of the train is tourism and it’s considered a ‘tour’, and not simply transportation.

The Flåm Railway is a perfect example of this, all though Vy does own a percentage of it and will sell one way tickets to the Flåm Railway on their website.

Tipping in Norway

Out of all the Norway travel tips I’m ask ed to share, how tipping in Norway works is a big one.

Tipping in Oslo is a little different from tipping in Norway generally, so I’ve split them up below in order to make it easier for you.

This is mainly because Oslo is a major city with more international influences than the rest of the country. Bear in mind, however, that some of the Oslo tipping guidelines can be used in most of the other major cities in Norway as well, such as Bergen, Trondheim or Stavanger.

It’s worth noting that Norwegians generally do not tip when they are out in Norway , but with the influx of tourism the country has had in the past few  years it has become more and more common to expect a tip from visitors.

Especially if you are American, as Norwegians are well aware of the American tipping culture. Sorry about that, but at least you’re warned.

Please note that these are guidelines only , and that you should always tip what you are comfortable with. However, I hope this little tipping in Norway guide makes it a little easier for you to decide.

Tipping in Oslo

As mentioned, tipping is not very common practice for Norwegians, other than rounding up the bill to not have to carry change. As a tourist, however, it is more common to round up the bill at restaurants in Oslo to the nearest 100 NOK. This is about the extent of the tipping practices in Oslo.

Norway is a very expensive country, and so the wages of employees are quite high to match, including waiters and bartenders. So don’t feel responsible for paying their ways, as they are more than fine on their own.

But, like I said above, due to the many tourists visiting Oslo, tipping in restaurants has become more common practice. Simply round up to the nearest 100 NOK if the meal is more than 500 NOK (or the nearest 50 NOK if it’s below).

It is not common to tip taxi drivers or hotel staff when it comes to tipping in Norway. The exception is private drivers or tour guides that you have hired yourself.

Tipping in the rest of Norway

It’s not necessary to tip, and in many places they’ll follow you to let you know that you forgot your change. If you got outstanding service, feel free to leave a tip, as it will be appreciated. It’s just not necessary.

Personally, I worked as a waitress for a couple of summers by the fjords, and was incredibly glad when customers were happy enough to tip me, all though the 50 kroner they left wasn’t even a third of my hourly pay.

But still, I saved all my tip money and bought return tickets to New York at the end of summer! Score.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Norway

Still have questions about Norway? Well, keep reading. I have answered some commonly asked questions about Norway and travelling to Norway below. If you have a question that’s missing; leave it in the comments!

Surprisingly enough, this is quite a common question and shows up rather often on the list of Googled questions about Norway. If you are one of the people who made it to this post by searching ‘Where is Norway?’, then you’ll want to read this. Norway is a country located in Northern Europe, and borders Sweden along most of its borders, and Finland and Russia in the North. It is surrounded by water on 3 sides, and (you guessed it) Sweden on the 4th. If you are looking at a map of Europe and want to find Norway, just go as far North as you can on the map. If you hit Svalbard or Greenland, you’ve gone too far (all though Svalbard is actually a part of Norway, so you wouldn’t be wrong). Heading to Finland or stopping over in Helsinki? Don’t miss my guide to one day in Helsinki !

The largest city in Norway is the capital, Oslo. The second largest city in Norway is Bergen, which also used to be the capital, back when it had its original name; Bjørgvin. Heading to Oslo? Don’t miss this guide!

This has been answered in detail earlier on in the post, but if you’ve simply scrolled down to the FAQ, I’ll give you a brief answer. Each of the seasons have their charm, and I believe there is no right or wrong time to visit Norway. Personally, however, I think the best time to visit Norway is the autumn, due to the beautiful colours, and the fact that there are less people in the shoulder season. I am also an advocate for visiting Norway in the winter. Head this way for a month by month breakdown of the best time to visit Norway.

The highest mountain in Norway is Galdhøpiggen. Fun fact : it is not only the highest mountain in Norway, but also in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, with its 2469 metres above sea level. You’ll find it in the mountain range Jotunheimen, which has inspired many a song and fairytale. You may remember the ‘Jotuns’ that Thor and Loki fought in one of the Thor movies? They are the troll creatures said to inhabit Jotunheimen.

I am loving these questions! And well done for wanting to figure this out before your trip. You have no idea the amount of people that come to the fjord wondering what the hell they are there for. Norway is famous for its stunning nature, which is quite unique due to its fjord landscape. A fjord is a narrow inlet of water deep into the country, often with steep mountains surrounding it. The word ‘fjord’ is Norwegian, and used in the English language as well. If you scroll up to one of the earlier sections of this post, you’ll find a nifty little guide to how you can use the word in a sentence. Norway is also known for its expensive beer, beautiful people and for winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009. We also hosted the Winter Olympics in 1994. But, as mentioned, its the breathtaking nature of Norway that draws the most people, and is what Norway is famous for. Oh, and the Northern Lights.

Final Norway Travel Tips

You’ve almost made it to the end, my friend! Now that you have finished the guide, I hope you are feeling better equipped to visit Norway! It’s such a beautiful country, and one that should be on your list.

My final, and most important, tip for anyone travelling to Norway is make sure to stop and take it all in as often as you can during your trip.

The fjords are incredible, and the Northern Lights are nothing short of spectacular. On your trip to Norway you’ll see nature like you’ve never seen before, so please don’t miss it.

All My Norway travel guides

Below you will find every single post, guide and article I have written on visiting Norway! I add to this list every time I publish a new post, and hope you will find it helpful.

• eBook: Flåm and the fjords – Travel guide written by yours truly!
• Easy-to-follow Norway Itineraries (for Oslo, Bergen, the fjords, Lofoten and more)
• How to get from Bergen Airport to the city centre
• 18 Things you’ll only understand if you grew up in Norway
• The Ultimate Norway Winter Packing List
• 23 reasons (with photo proof) you need to visit Lofoten (in winter)
• The best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway
• How to photograph the Northern Lights using a GoPro
• 30+ fun things to do in Oslo
• Things to do in Stavanger + List of Stavanger restaurants
• Guide to spending a weekend by the fjords
• The best hikes in Norway
• Visiting Oslo on a budget
• Visiting the fjords in the Winter
• The best hotels in Oslo
• A guide to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, Oslo
• Things to consider when visiting Norway
• Visiting the Norwegian Palace in Oslo
• How to be a tourist in Norway
• A free Oslo activity: The Akerselva walk
• Hilarious Norwegian Christmas Traditions & How we Celebrate Christmas in Norway
• How to travel from Bergen to Flåm
• How to travel from Oslo to Flåm
• How to book the Norway in a Nutshell tour on your own
• A complete list of hotels in Flåm (and nearby)
• The 13 Most Beautiful Places in Norway , as told by travellers who have been there
• Fun and sustainable experiences in Aurland, Norway
• 8 great Bergen tours (including self-guided, Segway tours, and trips to the fjords!)
• 44 Things to do in Bergen
• 10 ridiculous questions asked by tourists in Norway
• Where to stop on a road trip in Norway
• A guide to the famous Flåm Zipline (+ video)
• A guide to visiting Stegastein Viewpoint, Aurland
• 25 Nordic Sweaters You’ll Love (for your trip to Scandinavia)!
• How to plan a trip to Norway (Step-by-step guide)
• The ultimate guide to hiking Pulpit Rock
• Guide to hiking Ulriken, Bergen
• The best time to visit Norway (month-by-month breakdown)
• A guide to the 5 best fjords in Norway
• The Perfect 10 Day Norway Itinerary
• The Best Restaurants in Bergen
• 17 Great things to do in Olden, Norway
• What is Norway famous for?
• Epic Things to do in Alta, Norway
• The 5 Best Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø
• 21 Unique Things to do in Tromsø
• The 5 Best Fjord Cruises from Bergen
• The 10 best cafes in Bergen
• The 5 Best Dog Sledding Tours in Tromsø
• The Best Beaches in Norway
• Nordic Symbols and their meanings

Thank you so much for reading my Norway travel guide! Was anything missing? Do you still have questions about visiting Norway? Leave them in the comments so I can answer you and add it to the blog post for the future!

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Epic Norway Itinerary: 2 Weeks Road Trip Along the Best Fjords

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 9, 2024

Are you thinking of traveling to Norway, but are not sure where to start and how to plan your trip? In this article, we share our 2-week Norway itinerary that brings you to the most beautiful places along Norway’s fjords and the Atlantic coast.

Our Norway trip itinerary is based on lots of research and personal experience with a self-drive road trip visiting the most beautiful towns and fjords in the south-west of the country.

In this article, we feature our detailed Norway road trip itinerary, practical advice, driving times, a map, and many tips to help you plan your own dream trip to Norway and make the best of it. Take a look!

Planning Norway Road Trip – Where to Start

Norway is a big country with charming little towns, stunning landscapes, and many highlights, so it might be difficult to choose where to go. And when you look at the map with countless fjords, islands, and roads ending in the water, you will probably find it overwhelming to even start planning a road trip in Norway…

I felt the same way too! We have done countless road trips all over the world , but somehow planning our Norway trip itinerary seemed like an impossible task at first. We even considered booking a cruise in Norway instead…

It’s important to understand that Norway is huge and it’s impossible to properly see the whole country or even just the main highlights in a week or two. So you have to decide which area you want to visit the most and focus on that.

When planning our summer trip for two weeks in Norway we decided to focus on the most beautiful areas in the Southwest of the country. We wanted to see the famous fjords, do at least some hiking, drive the most scenic routes, and visit the most picturesque towns of Norway.

As I am writing this post on the last day of our trip, I can tell you that we are really happy with this Norway itinerary. There are only a few minor things that we would change if we were to plan this same trip again. Find out!

Update: A few years later, we also visited Northern Norway in summer and spent two weeks traveling around Lofoten Islands , Vesteralen, Senja, and Tromso . You can find all the details of that trip in our Northern Norway Itinerary .

Two weeks in Norway – our road trip itinerary and map – OVERVIEW

• Day 1: Arrival in Stavanger (sleep in Stavanger for 3 nights)
• Day 2: Stavanger: Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock
• Day 3: Stavanger: Florli 4444
• Day 4: Stavanger to Bergen (sleep in Bergen for 2 nights)
• Day 5: Bergen and possibility to extend to Trolltunga
• Day 6: Bergen to Flam area (sleep in Flam area for 2 nights)
• Day 7: Gudvangen – Flam area – Nærøyfjord
• Day 8: Gudvangen to Sogndal (sleep in Sogndal for 1 night)
• Day 9: Sogndal to Geiranger (sleep in Geiranger for 2 nights)
• Day 10: Geirangerfjord – Briksdalsbreen glacier
• Day 11: Geiranger to Alesund (sleep in Alesund for 1 night)
• Day 12: Alesund to Kristiansund (sleep in Kristiansund for 1 night)
• Day 13: Kristiansund to Trondheim (sleep in Trondheim for 2 nights)

Day 14: Trondheim

• Day 15: Departure or extend your trip to Lofoten, Tromso, or Svalbard in the North

Please note that this is a summer road trip itinerary. Some of the roads mentioned here are only accessible from May to October, some even as short as from mid June to mid September.

I also did my best to put all of this info on a map too, so check it out. It’s definitely easier to prepare your Norway itinerary when you can see where all these places are.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Ultimate Norway Itinerary – How to See The Best of Norway in Two Weeks

Day 1: arrival in norway – stavanger.

We started our Norway trip in Stavanger , in the Southwest of Norway. Stavanger is a charming little town and it’s a great base for exploring the region and doing some hiking. But the town itself has quite a lot to offer as well. It’s the only place from our 2 weeks in Norway where we wished we had planned to stay longer.

We arrived in Stavanger around noon and decided to take it easy on our first day. We visited the town center and two of the best museums in town: the Norwegian Canning Museum and the Norwegian Petroleum Museum .

Usually, we don’t visit museums when traveling with kids, unless it’s something really special. However, these two museums are extremely well done and are great for adults and kids alike.

Actually, we loved Norwegian museums so much that we visited quite a few more later during this trip. They are great for kids too!

Practical information. You don’t necessarily need a car to explore Stavanger. Car rental, parking, toll, and car ferries are quite expensive in Norway, so it’s better not to rent a car unless you really need it. Since Stavanger, Bergen, and the most beautiful areas around Stavanger don’t require a car, we only rented one after we left Bergen.

TIP: Stavanger airport is located a bit outside the city center. The best option to get to town is by bus – book on the Flybussen website in advance. And – if traveling with kids – look for a family ticket. The bus is fast and convenient, it stops at several places in Stavanger, and costs a fraction of what a taxi would cost.

Accommodation in Stavanger. We stayed in Stavanger for 3 nights and booked a family room at a recently built hotel Scandic Stavanger City . It was by far the most family-friendly and the best price/quality hotel of our whole Norway trip. It was also the cheapest. Go figure…

LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in Stavanger – Best Hotels & Accommodation

Day 2: Stavanger: Lysefjord Cruise and Hike to the Pulpit Rock

When researching our trip to Stavanger, I read that you need two days to see the main natural highlights of the area. One day for the Lysefjord cruise , and one for the hike to Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) .

However, this is not necessarily the case! You can see both – the Lysefjord and the Pulpit Rock – in one (full) day.

Practical information. You can read more about this day trip from Stavanger here: how to visit Lysefjord cruise and do the Preikestolen hike in one day .

LEARN MORE: Hiking to Pulpit Rock

Day 3: Stavanger: Lysefjord and Florli 4444 Hike

There are several iconic hikes you can do in the Stavanger region. In addition to Pulpit Rock, we wanted to do one more hike. We were hesitating between Kjerag or Florli 4444 , and chose the latter.

Florli 4444 is the most memorable and special hike we ever made! Climbing 4444 stairs was tough, but the views were stunning and it’s an experience we will never forget.

TIP: If you have one more day in Stavanger region and you think you can handle three challenging hikes three days in a row, then you may want to hike to Kjerag as well. Note that these are all challenging hikes, but I am sure you can find other alternatives too.

Practical information. If you are planning to hike to Kjerag or Florli 4444, you will either need to rent a car or book a guided tour. We went to Florli 4444 with Geir from Lysefjorden Adventure and had a wonderful time with nothing to plan or worry about. Here you can read all about our day climbing the world’s longest wooden staircase Florli 4444 .

READ ALSO: Best Things to See and Do in Stavanger

Day 4: Stavanger to Bergen by Bus and Exploring Bergen

There are several ways to get from Stavanger to Bergen . You can drive, fly, take a ferry, or a bus. The easiest and cheapest way to travel from Stavanger to Bergen is by taking a coastal bus. It’s also a very scenic ride!

Driving time. The bus trip takes 4,5-5 hours. There are two ferry crossings along the way, so you can get out of the bus to stretch your legs, grab a bite, use the bathroom, etc.

TIP: Book your bus tickets online in advance – it’s cheaper than buying them directly from a driver. If traveling with kids, click on ‘show more ticket types’ and choose a family ticket.

Exploring Bergen. We were extremely lucky with the weather on our first day in Bergen, so we decided to visit the Floyen mountain and do some more hiking. In the evening we came back down to town and explored Bryggen . It’s a magical place when there are no other tourists around!

Accommodation in Bergen. We stayed two nights at Scandic Torget This hotel has the best location in town, next to the harbor. When planning your Norway itinerary, remember to book your hotels well in advance, also in Bergen. Despite it being a big town with plenty of hotels, Bergen was one of the most challenging places to find a family room when we were planning this trip 9 months in advance.

Day 5: Bergen and Suggestions for Trolltunga

Bergen is known as the city where it always rains. On our second day in Bergen, it poured the whole day. Luckily, there is plenty to see and do in this city even when it rains.

We chose to visit three museums – the Norwegian Fisheries Museum, the Hanseatic Museum, and Schotstuene . We bought a combo ticket that included all three museums and the shuttle bus between them.

ALTERNATIVE TIP: If you like hiking and don’t mind a 23km (10-12 hours) strenuous hike, then you may want to consider the epic Trolltunga hike . It’s about 2.5 – 3hrs drive from Bergen. Trolltunga requires a full day and it’s best to stay 2 nights in the area close to it. Here you can find accommodation near the Trolltunga hike trailhead .

We didn’t do this hike because our kids are too young for it. But if you hike, then definitely try to add Trolltunga to your Norway trip itinerary. It’s one of the most spectacular hikes in Norway.

Day 6: Bergen to Gudvangen/Flam

The rest of this Norway trip itinerary requires a car. Check here for the best deals for car rental and book early for the lowest price. We picked up our rental car in Bergen and drove in the direction of Gudvangen/Flam where we would spend two nights.

On the way from Bergen to Gudvangen , we stopped by two waterfalls: Skjervsfossen and Tvindefossen . Skjervsfossen requires a small detour and there were hardly any tourists at all. While Tvindefossen was just next to the road, and there were several tour busses with hundreds of cruise ship passengers.

Upon arrival in Gudvangen , we visited the Viking Valley . This Viking village is not to be missed! Count at least 2 hours for a visit. Here you can read more about this authentic Viking Village in Norway .

Afterwards, we headed to Flam where we had a 5.25 PM reservation for Flamsbana – one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.

Driving time from Bergen to Flam is approximately 2,5 hours. Count 3-4 hours if you are planning to visit the two waterfalls.

Accommodation in Gudvangen/Flam is very scarce and expensive, so make sure to book it as soon as you start planning your trip. Click here for availability and prices for accommodation in Flam or Gudvangen .

Day 7: Gudvangen – Flam area – The Nærøyfjord

We started our day with the cruise on Naeroyfjord from Gudvangen to Flam . After arrival in Flam, my husband took a shuttle bus back to Gudvangen to pick up our car. He then returned to Flam to pick us up (20min driving time each way).

After that, we had lunch and explored Flam a bit more, walked to a waterfall, and visited the small village of Undredal .

Practical information: If you are planning to do the scenic train ride and the fjord cruise, make sure to book your tickets in advance (check prices and availability on the Visit Flam website ). Flam is a very popular destination!

LEARN MORE: Best things to see and do in Flam in one day

Day 8: Gudvangen to Sogndal

We started our day with the drive up the Stegastein viewpoint . We then continued on the old scenic road (Fv.243) to Laerdal . This road is only open from mid June to Mid September. An alternative is to take the Laerdal tunnel, the longest car tunnel in the world.

Our next stop was Borgund stave church . It’s a small detour to get there, but worth the trip. After that, we continued to Sogndal (ferry crossing from Fodnes to Mannheller).

After checking in at our hotel we headed to nearby Norwegian Glacier Museum and visited two glacier tongues nearby. We also made a short stop in Mundal – the book village in Fjaerland . The picturesque village looks like a beautiful place to hang around for a while if the weather is nice, but it was raining when we visited, so we headed back to Sogndal for an early dinner.

Driving distance/time . The actual driving distance is not that big, but scenic roads, ferry crossings, and lots of photo stops quickly add up. The total driving distance for this itinerary is 215km.

Accommodation . Sogndal town and area has several really nice hotels. We stayed one night at the beautiful Hofslund Fjord Hotel in Sogndal town itself.

Day 9: Sogndal to Geiranger

The long drive from Sogndal to Geiranger passes some of the most beautiful roads in Norway. Our first stop was at Drivandefossen waterfall. After a short walk, we then continued on the scenic road Fv.55 to Lom and afterward Fv.63 to Geiranger.

Must-do is the scenic road (toll road) to Dalsnibba viewpoint over Geiranger fjord and the area.

Driving time. There are several roads leading from Sogndal to Geiranger. Count a minimum of 4-5 hours for the route described above (235km). Add a few hours for the stops along the way.

Note that Geiranger is only accessible by car in the summer months. From mid October to May you can only reach Geiranger by boat or train.

Accommodation. Finding accommodation in Geiranger was another challenge when creating our Norway trip itinerary. To keep the long story short, in the end, we were lucky to secure two nights at Hotel Geiranger with the best location in the village and fantastic views over the fjord.

Day 10: Geirangerfjord – Briksdalsbreen – Geiranger

We started our day with the scenic fjord cruise on Geiranger fjord. The car ferry crossing from Geiranger to Hellesylt is a great way to see the fjord and to explore more of the area afterwards.

After a short stop at Hellesylt waterfall , we headed to the scenic little towns of Stryn , Loen , and Olden . The main highlight in this area is the Briksdalsbreen glacier . The drive there was really scenic and also the hike was well worth it. It’s a popular area visited by tour busses as well, so you won’t be alone.

The nearby Kjendalsbreen glacier is much less known, but according to all the reviews and guidebooks, is also worth a visit. We ran out of time and the weather wasn’t great either, so we skipped it. But if you can, make sure to visit this glacier tongue as well.

Driving distance. Total driving distance excluding the ferry is about 200km. Count the whole day.

TIP: Book your tickets for the Geiranger car ferry in advance to make sure that you can start your day early and don’t have to wait for the next ferry on busy days.

Day 11: Geiranger – Ornevegen – Trollstigen – Alesund

The drive described here is not the fastest way to get from Geiranger to Alesund . However, it’s the most scenic one.

After leaving Geiranger we drove up the steep and winding Ørnevegen – The Eagle Road , to Eidsdal, where we took another scenic ferry ride to Linge.

Then we drove up Trollstigen – The Troll Ladder , one of the most beautiful scenic roads in the world . It’s also one of the most popular places to see in Norway.

We reached the town of Alesund in the late afternoon. That gave us plenty of time to walk around the small town center, climb the 418 steps to Mount Aksla viewpoint , and have a nice dinner.

Driving distance. 192km, count at least 4-5 hours. Add another hour for the scenic walk on top of Trollstigen.

Accommodation. We spent one night in Alesund and stayed at First Hotel Atlantica right in the town center. You can find more Alesund accommodation options here .

Day 12: Alesund – Atlantic Ocean Road – Kristiansund

The main highlight today is the Atlantic Ocean Road . However, the part that most tourists visit is just over 8km long, and you don’t need the whole day for it.

We took the longer version of this road, took many detours and took the time to walk around and travel slower. It was one of our favorite days in Norway! With beautiful landscapes and hardly any other people around.

Leave Alesund and drive to Vestnes from where you take the ferry to Molde. In Molde, make sure to turn left on road 664 in the direction of Bud.

Kristiansund itself is a beautiful, but a very quiet town with very little to do for tourists in the evening. If you arrive early, you can take the ferry connecting the five islands, visit the Klipfish museum, or walk in the park or to the coast.

Driving distance/time. 185km – minimum 4 hours without stops.

Accommodation. We spent one night in Kristiansund. Check prices and availability for Kristiansund accommodation here.

Day 13: Kristiansund to Trondheim

There are several roads to get from Kristiansund to Trondheim . We chose the scenic route Fv. 680 along the coast and the views were well worth the detour.

Since we had plenty of time, we made a stop at the Sverresborg folk museum just outside the city center of Trondheim .

After that, we returned our rental car and we still had plenty of time to walk around the old town of Trondheim.

TIP: If you want to make your trip a day shorter, you could continue straight to Trondheim, explore the city center, and leave Norway the next morning.

Driving distance/time. Scenic road 207km 4-5 hours. Quickest: 200km 3,5 hrs.

Accommodation. We stayed in Trondheim for two nights. Here you can check availability for Trondheim accommodation .

We spent the last day of our trip exploring Trondheim , the third-largest town of Norway. Unfortunately for us, the weather was really bad, so we couldn’t do many things we had planned to.

We had a nice relaxing day, walked around the town a bit. It was very lively as there were several events in town that weekend, so it was really nice to experience the city as locals do. And it was a good way to end our trip.

TIP: If you want to save some time when planning your Norway trip, you could skip this day altogether. Trondheim town can be visited in just a few hours, so you could easily do it in the evening of the day when you arrive here.

Day 15: Departure from Norway or Continue to Lofoten/Tromso in the North

Trondheim Airport is located quite far from the city. We took a bus to the airport – the bus station is centrally located, busses run every 10-15 minutes, and it drops you off right at the terminal after a ride of about 40 minutes.

TIP: There is no reason to keep your rental car until the airport in Trondheim. Parking is difficult to find and expensive in Trondheim. On top of that; there are toll roads on the way to the airport, not to mention the rental price for an extra day or two.

ALTERNATIVE SUGGESTION: If you have another few days to spend in Norway, you can fly to the north and explore more of this amazing country. One of the most popular regions many people visit is Lofoten archipelago . Another great place to be is Tromso .

If you are feeling even more adventurous, fly all the way up to Svalbard – a Norwegian archipelago just 1000 km from the North Pole. No matter which destination you choose, they are all worth a visit!

LEARN MORE: 2-Week Northern Norway Travel Itinerary

So this was our self-drive road trip itinerary for two weeks in Norway . If you have any questions about this Norway itinerary or want to share your experience with road-tripping in Norway, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.

TIP: Planning a trip to Norway and wondering about the budget? Make sure to read this: How expensive is Norway .

Thinking of visiting Norway in winter? Check this out for some serious winter travel wanderlust: Best things to do in Tromso in winter & Best things to do in Svalbard in winter .

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Elizabeth L

Wednesday 17th of January 2024

Hi, thank you for sharing your trip. Did you use old school maps, your phone or rent a gps for navigating the roads? How frequent are rest stops with washrooms? How expensive are the road tolls? From what I’ve gathered tolls seem to only apply near the larger cities, like Bergen. We are planning on going in June but are concerned that we will get rain or fog most days. Did you find driving treacherous? We are planning a loop beginning and ending in Bergen. The first few days follow your route but we loop back through Olden and Balestrand after Geiranger. Any tips on food? We plan to book accommodations that offer free breakfast, but am wondering about the cost of dinners? What would a regular home style meal cost for an adult?

Wow, that's a lot of questions :). You are overthinking it. First, the weather - you can't predict. It can always be rainy or foggy in Norway, no matter the season, so don't let that stop you from going or you'll never visit. The roads are ok and a bit of a mix of everything. Just don't expect wide highways. Most roads are one lane in each direction and yes, some mountain passes can be a bit fun to negotiate, but it's not any different in other mountainous places. Maps - you can use paper maps or a GPS - the latter is much easier, definitely in the cities. We usually simply use Google Maps and I also always download an offline copy of the region we'll be visiting in advance, just in case there's no mobile coverage. Just beware that any GPS will sometimes send you on the fastest route and not the most scenic one, so it pays to do some research in advance and adjust it if needed. I would definitely not rent one - Google Maps or Waze will do just fine and are much easier to use. The washrooms - it depends, but it's normally not an issue. But it's also not like you'll have tons of big petrol stations with restaurants and washrooms along the way. Toll roads can be quite pricey, but again, depends on where exactly you go. In most areas there are no toll roads at all. Compared to the total price of the trip, it's a minor expense. Food is also not something you have to worry about. But if you are visiting nature destinations/hiking, it's always good to pack a picnic for lunch. It saves you time and worries. As for the costs, take a look at this article for more info. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Victoria Blyke

Tuesday 1st of August 2023

Jurga, Thank you for your reply. One more question. I read on another blog that the train ride from Oslo to Bergen via Voss was more spectacular than the one in Flam. Wanted to hear your opinion on it.

Hi Victoria, as far as I know, there is just one train line between Oslo and Bergen and it goes through Myrdal and Voss among others. What many people do is disembark in Myrdal and then do the Myrdal - Flam railway which is considered the most scenic railway trip. I think that the majority of travelers that do it this way also take a boat on Naeroyfjord to Gudvangen, followed by a bus to Voss, and then again a train from there to Bergen. This is the so-called original 'Norway in a Nutshell' tour. So it skips the railway journey between Myrdal and Voss and adds a railway to Flam, a boat trip on the fjord, and a bus to Voss. If you are not interested in this interruption, then it's indeed much simpler to just take a train from Oslo to Bergen and not disembark along the way. Unfortunately, since I haven't done this second option, I cannot tell you how the scenery compares between the two and whether the Myrdal-Flam piece is worth it so much more than Myrdal-Voss. Once again, for decades everyone has been saying that Flam - Myrdal railway is one of the most scenic in the world, so I guess that says it all. But everyone probably will have their own opinion and some people may not find the extra cost worth it. You may also want to check our guide to Flam for more information on what to see and do in that area. It might help you decide whether it looks like it's worth it for you. Hope this helps.

Wednesday 26th of July 2023

Jurga, Great Blog! We are following your iten for Norway. We are at the hotel you suggested in Stavenger, and booked everything through the links in your blog. Quick question, what is the bus stop from the Frogner House for the scenic bus ride to Bergen? There are a lot of stops listed, hoping to get a stop near the hotel. See another person had cc issues, we haven't gotten that far. Leaving Stavenger Aug 9th. Thanks, Shawn & Kathy

Friday 28th of July 2023

Hi Shawn, I'm not sure what your question is. If you need a bus from your hotel to Stavanger bus station, why not just ask at the reception. It's probably much easier and quicker than leaving a comment here. :) From what I see, if you are staying at Frogner House Apartments, it's literally just 10-12 minutes walk to the station or 3 minutes by bus. You'd need to cross the road, take a bus from Statens Hus bus stop and disembark two stops further near the main bus station. See Google Maps for the route - you can choose the public transport icon or on foot. Hope this helps.

Wednesday 5th of April 2023

Hi there, my cousins and I are planning a trip with almost the exact same stops and your post has been an amazing resource for us! Just curious, did you have any trouble booking the bus tickets from Stavanger to Bergen? We are American and having issues getting the transaction to go through with our credit cards. If you have any helpful tips I would be forever grateful! Thank you in advance!

Thursday 6th of April 2023

Hi Ellen, no I can't remember having any trouble buying tickets online; it was very straightforward. If you have trouble with your credit cards, you should check with your bank. Maybe they have to change some settings so that you can use them abroad. Good luck!

Wednesday 15th of March 2023

It's been so helpful your itinerary thank you. I just wanted to ask a quick question following on from your last reply re car hirer. Did you drop your car off at Trondheim airport? the only option seems to be the airport on the car rental site you suggested but you mentioned that the airport is 40 minutes from the city. Many thanks, Clare

Hi Clare, no, we dropped off the car in Trondheim city the day we arrived and then took the bus to the airport at the end of the trip. There are special shuttle buses between the city and the airport (see their website - or just ask at the hotel when you get there). When we traveled, that was the only option. I don't think there was a possibility to drop off the car at the airport. Hope this helps.

17 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Norway

• 1. Norway is a Scandinavian Country

2. Polar Bears do not Walk in the Streets

3. the norwegian currency is nok (norwegian krone), 4. most norwegians speak english, 5. norway is a safe country to visit, 6. winter, spring, summer, fall, 7. always bring an extra layer of clothes, 8. wild camping is allowed in mostly all of norway, 9. national parks and most outdoor locations are free to use, 10. norway has the best salmon, 11. traveling in norway can be expensive if you only eat out.

• 12. Northern lights aren't visible everywhere
• 13. Norway is a Long Country
• 14. There aren't Many Dangers in the Wild

15. Norwegians eat a lot of Taco

16. the difference between southern norway and northern norway is huge.

• 17. The Midnight Sun Isn't a Different Sun

Are you dreaming of visiting Norway one day? Perhaps you've already booked a flight and have begun planning the trip. Regardless of where you are in the process, here are 17 things you should know before visiting Norway:

1. Norway is a Scandinavian Country 

We Norwegians tend to believe that Norway is the center of the earth and everyone knows who we are. The truth is that Norway isn't as large as we want to believe and everyone doesn't even know that Norway even is a country. 

Norway is a Scandinavian country with approximately 5.2 million people and has numerous times been named one of the best places to live and/or visit. 

(For those who don't know: Scandinavia consists of Norway, Sweden and Denmark; 3 nordic countries located in Europe)

A common misconception is that Polar Bears walk the streets in Norway. This is, fortunately, not the case. In fact, there are no wild Polar Bears on mainland Norway. 

Norway is actually a really civilized country and you would be surprised to see how modern it is. We even have cars driving in the streets...!

Svalbard, however, is a Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole where there are more Polar Bears than people. Still, it's rare that there are any incidents between the inhabitants and Polar Bears.

The currency we use in Norway is the Norwegian Krone. So, if you're traveling with only Euro you won't come far. The Norwegian Krone was recently weakened which means that if you're traveling to Norway in the near future it will be cheaper than what it was only one year ago. 

It should be mentioned that Norway is using less and less cash. You can mostly anything with a credit card, even taxis and hot dogs! That means that it's not a crisis if you forgot to bring cash.

Don't know Norwegian? No problem! The majority of Norwegians speaks English. Even though some are a bit shy to have a full conversation, they are able to understand most and to help you with any questions you might have. 

So, don't be afraid of saying hi to a stranger! 

Norway is known to be one of the safest countries in the world. Crime rates are extremely low even in major cities such as Oslo , Bergen , Trondheim , and Stavanger . 

As with any other urban areas, you should take certain precautions but there's not much to be afraid of. Even walking alone during the night is relatively safe and the chances are small that you'll become the victim of a crime.

Most crimes in Norway are related to home and office burglaries. There are some groups of pickpocketers traveling around the most touristic areas during summer so keep an extra eye on your wallet when you're in a crowd (still, the possibilities of anything happening is low).  

There are 4 seasons in Norway: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Be sure to take this into consideration when you're planning to visit Norway . Some attractions are only open during a specific season and certain hikes are unreachable during winter. If your main purpose is to visit one specific location figure out what season is optimal for that. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that the weather changes a lot between seasons. Make sure that you always bring enough clothes when traveling to Norway as it does get cold! Keeping an eye on the weather forecast  is always a good idea.

The weather, as mentioned above, changes a lot between seasons in Norway so you always want to bring enough clothes. Most importantly, if you're planning to go on some hikes during your visit, you need to bring an extra layer of clothes. Even during summer, it's wise to bring a rain jacket and a fleece in your backpack in case the weather changes or the temperatures drop when you reach a higher altitude. 

Due to " Allemannsretten " (every man or woman's right of public access), you can pitch a tent wherever you want in Norway (unless anything else is stated at a specific area). The outdoors is very important for us Norwegians and we do our best to maintain the right of using the outdoors freely. So, make sure that you leave no traces behind and don't do any damage to nature.

There are also several campsites all over Norway that are cheap to stay at. At these sites, you often have the possibility to take a warm shower, clean your clothes and charge any batteries.

Also, due to "Allemannsretten", all public lands are free to access. This means that you don't have to pay an entrance fee for a national park and you're free to go mostly wherever you want. All we ask is that you treat nature with respect and do your best not to leave any traces behind.

It's true, Norway has the best salmon. In fact, it was Norwegians who introduced the Japanese to Salmon Sushi in the 1980's. That's how good our salmon is. 

While salmon isn't cheap, make sure that you have at least one proper salmon meal in Norway even if you're traveling on a budget.

It's no secret that Norway is an expensive country to visit. Even though it's less expensive now that the Norwegian Krone is weak, it's not cheap. One way to avoid spending too much money during your travels in Norway is to eat less at restaurants. Purchasing your own food at a supermarket is much cheaper than going out every day. Unlike many other countries, Norway doesn't have a culture of going out to eat. 

If you are traveling on a budget make sure that you read through our Norway on a Budget Guide .

12. Northern lights aren't visible everywhere

Are you dreaming of seeing the northern lights? Well, Norway is the right place to do it!

There's something magical about watching the sky turn into a green and purple formation dancing all over. I still remember the first time I saw it for myself, it was a moment that changed my life...

Many tourists come to Norway with the intent to see the northern lights . However, the northern lights (or Aurora Borealis) isn't visible all over Norway.

Since Norway is a long country you're normally only able to see the lady in green in the northern parts of Norway. The further south you go, the fewer lights you will see. Places such as Lofoten, Bodø and Tromsø are popular areas to watch the northern lights .

You should also remember that the northern lights won't be visible during the summer as it is too bright during that season. Typically, you've got the best chance of seeing some activity between October and April.

13. Norway is a Long Country 

Another large misconception about Norway is that it's a small country which is easy to travel around. This isn't the case. Even though only 5 million people live here, it’s a large country by area (148 718 square miles) that stretches from 57° to 81° North. This means that you're not able to spend a couple of days in Norway and see both the west coast, capital and northern parts. In fact, driving from Kristiansand in southern Norway to Nordkapp in Northern Norway takes about 38 hours non-stop.

Therefore, you should plan your trip carefully and look at the distances between the places you want to go. If you want to see places in all regions I strongly suggest you spend some days extra or plan more than one trip. 

• Press here for self-drive itineraries in Norway
• Press here for self-drive tours in Norway

14. There aren't Many Dangers in the Wild

Besides the Polar Bears on Svalbard, there are no dangerous animals waiting to attack you in the Norwegian wild. Either you're in the woods, on a mountain or on a glacier, you have nothing to fear. 

There are animals that you want to avoid but they will typically run away before you even see them. You can read more about wildlife and animals in Norway here . 

If you visit a Norwegian family on a Friday evening the possibility is high that they are having Tacos for dinner. As a joke, it's said that Tex-Mex is Norway's national food. Yes, it really is that popular - even my grandma makes Tacos on Fridays!

(Ok, you might not have  needed  to know this but it's a fun fact that might work as an awkward icebreaker!)

Since Norway is such a long country it goes without saying that the differences are quite significant. In the southern Norway, you have beautiful coasts and warm (not tropical!) weather, the East has large areas of woods and the capital, the West has the fjords and mountains while the north has the arctic landscapes. 

You might also notice that the dialects spoken throughout Norway are quite different and if you're just learning to speak some Norwegian it might be a bit confusing. 

17. The Midnight Sun Isn't a Different Sun

During winter, northern Norway has polar nights; a period where the sun never rises above the horizon and you have 24 hours of dark. During summer, however, it's the exact opposite; the sun never sets. 

You might have heard of the  Midnight Sun  before. Unlike what a few tend to believe, the midnight sun is actually not a different sun...it's just the same sun as during the rest of the year but it doesn't go down; meaning 24 hours of daylight. 

• Press here for things to do in Oslo
• Press here for things to do in Lofoten
• Press here for things to do in Tromsø

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Norway at a Glance

Why visit Norway? Norway’s pristine nature offers great potential for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, skiing and kayaking. This is your next destination if you're an active traveller or love to explore nature.

WHY VISIT NORWAY?

Norway is a destination full of charms, including its famous fjords, Viking legends, thriving cultural heritage and quaint fishing villages. From north to south, it is a nature lover’s paradise that also boasts numerous trendy cities to explore.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply want to cuddle under a natural lightshow in a glass igloo, Norway won’t disappoint.

While visiting this Scandinavian nation you could stroll through its regal capital city and sail along miles of coastlines. Or drive through meandering mountain roads and hike one or more of its nearly 300 mountain peaks. All of this, and more, awaits you on a holiday to Norway.

• Browse holiday packages to Norway

What’s more, thanks to the variety of landscapes, natural phenomena, activities and ways to get around, Norway makes a fantastic destination year-round.

In summer, the extended daylight of the midnight sun is perfect for cruises and road trips. Come in winter and instead be rewarded by ideal conditions for viewing the northern lights and fluffy snow to go dog sledding. 

HOW TO GET TO NORWAY

Norway is served by more than 50 airports. The main international airports are Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Tromsø, Trondheim, and Ålesund.

The majority of Norway tours with Nordic Visitor start in Oslo or Bergen . Both Oslo-Gardemoen Airport and Bergen Airport are served by several international airlines and regional carriers, so you’ll have plenty of choice.

For tours in the northern part of Norway, the main airports are located in Tromsø and Kirkenes.  Major international airlines that fly to Norway include SAS, British Airways, Ryanair, Icelandair, FinnAir and American Airlines. SAS and Norwegian operate domestic flights within Norway, including to Svalbard.

See more details with our page on flights to Norway .

• Discover year-round cruise & train packages in Norway
• Or explore self-drive tours and  small group guided tours in Norway , both only available in summer

GETTING AROUND

Norway is one of Europe’s most mountainous countries and also claims the longest coastline of the continent. You can then imagine why this Scandinavian destination offers incredible journeys by land and sea. 

There are many ways to get around the different places you’d like to see. Read more below to pick the best way to travel at your own pace.

Travel independently by train and cruise to see such iconic sights as the Norway in a Nutshell® route between Oslo and Bergen. Here you’ll combine travel by land, through lush forests and along steep mountain roads, with fjord cruises.

To see more of Norway from the sea, a coastal voyage  offers a comfortable way to enjoy the country’s famous scenery. Board a ship that will sail you from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes inside the Arctic Circle. You’ll have opportunities to stop at historic port cities and for shore excursions along the way.

Or maybe a road trip is your go-to way to explore. Take the wheel and you could experience Norway’s scenic coastal highways and zig-zagging mountain roads on an unforgettable journey. 

• Check out ways to see Norway, including family-friendly tours  and active travel packages

In the capital city, Oslo, you can rely on a comprehensive public transportation system consisting of buses, trams, trains, metro (the T-bane) and boats. Tickets and passes can be purchased at several locations in the city, including Oslo-Gardermoen Airport and Trafikanten, the information centre just outside of Oslo Central Station.

We also recommend purchasing an Oslo Pass, which includes free travel on the public transportation system in addition to discounts on entry to museums and attractions.

Note: English is widely spoken in Norway, so you should have no problem getting around. See more about the  Norwegian language to learn a few useful words in advance of your stay.

WEATHER & WHEN TO VISIT

There really isn’t a bad time to visit Norway, and Nordic Visitor offers tours year-round so you can pick what’s right for you.

When you travel to Norway will depend on what you want to do and see most. Do you want to go hiking and kayaking? Are you keen to maximise daylight for driving and sightseeing?

Then May to  September is the best time for your trip. These months enjoy the warmest weather of the year, the longest daylight hours and best driving conditions. Some roads may close during the winter, so our self-drive tours of Norway are only available during the summer season.

Are you keen to experience the phenomenon called the midnight sun, in which the sun doesn’t set below the horizon? Then come in late June , early July and make sure to head north, as it is strongest inside the Arctic Circle. Just make sure to bring a sleeping mask!

May to August is also when you could go on a  small guided group tour .

Do you prefer winter scenery?  November through March is a great time for holidays in the country's northern regions. This is because during these months you’ll have the best opportunities for viewing the  northern lights in Norway .

In fact, in Northern Norway, you'll experience the polar night in later December , early January . At the opposite of the midnight sun, this is the phenomenon when the sun doesn't rise above the horizon. This gives you greater chances of seeing the northern lights, with even more darkness.

You'll also find ideal snow conditions for dog-sledding, snowmobiling, skiing and other winter sports.

Finally, October and April are considered the shoulder season in Norway and this is when there is more availability and fewer visitors. This means that you'll have more attractions to yourself. You may also see some lovely autumn colours throughout October.

• Check out the selection of Norway  summer tours and winter packages
• Or look up all northern lights tours

And what should you pack for your trip around Norway?  Like other Northern European countries, in Norway it's best to be ready for any weather. That means that no matter the season, you need a warm jumper or fleece, a waterproof jacket and good walking shoes or boots for all sorts of terrain.

Prepare for your holiday to Norway by reading our  useful packing guide  filled with local tips. 

TOP THINGS TO SEE AND DO

There are countless things to see all around Norway, from natural sights to historical attractions. Here are some suggestions for you:

• Oslo, the grand capital city with museums and royal residences
• Fjords like Sognefjord ,  Geirangerfjord and Lysefjord
• The “Paris of the North”, Tromsø , with its Arctic Cathedral
• Bergen, the western city also called the “Gateway to the fjords”
• The coastal cities of Ålesund and Trondheim
• The mountainside Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil waterfalls
• The scenic Lofoten Islands and its charming fishing villages
• The Arctic coastline and the North Cape
• Pulpit Rock and Trolltunga rock formations
• Svalbard ’s frozen landscape and polar bears

See more Norwegian attractions by region .

Norway also offers a wide range of cultural and outdoor activities. In fact, you’ll want to fill your days with some of the excursions and adventures mentioned below to make the most of your trip.

Food & Culture

• Try  traditional Norwegian foods  like salmon and goat's cheese
• Learn about Norway’s Viking heritage at a number of historical museums
• Admire modern art at sculpture parks and international galleries
• Enjoy the nightlife in sophisticated Oslo and try their local brews
• Experience the Sami culture in Northern Norway

Nature & Adventure

• Lace up your boots for a hike through nature
• Take a fjord cruise to spot waterfalls and wildlife
• Kayak along pristine waters to take in the superb landscape
• Hunt for the  northern lights  in the Arctic Circle
• Take a  cruise  along the rugged coastline
• Try  dog sledding  or hopping on a reindeer sleigh
• See the peaks of Norway while skiing

With Nordic Visitor you can add optional activities and day tours, either at the time of your booking or on location during your stay. Your dedicated travel consultant will be able to advise you about available activities, timings, what's doable in your itinerary, and more.

If you would like to include more activities into your Norway holiday, we recommend booking a package that includes more time at each overnight location (for example, with two or more nights at the same accommodation).

• Browse all  culture & history tours of Norway

POPULAR ITINERARIES

An average stay in Norway is about 8-10 days in summer and 5-6 days in winter. That doesn’t mean you should restrict yourself to these timelines. There is so much you can do across Norway that you could spend months travelling around and still not cover it all!

The capital city, Oslo, is a great starting point for any journey. Or it is a fun destination on its own for short breaks and stopovers.

Only you can pick what suits you best, and for that reason all our itineraries are designed to be flexible. This way you can stay longer in certain destination or add day tours and activities. To help you make the most of your time in Norway, see our helpful itinerary suggestions below with themes to match.  From May to September

4–5 days:  Pick an area and explore for a taster of Norway. Go for an Arctic getaway on Svalbard or in the Lofoten islands. Or you could also explore the fjords by car or train from Norway’s capital, Oslo.  Short Breaks  / Fjord Cruise and Train /  Self-drive Tours   / Svalbard / Family Travel / Lofoten Islands / Culture & History / Honeymoon & Romance 6-8  days:  With a week, you get to dive a little deeper into the Norwegian culture and landscape. From Oslo, you could train or drive across to the fjords and along the west coast. You could also head north to cruise from Lofoten to Kirkenes and enjoy the true midnight sun. Fjord Cruise and Train /  Self-drive Tours  / Small guided groups / Family Travel / Lofoten Islands / Culture & History / Honeymoon & Romance 10 days:  You have so many choices, including road trips from Oslo or Bergen, with more nights in each location. With around 10 days, you can also combine the south of Norway with Arctic destinations. Fjord Cruise and Train /  Self-drive Tours  / Small guided groups / Family Travel / Lofoten Islands / Culture & History / Honeymoon & Romance

12-15 days:  Add a stay in Stavanger or Trondheim to the trip suggestions listed above. Or experience the full route of the Hurtigruten coastal voyage between Bergen in the fjords area and Kirkenes in the Arctic north. Fjord Cruise and Train   /  Self-drive Tours  /   Small guided groups   /  Family Travel  /  Lofoten Islands  /  Culture & History  /  Honeymoon & Romance

16 days+:  Start in Oslo and set off on the road trip of a lifetime around the mountains and fjords of Norway. Or you could also tailor an existing itinerary to spend more time in the locations that interests you most. Fjord Cruise and Train /  Self-drive Tours  /  Scandinavian Combo Tours From November to March 4–5 DAYS:  For a true winter stay, spend a few action-packed days in the Arctic. Visit Tromsø or Svalbard. Here you can go on thrilling excursions like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and northern lights tours. You can also head to Oslo and explore the famous fjords. Short Breaks  /  Northern Lights  /  Svalbard Tours / Dog Sledding / Honeymoon & Romance / Snowmobile Tours 6-7 days:  : With around a week, your winter trip will include even more Norwegian gems. Head to Kirkenes to stay at the Snow Hotel or combine the south and north to get an experience of both extremes of the country.  Northern Lights  /  Fjord Cruise and Train  / Ice and Snow Hotels / Honeymoon & Romance 8-10 days:  Spend a few action-packed days in Tromsø or Kirkenes in Northern Norway with activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, king crab safaris and northern lights tours. You can also take a Norway in a Nutshell train journey between Oslo and Bergen. Short Breaks  /  Northern Lights Tours  / Fjord Cruise and Train / Ice and Snow Hotels / Honeymoon & Romance

11 days+:  Combine your stay in Norway with other Nordic destinations. For example, visit all 3 Scandinavian capitals. Or you could also tailor an existing itinerary to spend more time in the locations that interests you most.  Scandinavian Combo Tours

SCANDINAVIAN COMBINATION TOURS

With Nordic Visitor, you could combine other Scandinavian and Nordic destinations with your Norway holiday. Browse the wide selection of Scandinavian tours , featuring the best of the region’s unique cultural, historical and natural attractions.

Norway, Sweden and Denmark complement each other so well thanks to their shared heritage, history and cultures. Travel to all 3 to see what makes them similar and what makes them unique.

• Check out these tours of Scandinavia to combine more countries with your visit to Norway

We recommend a minimum of 7 days for this, so you can have enough time to get a taste of all 3 countries. This way you’ll have at least a few days to spend in Stockholm, Sweden’s trendy capital, followed by Copenhagen in Denmark, and then Norway.

As Nordic Visitor specialises in these 3 fantastic destinations, we can offer tailor-made itineraries that combine the best of Scandinavia.

Need more help with your Norway itinerary?  Get in touch with us  to start planning your trip.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

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How To Spend One Week In Norway: My 3 Top Norway Itineraries

August 7, 2022 by Silvia 65 Comments

These itineraries are all for one week in southern Norway, but you can find a comprehensive list of all 23 of my Norway itineraries for both the south and north here .

It seems like just about every day I get the same email from visitors to Norway, telling me that they only have one week in Norway and asking what the perfect Norway itinerary for that amount of time would be.

Usually, I say something annoyingly vague about how it really depends on how they want to spend their time, as the country is enormous and there are so many different things you could see in Norway in a week. And it’s true! I can think of so many different ways to spend a week in Norway that would make for the best vacation ever.

But I also get that all the options can be sort of overwhelming, and sometimes you just want someone in the know to tell you what to do. So that’s what I’m going to do.

I’ve been living in Norway for over six years, plus I’m a Norwegian citizen and spent every summer and Christmas in Norway while I was growing up. Why am I telling you this? Because I’ve seen so many Norway guides written by people who only ever visited for a week. And while that’s really great, this a an enormous country with loads of hidden gems that only locals know about.

And lucky for you I’m spilling my Norway secrets!

So I’ve come up with three different Norway itineraries for seeing as much as possible in one week. All of them can be adjusted, so you could probably make a five-day itinerary or 10-day itinerary from these as well – or you could combine them for a two-week itinerary. Lots of options here!

And if you need even more inspiration for your Norway trip, I’ve also compiled a huge list of over fifty things to do in Norway here (which I continue to add to with local recommendations).

I also have a two guidebooks covering everything you need to know to plan an epic Norway trip, which you can purchase here . 

And if you’re coming to Norway for the northern lights, I’ve written an in depth ebook covering all aspects of planning your northern lights trip, including the best places in Norway (and the Nordics) to see the northern lights, the best time to see the northern lights, my top northern lights accommodation choices, tour options, how to chase the northern lights (including which apps I use), how to photograph and film the northern lights, what to pack for your trip, and other exciting Arctic activities to try on your trip up North. You  you can purchase the ebook here .   

The first itinerary really does require a car, the second is best as a road trip but can also (sort of) be done by public transport with some modifications, and the third solely uses public transport (though you could totally do it by car as well and see a lot more). When it comes to renting a car in Norway, I always recommend using Sixt .

Now, these itineraries are packed and include a lot of driving – they’re designed for people who want to see as much as they possibly can in their short time in Norway. So depending on how much time you want on the road you might need to cut out a day or two and do less each day instead. But I will say that driving in Norway is an experience in itself – you won’t be on any boring highways here, and I’ve made sure to take you along the most scenic routes.

Also, I’ve included the most scenic routes here, which often are mountain roads that unfortunately can be closed in the winter. If Google Maps doesn’t want to route you through one of these roads it usually means that the road is closed (but if you’re planning your trip in the winter and want to see the road, just change your departure time to a summer date and it should pop up).

Table of Contents

Norway itinerary #1: Cultural Heritage

I’m calling this one the cultural heritage itinerary because it takes you through several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic cities, and there’s even a stop at an old stave church! I feel like this would also be the best itinerary if you’re traveling with a family, as all the places and activities are super family friendly.

Day 1: Oslo – Notodden – Rjukan

The drive from Oslo to Notodden takes about an hour and 45 minutes, and ideally, you’ll want to leave in the morning so you can fit in more time in Rjukan later in the day.

Notodden is an Industrial Heritage Site, where you can see some of the industrial buildings from the early 20th century, including where the workers used to live. Notodden is also home to the Notodden Blues Festival , the largest blues festival in Scandinavia – hence the enormous microphone statue in the center of the city.

Though to be honest, there’s not a whole lot to see in Notodden. Like, it’s really interesting to see the town, but you don’t need to spend much time here – once you’ve seen it, you’ve seen it.

The main reason you’re here is to see the Heddal Stave Church right outside of town. Built at the start of the 13th century, the Heddal Stave Church is Norway’s largest stave church, and it’s definitely worth a stop for some photos.

And then you’re going to turn off onto Fv651 for one of my favorite drives in all of Norway.  If the road is closed take Fv361 to Fv37 instead – also a beautiful route!

Gaustatoppen is probably my favorite mountain in Norway, and if it’s not too foggy you should be in for some gorgeous views. The drive up here does include some sharp hairpins, but I promise it’s not scary. And it’s one of my favorite drives in all of Norway – the views are  so gorgeous.

And Rjukan is also an Industrial Heritage Site, as well as simply a really interesting town in a very dramatic landscape.

Rjukan has an important WWII history, and while the town is in such a deep valley that it doesn’t get direct sunlight for six months of the year, recently they set up mirrors to reflect sunlight down into the town square – you should definitely check it out!

There are also lots of fun activities and sites to visit in Rjukan. I’ve written a complete guide to  things to do in Rjukan here .

ACCOMMODATION

If it fits in your budget, I would definitely recommend staying at Gaustablikk Høyfjellshotell. You can read more about it in my post about Rjukan, but basically it’s beautifully decorated, has amazing views of Gaustatoppen, and is very Norwegian. Wins all around. Check current rates and availability here

Mid-range/budget

Kvitåvatn Fjellstue also has great views over Gaustatoppen and it’s much easier on your budget! Check current rates and availability here

Apartments/cabins

There are also quite a few holiday home options in Rjukan , such as this idyllic cabin , this charming apartment , and this beautiful chalet .

Day 2: Rjukan – Haukeli – Odda

The drive today is SO beautiful – like, I’m feeling a little jealous just writing about it because I want to do this drive again and again.

Driving from Rjukan to Odda takes just a little over three hours, so if you didn’t have time yesterday you could take a couple of hours in the morning to explore Rjukan a bit more.

Then you’re going to start the hair pinned climb up towards Rauland, passing the Vemork Heavy Water Museum on your left as you’re driving out of town.

You’ll then drive through Rauland (where I lived for three years!), and over Haukeli pass before descending towards Odda. Haukeli pass is stunning – if you’re new to Norway you’re really going to be blown away as this sort of landscape is so unique to Norway. You can read more about this drive in this post about driving from Rauland to Hardangerfjord .

When you get to Odda I’d recommend driving farther down Hardangerfjord, as it really is so beautiful.

ACCOMMODATION NEAR ODDA

To be honest, Odda doesn’t have great accommodation options (plus hotels in town book up really quickly because Trolltunga is such a popular hike), so I’d recommend staying somewhere along Hardangerfjord instead. Hardangerfjord looks like something straight out of a fairytale – in fact you could happily spend a week just on Hardangerfjord if you wanted to extend your stay here and have a more relaxing vacation.

Utne Hotel dates back to 1722 and is perfect for anyone who enjoys unique, historical accommodation. Check current rates and availability here

Ullensvang is my favorite spot along Hardangerfjord, and Ullensvang Gjesteheim is a lovely little farm offering simple, budget-friendly accommodation. Check current rates and availability here

Hardanger Rom & Harmonium is in a lovely quiet town and run by the nicest owners. It’s not super budget, but it is an incredible value for how nice it is. Check current rates and availability here

If you’re on a tighter budget, Odda Camping is your best bet, with basic rooms and little cabins. Check current rates and availability here

Day 3: Odda – Bergen

The drive to Bergen is long but beautiful. You will have to take a ferry but don’t worry, they run often and you can pay for your ticket as you drive onto the boat – super easy (and yes, they accept card). I’ve done this journey a lot by bus, and it’s always so exciting when you start getting closer to Bergen!

ACCOMMODATION IN BERGEN

You can find a list of the best accommodation in Bergen for different budgets here , and the best hostels in Bergen here .

Day 4: Bergen

No driving today! Instead, take the day to explore Bergen. And you are going to  love Bergen. It’s easily Norway’s most beautiful city and it’s so loved for a reason. 

I’ve visited many times in the past few years, and my family loved making trips here when I was growing up as well. I have so many amazing memories from my trips to Bergen and I’m sure you’ll make some too. I’ve written a complete guide to things to do in Bergen here . 

If you’d like, you can also do some tours around Bergen, like this 2-hour Segway tour , this 3-hour self-guided tour , or this private tour with a local . Or if you want a truly unique experience,  check these adventure activity options  (like zip-lining and helicopter tours!).

Day 5: Bergen – Flåm – Gaupne – Lom

Okay, this drive is crazy long and you don’t have to do it all in one day as Day 6 is a much shorter day. However, I’d recommend trying to get as far as possible today because then you’ll have more time to explore the fjords tomorrow. Plus, this will be one of the most spectacular drives of the trip, I promise.

In fact, you’ll be driving along two of Norway’s National Tourist Routes, first over Aurlandsfjellet and then over Sognefjellet from Gaupne to Lom. You can read about this drive here: The Prettiest Road Trip from Bergen .

You could also break up this day by overnighting somewhere along Sognefjord. See accommodation options near Sognefjord here.

ACCOMMODATION   NEAR LOM

Fossheim Hotel is a historic hotel from 1897 in Lom, with a restaurant featuring gourmet dishes with local produce. Check availability and current rates here

The Elveseter Hotel is a family-run mountain lodge in Boverdalen full of traditional Norwegian art, wood carvings, and cozy fireplaces in the lobby area.  Check here for availability and prices

Døsen Gård is an excellent option if you can’t make it all the way to Lom by the end of the day – plus you’ll get views of the fjord! Check availability and current rates here

And if you’re up for driving farther, Sjåk Turistheim is the perfect option just past Lom. You can either book a room here or if you’re traveling with several people the cabins are excellent value. Check availability and current rates here

If you drive just past Lom you’ll find Furuly Camping, where you can get a cozy little cabin for surprisingly cheap – it’s an especially great deal if there are several of you traveling together! The cabins are basic and you do have to pay to use the shower, but your wallet will thank you. Check availability and current rates here

Day 6: Lom – Geirangerfjord (optional: Trollstigen)

Today you have a much shorter drive to Geirangerfjord, and then you can choose yourself where you want to explore.

But on your way, there be sure to take a small detour down Gamle Strynefjellsvegen, another National Tourist Route. I haven’t been able to mark it on the map because the road is still closed for the winter, but you just need to take a left onto route 258 for Strynefjellet. You can read why this road is so amazing here: The One Norwegian Road Trip You HAVE To Take .

Then you might want to head to Trollstigen, which is famous for its many hairpin turns and incredible views (you can read about the drive to Trollstigen here ), or you can head straight to your accommodation for the night to relax on the fjord.

You can take a look through this list of Geirangerfjord accommodation and find something that suits your interest and budget.

Optional extra detour: Ålesund & The Atlantic Road

At this point you’ll need to head back to Oslo if you only have time for a seven-day road trip, but if you have extra time you could go on to Ålesund, and then even up to Norway’s famous Atlantic Road (the one where the road goes over the water in beautiful bends). Read my guide to the Atlantic Ocean Road here

Ålesund is stunning and many Norwegians consider it the most beautiful city in Norway. It’s definitely worth a visit – in fact often when people ask me where to go in Norway if they can only visit one place, I tell them to visit Ålesund. You can read about things to do in Ålesund and the surrounding area here. 

Day 7: Hjelle – Oslo

This is a long last drive and the end bit is quite boring, but it would be a lot more expensive to drop off your rental car in a different location than you got it, so if you don’t want to pay the extra fee you’ll need to get back to Oslo! Otherwise, you can try to drop off your car in Ålesund and fly back to Oslo.

If you’re driving in the summer try to take the route through Beitostølen, as it’s the most scenic. Beitostølen is a famous ski destination and while the town itself is just a ski town, the surround nature and drive are stunning. It’s not showing up on the map now because the road is still closed for the winter, but it’s 431 kilometers and takes about 6 hours and 40 minutes.

ACCOMMODATION IN OSLO

You can see more of my recommendations for the best hotels and hostels in Oslo here .

Norway Itinerary #2: Southwestern Coast

While incredibly popular amongst Norwegians, foreign tourists often aren’t too interested in Norway’s southern coast. In fact, I remember being so excited to take my English boyfriend and his friend to Grimstad and Arendal, but they were totally unimpressed.

I think the reason is that the south has really nice weather to Norwegians, but for most foreigners, it’s still fairly cold and they’d much rather see Norway’s famous mountains and fjords than cottages and sailing boats.

But there was one area of southern Norway that impressed my English friends – in fact, I’d say it’s one of the nicest parts of all of Norway. And that’s where you’ll be heading this week! If you’re into hiking and amazing landscapes, this itinerary is for you.

Day 1: Kristiansand – Mandal – Flekkefjord – Brufjell

Mandal is one of my favorite towns in Norway – again, especially in the summer. It’s just so picturesque! Here you’ll find a town center with cobblestone streets, cafés where you can eat outdoors, and colorful wooden houses perched at the edge of the water. It’s so lovely.

And then the driving from Flekkefjord to Brufjell in Åna-Sira is  amazing . You can read more about Åna-Sira and climbing Brufjell here .

ACCOMMODATION NEAR BRUFJELL

If you want to be in Åna-Sira, stay at Logbua. Check current rates and availability here

If you want to be in a cute, quiet town, stay at the lovely Sogndalstrand Kulturhotell.  Check current rates and availability here

If you’d rather be in a bigger town, stay at the very elegant Grand Hotel Flekkefjord. Check current rates and availability here

The Maritime Fjordhotel is right by the Grand Hotel and a bit cheaper (but still very nice!).  Check current rates and availability here

Egenes Camping is right on the beach and especially good value if you’re traveling with several people. Check current rates and availability

You could also stay at this holiday cottage with four beds and a half bath. Check current rates and availability

Day 2: Brufjell – Stavanger

The start of this drive has possibly the most epic scenery I’ve seen in all of Norway. Seriously, the mountains here are so unique and simply incredible.

Then the road from Ogna to Bore is a National Tourist Road , and it’s worth stopping at the Kvassheim lighthouse and the beautiful Orrestranda beach.

I find the last bit into Stavanger sort of depressing as it’s basically the oil suburbs, but then Stavanger itself is a really lovely city worth wandering around – especially in the old town.

You could even spend an extra day exploring the old town in Stavanger, and even go sea kayaking around the archipelago .

ACCOMMODATION IN STAVANGER

If you like modern design hotels, you’ll love the newly renovated Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel, right by the central station. Check current rates and availability here

Thon Hotel Stavanger is another beautiful modern choice, again right by the central station. Check current rates and availability here

Myhregaarden Hotel is on the higher end of mid-range, but I think this lovely boutique hotel is worth a bit of a splurge. Check current rates and availability here

Hotel Centrum Box offers basic rooms for amazing value considering how close it is to the city center. Check current rates and availability here

Stavanger St Svithun Vandrerhjem is a bit outside of the city center and not quite as good value as Hotel Centrum Box, but here you can have a private bathroom. It’s in a hospital, which makes for an interesting experience as well. Check current rates and availability here

There are also quite a few Vrbo options in Stavanger , like this dreamy seaside apartment , this modern studio downtown , and this beautifully renovated home .

Day 3: Stavanger – Ryfylke – Odda

This is one of the most famous drives in all of Norway, and for good reason. You’ll be passing by two of Norway’s most popular hikes, Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) and Kjeragbolten, and then ending up near Norway’s third most famous hike, Trolltunga, which happens to be near one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords, Hardangerfjord.

See below if you want to add an extra day to hike Preikestolen or Kjeragbolten.

Odda doesn’t have great accommodation options (plus hotels in town book up really quickly because Trolltunga is such a popular hike), so I’d recommend staying somewhere along Hardangerfjord instead.

Hardanger Rom & Harmonium is in a lovely quiet town and run by the nicest owners. It’s not super budget, but it is incredible value for how nice it is. Check current rates and availability here

There are a few Vrbo options around Odda , like this ground floor apartment with stunning views , this apartment near Trolltunga , or this apartment near Trolltunga

Optional extra day: hiking Preikestolen, Kjeragbolten, etc.

Instead of heading straight to Odda on Day 3, you could instead stay somewhere along the Ryfylke route and do some hiking.

The two most famous hikes in the area (and in all of Norway) are Preikestolen , or Pulpit Rock, and Kjeragbolten – the giant boulder wedged between two mountains.  Check here for all hiking options to Preikestolen  (you can even go on a guided snowshoe hike in the winter!) and check here for all hiking options to Kjeragbolten .

ACCOMMODATION NEAR LYSEFJORD

If you want to stay near the hikes, I’d choose Wathne Camping for budget accommodation, Verkshotellet Jørpeland for mid-range accommodation, or Preikestolen fjellstue , right by Pulpit Rock, for luxury accommodation.

Day 4: Odda – Bergen

Day 5: bergen.

Leave the car in the car park and take the day to explore Bergen! You can find some things to do in Bergen in here .

And there are so many tours and activities offered in Bergen – in fact when you see how much you can do here you might just decide to add an extra day to your Norway trip. Check here for tours and activities in Bergen, and check here for adventure activity options  (like zip-lining and helicopter tours!).

Day 6: Bergen – Hardangervidda – Rjukan

Okay, so the fastest way back to Kristiansand would be to get the highway back down the coast, overnighting in Haugesund or Stavanger. But if you really want to cram as much as you possibly can into your week in Norway, consider taking this longer, but oh so stunning route back to Kristiansand.

Today you’ll drive from Bergen over Hardangervidda, the largest plateau of its kind in Europe, which also happens to be home to one of the largest wild reindeer herds in the world. Part of this route is also a National Tourist Route in Norway.  If you want to split this day into two, you could camp up on Hardangervidda.

And then you’ll finish the day in Rjukan, one of my favorite towns in Norway. You can read about Rjukan here .

Day 7: Rjukan – Kristiansand

This is another beautiful drive.

You’re going to start the hair pinned climb up towards Rauland, passing the Vemork Heavy Water Museum on your left as you’re driving out of town. And then you’ll then drive through Rauland (where I live!) and up the dramatic valley of Dalen down towards Kristiansand.

Norway Itinerary #3: Public Transport Route

And with this itinerary, you can explore Norway solely by public transport! Of course, if you want more flexibility you could do this route by car instead, with some modifications.

The most popular public transport itinerary for people spending a week in Norway is by far getting the train from Oslo to Bergen, then doing Norway in a Nutshell , and returning to Oslo again by train. Norway in a Nutshell is a fine route, but personally I don’t think it shows off Norway’s best sights, but instead just its most convenient ones.

This route covers more ground, and personally, I think it would give you a much better introduction to Norway.

Day 1: Oslo – Røros

Today you’ll get the train from Oslo to Røros.

Founded in 1644, Røros is one of the oldest towns of wooden buildings in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This old mining town is definitely on the tourist path, but it’s far enough inland that it still doesn’t get as many visitors as the stops along the fjord cruise route.

Røros also happens to be my mother’s favorite place in Norway! If you’re into history and cute towns, you’ll love it. I’ve written more about things to do in Røros here .

In Røros I’d recommend staying at  Ålbyggården , which is housed in a beautifully renovated old barn and is conveniently just a 5-minute walk from the train station. This is actually one of my favorite places I’ve stayed in Norway, and is the perfect miss of culture and luxury.  Check current rates and availability here

If you want a cheaper option,  Solheim Pensjonat  is also right downtown, looks really lovely inside, and has excellent reviews.  Check current rates and availability here

Day 2: Røros – Trondheim

Get the train in the morning so you can have pretty much a full day to explore Trondheim – the first place I lived in Norway! To get started, try booking a  customized tour  with a local guide. You can  check prices and availability here .

For more, you can check out  my favorite things to do in Trondheim here .

I’ve written a list of the best hotels and hostels in Trondheim here .

Day 3: Trondheim – Kristiansund

Today you’ll either get the coastal express ferry from Trondheim to Kristiansund, which takes about 3.5 hours, or the Hurtigruten, which takes 6.5 hours. Coastal express tickets cost 680 NOK for adults and the Hurtigruten costs 700. And you don’t need to book the tickets in advance – you can just buy them on board with either cash or card.

Personally, I’d prefer to save time and take the express ferry, especially as while the Hurtigruten will be full of tourists, the coastal express is primarily used as a commuter service, so you’re unlikely to see any other tourists on board. But the schedule is a bit strange depending on what day you’re leaving, so you might have to get the Hurtigruten instead. You can find the coastal express schedule here  and the Hurtigruten here (you’ll need to translate it with Google).

Then take the afternoon/evening to explore Kristiansund! I’ve written more about things to do in Kristiansund here .

My personal favorite stay in Kristiansund is the Thon Hotel Kristiansund . I stayed in their standard double room and it was right on the water with views of the ocean out all of the windows. It felt like being in a boat! And the breakfast was superb (even post corona).

Day 4: Kristiansund – Ålesund

Today you’ll get Bus 100 from Kristiansund to Ålesund ( Kristiansund trafikkterminal platform 2 to Rådhuset i Ålesund ). The journey takes just under four hours and goes through some beautiful landscapes.

ACCOMMODATION IN ÅLESUND

Luxury 

Hotel Brosundet   is in a beautifully restored Art Nouveau warehouse, with views out over the water. This would be my #1 recommendation for a luxury hotel in Ålesund!  Check here for current room rates and more details

Scandic Ålesund   is also directly on the waterfront and has huge, spacious, modern rooms, many with sea views.   Check here for more details and current rates

Heart of Ålesund   is a 3-bedroom luxury apartment right in – you guessed it – the heart of Ålesund. I personally love staying at apartments and pretending to be a local, but this place also offers all the luxury aspects of a hotel. It even has a jacuzzi!  Check here for more details and current rates

First Hotel Atlantica is a four-star hotel in right on the canal in downtown Ålesund, but it offers surprisingly affordable mid-range hotel rates.  Check current rates here

Scandic Scandinavie is located in an old Art Nouveau building from 1905, but its rooms are spacious and modern.  Check current rates here

Budget 

Ålesund Hostel offers dorm accommodation downtown. Click here to see current rates and availability

Day 5: Ålesund (Geirangerfjord)

Take the day to explore Ålesund and the surrounding area. You can find a guide to things to do in Ålesund here .

You could also take a fjord cruise/bus into Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords, or even go kayaking through the fjord !

Day 6: Ålesund – Åndalsnes

Today you’ll take bus 681 to Åndalsnes – you can simply buy tickets on board the bus.

And then from Åndalsnes you can get the bus to Trollstigen or, if possible, I would actually recommend renting a car for the day to drive to Trollstigen and the surrounding area, as there are some great places to explore here. You could also book a tour, check rates and availability here .

The Grand Hotel Bellevue is right in the town center with beautiful mountain views. Check current rates and availability here

Åndalsnes Hostel is about a 30 minute walk from the station (where the bus drops you off) but it’s the closest budget friendly accommodation. Check current rates and availability here

Day 7: Åndalsnes – Oslo

Today you can just relax on the train back to Oslo. Be sure to book your train tickets as far in advance as possible (up to 3 months), as the tickets will be much cheaper, starting at just 249 kroner.

You can see my recommendations for the best hotels and hostels in Oslo here .

Getting to Norway

Lots of airlines fly into Oslo, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding good flights.

And if you’re on a budget you’re in luck – Norwegian is a budget airline with some of the cheapest connections between the US and Europe. I fly them all the time, just remember that it is a budget airline so you’ll have to pay extra for checked luggage, meals on board, and even water during your flight. I always bring several sandwiches and lots of snacks and a big water bottle that I refill at the airport (after security of course!) to tide me over.

Just be sure not to exceed the carry on luggage limit if you don’t pay for checked luggage with Norwegian, because they are super strict. My friend recently flew Norwegian to visit me in Norway and she had to pay $200 to check her bag at the airport. Not so budget!

I do love Norwegian, but sometimes you can find even better deals with other airlines, and if you do it’s definitely nicer to fly a non-budget airline. Luggage fees add up and it’s so much nicer to fly an airline with meals and drinks included.

My go-to for finding flights are Skyscanner and Kiwi.com. Kiwi.com especially is a sneaky travel hack tool that can find great connections that other search engines don’t include – I’ve written more about Kiwi.com and how to use it here .

You’ll probably be flying into and out of Oslo Gardermoen Airport which seriously is one of the nicest airports in the world. And guys, I travel for a living so I spend a lot of time in airports.

Pro tip #1: if you want to look like a local, head straight to the Tax Free shop once you land. It’s always funny getting off flights in Oslo because every Norwegian will go straight to Tax Free to buy alcohol, and it’s only the tourists that skip it, haha. But seriously, if you do want to drink in Norway and are on a budget, you’ll save a lot of money by picking up something here.

Pro tip #2:  Don’t get the Flytoget, or Airport Express Train, into Oslo from the Airport. It’s only three minutes faster than the regional train and costs twice as much! Again, it’s only ever tourists who get the express (“express”) train while all Norwegians get the Vy (formerly NSB) train. You’ll see the Vy ticket machines on your right once you exit customs and you can buy your tickets there. You can also check the train schedule at vy.no .

What to Pack for Norway

The most important thing about packing for Norway is to bring lots of layers. The weather here is really unpredictable so it’s important to be ready for lots of different temperatures throughout the day.

I’ve written a complete guide for what to pack for winter in Norway here, and a guide to what to pack for summer in Norway here.

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Jemy Massie says

May 19, 2018 at 6:23 am

Thank you, Silvia! This is the most helpful itinerary I’ve read so far.

Silvia says

May 19, 2018 at 1:31 pm

Happy you found it helpful!

Zoie @ Whisked Away By Words says

May 20, 2018 at 8:48 pm

I’ve discovered your blog about a week ago, when I was looking up tidbits about the Norwegian culture (since I’ve just started learning Norwegian 😊)… and I am absolute IN LOVE with your blog. It’s amazing that you’ve been to over 80 countries, but even more amazing that you’ve documented so many of your travels around the world. I lost myself in your posts about backpacking in Asia and Central Asia, which is what I want to do in my future — perhaps during my gap year after high school?

Anyways, it’s so inspiring to read about your travels and experiences wandering through this globe! I love the mix of storytelling and practical advice you have on this blog, and I can’t wait to read more about your adventures!

May 21, 2018 at 4:46 pm

Ah that makes me so happy! And a gap year in Asia sounds like an amazing idea – I’m actually always saying that I wish I had taken a little time off between high school and university.

The Stylish Traveler says

May 21, 2018 at 4:30 pm

Norway looks like such an incredible place to travel! Thanks so much for sharing your routes! I feel so inspired to plan a trip!

May 21, 2018 at 4:44 pm

It really is a dream – I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

May 22, 2018 at 12:17 pm

Love your blog! Thanks! We are doing the exact same route by rented car of Itenary 1, day 3 early Sept, but in the opposite direction: Bergen to Odda. Google maps is giving me 135km and 2hr47min for that stretch on the exact route ( Bergen, Asane, Trengereid, Norbygda, Tysse, Eikedalen, Northeimsund, Torvikbygd, Jondal, gjetingsdalen, eitrheim, Odda). This is freaking me out now, as according to your google map it is 269km and takes 5hr39mins. I still need to travel up to Voss on the same day for our booked hotel accommodation. Can you please shed some light on what could be the difference in time and distance😱. I’m travelling with a two year old so I really need to plan well. Appreciate any help!

May 22, 2018 at 12:25 pm

That’s SO weird – I’ve reloaded the map and now it’s displaying correctly – 135 km is correct, and it shouldn’t take longer than 3 hours tops. Have fun!

May 23, 2018 at 1:24 pm

Fantastic!😅Soooo looking forward to our Norway trip early Sept travelling all the way from very sunny South Africa! I am basically following all your advice on the most scenic routes to take! Congrats with such an amazing blog! And thank you!

May 23, 2018 at 11:16 pm

Oh wow that is exciting! And I’m so happy you’ve been enjoying the blog, it’s always great to hear.

Deepak says

May 28, 2018 at 7:41 pm

Your blog is awesome … It’s so much of information and no one can miss anything .. thanks for the details intenerary .

I am planning to visit Norway in September last week . But I have 5 days . Can you please suggest me the best I can cover in 5 days if I start and end my trip in Oslo?

Previously I had plans to go via tourist operator for Norway in nutshell.. now after reading your blog I have made up my mind that I will be renting a car and driving on my own.

I will expect a reply from you or details in my mail so that I can plan accordingly .

Thanks in advance.

Regards, Deepak

May 30, 2018 at 5:53 pm

I would do the first itinerary and either return to Oslo on Day 5, or skip Day 4 in Bergen and return to Oslo on Day 6.

Patti D. says

May 31, 2018 at 3:56 pm

Does the buses and trains allow luggage? I am wanting to book my own Norway in a Nutshell and stay over in bergen, but wasn’t sure what if we can bring suitcases.

June 5, 2018 at 11:09 pm

Yes! I’m not sure if the public bus has a separate luggage compartment, but at least the trains have loads of room for luggage. A lot of people do the route with their suitcases, so you should be fine.

June 10, 2018 at 5:27 pm

hello there! thank you for all your insights! i’m planning to follow the first itinerary and wonders if there are any downsides to do this in the reverse direction? reason being ill depart from Oslo airport straight away and passing through Oslo on the first day doesn’t seem necessary. and do you think camping along this route is possible? could you write about camping in norway please? thank you again!

June 11, 2018 at 9:42 pm

I don’t see why you couldn’t do this in reverse. Camping along the route should be possible – you’ll just need to stay a bit outside of towns, or pay to stay at campsites. I’ve written a bit about camping here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/plan-road-trip-norway/ and here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/blog/cheap-accommodation-norway-budget/

June 30, 2018 at 6:11 am

Hi Silvia.. Will be planning my trip next year to see Aurora borealis.. Any idea the best Month and location that can see this beautiful things. And road trip is more affordable than public transportation?? Is the food really so expensive?? Can Share more insight on yr trip and cost??

July 2, 2018 at 1:14 pm

You can find more information about seeing the aurora here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/tips-northern-lights-norway/ and here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/blog/best-northern-lights-europe-abisko/ and information about transport here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/budget-travel-transportation/ and food here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/budget-eating-food/

July 4, 2018 at 3:53 am

Hi Silvia, Thanks for putting together amazing itineraries . I really like the itinerary #3. Can this be done completely by car and if so what modifications do you recommend?

July 4, 2018 at 10:59 am

Definitely! Then you can drive from Trondheim to Kristiansund instead of taking the ferry.

Andrew says

August 1, 2018 at 6:44 pm

Hi Silvia, first of all thanks for such a great blog. So much helpful information, especially on this page 🙂 we’re coming to Norway during the last week of August and basically will be roughly following your itinerary 1. However we have some doubts on day 5 & 6…as it seems that from Bergen you go to Lom, followed by Lom to Hjelle the next day. Is it possible to go from Bergen straight to Hjelle (via another route?) and then from Hjelle to Lom? We have to go back to Oslo on day 7 in any case, so it seems like this could save us some driving time. Any thoughts? Thanks again!

August 8, 2018 at 6:14 pm

This is just amazing Silvia , Great blog ! I really hope I have enough time to book and plan the trip accordoing To your itinerary at least for public transport route. Currently I have already booked the usual tour and visiting the tourist crowded hike and towns in this August . Hopefully I could revisit The beautiful Norway another time !

Jennifer Krier says

October 4, 2018 at 8:16 pm

We are a family of five (two parents and three young adult “kids”) and interested in visiting Norway, especially since my paternal grandfather, Richard Grimsrud, was Norwegian. Here’s the thing; we really prefer to stay in one place if possible, and to minimize our car time. We prefer to stay in a very small town or village where we can walk and swim (assuming it gets warm enough to swim in Norway!) and shop and eat at cute cafes and restaurants and get places mostly on foot. Is there any picturesque place that comes to mind that might be good for us? We hope to come from Boston in the summer. We also are really interested in culture and history. So appreciate hearing your thoughts!

October 6, 2018 at 12:30 pm

Check out this post: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/where-to-go-in-norway/

October 13, 2018 at 2:20 am

Thank you for the really good tips and details. We are planning to visit Oslo in 2nd week of November for 3 nights.Initially we wanted to plan the train trip to Bergen and go for cruise explore nature but given its going to be winters maybe its better to decide once there. Can you suggest if its okay at least for the city break in November if not nature trip? And do you have any suggestions to make the best out of our visit in such weather? Appreciate all your help on this.

Elaine Mayer says

December 26, 2018 at 3:51 am

This is very helpful. We plan to take summer trip next year and believe we use one of the route. Thank you so much for put together these useful information.

January 31, 2019 at 8:40 am

Thanks for the great post. My family of four will have a one week stopover this June in Norway en route from Doha to Seattle. My ancestors come from around Bergen and it’s always been a dream to visit the Stolen family. My kids will be 3 and 5 at the time. They do not do too great on long road trips, but we definitely want to see the country and get to Bergen. We love the outdoors and are an adventurous family (traveled Albania, 30 days on camino del norte, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Turkey…). What would you recommend for a 6 day journey, getting to Bergen and getting outdoors? Are there perhaps two good spots where we can spend 3 nights in each? Thanks! Joe

February 2, 2019 at 3:20 pm

I don’t really know anything about traveling with kids, but maybe you can fly straight into Bergen and then rent a car and spend a few days somewhere along the fjord, like one of these places: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/best-sognefjord-accommodation/

March 20, 2019 at 12:46 am

My family and I have about a week to travel from Oslo to Bergen. This will be in mid April. Our goal is to take our time and stay in a couple small towns and see natural beauty (and Norwegian culture!).

My research (and your blog) indicates that this whole area is great and it’s hard to go wrong. What would be your suggestion on the best route this time of year? Thanks so much!

March 27, 2019 at 12:15 am

I really want to take you up on your suggestions and skip most the cities. Most your itineraries include Oslo. Any recommendations on a 7 day trip flying into Bergen or Aselund. My wife and I, always happy skipping some of the more crowded hikes and dense tourist areas. We could only do a late May trip. You wrote a great post on Hardangerfjord, but it made us worried we should postpone Norway until a September trip was better for us.

Thank you! Rick

Hannah Thompson says

April 10, 2019 at 6:42 pm

Great page! We have a really short trip flying into Oslo on the 15th of May and flying back out from Oslo on the 20th. We have rented a car and want to get to Bergen and then back to Oslo on the evening of the 19th. Read many different suggestions but want to cram in as much as possible in only a 4 day car trip there and back. What do you suggest on the trip from Oslo to Bergen and then the route back from Bergen to Oslo? Want to see the nature, waterfalls, small towns, fjords, borgund church and then have enough time to explore Bergen. Thanks so much

Shyla Myrick says

May 10, 2019 at 7:30 pm

My husband and I are flying into Bergen in June and have about 5-7 days before heading to Stockholm. We like to have a home base and day trip out. We do like to avoid crowds when possible. From other travel sites I was considering Balestrand, but wanted to see if you had any other thoughts or better suggestions.

Thanks for your time!

May 17, 2019 at 8:27 am

Thanks for your amazing blogs. Just a quick question on travelling by public transport in Norway. Is it necessary to pre book train/cruises/ buses in the fjords or could it be done on the day of travel at the ticket counters?

May 17, 2019 at 6:41 pm

Yes, you should prebook everything (except some buses).

Padmapriya Sridharan says

June 21, 2019 at 1:32 pm

Hi Silvia, I’m traveling from India and I have a young 2 year old child. Is there a longer itinerary that I can perhaps refer to which can be done using public transport alone?

July 9, 2019 at 11:08 pm

Curious, do you have recommendations for what to do in Flam, and have you been to Hammerfest? Or Kristiansund? Those three are on my itinerary so welcome any feedback/ideas for things to check out!

August 25, 2019 at 9:36 pm

Thank you for all the info! I’m looking at itinerary #1 on here and was just trying to look up rental cars – how are the roads in Norway? Can I get a smaller, cheaper car or do you think I’ll need a 4×4? Thanks!

September 2, 2019 at 4:10 pm

A smaller, cheaper car will be fine.

Leelee says

September 23, 2019 at 3:41 am

Hi Silvia! Would you recommend adding Lofoten Islands to your 1st itinerary if we had 10 days? Instead of driving back towards Oslo, fly from Alesund into Harstad-Narvik airport (if that’s even a possibility)? We want to try and get as much in but I’m thinking we may not have enough time on this trip (1st part of September). Thanks for the advice!

September 23, 2019 at 11:43 am

You will have to pay a high fee for a one-way car rental, but if you don’t mind the added cost then I think you could manage to fit Lofoten in!

November 18, 2019 at 1:39 pm

Hi Silvia, thank you for the detailed article, it is very useful. Which option do you recommend doing in December (around Christmas time), we are thinking of renting a car.

December 9, 2019 at 10:47 pm

Hi Silvia, I have been looking up Norway itineraries for a while now and yours just seem perfect… And there is 3 to choose from now so thank you so much for writing about these. Just a quick question – Would we be about to do most of itinerary #1 in the first week of April? Or will roads be closed?

December 10, 2019 at 3:14 pm

They should all be open by April, unless there’s a crazy storm or something.

December 12, 2019 at 11:31 pm

Thanks so much Silvia.

February 6, 2020 at 9:38 pm

I’m planning a surprise trip with my fiance and trying to figure out the best and reasonably priced way to see Norway in 6 nights. It looks like a rental car would be crazy expensive. Based on your posts, it looks like Bergen, Geiranger, and Alesund would be stops we could probably make. Is it possible to have a good trip with this plan? Would I be able to take the rail system from Bergen to Geiranger, Geiranger to Alesund? I’m thinking we’d fly from Alesund back to Bergen. I’m trying to make the most of the 6 nights on this trip so if you have any suggestions or edits, that would be great and appreciated! I’m also open to traveling from Oslo as opposed to Bergen, but let me know what would be easier.

Thanks! Jerry

February 9, 2020 at 1:13 pm

Were you looking to pick up and drop off the car in different places? It’s much cheaper if you pick up and drop off in the same place. The train line doesn’t go between Bergen and Geiranger (you can check the train map here: https://www.vy.no/globalassets/vy.no/filer-no/linjekart/nye-linjekart/linjekart-vy-norge.pdf ) so you would need to take a bus instead. I don’t like the village of Geiranger that much, but the area around that fjord is beautiful. I have some recommended places to stay here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/best-geirangerfjord-hotels/ Have a great trip!

Suzy Zid says

February 11, 2020 at 2:24 am

Loving this post and your blog generally! I am planning to do a week of road trip in Southwestern Norway this September.

I would like to ask regarding the 1st itinerary for the route back from Hjelle to Oslo, you said to take route through Beitostølen. I tried doing that on Google Map, setting to depart in September so the road should be open. Apparently, the road is one-way, that is, from Beitostølen to Hindsæter only and not possible for the other way around. Could you please advise on this or any other scenic route for from Hjelle to Oslo? Thank you so much!

Sarute L. says

February 17, 2020 at 7:14 am

Thank you for taking the time to put all these tips down in writing.

A quick question on cruises through Geirangerfjord (or any other fjords, if you have been on them). 1. Are they worth taking, or are views throughout the drive equally as spectacular? 2. Do you recommend taking the cruise through Geirangerfjord from Alesund or Geiranger? (I know you’re not a big fan of the Geiranger town).

Much appreciated once again.

February 17, 2020 at 10:59 am

Personally I prefer the views from the road, but I also get seasick very easily, haha. I would do whichever works better in your schedule as you’ll get similar experiences, but if I had to choose I would take the cruise from Alesund.

Santosh says

June 21, 2020 at 4:01 pm

First of all, great piece of information. Already feels like I know so much about the place. What places would you suggest if one has 10 days to explore Norway, flying in & out of Oslo, will be using public transport & have to have Lofoten in itinerary.

Also, do you have any ideas about renting motorcycles in/around Lofoten islands.

Bigg thanks for the advice in advance.

June 23, 2020 at 5:05 pm

If you only have 10 days I would head from Oslo up to Lofoten – you can get the train to Bodø and rent a vehicle there and get the ferry across to Lofoten. On the train up you could stop in Røros and Trondheim and maybe Mosjøen – I have guides to all of them on my blog, so check them out and see what looks interesting!

Chelsea Kalyn says

September 28, 2021 at 3:56 am

WOW I have spent at least 3 hours clicking through a TON of these Norway posts. Any recommendation for a 2 week itinerary. Ideally start and end in Oslo. I’m thinking renting a car will be the best bet. I for sure want to hit all of the “typical” tourist sports such as trolltunga hike but want off the beaten path places to visit as well (a good mix of both). I won’t have camping equipment so will need cities to stay in overnight.

Any must see hikes in your opinion?

I’m thinking June for a time frame would there be a good place to spend midsummer’s festival and when is it in Norway?

Laetitia says

April 26, 2022 at 5:52 pm

Thanks for this excellent blog.Huge information very interesting.

We plan our Norway road trip for 20 days (19 nights) in July. Below our program. My question is about time to drive to all these destinations and if we should skip some of them to stay more time in the main “must-see sites”.

Any thoughts?

Really appreciate all your help on this and thanks for your time

1 Hirtshals Larvik (Ferry) – Oslo 2 oslo oslo 3 oslo Lillehammer – otta 4 otta Trondheim 5 Trondheim kristiansund 6 kristiansund Alesund 7 Alesund Geiranger 8 Geiranger Geiranger 9 Geiranger hellesylt – loen 10 loen sogndal 11 sogndal flam 12 flam bergen 13 bergen bergen 14 bergen odda 15 odda odda (Trolltunga hike) 16 odda stavanger 17 stavanger stavanger 18 ??? ??? (to program, no decided yet) 19 stavanger Kristiansand 20 Kristiansand Hirtshals (Ferry)

June 21, 2022 at 9:25 am

Just got back from a week in Norway and followed your itinerary from Oslo to Bergen and back. Great recommendations with some hidden gems that we wouldn’t have seen otherwise. The highlight was our stay in Aurland/Flam and the fjord cruise. Thanks for the info and inspiring a memorable family vacation.

July 27, 2022 at 6:21 am

Hi! I found you from tiktok and thought this blog was very helpful! Is there a route you’d recommend for our trip? We are flying into Oslo and flying out of Bergen for a 7 day trip next month. We are a young active couple looking forward to hiking 🙂

July 28, 2022 at 9:09 am

I would do the first itinerary!

August 9, 2022 at 1:55 pm

I’m planning a roadtrip in Norway based on your itinerarys #1 and #2, but I don’t have more than 4-5 days. Living in Stockholm I’m thinking I could fly to Bergen, rent a car, follow your day 1 for itinerary #1 to Sogndal, but instead of continuing to Lom go straight north to Loen (or thereabouts). After that Geirangerfjord (via Gamle Strynefjellsvegen) – Åndalsnes (Trollstigen) – Ålesund. Return the car in Ålesund (if possible) and fly home to Stockholm. Does it sound like a feasible/sensible (first time) trip to Norway in max 5 days?

August 9, 2022 at 2:33 pm

Yeah that sounds like a great plan, however returning the car in Ålesund is going to be really expensive. If you need to cut it shorter, I would skip Ålesund and just do Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord from Bergen and then return to Bergen.

August 9, 2022 at 4:04 pm

Thanks for the reply! I checked Sixt and you’re right, it’s seems to be really expensive. I guess I’ll have to rethink and decide whether I want to use Bergen or Ålesund as my starting point.

Bekah Knudson says

September 13, 2022 at 11:36 pm

My husband and I (from Texas) just returned from Norway and I pretty much used your blog as my Bible while planning. We used your recommended itinerary (the first one) and we had AN AMAZING TIME. I wanted to come on here and thank you, because I think the only reason we were able to get so much from our trip was by following your suggestions.

We flew in to Oslo and ended in Ålesund. We are obsessed with how beautiful Norway is, and how each day had something totally different to offer. We were super prepared for rain, but we lucked out and it was sunny skies the whole time we were there and beautiful temperature. The only time we strayed from your itinerary was in Lom. We took route 55 and it was closed due to an avalanche! So we ended up staying in Bøverdalen since there’s not an easy way around that. We just got to enjoy the mountains an extra way as we drove back down and around.

We met so many wonderful people. The culture in Norway is so different from America – very kind, friendly and selfless. My husband’s great grandparents were Norwegian and immigrated to North Dakota from Stavanger (which we didn’t make it to) but it was fun getting to see his heritage and a lot of people noticed our last name was Norwegian. That was probably the first time since I’ve been married that I’ve heard anyone pronounce it correctly! 🙂

All of the hotels we stayed in were INCREDIBLE. We mostly booked your suggestions, unless they didn’t have availability. The whole time we were there I was constantly saying “Ohhh, I remember Silvia saying this or that..” haha

So, THANK YOU SO MUCH for helping us have the experience of a lifetime. It was my first time leaving the USA, so your blog helped everything go incredibly smooth and helped us prepare greatly.

September 14, 2022 at 12:01 pm

Oh wow, I’m so happy that you had such an incredible trip! And that you found my suggestions useful. Thanks so much for telling me!

Laura S. - Western MA says

January 17, 2023 at 6:36 pm

Hi Silvia, These itineraries are terrific, thank you for sharing. We’re interested in spending 3-4 days taking day hikes from a home base small city or small town. So we can hike during the day and come back to someplace for meals, with maybe coffee shops, bakery, etc. Do you have a suggestion for a great home base?

January 17, 2023 at 8:47 pm

Ålesund/Sæbø or Sakrisøy in Lofoten! https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/alesund-travel-guide/ https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/hjorundfjord-norway-beautiful-fjord/ https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/lofoten-road-trip/

Alisha says

April 9, 2024 at 11:19 am

Do you think instead of doing Bergen – Flåm – Gaupne – Lom I can do Bergen – Flåm – Hjelledalen? I am short on time!

April 9, 2024 at 11:24 am

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10 Reasons to Why Visit Norway: A Journey of Arctic Wonders and Scandinavian Splendors

I’ve always been captivated by the untamed beauty of Norway. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with a breathtaking landscape that seems straight out of a fairy tale.

The majestic fjords, towering mountains, and shimmering Northern Lights create a sense of wonder and adventure that is truly unparalleled.

Whether exploring vibrant cities like Oslo or immersing yourself in the tranquility of nature, Norway offers an escape from the ordinary. It invites you to embrace freedom at its finest.

So why visit Norway? Let me show you why this remarkable country should be at the top of your travel list.

Page Contents

Key Takeaways

• Natural Beauty of Norway: Norway offers stunning landscapes with mountains, fjords, white sand beaches, hiking opportunities, and famous fjords like Geiranger and Hardanger.
• Northern Lights Experience: Visitors have good chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis in Northern Norway between late August and April, with various activities such as Northern Lights chases, dog sledding, and snowmobiling.
• Midnight Sun Phenomenon: Northern Norway experiences the Midnight Sun between late May and late July, providing full daylight 24/7 for hiking, boat trips, and fishing.
• Cycling Adventures: Norway offers fresh ocean views, forest terrain, and routes through mountains and fjords, especially in the Tromsø region, where daylight is available throughout the entire route during summer due to the Midnight Sun.

Reason 1: Witness the Enchanting Northern Lights

If you visit Norway, you’ll have the chance to witness the enchanting Northern Lights in Northern Norway between late August and late April. It’s a mesmerizing sight that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

The best time to see the Northern Lights is during the winter months, when the nights are long and dark. Norway boasts some of the best places to see this natural phenomenon, such as Tromsø, Lofoten Islands, and Alta.

Imagine standing under a sky filled with dancing ribbons of green, purple, and blue lights. It’s an experience that will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty and power.

Reason 2: Explore the Majestic Fjords

Immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of Norway’s fjords, where untouched landscapes and breathtaking nature await your exploration.

Discover why visiting Norway’s fjords is a must:

• Majestic Fjords: Norway is home to some of the world’s most stunning fjords, carved by ancient glaciers. These majestic natural wonders offer awe-inspiring views and an opportunity to connect with nature on a profound level.
• Explore Untouched Beauty: The fjords provide a unique opportunity to explore untouched landscapes, where mountains and fjords meet in perfect harmony. It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with countless hiking trails, kayaking adventures, and scenic drives along the coastline.
• Worth Visiting: Norway’s fjords are often regarded as one of the best places to visit in Norway. With their dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque villages nestled along the shores, they offer an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing for more.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Norway’s majestic fjords and discover the true essence of natural beauty.

Reason 3: Embrace the Midnight Sun

Embrace the unique phenomenon of the Midnight Sun in Northern Norway, where you can experience full daylight 24/7 and indulge in activities like hiking, fishing, and boat trips under the magical shades of light.

The Midnight Sun is a natural wonder during summer above the Arctic Circle. It’s a time when the sun never sets, creating an enchanting atmosphere that allows you to make the most of every day.

Imagine exploring the stunning landscapes of Norway’s northern coast, bathed in constant daylight. This is your opportunity to witness nature at its finest and immerse yourself in a world of endless possibilities.

Visit Norway during this time to truly understand why it’s considered one of the happiest countries on Earth. So pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable adventure filled with natural beauty and endless daylight.

Reason 4: Dive into Winter Sports Wonderland

Experience the thrill of winter sports in Norway’s snowy wonderland, where you can ski, snowboard, and go dog sledding amidst breathtaking mountain landscapes. Here are three reasons why visiting Norway for winter sports is an absolute must:

• Skiing: Norway offers a paradise for skiers with its numerous ski resorts scattered throughout the country. From world-class downhill skiing in Tromsø Alpinpark to cross-country skiing in the picturesque Lofoten Islands, there’s something for every skill level.
• Snowboarding: Embrace your inner adventurer and hit the slopes on a snowboard. With challenging terrain and stunning scenery, places like Northern Norway and Tromsø are ideal for shredding the powder.
• Dog Sledding: Experience the exhilaration of mushing your team of dogs through pristine snow-covered landscapes. Whether exploring northern Norway or venturing into the wild beauty of Lofoten, dog sledding offers a unique way to immerse yourself in nature.

Visit Norway and embrace the excitement of winter sports in this snowy wonderland that promises unforgettable adventures at every turn.

Reason 5: Encounter Arctic Wildlife

Get up close and personal with Arctic wildlife as you embark on thrilling encounters with polar bears, reindeer, and other unique species in the breathtaking landscapes of Norway.

Norway is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking unforgettable wildlife experiences. One of the best places to encounter arctic wildlife is Svalbard, an archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole.

Here, you can witness the majestic polar bears in their natural habitat, roaming freely across the icy tundra.

Additionally, Norway’s scenic beauty provides the perfect backdrop for spotting other fascinating creatures like reindeer and seabirds.

Whether you’re a nature lover or simply seeking adventure, a trip to Norway promises incredible encounters with Arctic wildlife that will leave you in awe of Mother Nature’s wonders.

Reason 6: Revel in Scandinavian Culture

Immerse yourself in the rich and vibrant Scandinavian culture of Norway. Indulge in traditional cuisine, explore captivating museums, and connect with locals eager to share their heritage.

Learn about the fascinating history of Norway through its museums, which showcase Viking artifacts and tales of exploration.

Revel in the natural beauty surrounding you in every corner of this stunning country, from majestic fjords to imposing mountains and picturesque waterfalls.

Experience the warmth and friendliness of the Norwegian people, voted the happiest country in the world. They are proud to share their culture with visitors.

In Norway, you have endless opportunities to learn, explore, and connect with a culture deeply rooted in history and natural beauty.

Reason 7: Experience Dog Sledding Adventures

Hop on a dog sled and embark on exhilarating adventures through the snowy landscapes of Norway. Experience the thrill of gliding across the Arctic Circle, taking in breathtaking views through the pristine wilderness.

One of the best places to visit for dog sledding adventures is Tromsø, known as the Gateway to the Arctic.

Here, you can join guided tours that will introduce you to these incredible animals and teach you how to navigate through the snow-covered terrain.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider visiting Trondheim or Stavanger, where you can explore picturesque trails and witness stunning views of nature.

And if you’re lucky, you might even glimpse the mesmerizing Aurora dancing in the night sky.

Reason 8: Marvel at Norwegian Fjords by Boat

Take in the breathtaking beauty of the Norwegian fjords by boat, where you can witness the majestic landscapes and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring natural wonders.

The Norwegian fjords are a sight, with their towering cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque villages nestled along the shores.

Here are three reasons why a boat trip through the Norwegian fjords should be at the top of your travel list:

• Unforgettable Views: As you cruise through the fjords, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush green valleys. It’s like stepping into a postcard-worthy scene that will leave you speechless.
• Explore Charming Towns: Along your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to visit charming towns such as Bergen and Oslo. These cities offer a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine that will enhance your overall experience.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to embark on a boat trip through the Norwegian fjords is during the summer months when daylight stretches for hours on end. This allows for longer exploration and more time to soak in all Norway offers.

Reason 9: Witness the Polar Night

As we continue our exploration of the reasons why you should visit Norway, let’s dive into reason number nine: Witness the Polar Night.

Imagine a world where the sun never rises above the horizon, casting mystical darkness over the land. This phenomenon, known as the Polar Night, occurs in Northern Norway from late November to mid-January. It is truly an otherworldly experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

To help you plan your trip and make the most of this unique natural wonder, here are some key details:

Tromsø, often referred to as the capital of Northern Norway, is one of the best places in Norway to see the Polar Night. During this time, daylight never sets and you can witness enchanting shades of blue and purple illuminating the sky.

Visiting Norway during summer may be more popular due to longer days and milder weather. However, if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that few have witnessed, visiting during the Polar Night is a must.

Reason 10: Uncover Hidden Gems with Thoughtful Itineraries

Uncovering hidden gems in Norway becomes effortless with Culture Trip’s thoughtful itineraries. When you visit Norway, there are many incredible places to see and explore along Norway’s stunning coast.

With Culture Trip’s itineraries, you can uncover the best-kept secrets and experience the rich history and natural beauty of this breathtaking country.

Here are three reasons why Culture Trip’s thoughtful itineraries make your trip unforgettable:

• Discover Hidden Gems: Explore lesser-known destinations off the beaten path, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the local culture and experience authentic Norway.
• Diverse Activities: From hiking through majestic mountains to kayaking along pristine fjords, Culture Trip offers a variety of activities that cater to every adventurer’s taste.
• Learn About History: Dive into Norway’s fascinating history as you visit historical sites, museums, and landmarks that provide insights into the country’s vibrant past.

With Culture Trip’s thoughtful itineraries, your journey through Norway will be filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, captivating history, and unforgettable experiences.

After exploring the wonders of Norway, I’m truly mesmerized by its contrasting beauty.

From the ethereal Northern Lights to the majestic fjords, this country offers a sensory overload of natural marvels.

The Midnight Sun and Polar Night provide surreal moments that defy imagination. And let’s not forget about the thrilling winter sports and encounters with Arctic wildlife.

With thoughtful itineraries, hidden gems are waiting to be discovered at every turn. Norway is a land of contrasts that will leave you in awe and craving more adventures.

FAQs | Why Visit Norway?

What can i do in norway during the winter season.

Norway is a winter wonderland with plenty of activities to enjoy. You can go skiing or snowboarding in some of the best ski resorts in the world. You can also try dog sledding, ice fishing, ice climbing, or taking a thrilling snowmobile ride. And of course, don’t miss the opportunity to witness the enchanting Northern Lights.

What are the top places to visit in Norway?

Norway boasts numerous beautiful and captivating destinations. Some of the top places to visit include the stunning fjords such as Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, Tromsø to experience the Northern Lights, the capital city Oslo, the charming city of Bergen, and the Svalbard archipelago for unique wildlife encounters.

Is Norway a safe country to travel to?

Yes, Norway is considered one of the safest countries in the world. The crime rate is low, and the country has excellent healthcare and infrastructure. Travelers can feel secure exploring Norway’s natural wonders and vibrant cities.

What is the best time to visit Norway?

The best time to visit Norway depends on your preferences. If you want to experience the midnight sun, summer is the ideal time to visit. If you wish to witness the Northern Lights, winter is the best season. The spring and autumn months offer milder weather and fewer crowds.

Can you recommend an itinerary for a trip to Norway?

Each traveler’s itinerary will vary depending on their interests and the duration of their trip. However, a popular itinerary could include exploring Oslo and Bergen, visiting the fjords, experiencing the Northern Lights in Tromsø, and enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking or skiing.

What are some interesting facts about Norway?

Here are a few interesting facts about Norway: – Norway is known for its stunning landscapes, which include fjords, mountains, and waterfalls. – The country is home to the northernmost point in Europe, North Cape. – It is one of the wealthiest countries in the world due to its oil and natural gas reserves. – The majority of Norway’s population speaks English fluently. – Norway is famous for its winter sports, including biathlon, ski jumping, and cross-country skiing.

How can I learn about the history and culture of Norway?

There are several ways to learn about the history and culture of Norway. You can visit museums and historical sites, such as the Viking Ship Museum or the Nidaros Cathedral. You can also participate in cultural experiences, such as traditional food tastings or festivals. Engaging with locals and exploring the country’s traditions will provide valuable insights into Norway’s rich heritage.

What are some popular winter sports in Norway?

Norway is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Some popular winter sports include skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. Norway’s ski resorts offer excellent facilities and breathtaking landscapes for these activities.

Can you recommend some ski resorts in Norway?

Norway has several renowned ski resorts. Some of the best ones include Trysil, Hemsedal, Geilo, Norefjell, and Beitostølen. These resorts offer well-groomed slopes, modern facilities, and a variety of winter activities for all skill levels.

• https://www.visittromso.no/inspiration/10-reasons-to-visit-norway
• https://theculturetrip.com/europe/norway/articles/13-reasons-why-you-should-visit-norway-at-least-once
• https://www.thetravel.com/15-reasons-to-visit-norway-and-5-that-make-us-really-hesitant/

A passionate solo traveler, embarking on thrilling adventures to explore the world's historical ruins. Fascinated by the intricate tales woven into ancient stones, she delves deep into the history of each site, unearthing the emotional stories that resonate through time. With every journey, Hayden strives to connect with the human experience of the past and share its profound significance with fellow explorers. Join her on a captivating expedition to unlock the secrets of bygone eras.

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7 Days in Norway Itinerary for the First-Time Visitors

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Norway is vast with unlimited exploration opportunities that it’s not easy or I’d say it’s rather an overwhelming task to put together an itinerary that satisfies your travel goals. Norway has 5 regions viz. Northern Norway , Trøndelag , Western Norway , Southern Norway , and Eastern Norway , each more beautiful than the next, each has a different story to tell, and you’d find yourself dealing with the feeling of missing out while crafting 7 days in Norway itinerary.

I’m here to help you calm your anxiety levels by sharing a 7-day itinerary for Norway that’s just right for first-time visitors. It gives you a perfect introduction to the country in a limited time!

Norway Itinerary Map

7 Days in Norway Itinerary in Nutshell

Have more days in Norway? Read Our 2 Weeks in Norway Itinerary

Norway Itinerary 7 Days: Explore the Best of Norway in One Week

From storied fjords, majestic mountains, beautiful waterfalls, charming towns, and vibrant capital city to sweeping vistas – my Norway itinerary captures it all in 7 days!

Day 0: Arrive in Oslo

I started my Norway trip in Oslo, so would recommend you do the same. Norway’s fascinating capital and largest city, Oslo is where most of the international flights to Norway land.

To score the best flight deals to Oslo , I suggest you book your tickets 3 to 6 months in advance. Airlines like Norwegian Air and SAS frequently have competitive fares, especially if you’re flying from within Europe. Don’t forget to set up price alerts on Skyscanner to snag deals the moment they drop!

Olso Airport Transfer

Once you land in Oslo, hop on the Flytoget , a high-speed train that zips you from Oslo Gardermoen Airport to the city center in about 20 minutes.

The train runs every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 20 minutes during off-peak times. A one-way ticket costs around 230 NOK (roughly 19.92 EUR or 26 USD) per adult.

While Flytoget is a convenient and quick option, you can also take a regular NSB train , which is slightly cheaper but takes a bit more time. Taxis and airport buses are available too but expect to pay a premium for the convenience.

I you favor convenience and direct service like me, booking a private transfer is also an excellent, albeit more expensive, option.

Where to Stay in Olso

Make sure you book a hotel that’s right in the heart of the city so you stay close to where the action is. It saves you from the hassle of public transportation too.

I stayed at the Karl Johan Hotel with my family. Located on the main street in Oslo, the hotel scores points for its excellent location, welcoming staff, and value for money.

You can also check my guide to the best places to stay in Oslo .

Grab the best deals on accommodation in Oslo

What to do in Oslo on Arrival Day

You can spend the rest of the day depending on what your body says. If you feel tired after a long flight, you can rest and charge yourself up for the next day.

If you are restless like me and feel active enough to step out of the hotel, you can walk around exploring the city center. Stroll the Karl Johans Gate , Oslo’s main street, and stop by Slottsplassen to admire the Royal Palace .

You can check out the nearby buildings of Oslo City Hall , the Nobel Peace Center , and the National Theater .

If you are not having your dinner in your hotel, I’d recommend Katla , a unique dining experience right in the heart of Oslo. I loved dining here and enjoyed their food and services.

Day 1: Explore Oslo

The best way to explore Oslo is by taking a guided walking tour , guided bike tour , or self-guided walking tour around the city. I almost always choose to take a guided tour, free or paid, as I feel it gives you a headstart in a new city.

The walking tour in Olso lets you admire the landmarks in Olso like Karl Johans Gate , National Theatre , University Place , Norwegian Parliament , Nobel Peace Center , Royal Palace , City Hall , and the  National Museum .

There are so many fun things to do in Oslo . Here, you just have 2 days to discover the attractions in Oslo so I’d suggest starting your day with Akershus Fortress or Akershus Castle . The fortress not only offers a historical narrative but also affords spectacular views of Oslo and the fjord. You can join a guided tour to learn more about the culture and history attached to the monument.

After the fortress, enjoy the Oslofjord Cruise that takes you to the Bygdøy Peninsula .

Spend some time checking out one or two of the best museums on the peninsula – Kon-Tiki Museum, Fram Museum, Viking Ship Museum,  and  the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History .

📣 Heads-Up : If you’ve got your sights set on the Viking Ship Museum, you’ll have to hold onto that excitement a bit longer. The museum is under renovation and won’t reopen until 2025 or 2026. Breathe easy, though— Norway’s still brimming with Viking history to explore !

Given your time limit, choose the museums that pick your interest. All of them are equally fascinating and provide unique insights into Norway’s history and culture.

If you are a museum person, you’ll love Oslo has over 50 museums for you to explore. If you ask me, you must add a visit to the Munch Museum to marvel at Edvard Munch’s iconic works.

Or you can choose to take an island hopping tour that lets you explore the ancient islands of Hovedøya , Lindøya , and Gressholmen .

Come back and sit at one of the eateries by the Aker Brygge , a beautiful harbor front in Oslo to enjoy the views of the fjord while enjoying lunch at Louise Restaurant . And don’t forget to try gelato at Paradis Gelateria .

End your day with authentic Norwegian cuisine at Maaemo , one of the world’s best restaurants !

I suggest you buy Oslo Pass to make the most of your time in the Norwegian capital. The pass saves you a lot of time, money, and hassle. It’s all the more important when you’ve limited time to explore the city.

⛵ Read More: The Ultimate 3-Week Nordic Itinerary

Day 2: Explore Oslo

Start your day 2 in Olso with a visit to Vigeland Sculpture Park aka Frogner Park . With over 200 sculptures in bronze, granite, and wrought iron, it makes for an exceptional outdoor gallery.

Spend some time exploring the Oslo Opera House . Don’t just admire it from the outside, though—the roof offers panoramic views of Oslo! It’s an architectural marvel where you can literally walk on the opera.

You might want to take a quick detour to Barcode Project , a series of ultra-modern, high-rise buildings located near the Opera House, it gives you a taste of Oslo’s forward-thinking architecture.

Stop by Mathallen Food Hall for lunch. It’s a feast for the senses with all sorts of local and international culinary delights. Alternatively, you can try Vaaghals , a restaurant that blends traditional and modern Norwegian gastronomy.

Oslo is surrounded by nature, so take a short tram ride to Ekebergparken , a sculpture and national heritage park offering stunning views of the city, or maybe take a stroll along the Akerselva River .

For dinner, you can head to Arakataka for authentic Norwegian flavors or Oslo Street Food for a global culinary adventure.

Norway is one of the top coffee-consuming nations (one of the reasons it’s close to my heart), and experiencing the local coffee culture could be an intimate way to wrap up the day.

Day 3: Oslo to Bergen via Scenic Bergen Railway | Explore Bergen

It’s time to ride one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, the Bergen Railway ( Bergensbanen )!

Grab a window seat and glue your face to the window for some of the most dramatic landscapes you’ll ever witness in your lifetime.

This beautiful train journey is a part of Norway in a Nutshell Tour where you get down at Myrdal to join the Flåm Railway ( Flåmsbana ), a short yet utterly picturesque train journey.

Tip: Make sure you book your tickets in advance. You must board the 8:25 am train so you can reach by 2:55 pm to have half a day to explore Bergen.

⛵ Read more about this enthralling train journey from Oslo to Bergen .

Check in your hotel (as always I recommend booking a hotel in the city center), freshen up, and get set to discover the capital of Fjord Norway.

Trust Me On This: Don’t forget your waterproof gear; Bergen is famous for its sudden showers.

Start your day with a visit to Mount Ulriken , the highest of the 7 mountains around Bergen. You can hike the mountain but it takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete the hike.

As you are short on time, take the Ulriken cable car up and down the mountain to enjoy the 360-degree views over the city.

Another not-to-be-missed attraction in Bergen is Mount Fløyen . It’s a beautiful hike provided you’ve time else you can take Fløibanen funicular  to the mountain.

Come back down to the city center and spend your evening exploring Bryggen , a UNESCO World Heritage site that features pretty waterfront wooden houses dating back to the 1700s.

If you want to join a guided tour, this walk through the past and present of Bergen by I Love Bergen is perfect as it covers the most popular attractions as well as secret spots in the city.

Or you can join an all-inclusive guided tour that includes city sightseeing, a fjord cruise, and Mt Fløyen Funicular.

Taste the local seafood and experience the rich trading history dating back to the 1200s at Bergen Fish Market .

I stayed at Hotel Norge by Scandic . Located right in the heart of Bergen, the hotel is rated highly for its location, services, and food. It’s also one of the top picks by families with children.

Check out the best accommodation options in Bergen

Just So You Know: If you’re looking to explore beyond Bergen’s walkable city center, consider grabbing a day pass for unlimited bus and light rail travel. These passes can be easily purchased at tourist centers or via the ‘ Skyss ‘ mobile app, offering a cost-effective way to roam far and wide.

⛵ Related Read: Best Places to Visit in Norway with Kids

🚘 Looking for reliable & affordable car hire in Norway?

I trust and recommend Discover Cars , a leader in online car rental bookings! It promises transparency, security, convenience, and incredible savings.

Day 4: Bergen to Odda via Rental Car | Hardangerfjord Cruise

Pick your rental car to drive the beautiful roads in Norway. I completely rely on and recommend Discover Cars to rent a car wherever you go.

Find the best deals for car rental here . You should book well in advance to grab the low-price deals.

Road-tripping is one of the best ways to explore Norway. It’s a delight to drive along the road with breathtaking views of fjords, mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers.

A road trip from Bergen to Odda via Fv7 (this route includes the Tørvikbygd-Jondal ferry to cross the fjord) takes around 3 hours excluding the time to make stops along the way.

Don’t forget to pack some road trip essentials and a travel playlist with maybe classic Norwegian songs to set the mood.

There are many scenic stops (because, well you’re in Norway) along the way so it’s wise to allow yourself enough time to stop and take in the epic views.

One of the prettiest stops is the Steinsdalsfossen waterfall in Norheimsund.

Once in Norheimsund , take the fjord cruise on the Hardangerfjord aka the queen of the fjords with gofjords .

Cruising along the fjord, you’ll witness charming villages surrounded by steep mountains with snow-covered peaks and majestic waterfalls. You’ll also be able to see the Folgefonna glacier .

You’ll make a stop at Eidfjord to visit the Norwegian Nature Center Hardanger and the stunning and largest waterfall in Norway, Vøringsfossen .

Come back to Norheimsund to pick up your car and continue your drive to Odda. Once in Odda, make sure to check out Låtefoss waterfall in Oddadalen aka the Valley of Waterfalls .

Tip: If you love national parks , then you may want to consider visiting one of the national parks near Odda – Hardangervidda National Park and Folgefonna National Park .

I stayed at the Tyssedal Hotel , located by the Hardangerfjord at the foot of the Hardangervidda Mountains. It’s about 6 km (3.7 miles) north of central Odda.

Just about 7 km (4.3 miles) from Skjeggedal, the starting point of the Trolltunga hike, the hotel serves as a perfect base for those who want to do the Trolltunga hike.

Find the best deals on accommodation near Trolltunga

⛵ You Might Like: Beautiful Norwegian Words

Day 5: Hike Trolltunga

Today, you’ll experience one of the most scenic and popular hikes in Norway, Trolltunga.

Literally translating to troll tongue, it’s a cliff located at about 1,180 meters above sea level shaped like the tongue of a troll that extends out from the mountain.

From the main trailhead in Skjeggedal , the hike is 28 km (round-trip) and can take anywhere between 10-12 hours to complete depending upon the stops you make.

There’s another trailhead at Mågelitopp from where the round-trip hike is 20 km which can take about 8 -10 hours to complete.

The hike is long and arduous but worth it. The views from the top are magnificent! Nothing matches the joy and thrill of standing on the edge of the cliff and looking down at the crystal blue fjord right below.

• You must be well-equipped and well-prepared for the hike. Wear sturdy hiking boots and a wind and waterproof jacket. Pack some warm clothes because it gets cold as you gain elevation. Carry food and plenty of water. Once you’re on the trail, you’re on your own in terms of food and water, so pack wisely!
• There’s a small kiosk near the Skjeggedal trailhead where you can grab some basic snacks or a hot beverage before you begin the ascent. It’s a great spot for those last-minute munchies or for filling up your thermos with some hot cocoa or coffee.
• It’s best to take on this hike during the summer months of June, July, and August.
• Start early so you can get back before it gets dark. Plus, there is a limited number of parking spots at Skjeggedal and Mågelitopp so reaching early guarantees you a spot.
• If you want to leave your car at the hotel, there are shuttle services from Odda to Tyssedal and Skjeggedal and a shuttle bus from Skjeggedal to Mågelitopp.
• There are cliffs and fencing is missing so exercise caution.
• Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before embarking on a hike. Be aware that weather conditions can change quickly so be ready to handle the weather changes.
• I recommend you join a guided hike especially if you are not an experienced hiker as the local guides know the business in and out.

Traveler’s Tip: If you aren’t a hardcore hiker and find Trolltunga tough, the Buer Glacier is a good alternative. It’s a shorter trek, about 5 km round-trip, with fewer elevations but stunning glacial views. And if you want to skip hiking altogether, Odda Valley Museum , Agatunet , and Odda Church are some of the cultural gems in and around Odda.

Day 6: Odda to Flåm via Rental Car | Flåm Railway | Nærøyfjord Cruise

It’s not just another day in your 7-day Norway itinerary. It’s extra special. Today, you are going to meet the king of the fjords , Sognefjord , the largest and deepest fjord in Norway.

From cruising the wildest and most beautiful arm of Sognefjord, the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord to visiting a charming village of Flåm located on the other arm of Sognefjord, Aurlandsfjord to riding the scenic Flåm Railway to visiting a Viking village of Gudvangen located at the end of the Nærøyfjord to driving one of the steepest roads in Northern Europe, Stalheimskleiva that offers the scenic stops like Stalheimsfossen and Sivlefossen waterfalls – today’s going to rock!

And you’ll make a brief stop at a fairytale village of Undredal during your Nærøyfjord cruise with Heritage Taste Fjord Safari .

Stalheimskleiva is a little detour when driving from Odda to Flåm. Make a stop at Gudvangen and visit the Viking Valley .

Once in Flåm, board the Flåmsbana (Flåm Line) between Flåm and Myrdal. This 20 km long railway line lets you experience nature at its best coupled with historical cultural landscapes and the greatest engineering skills.

Flåm Railway Museum is a nice stopover before or after your Flåm Railway journey.

Known for its Viking-inspired ambiance, Aegir Brewery is the perfect place to enjoy some local brews and unwind after a long, adventurous day.

After a much-needed break, take a fjord cruise or fjord safari through Nærøyfjord. The 3-hour tour passes through tiny and charming fjord villages, endless waterfalls, majestic mountains, and mountainside farms. For me, this cruise was the best part of my trip to Norway.

The stories laced with Norwegian history and culture narrated by your guide keep you informed and entertained as you take in the beauty all around.

I booked Flåm Ferdaminne , a beautiful apartment with views of mountains and the ocean. The accommodation options in Flåm are limited so make sure you book well in advance.

Find the best deals for accommodations in Flåm

Day 7: Flåm to Oslo via Rental Car | Fly Back Home

There couldn’t be a better ending to your last day in Norway than this gorgeous road trip.

The road trip takes you through fascinating tunnels, medieval churches, charming towns, mountain passes, national parks, and dramatic fjords – In short, it’s another chance to witness Norway in its insanely beautiful glory before you leave (of course, to come back again)!

As you start from Flåm, take a slight detour from E16 to visit Stegastein viewpoint . You can also check Otternes Bygdetun , a cluster of old farmhouses for a different perspective on Norwegian culture on the way.

The viewpoint is a part of the National Tourist Road , Aurlandsfjellet (the snow road) which runs from Arland to Lærdal and gives stunning panoramic views of Aurlandsfjord.

There are many amazing stops like the Lærdal tunnel , Borgund Stave Church , Gol Stave Church , many beautiful waterfalls, and lovely sights like the one in the picture above depending upon the route you take.

⛵ Read my article about a road trip from Bergen to Oslo to know more about the routes you can take.

The drive is long (can take more than 6 hours with pitstops) so I’d suggest starting super early. I started at about 7 in the morning, reached Oslo at 3 pm, and still had time to explore around as my return flight was scheduled at 9 pm.

Alternative Tip: You can book your flight back home the next day so you can take this road trip at a leisurely pace rather than rushing through it.

To be honest, 7 days in Norway is too short a time to grasp the beauty it holds. Be that as it may, wherever you go in Norway and for however long you spend in Norway, you’ll cherish the experience forever.

Norway Travel FAQs

What is norway famous for.

Norway is known for its pure wilderness. From otherworldly fjords, lush woodlands, Viking heritage, arctic nature, endless outdoor adventures, and happiness index ranking to breathtaking northern lights, unreal midnight sun, stunning islands, charming villages, scenic rail journeys, beautiful road journeys, and delicious cuisine – Norway is famous for all things bright, beautiful, and delightful.

Is 7 Days Enough in Norway?

7 days in Norway are good enough to experience the highlights of the country. My 7-day Norway itinerary lets you explore the best of Norway in one week. It includes fjords, cities, small towns, and villages, rail journeys, road trips, culinary experiences, and everything Norwegian.

Is Norway Expensive to Visit?

Yes, it’s one of the most expensive countries in the world but worth every penny you spend. Yes, it’s that beautiful! Having said that, there are ways to cut costs and save money like booking a vacation home rental, cooking your own meals, buying discount passes for attractions and transport, exploring on foot, and looking for free things to do in the country (there are so many.)

What is the Best Time to Visit Norway?

Norway is stunning no matter the season. Still, the best time to visit Norway largely depends on your reason for visiting Norway. If outdoor adventure is what you are seeking – With extra long days and pleasant weather, June to August is the best time to go. If you wish to catch the elusive Northern Lights, September to March will be your best option. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall bring limitless natural beauty all around and perfect weather and is a great time to visit if you want to experience the country crowd-free.

How to Get Around Norway?

With an efficient transportation network, it’s easy peasy to navigate Norway. Super reliable rail, road, and sea network makes it easy even to venture into the remote parts of the country. Every city, town, and village is armored with an excellent system of buses, trams, undergrounds, and trains.

NORWAY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Here are the essential resources that I use and recommend while planning a trip to Norway. For travel insurance: Heymondo . It’s the most affordable travel insurance with maximum coverage. For Connectivity: Airalo . It’s the first-ever eSIM global website where you can buy an eSIM at affordable prices and stay connected while traveling. For booking flights: Skyscanner and WayAway . They are the best search/comparison flight booking sites that help you find the best and cheapest flight deals. And with the WayAway membership plan, you’ll get cashback for every booking. Plus, with the special promo code “MELODIES” a 10% discount is activated. For finding accommodations: Booking.com and Agoda . They are the pioneers among hotel booking websites that give you a lot of choices with their huge selection of properties reviewed by travelers. For rental car: Discover Cars . It’s the best international car rental platform for all your car rental needs. For ground transport: 12Go . It’s one of the most popular sites for booking bus and train tickets across various destinations around the world. For tours & day trips: Viator ,  Get Your Guide , and Klook . They offer the best city tours and day excursions in Norway. For guidance on the go: A Lonely Planet Guidebook for Norway comes in handy here.

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Anjali Chawla

31 thoughts on “7 Days in Norway Itinerary for the First-Time Visitors”

Norway is definitely somewhere I’d like to visit and this one-week itinerary looks amazing with stunning scenery, hiking a scenic train journey and Oslo. What’s not to like…though maybe a bit more time would be good! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks Linda. Absolutely Norway is a destination everyone must visit. The scenic train journey was a highlight of our trip. There is so much to see in Norway, you can definitely add more days to the itinerary. Hope you can take your trip sometime soon.

An amazing way to spend 7 days in Norway!

Thanks for reading and appreciating.

So many things you mention in this itinerary are on my list of things I want to see when I get to Norway. This itinerary will come in very handy.

We are so glad that you found the itinerary helpful. It keeps us motivated to write more. Thanks

Norway is so so beautiful. Sometimes, I wonder if a place like that exists in reality. Keep up the awesome work.

Yes indeed Norway has stunning natural beauty that’s mesmerizing. Ha ha, you must visit to check for that. Thanks for spending time and liking.

I visited Oslo when my children were little. They were delighted to run in the outdoor sculpture garden. We even saw naked Norwegian children swimming in the fountains. Great post!

Looks like you need to go back and explore Norway again with kids now. They will hav so much more to do. Ha ha, you reminded me of kids swimming in fountain in Philly, US. Thanks a lot for appreciating.

I’ve been meaning to visit Norway for a while. Thanks for making my life easier with such a great itinerary. Loved the suggestions and pictures!

Made our day by saying this. Glad to hear that you found the itininary helpful. Do let us know if you need any more suggestions, would lov to help. Do shares after you visit Norway

Ahh, Norway is such a dream destination of mine! I loved this first-timer’s guide. It’s exactly what I need to get my feet wet. I love the variety of regions you shared. Thanks for the inspiration!

Thanks Elena for stopping. Glad you found it helpful and inspiring for you to travel. Do let us know if you need any help in planning your trip.

I think it would be awesome to be in Norway to view the Northern Lights. Have you seen them? Great post and ideas for future travel opportunities.

That’s next thing on our bucket list. After witnessing the midnight sun, now we are planning for Northrern lights in Norway. Fingers crossed. Will share our experience regarding that.

My goodness, I hope I never have to ‘do’ Norway in a week! A week in each region would be more doable. But I guess, if you are limited by time, this sounds like a good place to to start.

Thanks for sharing this itinerary, it is really helpful and motivator to travel Norway and the celtic countries, beautiful description with pictures and emotions. I am planning to visit these countries. Thanks for all your advices and tips.

Hey, so nice to come across this. We as a family of 3 who love travelling. Visiting Norway for the first time, I am doing all my research. I’ve bookmark this page 🙂

Few question if you don’t mind answering: 1. How does parking a car and paying for it works? Being in UK we have many restrictions and car parks do get busy quite quickly. 2. If we can only do 1 fjord cruise, which one you recommend from your experience? 3. Not sure we can Hike Trolltunga, any other options that you like to suggest.

Thanks again for writing this wonderful blog. I am looking forward to read more.

Thanks for getting in touch 🙂 You’d love Norway. It’s a stunningly gorgeous country. And we are glad that you found our blog helpful. Okay, now let’s answer your questions:

1. Norway is strict when it comes to parking rules. It’s definitely a challenge to find parking in the main Norwegian cities and if you do, it’s quite expensive. You can find metered parking along city streets, parking lots, and parking garages. Once you find the right parking space, make sure to display a parking ticket (you can get it from the nearest automated parking meter or P-automat) on your car’s dashboard. You must carry Kroner coins to use P-automat. 2. I’d recommend Pulpit Rock Hike as it’s the easiest yet the most beautiful hike ( I feel so) in Norway. 3. If you don’t want to hike Trolltunga, you can extend another day in Bergen and hike from Fløyen to Ulriken (Vidden).

Hope this helps.

Happy Travels!

I am glad I come across this blog, visiting Norway soon this will be handy. May I ask you how was driving in Norway specially parking at places? Is there a 1-2 hour hike you have tried that you recommend ?

Great post and I am looking forward to read more…

Hello! I know this is an old post but wondering what you’d add to this trip if you had 10 days? Also, we’re a bit too lazy for Trolltunga so we’d exclude that. Thanks!

With 10 days on hand, I’d add Stavanger, Geiranger, and Trollstigen to this itinerary.

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo | Explore Oslo Day 2: Explore Oslo Day 3: Fly To Stavanger | Explore Stavanger Day 4: Stavanger to Bergen via flight | Explore Bergen (Or you can spend another day in Stavanger and enjoy Lysefjord Cruise) Day 5: Explore Bergen Day 6: Drive from Bergen to Flåm via Gudvangen Day 7: Flåm Railway | Nærøyfjord Cruise Day 8: Flåm to Geiranger | Geirangerfjord Cruise Day 9: Explore Geiranger | Trollstigen Day 10: Geiranger to Oslo | Fly Back Home

You can get ideas from our 2 weeks in Norway itinerary . If you don’t want to hike Trolltunga, you can spend some more time in Bergen as the city’s charming and has so much to explore. Hope this helps.

Happy Travels 🙂

We have an opportunity to visit Norway in March. Our main goal is seeing the Northern Lights . Is this feasible ?

March, in general, gives a good chance to see the northern lights. The spring equinox brings peaks in aurora activity making it the best time to witness this celestial wonder.

I was searching on google for 7 days itinerary and woila your blog was so easy to plan . I am planning for Norway in Sept and you blog will be of utmost help. thank you Anjali.

Thanks for the encouraging words, Ankur 🙂 I’m glad I could help. Norway is a gorgeous country. You are sure to fall in love with it. Happy travels!

Wonderful post.

Any suggestions on easier hikes in Norway? Fairly flat, up to 5km roundtrip.

How easy is it to get one-way car rentals?

Vøringsfossen – Måbødalen, Kyllingdalen, Sognsvann Loop, Briksdalsbreen, and Ustedalsfjorden Loop are a few easy and flat hikes or walks in Norway that I know about. You can easily get a one-way car rental, however, it usually doubles the rental charges as they add a one-way drop-off fee.

Great effort. Drooling here about the prospect. I note in your 2-week Norway you created a google map. Can you/Have you done the same for the 1 week? Thanks. Warren

Thanks Warren! I’ve just added a google map in my 1 week Norway itinerary. Hope it helps.

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9 things to know before going to Norway in 2024

Mar 18, 2024 • 6 min read

These insider tips will help you plan the Norway trip of a lifetime © Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

Norway is a wonderful country to experience as a first-time visitor – an efficient and extensive transport network, incredible attractions, breathtaking scenery and relaxed locals all add up to the trip of a lifetime.

But there are still some things that are good to know in advance. For example, Norway is one of the most expensive countries on the planet, so money-saving tips will make all the difference to your travel budget.

Another major influence on your trip will be  the flow of the seasons ; the differences can be extreme and will have a major impact on what you plan to do while you're there, both in terms of climate and strange Arctic phenomena such as the midnight sun and the northern lights .

Here are nine things you need to know to ensure a wonderful trip to Norway.

1. Outdoor activities are seasonal so plan carefully

Seasons are everything in Norway. Each long summer day might feel like it lasts forever, but the window for many activities rarely lasts longer than the June-to-August (sometimes just July-to-August) periods. This especially  applies to hiking – Norway’s intensely beautiful Besseggen Ridge Trail, in Jotunheimen National Park , can draw 30,000 hikers in just two months.

Some trails remain open beyond summer, but you run a serious risk of extreme weather rolling in with very little warning while you’re out there. Cycling just about anywhere, and white-water rafting on the Sjøa River, are also strictly summer-only.

Winter sports like skiing, snowmobiling and dog sledding have a similarly narrow opening, although dog sledders can sometimes take a summer ride on a sled with wheels. It all means that planning is essential, and local tourist offices are an excellent resource for knowing what’s possible and when.

2. Eat well on a budget

Prices for a meal in Norway can be eye-wateringly high: in a decent restaurant, a main course for Nkr500 is somewhere close to the norm. Thankfully, the best Norwegian cooking is almost always worth it, but keep these sorts of prices for a special occasion, or even just dinner. 

Most Norwegian hotel buffet breakfasts are extraordinarily good, overflowing in generous proportions, and – best of all – usually included in your room rate. Take full advantage and you may well not need to eat again until the evening. If, on the other hand, you’re hungry again by lunchtime, many cafes have cheaper lunch specials and lighter meals, or you could plan for a picnic with food sourced from a supermarket and its delicatessen.

Snacking at fish markets, or with one of the hot dogs sold at every Norwegian petrol or gas station, could also fill you up without sending a torpedo through your daily budget. Saving money on other meals will make that dinner bill a little less painful.

3. Buy train and bus tickets online

Norway's transport network is efficient and extensive. If you’re traveling by rail, you’re in for a treat with some of northern Europe’s most scenic rail journeys . But whatever you do, don’t pay full fare: Norwegians rarely do. On almost every route, Norwegian state railways  set aside a limited number of discounted (minipris)  tickets. How much you pay has everything to do with how early you book, so start planning as soon as you have firm dates for your trip, even if it’s months in advance. Of all the bus services on offer across the country, Lavprisekspressen is known for its rock-bottom fares along major routes – book online and book early.

4. Join a hotel loyalty scheme

The overwhelming majority of Norwegian hotels belong to a hotel chain, or at least to some more loosely affiliated groupings. Joining one of their loyalty programs is always free, so choose as many as you like. Better still, join one and then find hotels along your route that belong to your program. The best such programs have a simple offer: the more nights you stay – just how many varies from one chain or program to the next – the more free nights you get as a reward for your loyalty.

Another option that is becoming increasingly common, especially in cities, is budget hotels. Before it was just the hostels (vandrerhjem) that promised reasonable prices, but increasingly, slick hotel-hostel hybrids like Citybox  and  Smarthotels  provide respite from the sky-high room rates.

5. Bring a sleeping mask in summer

Let’s face it, Norway’s midnight sun (which can mean 24 hours of daylight for months on end) and polar night (the same, but with endless darkness) can be confusing or frustrating. At first, it can be exciting to walk alongside a beautiful fjord in brilliant 3am sunshine and there is considerable novelty to eating lunch under a night-dark sky. But how do you sleep in summer? Many hotels, particularly in Norway’s north, have heavy-duty, light-blocking curtains, but bring a sleeping mask in summer to ensure you get some shut-eye.

6. Norwegians are tolerant, but always be considerate

Norwegians are pretty relaxed about most things, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more tolerant nation of people. In cities in particular, the guiding principle seems to be to have a good time as long as you’re not hurting anyone. In rural areas, it’s slightly more complicated, but only slightly. There are always exceptions, but Norwegians in small towns and remote areas tend to be more socially conservative. Loud and loutish behavior is rarely welcome in such places, and if you have an all-night party in a small village, you’ll have misread your surroundings and taken Norwegians’ famous tolerance too far.

7. Driving will take longer than you expect

Many of Norway’s roads are engineering marvels, taking you places no road should go. Norway has the longest tunnels in the world and curvaceous bridges that render water obsolete as an obstacle, and car ferries take care of the rest. So rare are potholes, that people take photos of them. Just don’t expect to go very fast.

Part of that has to do with the terrain. It’s also because, apart from a short distance on either side of major cities, freeways are as rare as potholes. Throughout much of the country, especially in summer, you’ll share the road with trucks and campers with only semi-regular overtaking lanes to ease the frustration. Count on slowing down, enjoying the view, and averaging no more than 60km/h (37mph) on most journeys, longer if you stop along the way.

8. Take basic safety precautions

Norway is an extremely safe place in which to travel, possibly even one of the safest in Europe. Like any large modern city, pickpockets are always a possibility in popular tourist areas, especially Oslo and around the Torget area of Bergen . Here and elsewhere, keep your valuables hidden, and never leave them visible in an unattended car. As long as you’re sensible in ways such as these, you and your personal belongings may well be safer in Norway than they are back home.

9. Watch the weather

Watching the nightly weather bulletin with rapt attention isn’t some quirky little pastime in Norway: it could just save your life. Even in summer, wild weather can roll in without warning, which is fine if you’re curled up next to a roaring fire, less so if you’re hiking in Hardangervidda or Jotunheimen, or snowmobiling in Svalbard .

Whenever you’re heading out into any Norwegian wilderness, wise precautions include always carrying warm wet-weather gear, as well as emergency water and food. And always let someone (either your hotel or the local tourist office) know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.

This article was first published July 2023 and updated March 2024

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Nordic Perspective

Traveling to Norway: What To Expect (Costs, Data, Attractions)

So you are considering a visit to Norway, or maybe you’re just curious about how expensive Norway is. Either way, here is a balanced and unbiased view of how Norway stacks up globally in travel categories such as accessibility, popularity, quality of life, travel costs, and attractions. For each category, I include reliable data points that will give you a good idea of what to expect if you visit the country of fjords.

• Visitor Accessibility - How Easy Is It to Travel To & Within Norway?​

Visitor Popularity, Demand, Total Area, and Global Reputation

Quality of life index – how does norway compare globally, quality of life surveys – what do actual expats and visitors think of norway, reported cost of food, drinks and shopping – how expensive is it to visit norway, attractions & travel community, capital city rating – is oslo a good travel destination.

I feel lucky to have been able to grow up in and travel around the Nordics throughout my life. Whether it has been historical and educational trips with family or adventurous and explorational trips with friends, I have never run out of new places to discover and new things to do in Scandinavia.

But just because I love the Scandinavian countries doesn’t mean everyone would, so I was curious to find how Norway is like for the average traveler .

To find out how Norway stacks up travel-wise, and in an attempt to give you an unbiased and balanced view of how the country rates as a travel destination , I have collected relevant data points from different reliable indexes and surveys where countries around the world are compared in ways that relate to traveling experience and satisfaction.

So let’s take a look at how Norway rates as a travel destination for the average tourist, based on relevant data points and survey results:

You can click on each category for a deeper look into the data and the sources, or simply keep scrolling to look at how we arrived at these ratings, one by one.

Visitor Accessibility – How Easy Is It to Travel To & Within Norway?​

For this category, we’re trying to establish how convenient it is to travel to Norway, and how easy it is to get around in the country when you’re visiting. If you’re visiting as part of a bigger trip we’ll look at distance in travel time from different European cities, and we’ll also try to gauge how the country’s infrastructure holds up compared to other countries in order to figure out if it’s easy to get around in Norway.

Looking at how popular Norway is for visitors, how long they stay, and how the country’s reputation ranks globally, we can get a good sense of how people in general rate Norway. I’ve also chosen to include total area to get a sense of how much there is to explore in the country as a whole.

To get a sense of how Norway ranks as a destination for expats and visitors, we’ve looked at a massive global index that ranks countries based on factors relating to quality of life.

We can definitely learn a lot from looking at the big data in the previous section, but I also wanted to include how actual visitors of the country rate Norway in different areas related to quality of life, which can give a good idea of how it is to visit the country. A great way to find out how good a country is for travelers is to ask the people who have actually visited the country.

I looked at three independent surveys which asked expats and visitors what their experience in Norway was:

We’ve touched on the cost of travel in Norway already, but I wanted to give an idea of actual costs travelers may be interested in, as reported by visitors (and verified by myself on my own visits).

Other important factors for travelers to consider before deciding on their travel plans are how many attractions there are, how excited other travelers seem to be about the country, how attractive the country’s natural assets are, and what the country’s main attraction categories are:

Finally, you get a pretty good sense of a country by looking at its capital city and how it stacks up against other capital cities, specifically when it comes to factors that are relevant for travelers.

Data sources: 1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17 , 18

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By Karl Andersson

As a native Swede with a Finnish mother, Karl identifies as both Nordic and Scandinavian. He left Sweden at 19 to explore the world, and stayed abroad for almost 8 years—during which he backpacked, worked every job there was, earned a degree from UC Berkeley, and met the future mother of his children. He ultimately returned to his native Malmö with his love, where they now have 3 Swedish-American boys eager to explore the world.

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• 12 Small Towns In Norway: Enjoy An Offbeat Experience

25 Apr 2024

Seek an offbeat travel experience wherein you can do everything you wish to but with fewer crowds. The small towns in Norway boast towering mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, wildlife, and whatnot. Embark on a cruise, catch the Northern Lights, indulge in adventurous activities, like hiking, and much more to make your life exciting and thrilling at the same time. So, say ‘yes’ to an adventure that brings an adrenaline rush to your system and makes your vacation the best one. So, pack your bags, collect the essentials, and get set for the upcoming adventure.

12 Small Towns In Norway: A Romantic And Family Retreat

Make your vacation an extraordinary one and feel like you are on cloud nine by indulging in the most thrilling adventure. Check out the top small towns in Norway to satisfy your adventurous spirit and feel refreshed.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Surround yourself with towering mountains and crystal-clear glaciers in Olden. Perched in the heart of Fjord County, Olden offers jaw-dropping natural scenes. As it is a gateway to mainland Europe’s largest glacier, Olden attracts travellers from all over the world. From scenic boat cruises to hiking, you can embark on memorable adventures. Moreover, the streets showcasing traditional Norwegian architecture are something to marvel at. Therefore, if you are looking for must-visit small towns in Norway, do not forget to add this majestic place to your itinerary. Location: At the mouth of the Oldeelva River, Western Norway Things To Do: Hiking, Bike riding, Glacier tour

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2. Undredal

Surrounded by magical mountains from three sides and by the deep fjord from the fourth, Undredal is a haven for all. Renowned for its cheese-making traditions and goat farms, this town is an iconic travel destination for an offbeat experience. Here, you can taste the locally produced cheese and savour every bit of it. If you wish to learn about these artistic techniques, you can visit Eldhuset. Furthermore, adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike can have an exhilarating experience by doing something challenging and thrilling, like hiking. The adventurous trek along with scenic natural views truly blows one’s mind. Location: On the shore of Aurlandsfjorden, Vestland County, Norway Things To Do: Hiking, Visit Undredal Stave Church, Observe the village from the Hjødna point

best small towns in Norway A historic mining town looking like one giant museum is none other than Røros. Dating back to the 17th century, this town is still preserved perfectly. Røros is also known as ‘Bergstaden’ among locals, meaning ‘the rock town’ as the copper was once mind from existent rocks. Hence, it is no surprise that this beautiful and culturally rich town has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. Røros, among the best small towns in Norway, is a year-round destination. Here, travellers can engage in thrilling activities, such as hiking and kayaking. However, winter is a perfect season for dog sledging, fishing, and snowmobiling, to name a few.

Location: Trøndelag County, Norway Things To Do: Kayaking, Cycling, Hiking, Reindeer sledging, Snowmobiling

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4. Lillehammer

Do you know that Lillehammer hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1994? Even though the towns attract travellers all year round, there are usually huge crowds during winter. As you step into the haven, you can explore the cosy streets lined up with preserved 19th-century wooden houses. The town is home to Northern Europe’s largest outdoor museum, featuring over 200 buildings. Amidst towering mountains, you can enjoy scenic vistas of River Lågen and Lake Mjøsa. The exotic flora allows some thrilling activities, including mountain cycling and hiking. Hence, if you are looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure in a top location, come and visit Lillehammer.

Location: At the Northern end of Norway’s largest lake- Mjøsa, Southern Norway Things To Do: Cross-country skiing, Visit the Maihaugen Museum, Mountain biking

It has become a popular destination ever since the release of the Netflix series ‘Ragnorak’. The fictional Norwegian town Edda in reality is Odda. If you are looking for small towns in Norway for hiking, this is the place to be. The town serves as a starting point for the hike to jaw-dropping Troll’s Tongue or Troltunga. If you are wondering what it is, Troltunga is a cliff hanging over the fjord and offering a picture-perfect stop. Furthermore, you can set out on a hike to an offshoot of Folgefonna Glacier. It usually involves using ropes to fix the rocks, climbing, and crossing wild creeks. Whether you are out with friends or family, you can have a mind-blowing experience in this smallest city in Norway. Location: Old Hordaland county, Norway Things To Do: Hiking, Check out Låtefossen waterfalls, Trolltunga zipline, Kayaking

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It is the smallest town in Norway nestled in the North Sea. With a population of just over 200 people, the island offers a tranquil ambience amidst coastal landscapes. Due to its rugged cliffs, birdwatching opportunities, and rich marine history, several travellers are attracted towards this place. This town offers opportunities to adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts to indulge in adrenaline-filled adventures, like hiking. Thus, if you are looking for small towns in Norway, this is the perfect one for you.

Location: Rogaland County, Norway Things To Do: Visit Utsira Church & Utsira Lighthouse, Hiking, Bird watching

7. Fjærland

World-famous for its glaciers, Fjærland boasts endless leisure activities for all. Though it is a small village, it invites people to learn about the rich culture and go hiking. Its picturesque location makes it among the best small towns in Norway for a short vacation. While exploring this village, do not forget to miss out on visiting Jostedalsbreen National Park. Thus, escape the cityscapes and take a break from your busy schedule to thrive and enjoy your life.

Location: On the shore of Fjærlandsfjorden, Vestland county, Norway Things To Do: Hiking to the glaciers, Reach Astruptunet Museum, Visit Norsk Bremuseum

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A world-renowned fishing village invites you to indulge in endless adventures and add a touch of thrill to your vacation. Whether you are with your partner or family, you can have the best time here. From catching the spectacular Northern lights to exploring the beaches, you make your every second count. Furthermore, wildlife enthusiasts can have a great time by spotting exotic fauna. While visiting this town, do not forget to embark on a cruise. It’s an experience truly mesmerising. Last but not least, you can go hiking. A hike to Reinebringen is quite challenging and usually takes 2-3 hours to reach the summit. So, unleash your imagination and step into a paradise waiting for you to be explored.

Location: On the island of Moskenesøya in the Lofoten archipelago, Nordland County, Norway Things To Do: Hiking, Catch the Northern Lights, Fishing, Explore Horseid and Bunes Beaches

9. Geiranger

Imagine you are on a fjord cruise and immerse yourself in the panoramic natural views. Make this imagination a reality by stepping into Geiranger. Though it is among the small towns in Norway, it offers a lot. 3 waterfalls run from the mountains to Geirangerfjord, namely Seven Sisters, Suitor, and Bridal Veil. It offers endless possibilities to have the best experience. You can set out on a RIB boat or a kayaking adventure to satisfy your adventurous spirit. Moreover, you can go hiking to add a thrilling turn to your vacation. Location: On the shore of Geirangerfjord, Western Norway Things To Do: Cruising, Hiking, Waterfall-hopping

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10. Henningsvær

It is a world-famous coastal town for its most picturesque football pitch. But the town’s attraction is just not limited to it. The hipster capital of Lofoten abounds with cosy cafes, aesthetic wooden houses, art galleries, and much more. From viewing the artwork to strolling through the captivating streets, you can indulge in amazing outdoor activities and have immense fun. Visiting Henningsvær and not visiting the port is like a place you have never been to. Moreover, adventurers and nature lovers alike can go hiking and have a wholesome experience. Thus, if you are planning to have an offbeat vacation in small towns in Norway, this is the place for you.

Location: On the opposite side of Lofoten, Nordland County, Norway Things To Do: Hiking, Visit Galleri Lofotens Hus and Kaviar Factory

11. Nusfjord

It is a huge open-air museum showcasing the rich history of the country. Travellers, especially art and literature enthusiasts can have a great time by marvelling at the 19th and 20th centuries’ houses. Nusfjord is one of the best-preserved fishing villages in Norway and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can explore the port area and learn about the daily lives of fishermen. Moreover, you can indulge in authentic culinary delights served at a couple of decent restaurants. All in all, Nusfjord is among the best small towns in Norway for its rich history and beauty. Location: On the Southern shore of the island of Flakstadøya, Nordland County Things To Do: Visit Nusfjord Museum, Explore the scenic port area Suggested Read: Wildlife In Greenland

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12. Åndalsnes

Boasting distinct hike trails ranging from easy to difficult, Åndalsnes is the top-tier offbeat travel destination for all, especially adventurers. A genuine magnet for mountaineers and climbers is a beautiful place still unknown to many. It is home to Trollveggen, a range of mountains that have the highest vertical rock fock in the whole of Europe. It rises more than 1,100 feet from the valley floor, making it a perfect sight to watch. Travellers must know that climbing these mountains is dangerous as some sections of the wall can collapse. Well, if you are a fan of trains or train rides, a scenic journey offered by Rauma Rail Line is truly worth experiencing. As Harry Potter fans, you may feel delighted to know that the Half-Blood Price was filmed here. Hence, Åndalsnes is considered one of the perfect small towns in Norway. Location: At the mouth of the River Rauma, Møre og Romsdal county, Norway Things To Do: Hiking, A scenic train ride on Rauma Line, Visit the Norwegian Mountaineering Centre

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Feel the thrill of having an offbeat travel experience in mind-blowing small towns in Norway. As art & literature lovers, history buffs, riders, nature lovers, adventurers, and whatnot, one can have an ultimate time. So, plan your trip to Norway and embark on a lifetime adventure by today. For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Cover Image Source: Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions About Small Towns In Norway

What is the nicest town in Norway?

Norway is home to numerous captivating towns, such as Åndalsnes, Henningsvær, and Nusfjord. All towns boast panoramic views of nature and major attractions, thereby making them famous places to visit in Norway.

What towns in Norway are near mountains?

Some of the small towns in Norway include Åndalsnes and Roros. If one wishes to immerse yourself in the scenic mountain views of the hidden gems of Singapore, one can visit these offbeat destinations.

Is Norway very expensive?

As per your interests and budget, you can choose to live or travel in Norway.

What is Norway best known for?

Norway boasts soaring white mountains, breathtaking fjords, and exhilarating outdoor activities, such as kayaking and hiking. Moreover, Norway offers delightful authentic delights and shopping places, making it one of the world-famous travel destinations.

Which region of Norway is the most beautiful?

Every corner of Norway is extremely captivating. From the abundance of wildlife to picturesque mountain views, Norway has everything one can wish for.

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7 reasons to visit norway’s nordfjord this year.

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The Loen Skylift cable car offers magnificent views of the Nordfjord region of Norway.

Seeking an authentic experience in the Norwegian fjords? The Nordfjord region epitomizes the beauty and cultural richness of the Norwegian fjords, offering everything from breathtaking natural landscapes to immersive cultural experiences.

In the years to come, there’s set to be an increase in the number of cruise ships visiting the Nordfjord. Norway’s upcoming environmental restrictions will see most cruise ships banned from the UNESCO World Heritage listed fjords, so lines are already looking to the Nordfjord as an impressive alternative for their guests.

Whether you’re choosing a Norwegian fjords cruise or planning an independent trip, here are seven reasons to make the Nordfjord region a top priority in your travel plans.

Ride The Loen Skylift

The Loen Skylift provides one of the most spectacular views in Norway, encompassing fjords, mountains, and distant glaciers. The cable car ride offers a breathtaking ascent from the shores of the Nordfjord to the summit of Mount Hoven, soaring more than 3,300 feet above sea level.

At the top, visitors can indulge in various activities, including hiking, dining at the mountaintop restaurant, or simply taking in the views.

The major downside of the trip is the cost. At 595 Norwegian kroner ($55), it’s an expensive attraction. Cruise ship passengers arriving in Olden should also factor in the transport to Loen.

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Local tour providers such as Olden Cruise offer combined bus transfer and cable car tickets that, while expensive, cost less than cruise ship excursions.

Drive Along Lake Lovatnet

A journey around Lake Lovatnet is both serene and thrilling with its clear, turquoise waters contrasted by steep mountains. The extremely narrow road traces the water's edge, offering views of lush landscapes and dramatic cliffs.

Lovatnet lake is a beauty spot of the Nordfjord region of Norway.

This drive presents numerous opportunities for stopping at small beaches or starting a kayak trip on the lake’s calm waters.

It also presents an opportunity to learn the tragic history of this beauty spot. In 1905 and again in 1936, devastating rockslides from fell into the lake from the surrounding mountains, causing massive tsunamis that wiped out nearby farms and took many lives.

These events have left lasting scars both on the mountainous landscape and the communities around Lovatnet.

See The Briksdal Glacier

Even though they are diminishing at pace, Norway’s glaciers are an awe-inspiring sight of the power of nature. A tour to see the Briksdal glacier is a popular day activity from Olden, especially for cruise ship visitors.

Briksdal is an arm of the larger Jostedalsbreen Glacier, which remains the largest glacier on continental Europe despite its shrinking size. The Briksdal arm descends from more than 6,000 feet above sea level, stretching over a horizontal distance of 1.25 miles towards its glacial lake.

Over thousands of years, it sculpted the Briksdalen valley, characterized by smooth rock surfaces covered in lush vegetation. This stunning landscape, celebrated as one of Norway’s most beautiful, has attracted tourists for over a century.

Briksdal glacier has receded a lot in recent years, but still attracts a lot of visitors.

With views of cascading waterfalls and sharp peaks, the raw beauty of the walk to the glacier is just as memorable as the ice itself.

Shuttle buses are available from both Stryn and Olden to the Briksdal lodge, from where the walk to the glacier begins. Electric buggies known as ‘troll cars’ are available to shorten the walk, but these are popular and should be booked in advance.

Discover Viking Boatbuilding

The Myklebust Ship, discovered in 1874 in Nordfjordeid, is the largest Viking ship ever found in the country. Excavated from a burial mound, it is central to the exhibitions at the Sagastad Viking Center .

Although initially overshadowed by more intact discoveries like the Gokstad and Oseberg ships, the Myklebust Ship's remains, mostly ashes and rivets from its ceremonial burning, hint at its grandeur and the high status of its occupant, likely a Viking king.

The ship, approximately 100 feet long, has been meticulously reconstructed, showcasing traditional Viking craftsmanship and now features as a key exhibit at Sagastad, where it can also be boarded by visitors. On special occasions, the ship will be launched into the fjord.

Meet Norwegian Fjord Horses

The Norwegian Fjord Horse is one of the world’s oldest and purest horse breeds. Native to Norway, these sturdy, mild-mannered horses are known for their distinctive dun color and mane.

Various farms around the Nordfjord region offer horse riding experiences, where visitors can ride through the picturesque landscapes, guided by experienced handlers.

Native to Norway, the Norwegian Fjord Horse can be found along the Nordfjord.

Start at the Norwegian Fjord Horse Center in Nordfjordeid, where stallion shows have been held since the 19th century.

Experience The Wild West Cape

The exposed coastline around the mouth of the Nordfjord offers a dramatic view of the North Atlantic from the westernmost point of mainland Norway.

Known for its rugged terrain and panoramic views, the West Cape and its surroundings provide ideal settings for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The stark beauty and often wild weather provide a thrilling experience that encapsulates the untamed spirit of the region while contrasting with the relative peace of the fjords farther inland.

Admire The Churches Of Olden

For passengers arriving in Olden on a cruise ship, the village is little more than a place to board the bus to the Briksdal glacier or Loen Skylift. Yet Olden offers an authentic look at a typical Norwegian fjord village, including not just one, but two old churches.

Olden Old Church, built in 1759, and the newer Olden Church, constructed in 1934, reflect the rich religious heritage in the fjord region. Both wooden structures are distinguished by their simplistic yet striking architecture.

Surrounded by lush greenery and set against dramatic mountain backdrops, these churches provide a peaceful escape and are worth a visit once you’ve enjoyed the more dramatic highlights of the region.

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