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A Stunning South Norway Road Trip in 10 Days

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Let’s get this out of the way… Norway is one of the most naturally gorgeous places I’ve ever been to, and a South Norway road trip is the way to see it.

This is literally the home of insane fjords cutting through giant mountains, Vikings, salmon that you can eat sashimi style out of the ocean, and the Northern Lights. I was a bit nervous when I made my first trip here a couple of years back because Norway seems wild and huge – and it is. There are very few tourist things to lean on , and while I’m glad for this, it’s daunting to plan a culture & hiking trip, one where nothing is catered for you.

Here are my South Norway road trip priorities , and you’ll see my route below:

  • See Fantastic Fjord & Mountain Views : I wanted to do the iconic hikes like Prekeistolen (Pulpit Rock) and Romsdalseggen (locally recommended), and see the prettiest fjords like Lyse Fjord, Geiranger, Loen, and Sognefjorden.
  • Eat Local Norwegian Food: I wanted to eat super local and super well. Like fish right out of the fjords caught that morning, maybe some of the weirder Nordic stuff too!
  • Stay in Cute Lodging with Star-Gazing : I like Norwegian architecture because it’s a nice blend of modern meets cozy, and so I opted for spots with amazing views, places with indoor saunas (because that’s a thing to do here), and really cozy spots that don’t break the bank.

This post is meant to be the plan behind my road trip around southern Norway, “a la Mariana,” because there is nothing like doing it yourself to spark that little fire. So here is all the due diligence you need to get going!

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Table of Contents

South Norway Road Trip 10-Day Itinerary

Here is my South Norway road trip route, with several restaurant recommendations and little gems of where to stay along the way!

Honestly, the views along this south norway road trip are enough to dish out the cash needed to get here!

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo

Pick up your rental car and drive the 1 hour from the airport to the city center in Oslo. On my first day in the city, I loved winding down at the port, walking around, and listening to live music at night.

If you’re not renting a car for the first couple of days in Oslo, do NOT take a Taxi/Uber from the airport to the city center. It’s super expensive (~€300), and there’s a better way. The fastest way to get from the airport to Oslo is to take the train. Look for Vy or Flytoget trains . Trains get you to the city center in 20 minutes for pretty cheap.

My Favorite Restaurants in Oslo: 👉 Arakataka – Nordic food & a budget fine dining gem 👉 Happolati – Norwegian meets Asian fusion, quite nice inside too! 👉 Vippa local street food vendors in a giant warehouse with breweries on the pier 👉 SALT – Live music spot with beer and street food!

Where to Stay in Oslo

You’ll be staying in Oslo for 2 nights, and I recommend staying in the city center, so everything is walkable. Additionally, you’ll want to find a place that has a place to park your car.

📍 Luxury: Grand Hotel Oslo – if you’ve never stayed in a Grand Hotel, this is an excellent example of high-class European charm and is renowned in Oslo. 📍 Mid-Range: Hotel Bristol – super cozy, fantastic breakfast, the decor is my favorite part, and right in the city center.

Day 2: Be a Tourist in Oslo

Be a tourist and walk or scoot around the city! As luck would have it, I have a good friend in Oslo who was my guide around this amazing city. Here are the places we visited if you want to find your own way.

This is Oslo, on the South Norway Road Trip I took.

  • Opera House Oslo – Don’t miss out on scooting across the opera house rooftop – you’ll know what I mean when you look at its architectural design. Oh, and trust me, everyone will be doing it! 🙂
  • Munch Museum – I love a good art immersion, and if you’re into that as well, this is where you can see the famous The Scream painting!
  • Var Frelsers Graveyard – It’s a graveyard, but hear me out… while I don’t usually put cemeteries on my “must-see” list, Norwegians build their graveyards to have a feeling of peace and quiet, and this one is serene and gorgeous. Take your time to walk among the people of the past, imagining their life rather than mourning their graves.
  • The Royal Palace – I do recommend taking a tour if you have the time and inclination towards history like me!
  • Oslo Cathedral – I found myself on the beautiful cathedral lawn with a cup of hot tea – another wonderful spot to take a nap in the sun.
  • Vikingskipshuset – This is the Viking Ship Museum and a bit of a trek on the west side of Oslo. But holy smokes, you can see a real-life Viking ship. Enough said on this one.

➡️ I recommend this Customized Private Tour so you can really dive into the culture, history, and local hot spots. ⬅️

Day 3: Drive from Oslo to Stavanger

This is a big driving day, traversing most of southern Norway. Grab some snacks and enjoy the drive and views of the cutest wooden houses along the way. This will take you about 7-8 hours, and I took the most direct route.

PRO TIP: If your drive takes you along the southernmost tip of Norway, don’t miss taking a lunch break at the Lindesnes Lighthouse . This is Norway’s oldest lighthouse, dating back to 1656. Cute museum, a few quickie hiking trails around to stretch your legs. Not a must, but definitely a notable mention.

If I were to do it differently, I would opt to be carless in Oslo for a couple of days and fly from Oslo to Stavanger where I would start my road trip and rent a car. I reason that the drive from Oslo to Stavanger in the next few days is a huge 8-hour trek, and while it’s pretty depending on what route you take, it’s hellishly long.

All the town ports seem to have this quaint, colorful vibe on the south Norway road trip.

Where to Stay in Stavanger

You’ll also stay in Stavanger for 2 nights, and I recommend lodging near the town center.

📍 Luxury: Hotel Victoria – Right on the water, with a fantastic view of the pier, cozy and elegant decor, and a cute lounge & bar area. 📍 Mid Range: Sea Story by Frogner House – a more modern option; I love this spot for the stunning bathroom and the floor-to-ceiling windows for morning coffee peeking over Stavanger. A classic Nordic apartment.

Day 4: Preikestolen Hike & Lyse Fjord Cruise

Your morning will be dedicated to the Preikestolen Hike, one of the more iconic hiking trails on this southern Norway road trip itinerary for 10 days. Go early in the morning to avoid the rush of people, and make sure to pack a lunch, water, and your camera. I’m a moderately fit American, and I would say this hike was easy – it took me about 3 hours roundtrip and the views were breathtaking!

Me at Pulpit Rock, the first hike on the south Norway road trip. Incredible view from the top of Lyse Fjord!

Hike : Preikestolen Hike (Pulpit Rock) Distance : 5 miles, out & back Time Needed : 3-4 hrs Difficulty : Moderate Pro Tip: Be on the trail by 9 am. Perks : fantastic fjord views at the end, and iconic pictures from what looks like a drop cliff into the fjord.

Your afternoon is all about the Lyse Fjord. Around 3 pm, there’s a cruise that departs from Stavanger Harbor. Get on that cruise to see the Lyse Fjord and Preikestolen from the water. It’s so cute and is only a couple of hours. Get your tickets ahead of time at Rodne Fjord Cruise .

My Favorite Restaurants in Stavanger 👉 Fisketorget Stavanger – a fish market with a little restaurant inside, I recommend the fish soup for lunch 👉 Renaa Michelin Restaurant – first Michelin in Stavanger, excellent Norwegian classics. It’s a bit pricey (about $150 per person without the wine pairing), but OMG! Reservation is required, so book a few days ahead!

Day 5: Drive from Stavanger to Bergen

Another drive day along the coast of Norway with stunning views. This one will take about 6 hours.

This is Bergen, on our South Norway road trip

When you arrive in Bergen, grab a snack/beer to go and take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen here . You can enjoy a beautiful sunset and equally gorgeous views of Bergen with your adult beverage in hand.

Instead of taking the funicular down, walk the path to the bottom – it will only take you 30 min and the forest reminds me of something out of a Grimm’s fairytale. Norwegians love trolls, so you’ll see these naughty little imps everywhere, as they are part of the local culture.

Where to Stay in Bergen

You’ll be in Bergen for 2 nights as well.

📍 Luxury: Det Hanseatiske Hotel – Historic hotel giving rustic luxury, right in the heart of Bergen. Fantastic breakfast. 📍 Mid-Range: Hotel Oleana – Another classic building refurbished with the Nordic modern design right in the city center. Fantastic bar area.

Day 6: Be a tourist in Bergen

I started the morning with breakfast and a cruise through the Bergen Fjords . My best recommendation here is to bundle up, because you’ll want to be on the outside deck admiring the little towns you pass by, and the nature that will be sure to impress.

In the afternoon, I joined a Walking Tour in Bergen: Past and Present – and it was the perfect blend of history, sights, and storytelling to have you falling in love with the town.

From there, it’s a “choose your own adventure” for the day. Rent a bike or find a hiking trail nearby, get day-wasted at the port, or just Netflix & chill.

My Favorite Restaurants in Bergen: 👉 Bryggeloftet & Steune Restaurant : Locally recommended & oldest traditional Norwegian restaurant in Bergen. Great for dinner, the steak is fantastic! 👉 Pergola Italian & Wine Bar : Another gem, located down a narrow alleyway. 👉 Bjerk : for lunch or dinner, really nice views of the pier. 👉 Olivia Italian  – Italian comfort food for when you’re tired of Norwegian (which is a real thing)

➡️ My Best Thing To Do in Bergen is to take the Mostraumen Bergen Fjord Cruise ! ⬅️

Day 7: Drive from Bergen to Loen

This drive is quite long as well, about 6 hours, but you’ll be graced by the gorgeous coast of Norway again. I recommend an early start so you can get to Loen by 3 pm. I loved packing a lunch in Bergen to take with me – this way I could stop anywhere along the road where it was gorgeous (and there are plenty of spots) to enjoy my meal.

Loen, one of my favorite fjords on the south Norway road trip.

In Loen, take the sky lift up , and enjoy the views. There are a few short hiking trails around the top, and I highly encourage a couple of hours walking around, especially as you’ve just spent the better part of the day in a car… stretch those legs!

Where to Stay in Loen

This is only a one-night stay because it’s been a long ass drive and you’re in a pretty place to stop.

📍 Luxury: Hotel Alexandra Loen – A bit of a splurge, but for one night, the sauna and dinner with a view are worth it. 📍 Mid Range: Hotel Loenfjord – Right on the fjord, I loved the nice porch you can drink wine from.

Day 8: Geiranger Fjord & Skagefla Hike

The drive from Loen to Geiranger is 2.5 hours. You’ll be staying in this little town for 2 nights, so we’ll take it easy today.

Lunch Recommendation: Get a good early lunch (including their award-winning sour beer) at Brasserie Posten before your fjord boat tour.

The early afternoon boat tour of the Geiranger Fjord will be relaxing and pretty, so take it easy. On the way back to port, the boat will stop at a random-looking place along the edge – this is Skagehola.

If you’re up for it – this is where you get off for the Skagefla Hike . It’s about a 45-minute hike up some seriously steep stone steps, but worth the views of the “Seven Sisters” Waterfall from the top – hello, UNESCO World Heritage Site! From here, you go back down the steps and get back on the boat – the pick-up service is included as part of your ticket.

A cute picture of me taken by a bunch of bikers on their own south Norway road trip.

Once you’re off the boat, there is an amazing serpentine scenic drive, maybe about 30 minutes total, that takes you to this viewpoint – highly recommend it!

Where to Stay in Geiranger

This little Norwegian town is your home base for 2 nights before you head back down to Olso on the last day.

📍 Luxury: Hotel Union Geiranger – Get the Fjord view room, one of the prettiest hotels in town, I recommend enjoying the spa on the property, especially after the hikes. 📍 Mid Range: Hotel Utsikten – higher ground in town, a great option as well, fantastic porch with great views of the fjord.

Day 9: Åndalsnes, Trollstigen & Romsdalseggen Hike

This will be a big day, so make sure you have a hearty breakfast and pack some lunch snacks. Geiranger to Andalsnes takes 2.5 hours, and Romsdalseggen is a full-day hike, end to end. That said, this was the most beautiful hike of my life, and I will never forget it.

The Romsdalseggen Hike starts in the town of Andalsnes, at the main bus stop. Try to catch the 9 am or 10:30 am bus to the trailhead. It is a 20-minute bus ride, but try to buy bus tickets ahead of time as buses get packed for this trail.

The view from Trollstigen is an epic one on the road trip through southern Norway.

Hike : Venjesdalen to Åndalsnes via Romsdalseggen Distance : 6.6 miles, end to end Time Needed : 5-7 hrs Difficulty : Hard Pro Tip: When you get to the end and you’re at the hut having a beer, take the gondola down, it is NOT worth hiking the final 1 hour steep downhill. Perks : The most beautiful hike of my life, except maybe the Dolomites .

You’ll start with a steady uphill for 2 hours, but trust me, the views get better and better, especially after you scramble up the very top of the mountain and across its ridge. On the descent, when you get to the ski lift, have yourself a beer and enjoy the view – you earned it!

What the toughest part of the climb looked like in Romsdalseggen. This was the most rewarding hike on the south Norway road trip

From the top at the hut, there are 2 options:

  • Ride the ski lift down. If this is your choice, have a second beer and smile… you’ve done well!
  • Walk 40 min on a steep downhill trail to the bottom. This is what I did, and it destroyed me. If you choose this one, may the odds be in your favor… you will not feel your legs for the next 3 days!

TREAT YOURSELF: Dinner recommendation in Andalsnes at Sodahlhuset . You’ve earned it!

On the drive back to your home, you’ll go up through one of the most scenic roads on this Norway road trip itinerary… Trollstigen .

I know you’re tired, but stop at the lookout point at the top and take in the view. Make sure to take the walkway (5 min walk) to the very end where you can see the valley in all its majestic grandness. Today was a good day.

Day 10: Drive from Geiranger to Oslo

While the drive is not nearly as gorgeous as what you’ve done and seen on this southern Norway road trip, it’s still scenic and cute! It should take you all day to get to Oslo, about an 8-hour drive.

From here, it’s just about catching a flight back home.

South Norway Road Trip Map

This was my route, but if I were to do it again , I might fly directly from Oslo into Bergen or Stavanger and start my Norway road trip itinerary for 10 days there – simply to remove a chunk of driving and make more room for hiking days.

A map of the south Norway road trip tour, be mindful of road closures!

If you love mountains but want to be a bit more cost-conscious than Norway can offer, consider staying on the European mainland and check out my Switzerland to Italy Road Trip . Insane hikes and we only spent $3.5K total for 2 people in 14 days! 🥳

Renting a Car in Norway

Norway is geographically long, and there are many ways to get around – rent a car, take the train, fly from one city to another, etc. No wrong way to do it, really – just depends on the time you have, your budget, and your transportation preference.

I opted to rent a car for 10 days and enjoyed the hell out of the gorgeous scenery along the coast of southern Norway. Honestly, it was a treat driving in Norway! Here’s what I used to find a good option, it’s my go-to for pricing comparison.

Check and Compare Cars in Norway with: ➡️ DISCOVER CARS ⬅️

The wildest thing I encountered on the way were these sheep. If you can, go diesel when you rent a car, it’s cheaper in Norway.

The wildest animal you'll encounter on the south Norway road trip is sheep. Ha!

Is Driving in Norway Easy?

Yes! Especially in the July or August months. The roads are in excellent condition. There should be paid public parking lots everywhere.

While driving, tolls or ferry rides are automatically logged by the auto pass on your car, you’ll get the tab when you return the rental. Super seamless, you honestly don’t have to do anything except keep driving!

A few things to keep in mind: Driving as an American in Europe: Documentation & Rules of the Road .

How long does it take to drive from one end of Norway to the other?

So this depends on the weather, random sheep blocking a highway, and the pace you set. Check out the map above to see my route, but here are the drive times for the key points on my Norway road trip, keeping in mind I drove this in August when the skies were sunny with a touch of rain here and there.

  • Oslo to Stavanger (for Pulpit Rock & Lyse Fjord): 7 hours
  • Stavanger to Bergen : 5 hours
  • Bergen to Loen : 5 hours
  • Loen to Geiranger (for UNESCO Skagefla Hike): 1 hour
  • Geiranger to Andalsnes (for Romsdalseggen Hike): 2.5 hours
  • Geiranger to Oslo : 8 hours

The longer drives are a bit brutal, but here are 7 Unique Ways to Pass the Time , including games and deep-dive discussion questions.

South Norway Road Trip Tips

I had a lot of questions when I first started planning this trip, especially as I was traveling solo. Here are a few frequently asked questions and resources.

Is Norway good for a road trip?

Yes, and a fantastic option if you want to push yourself outside of your comfort zone when it comes to hiking – and be rewarded with some of the most fantastic views of fjords, idyllic wooden houses, and mountains in the world.

I’ve put together a few Pros and Cons of Roadtrips & Why I Love Them that ring true for this route through Southern Norway.

Do I need Travel Insurance for Norway?

While Norway is safe, this road trip involves a lot of driving, hiking, and overall hard-core adventuring. There are a few options out there, so take a couple of minutes to review the 5 Best Medical Insurance Policies for Europe . I use SafetyWing because it’s affordable and flexible (I can get it for a week or a month, etc.) See what fits for you, here is the link.

This is what I use ➡️ SAFETYWING: Travel Medical Insurance ⬅️

When is the best time to go on a road trip in Norway?

The best times to get the most sun and really see the beauty of southern Norway is in July & August.

Is Norway expensive?

The short answer is yes… but it doesn’t have to be. Here is the cost breakdown for my solo 10-day trip:

  • Car Rental : $600
  • Lodging : $1,500
  • Food   & Drink : $1,000

If you’re hitting up restaurants every day, you can expect a meal without alcohol to range from $30-50. The best bet is to go grocery shopping (Billa, DM Supermarket) and cook at home or buy snacks for the road.

Alcohol is expensive. Beer is sold everywhere, and the local brews are delicious. However, wine and liquor are controlled by the government and ONLY sold in special Wine Monopoly stores (I’m serious!), which are open only at specific times. No wine/liquor is found in any supermarkets.

Lodging can average around $150 a night for hotels or AirB&B, but private rooms in hostels (which are super clean) or homes can be a more budget-friendly option.

Norway is also a country that lets you put a tent just about anywhere as long as you are not an inconvenience, which is what makes tent life a fun, cheap way to go if you’re into it!

What to Pack for a Norway Road Trip

While July and August are mostly sunny and bright, the weather in Norway can be unpredictable. I’ve put together some great tips on how to pack Cute and Comfy Road Trip Outfits in another article, but here’s the gist of what you need.

  • Rain Jacket – lightweight and waterproof, and ideally packs really small so you can carry it with you everywhere.
  • Layers – from warm leggings, jeans, to a few t-shirts and sweaters. But also pack a pair of shorts and a sundress for just that one perfect sunny day!
  • Hiking Boots & Socks
  • Hiking Backpack or Daypack – where else are you going to put that rain jacket and snacks?!
  • A Bathing Suit – for those opportune sauna moments or if you’re crazy enough to jump into one of the many lakes on this road trip.
  • Reusable Water Bottle – a must.

Views from the road on the south Norway road trip.

Wrap-Up: 11 Iconic Things You’ll See in Southern Norway

In a nutshell, this is one of my favorite road trips because of all the hikes and scenic views packed into a short 10-day road trip.

✔️ Oslo – The capital city, and if you do it right, you can see the famous Munch Museum (including the famous painting The Scream ), the Oslo Opera House, and even a Viking ship!

✔️ Lindesnes Lighthouse – Oldest lighthouse in Norway, think 1600’s. Located in the definition of Southern Norway on your route from Oslo to Stavanger.

✔️ Preikestolen – Aka “Pulpit Rock” and one of the more iconic hiking trails and photo opp along the trip. ✔️ Lysen Fjord – Gorgeous Fjord along with a spectacular view of “Pulpit Rock” from the water.

✔️ Bergen – Iconic colorful houses along the port and the cutest town ever.

✔️ Loen Skylift – One of the steepest cable cars in the world, with spectacular views of Loen in the heart of fjord country.

✔️ Romsdalseggen Hike – Best views on this trip and one of the more challenging/rewarding hiking trails I’ve done so far.

✔️ Trollstigen Road – The famous serpentine mountain road in southern Norway.

✔️ Geiranger Fjord – With beautiful views of the “Seven Sisters” Waterfall and Skagefla Mountain.

✔️ Skagefla Hike – A UNESCO World Heritage site and where a lot of those pictures on Instagram come from. An absolute gem of a hiking trail on this southern Norway road trip!

✔️ Atlantic Ocean Road – The rollercoaster road through an archipelago (ie, water and land) that will make you applaud the civil engineering in this country!

PRO TIP: If you only have 7 days, think about skipping Oslo and Stavanger in order to do justice to a Road Trip from Bergen to Alesund .

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Mariana Barbuceanu is the owner and author of the Road Trip EuroGuide, a blog that inspires fellow travelers to explore Europe more authentically through slower travel and digging deeper into the culture of a place. When she isn't writing about her adventures, she is planning trips for her community and coaching people on how to take that next step towards a much-needed sabbatical.

Norway, summer 2014. Young man bicycles Rallarvegen, that runs between Haugastøl and Flåm. Hardangervidda National Park. Beautiful scenery with small lakes and high mountains.

©Runar Vestli/Getty Images

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2-Week Norway Itinerary: Best of Southern Norway

Minimum Time:  1 week Recommended Time:  2 weeks or more Stops:  Bergen, Flåm, Jostedalsbreen, Jotunheimen , Geirangerfjord, Ålesund, Dovrefjell , Rondane, Hardangervidda Summary:   It would be hard to find a more beautiful road trip than our Best of Southern Norway self-drive itinerary. The route includes the scenic port cities of Bergen and Ålesund, the largest glacier in continental Europe (Jostedalsbreen), Norway’s highest mountains in Jotunheimen National Park , the UNESCO World Heritage Geirangerfjord , musk oxen in Dovrefjell , and the rugged Hardangervidda .

Rental cars from the major international companies in Bergen or Oslo can be found for around $350 per week—the roads in Norway are excellent so a smaller fuel-efficient car is fine. For two or more people, renting a car is surprisingly economical and by far the most convenient option.

The total driving distance of the Best of Southern Norway itinerary is approximately 1,450 kilometers (900 miles) round-trip from Bergen. Remember that many of Norway’s roads are winding and slow, particularly near the fjords, and there are three ferry crossings along the way.

This itinerary as a two-week trip is meant for those who plan on stopping and exploring some of the areas (there is world-class hiking in the Jotunheimen , Dovrefjell , and the  Hardangervidda , for example). If you visit the sites quickly and don’t mind long drives, it’s possible to complete the loop in one week or even less. Those making multi-day stopovers could easily spend three weeks or more.

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Kardemomme City in Kristiansand

Kardemomme City in Kristiansand

Kristiansand Dyrepark

Welcome to Southern Norway

Discover the southern part of Norway and the many offers and activities regardless the season.

The Telemark region in Norway  has an amazing coastline which gives opportunities for bathing and boating in the summer. The region is best known for the special style of skiing that was practised in the impenetrable upper districts, where no other type of transportation was possible back in time.

An exceptionally scenic road connects Telemark with Hardangerfjord , and the impressive Telemark Canal stretches all the way to the foot of Hardangervidda. Kristiansand also called the ‘capital’ of south Norway.  Here you can immerse yourself in colourful legend and lore; explore the Christiansholm Fortress, the market place and the old quarter with its traditional wooden houses.

Southern Norway

Kristiansand

Kristiansand

Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park

Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park

Christiansholm Fortress

Christiansholm Fortress

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11 BREATHTAKING best places to see in Southern Norway

Best places to see in Southern Norway

Heading to Southern Norway? Looking for activities, best places to see or itinerary ideas for your trip?

We went motorhoming in Norway and spent two weeks exploring some of the most beautiful places I have ever visited! Seriously, if you’ve never been, you have to GO! You’ll never regret it… (even if you’re really unlucky like us and it rains most of the time you’re there! *sob*)

We thought 2 weeks would be enough time to get around most of the country, but actually we only really explored Southern Norway in that time. We took coast roads, which had breathtaking views but were a lot slower. There are also more ferries between the islands, which also slows travelling down.

Still, we believe a self-guided road trip is one of the best ways to see this fantastic country and allows you to set your own itinerary. In order to help you plan, here are 11 of the best places to see in Southern Norway , so you can add them to your own bucket list! 

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

JUMP AHEAD TO...

Watch the video of our Norway motorhome trip

Here’s a video of the speech I gave at the NEC Camping, Caravan and Motorhome show about taking your motorhome or van to Norway.

We hope you found the video useful. If you did, we’d love it if you followed us on Youtube . New videos with tips for motorhoming and campervanning in the UK and Europe are released weekly.

Map with best places to see in Southern Norway

This is the map of our road trip route through Southern Norway. This is the itinerary which took us 2 weeks to drive, not including getting to/ from Norway back to the UK. The route is FULL of some of the prettiest places in Norway.

Want to know how expensive travelling in Norway is? Find out how much to budget for a trip to Norway and what we spent including fuel, tolls, ferries and food!

Map of our road trip around Southern Norway

Preikestolen

Preikestolen is one of the most breathtaking places I have ever seen. It’s also one of the most famous Southern Norway hiking spots! We camped with our motorhome right on the shores of the Fjord and were lucky enough to enjoy incredible views.

Sadly, we didn’t hike up to the top of Preikestolen as the new Mission Impossible was screening up there the night we visited- seriously, they had a HUGE projector and screen and everything. However, 2000 people on a ledge with no barriers  and a VERY long drop didn’t appeal to me much, so we decided to stay at ground level.

Hiking Preikestolen is one of the most popular things to do in Southern Norway, so if you want to go, go early!

Preikestolen and Fjord- one of the most famous hikes and best things to do in Southern Norway

Oslo is such a beautiful, clean, friendly city. It feels modern, which is weird as the history you can find here is incredible. There are museums EVERYWHERE, but of course you can choose to do other things. It’s one of the few cities I’ve visited which doesn’t feel like a city- there’s so much nature surrounding it, both trees and water. 

You can visit Oslo in Winter or summer- it’s a great weekend destination even if you aren’t on a road trip and you can enjoy a small part of Southern Norway for a few days. 

We didn’t stop in Bergen on our road trip as the weather was just miserable, but I’ve been before and loved the place.  (Apparently, Bergen is famous for its rain… wish we’d known that when we were visiting!) Still, don’t let that put you off; this pretty city has a lot to offer, as well as stunning views across the sea.

Again, the history here is amazing to see- medieval buildings dating back hundreds of years, traditional costumes and ways of life, mixed in with more modern additions. The colourful houses and the Old Wharf are quintessentially Norwegian- definitely worth a visit. 

Also, apparently, this is the city which inspired Frozen. So now you have to (let it) go…

No? Ok then. Moving on.

Flamsbana Railway

If you’re on a guided tour and not enjoying a Southern Norway road trip, you have to do the Flamsbana Railway . It’s a great way to get up into the mountains without hiking, see an incredible waterfall and some of the best views in the area. It’s not cheap (where in Norway is!?) but the crazy girl dancing in the red dress at the bottom of a waterfall is enough to entertain anyone!! 🙂 Watch the video 

Flamsbana Railway- a fun attraction in South Norway

If you want to see more waterfalls, here is a list of 29 beautiful waterfalls in Europe .

The Norwegian Fjords

There probably aren’t enough words to accurately describe the Norwegian Fjords- although many (many!) have tried!

The sheer SIZE and beauty of this incredible landscape is breathtaking. Wherever you go in Norway, you have to add at least one of the Fjords to your itinerary! 

Our favourite was Geirangerfjord- which is also the biggest- but there are seriously so many to choose from.

The Norwegian Fjords are definitely one of the best things to see in Southern Norway

Trollstigen Road

Trollstigen Road is AWESOME! It’s one of the twistiest, turniest (new word!) roads we’ve ever driven down- although actually, we rode down it on our motorbike .

If you’re not on a road trip, try and rent a car (or even better, a motorbike!) so you can drive Trollstigen road for yourself. Definitely one of the best things we did in Norway! You won’t forget doing that in a hurry. 

Ever heard of Norway's crazy road? 11 hairpins bends going up the steep side of a mountain!?!?! We rode Trollstigen road on a motorbike- and it was EPIC! Add Trollstigen road to your Norway itinerary immediately! #trollstigen #norway #roadtrip #tips #crazyroad #trollsladder #motorbike #vanlife

Sverd i fjell

Sverd i fjell was something I found on Pinterest whilst looking for the best places to see in Southern Norway- and was instantly intrigued. Why on earth would three HUGE carved swords be put into the rock? 

It’s a fascinating place and the views across the bay are breathtaking. It’s also close to Stavanger, which is another pretty place to visit.

Sverd i fjell- one of the coolest things to see in Southern Norway

I liked Alesund more than I thought I would. For a very touristy town, it’s incredibly pretty and full with all sorts of fun things to do. We enjoyed wandering around the cute streets, enjoying the shops and people watching- many cruise ships dock here so it’s normally quite a busy, bustling place, especially during the summer months. 

Steinsdalsfossen Waterfall

Steinsdalsfossen was possibly my favourite waterfall in Norway- mainly because you can walk behind it and enjoy the force of the water crashing over the cliff above you. Watch the video of Steinsdalsfossen Waterfall.

Also, we had it all to ourselves. For about an hour. It was magical. If you’re wondering what waterfalls to see in South Norway, add this to your list!!

Steinsdalsfossen Waterfall in Norway is AMAZING- you can actually walk BEHIND the waterfall. It's one of the best things we did on our road trip to Southern Norway. Definitely add it to your itinerary!

Hornindalsvatnet- the Deepest Lake in Norway

As Southern Norway attractions go, this is possibly one of the more random- but we enjoyed our time at Hornindalsvatnet. Hornindalsvatnet is the deepest lake of Norway –  the official depth of 514 meters and its bottom is 461 meters below sea level!

Drive through the world’s Longest Tunnel!

This was cool- we drove through the world’s largest tunnel! It’s so long, there are rest stops in several places in the middle to allow you to stop and take a break- complete with blue mood lighting!! Learn more and watch the video of the world’s longest tunnel.

Seeing the Northern Lights in Norway

Sadly, the Northern lights are rarely visible during the summer months, which is when we visited. Also, the best place to see the Northern Lights in Norway is north of the Arctic Circle (think Tromso or above), although of course it is possible to see them in Southern Norway if conditions are good. 

We were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights several years ago on a Norwegian cruise, but we weren’t any good at photographing the Northern Lights , so we’d love to go back and try again now we have a better camera!! 

Planning a road trip to Norway?

You might be interested in these related posts:

  • How expensive is Norway for a Road Trip?
  • How to plan an EPIC Europe road trip
  • Where’s the BEST campsite in Norway?

Have you visited Southern Norway? Where were your best places to see?

Planning to travel to Norway? Looking for places to visit and things to see? Here are 11 of the most BEAUTIFUL places to see in Norway, with MAP!! There are waterfalls, fjords, towns, cities, tunnels and hikes! Add them all into your perfect Norway road trip itinerary today! #norway #norwaytravel #fjords #waterfalls #itinerary

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

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Hello, my birth Mother’s Family, “Settre” came from Molovelen to Australia and I’ve been looking for this town but I cannot find it’s location in Norway. Can you please assist me. My wife and I are investigation a trip maybe 2021.

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South Norway Road Trip: 25 Best Places to Visit

Ultimate Online Guide to the best places to visit and see on your South Norway road trip. Hiking trails, glaciers, waterfalls, viewpoint, cities, national parks, famous tourist attractions, hotels and more.

Norway is an incredibly beautiful country to visit, so it should be part of your Scandinavian itinerary . You can find more general information about traveling in Norway in this detailed guide. Let‘s have a look at the most beautiful places to visit on your South Norway road trip. We divided this guide to the following sections: hiking trails , glaciers , waterfalls , viewpoints , cities , and others .

Obsah / Table of Contents

Hiking trails in South Norway

1) trolltunga – troll’s tongue.

Trolltunga is probably the most photographed place and one of the most beautiful places in Norway . If you want to take a picture on the „Troll’s tongue“, get ready for an all-day hike. This trek is 25 km long and you will need to climb 900 meters of elevation. The shortest time to do whole Trolltunga trek is about 8 h, but count rather 10-12 h for hiking . Especially if you can’t get to the troll’s tongue early in the morning or late in the evening. There is a 1-2 hour long line for a photo during the day.

In terms of difficulty, it’s mainly about the long distance . Technically, the journey to Troll’s tongue is not difficult and everything is well marked . The advantage is that you don‘t need to bring water for the whole trip because you will encounter several sources of drinking water in the form of mountain streams during the walk.

Parking at Trolltunga trail

It is possible to shorten the journey and head out from the upper parking lot . However, this car park has a capacity of only 30 cars , so it is almost impossible to get a place (you have to arrive at 6 am when the parking opens and hope for an empty place). The second option is to take a bus that costs 130 NOK (13 EUR). However, even the lower car park is filling up quickly and it has a capacity of approx. 200 cars . It’s usually completely full by 9 am.

Upper parking lot fee is NOK 700, lower is 500 NOK. The third option is to leave your car in the Odda village and take a bus for NOK 250 including a return trip. If you don’t have a car, check this guide on how to get to Trolltunga .

Hotel near Trolltunga: For those who do not want to sleep in a tent, the closest options are in Tyssedal. We recommend Fjellheim Apartment .

The photo on Trolltunga is simply epic! Southern Norway Road Trip

2) Kjeragbolten

Another famous photo on a rock Kjeragbolten, which hangs over a 1000m high chasm , can be taken on this trail. This hike is not the easiest. Prepare for a 10-km walk on the rocky terrain . Many parts of the trail are so steep, that they needed to build metal chains there. So it is actually kind of a “via ferrata”.

Count with 5-8 hours for hiking this trek . Unlike at Trolltunga, there usually isn‘t a long line on the Kjeragbolten because this stone looks much more dangerous and not everyone dares to enter it. All the other hikes can be done even in rainy weather, but Kjeragbolten is quite dangerous in the rain and right after the rain because the wet rocks are very slippery. Read more about this trek here – how to hike Kjeragbolten .

You will be charged 300 NOK for parking.

Hotels near Kjeragboleten : The nearest hotel is Sirdal . Cheaper and slightly farther is Byrkjedalstunet .

Kjeragbolten - a rock hanging 1000 meters above the fjord.

3) Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

Along with Trolltunga, Preikestolen’s Pulpit Rock is probably the most famous photo spot South Norway has to offer. The perpendicular wall above fjord – the so-called “pulpit” is an absolutely epic place. And this trail has the advantage over Trolltunga that it‘s relatively easy – only 8 km with an elevation of approximately 350 m .

Hiking the whole trek to Pulpit Rock takes about 4 – 5 hours . Preikestolen is the greenest hike of all these in this post. The others lead all over the rocky terrains, this hike leads mostly through the forest. Preikestolen made it to the list of the best hikes in Europe .

You will be charged 200 NOK for parking.

Hotels near Preikestolen : The nearest hotel Preikestolen Fjellstue is right at the beginning of the trek. Cheaper and slightly farther is Selemork Hus .

Norway, Preikestolen - 600 meters high perpendicular wall, nicknamed "Pulpit Rock". Southern Norway Road Trip

4) Bessegen ridge (Jotunheimen National Park)

Bessegen is a wonderful trail in Jotunheimen National Park. You can look forward to incredible views of two lakes that have completely different colors (one is glacier lake, the other is not). You will see the snowy peaks of Norway’s highest mountains in the background.

The trail is usually hiked one way . You need to take a boat on Lake Gjende from Gjendesheim to Memurub, or start with a trail first and go back by boat. Prepare 6-8 h for the hiking itself. It‘s 17 km long and you will surpass huge elevation. It‘s often very windy too. However, it‘s definitely worth it!

Hotel near Bessegen : We recommend to stay in Bessheim Fjellstue og Hytter cottages, which are close to the beginning of the trek.

Amazing color of Lake Gjende, Southern Norway

5) Gaustatoppen

A shorter trip to the pretty Gaustatoppen mountain with 360-degree views of south Norway. If you go from the nearest car park at the bottom cable car station, hiking takes about 3-4 hours in total . It‘s also possible to take a lift up the cable car (but it costs 350 NOK). On a clear day, 1/6 of all Norway is visible from Gaustatoppen mountain.

You will be charged 150 NOK for parking.

Hotel near Gaustatoppen : The nearest hotels are in the village of Rjukan. We recommend Rjukan Gjestegaard .

View from Gaustatoppen hill, Southern Norway Road Trip

Viewpoints in South Norway

6) trollstigen.

The view of the troll road Trollstigen is absolutely amazing. This road, which overcomes huge elevation in short distance , is on many screensavers and wallpapers in Windows. Driving this road is also worth it, it just needs patience while passing oncoming cars and buses.

Hotels near Trollstigen : The nearest hotel is Trollstigen Resort or cheaper and little further Åndalsnes Guesthouse .

Trollstigen is amazing experience of every driver

7) Stegastein

Stegastein is a beautiful man-made observation platform above the Aurlandsfjord fjord. Read more practical information in this guide to Stegastein viewpoint .

Stegastein - view of the picturesque Aurlandsfjord, Southern Norway, Road Trip

8) Dalsnibba – Geiranger Skywalk

Dalsnibba is an absolutely incredible 360-degree scenic spot! You can see glaciers on one side and Geiranger fjord valley on the other side. The entrance fee is 140 NOK per car, but it is definitely worth it! Just dress warm, it can be cold and windy.

High-altitude viewpoint Dalsnibba, South Norway Trip

9) Flydasjuvet Rock – Geiranger Fjord

Flydasjuvet Rock is an amazing viewpoint of the fabulous Geiranger fjord . Just a short stop by car and you have plenty of beautiful photos.

View of Geirangerfjord from Flydasjuvet Rock prospect, South Norway Road Trip

Glaciers in South Norway

It might seem that the glaciers will be mostly in the north of Norway, but also south Norway offers a lot of hilarious glaciers.

10) Nigardsbreen Glacier

Nigardsbreen is one of the most easily accessible glaciers . You need to walk just about 1.5 km long route to get very close. The walk takes approximately 2 hours . It‘s possible to cut the trip in half with a tourist boat . It is also possible to pay a guided hike and walk directly on the glacier (from NOK 350).

Hotel near Nigardsbreen : We highly recommend the very cheap Jostedal Camping (it’s actually a cottage, not camping).

Nigardsbreen Glacier

11) Bøyabreen Glacier

A glacier that can be reached by car . Unfortunately, a large part of the Bøyabreen glacier has already disappeared due to global warming, and therefore the tongue of the glacier is quite high on the rock , so it is not possible to reach it completely by foot. But even the view from the nearby parking lot is worth it!

Hotel near Bøyabreen : The nearest and quite a cheap hotel is Lunde Turiststasjon .

View of Bøyabreen glacier from parking lot

12) Buarbreen Glacier

Buarbreen is another glacier that you can reach very close by foot. The whole trek is about 5 km long and takes about 3 hours . The walk through the picturesque valley along the mountain stream is beautiful itself. This hike is a bit more difficult and there are ropes to help you at some parts of the trek.

Hotel near Buarbreen : You can find the nearest accommodation in Odda. We recommend quite cheap Odda Camping .

Wonderful glacier valley Buarbreen, South Norway Road Trip

Waterfalls in South Norway

Norway has a truly incredible amount of waterfalls. These are the nicest ones and you can reach them easily by car on your road trip.

13) Tvindefossen waterfall

Tvindefossen is a wonderful branched waterfall right by the road .

Photogenic waterfall Tvindefossen

14) Steinsdalsfossen Waterfall

Steinsdalsfossen is a massive waterfall. You can walk directly under it on a footpath.

Steinsdalsfossen waterfall at night

15) Låtefossen Waterfall

Låtefossen is another waterfall right by the road. Passing the bridge in front of him, one can shower himself or his car with the water from the waterfall .

Låtefossen waterfall right by the road

16) Langfossen Waterfall

Langfossen is an extremely long waterfall , which is also accessible by the road.

Long waterfall Langfossen

17) Vøringsfossen Waterfall

Vøringsfossen is another amazing waterfall running down the gorge .

Vøringsfossen waterfall in a fog

Cities in South Norway

Norway has very picturesque cities, but they are still cities. Norway is famous for its nature, so we recommend to visit the cities on your road trip, but don‘t spend much time there. Nature is more unique.

The capital of Norway Oslo is the fastest growing city in Europe. Oslo’s main sights can be explored by foot or by bike. Read this 2 days in Oslo itinerary to get some inspiration, what to see.

The most interesting places and tourist attractions to see in Oslo are:

  • Opera House
  • National Theater
  • National Museum of Art, Architecture, and Design
  • The Viking Ship Museum
  • Vigeland Park sculpture garden with more than 200 sculptures
  • Holmenkollen – Mecca of Ski Jumping and Biathlon

If you want to spend some time in Oslo and visit museums or join local activities, it’s the best to buy the Oslo Pass , which gives you free entry to 30 museums and tourist attractions plus completely free public transport! There are also free entries to outdoor swimming pools, free walking tours and discounts on sightseeing, Tusenfryd Amusement Park, concert tickets, climbing, ski rental, and other special offers in restaurants and shops. Check this post about why Oslo isn’t that expensive to save a lot of money.

If you want to see some hidden gems, read this guide to quirkiest spots in Oslo .

Hotels in Oslo : We recommend either budget Central City Appartments or slightly more expensive but greatly rated Frogner House Apartments . You can check also other Oslo hotels here.

Oslo - Vigeland Sculpture Park

Bergen is the second most popular city to fly into because cheap flight tickets are common here. The picturesque houses of Bryggen are often in holiday catalogs as a tourist attraction. However, Bergen is the rainiest city in Europe . If you have some time in Bergen, check these unmissable things to do in Bergen and you will not get bored.

Hotels in Bergen : We recommend either budget friendly Bergen Budget Hostel or slightly more expensive but greatly rated Magic Hotel Ixhibition .

Picturesque Bryggen houses

20) Trondheim

Trondheim is another coastal town worth visiting. The Nidaros Cathedral is one of the most beautiful in Norway and views of the picturesque houses from historical Gamle Bybro Bridge is lovely. Another tourist attraction is the Trampe Sykkelheis bicycle lift . You walk by and visit these Trondheim’s beautiful places in approximately one hour.

If you have a little more time, visit the Kristiansten Festning fortress , which has a nice view of the whole town.

Hotel in Trondheim : We recommend City Living Schøller Hotel , which is one of the cheapest, well-rated and directly in the city center.

Trondheim - View from the historic Gamle Bybro Bridge

21) Ålesund

Ålesund is a picturesque city on the ocean coast . The most interesting place is definitely the Byrampen viewpoint , from which you can see the whole peninsula, where the city is situated.

Hotels in Ålesund : We recommend either cheaper Volsdalen Camping , which is further away from the center. Or slightly more expensive but well rated and right in the city center – Design Apartment Calm Giant.

View of Ålesund from Byrampen Viewpoint

22) Stavanger

Stavanger is the third largest city in Norway. Another picturesque city on the sea coast. You can walk along the port and see Stavanger Cathedral. If you need more inspiration, check this article about the best things to do in Stavanger .

Hotel in Stavanger : We recommend Stavanger Bed & Breakfast with a great central location and good reviews. It’s one of the cheapest too.

Stavanger Port

Other interesting places to visit

23) atlantic ocean road bridge.

The road connecting the small islands in the ocean Atlantic Ocean Road is an amazing architectural bridge structure and driving this road on your road trip is a great experience. Moreover, there is nothing to pay for driving over the bridges!

One of the bridges on the Atlantic Ocean Road, Southern Norway Road Trip

24) Heddal stave church, South Norway

The largest stave church in Norway – Heddal is extremely photogenic. A short stop is definitely worth it!

Heddal stave church, Southern Norway Road Trip

25) Lindesnes Lighthouse, South Norway

Lindesnes is a photogenic lighthouse on one of the southernmost corners of Norway. Views of the surrounding cliffs are amazing.

View of cliffs from lighthouse in Lindesnes, Southern Norway Road Trip

26) Rondane National Park, South Norway

Rondane is another beautiful national park that South Norway offers and where you can spend a lot of time and go on various hiking trails .

Hotel near Rondane : The nearest hotel is Øvre Nordli , which is quite cheap, well rated and is right next to the national park border.

View of Rondane National Park, Southern Norway

Map of best places to visit in South Norway

We have prepared for you a detailed map of the route and all the interesting best places to visit and see on your road trip to South Norway. You can export the map and upload it to Maps.me or Locus mobile apps.

  • Check here  all our travel planning maps .

Map Southern Norway

I want to go on South Norway road trip!

And if you haven’t read this Norway online travel guide , then we highly recommend to do it!

Are you decided? All you have to do is find the cheapest flight ticket!

If you need to rent a car for your trip, the cheapest car rental offers are here.

And check this amazing video from Norway:

More tips for your travels:

We have prepared for you this comprehensive list of links, discounts, and resources for travel planning in one place. Bookmark this page and whenever you plan a vacation in the future, just open it and save yourself a lot of time.

1) Where to book accommodation?

  • We prefer to find an accommodation using Booking.com .
  • It's also worth it to compare with AirBnb .
  • Read also our guide - How to search for the best accommodation .

2) How to find cheap flights?

  • We recommend searching for flights on Skyscanner .
  • Read also our complete guide - How to find cheap flights .

3) How to rent a car?

  • We recommend a comparison portal RentalCars.com to compare the best offers of all available rental companies.

Pin South Norway road trip for later or for your friends:

Southern Norway – The Best Places to Visit

FAQ about South Norway Road trip:

Practical tips and information about traveling to norway :.

You can find practical tips and information about traveling to Norway in this Norway travel guide .

What are the most beautiful hiking trails in South Norway?

The most popular hiking trails in South Norway are Trolltunga, Kjeragbolten, Preikestolen, Bessegen Trail and Gaustatoppen.  Read more about these treks .

What are the most beautiful cities in South Norway?

The most beautiful cities in South Norway are Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Ålesund, and Stavanger.  Read more about these cities .

Downloadable map with interesting places in South Norway:

You can  download a map  with all the most beautiful places to visit in South Norway.

Did this post about South Norway Road Trip help you? Share it with your friends! It can help them too!

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Southern Norway Road Trip Itinerary – How to spend 2 weeks in Norway

Wild nature, majestic mountains, endless expanses – this is Norway for me. With only 5.4 million inhabitants but a size as big as Japan, Norway’s landscape is shaped by thousands of lakes, forests, mountains, and tiny villages. The best way to explore the picturesque land of fjords is by campervan. Norway is the ideal destination for an epic road trip since only driving through the beautiful landscapes is an adventure in itself. Especially if you’re searching for a deeper connection to nature, challenging hikes with the best views, and outdoor adventures in general – Norway should be on your list!

I’m sure it would take several months to explore all the famous beautiful places in Norway and maybe years to discover its countless hidden gems. The truth is most of you (including myself) are not able to spare that amount of time (and money lol). That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the best places you can visit on a Southern Norway road trip within two to three weeks.

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. Without costing you anything extra, the small commission will help me produce more free content for you. For more information, please refer to my  privacy policy .

Table of Contents

Quick Facts about Norway

Southern norway road trip itinerary, 1. kristiansand/ mandal.

If you are coming to Norway by ferry from Denmark , Kristiansand will be your first stop in Norway. The sixth-largest city in Norway is often referred to as the capital of the south and is home to around 112,000 people. If you don’t necessarily want to spend the first night in Kristiansand, then it is worth driving the 45km (around 50 minutes) to Mandal. Mandal is the southernmost city in Norway and enchants with its typical old, white wooden houses and the natural recreation area Furulunden.

Camping site recommendation : Topcamp Sjosanden

2. Lindesnes Lighthouse

Along the South Coast of Norway, a stop at the beautiful Lindesnes Lighthouse is a must. The lighthouse, which was built in 1655, is not only Norway’s oldest but also the southernmost lighthouse on the mainland. After a short climb, you can let your gaze wander over the beautiful coast. Of course, you can climb up the lighthouse as well. But hold on to your hair – it’s usually pretty windy! 😀

3. Stavanger

Even though Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway, it exudes the charm of a small town. Especially in the colorful city center, where cute little shops are lined up in pretty wooden houses. The historic old town with its cathedral from the 12th century is perfect for strolling around. Well, I guess it’s not without reason that Stavanger was named the European Capital of Culture in 2008. Read my post on the best things to do in Stavanger for more inspiration!

Camping site recommendation : Olberg Camping

4. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)/ Lysefjord

Enjoying the view from Preikestolen was one of my absolute highlights during my 3 weeks in Scandinavia . The hike to Preikestolen (also referred to as Pulpit Rock) is not very long with a total of 8km , but at the beginning, you have to conquer some steep stone steps. However, once at the top, you will be rewarded with a wonderful view over the Lysefjord. If the weather is clear, you can let your gaze wander far over the mountain peaks and admire the glittering fjord, which lies around 600 meters below. On the top of Preikestolen, you really feel like being above the clouds – an indescribable feeling. I recommend starting the hike very early (around 6 am) in order to avoid large crowds on the rock and also to only have little “oncoming traffic” when climbing all the way up.

Camping site recommendation : Camping Preikestolen

Enjoy Preikestolen and Lysefjord from water during this Scenic Fjord Cruise to Lysefjord and Preikestolen from Strandkaien, Vågen. You will sail silently aboard an electric boat from Stavanger along the beautiful Lysefjord to Preikestolen. Admire the Hengjanefossen waterfall, the Vagabond’s Cave and the famous and mighty Preikestolen.

5. Haugesund

The area of Haugesund is the perfect stopover between Preikestolen and Bergen. Not far from the city center, there is a huge monument, which was built in honor of the millennial birthday of the country of Norway as well as in honor of the country’s first Viking king Harald Schönhaar.

Camping site recommendation : Haralshaugen Camping AS

Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, attracts many tourists every year and is known as the “gateway to the fjords”. In Bergen, you can marvel at traditional colorful wooden buildings in Brygge, take the mountain railway to the top of Fløyen, or visit the famous aquarium. One of the things to know before visiting Bergen is that you should definitely bring an umbrella. With an average of 248 rainy days a year, Bergen is the rainiest city in Europe.

Camping site recommendation : Lone Camping AS

7. Voringsfossen

Voringsfossen waterfall can be found in the middle of the mountains. With a height of 183 meters, it is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Norway. Since August 2020, visitors can walk over a breathtaking bridge and marvel at the falling water below them. Also worth seeing is the Norsk Natursenter Hardanger (10 kilometers away), an interactive museum about Norway’s nature, culture, and origins of the country.

Camping site recommendation : Eidfjord Hytter

8. Folgefonna Nationalpark

Norway is one of the best adventure travel destinations worldwide. And Folgefonna National Park offers a variety of adventurous outdoor activities as well as different hiking trails and beautiful photo spots. For example, you can take a (guided) hike up to the glacier, linger at the beautiful Bondhusvatnet Lake, which is even considered a drinking water lake, or visit the fairytale valley Buartal.

9. Trolltunga

The Trolltunga hike is one of the most popular ones in the country and one of the best outdoor adventures in Norway you can experience. Taking a photo of the famous Trolltunga rock formation is definitely a must on your Norway trip! However, the 20–28-kilometer hike should not be taken lightly. Additionally, it is advisable to start the hike as early as possible. Not only to escape the crowds but above all to make it back in time. 10 to 12 hours should be planned for this hike in any case. It is also important to have enough food and water as well as a good day hiking backpack with you and to wear the right hiking equipment.

There’s also the option to walk up with your camping equipment on the back and to find a nice camping spot on top of the mountain so that you can come back the next day. You can find detailed information and tips on the Trolltunga hike on Norway’s Tourism website . Even though this hike is quite strenuous and demanding – the efforts will pay off! Throughout the whole hike, you will be rewarded with fantastic views. In my opinion, nothing describes the feeling of having finally made it to the top and being able to enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Norway.

Camping site recommendation : Trolltunga Camping

Oslo, the vivid capital of Norway, should also be on your agenda. Must-see attractions in Oslo include the Royal Palace, the Viking Ship Museum, the Akershus Fortress, and the Opera House. You can find more suggestions in my blog post about how to spend two days in Oslo .

Do you have any questions regarding this Southern Norway Road Trip Itinerary? Are you ready to explore the land of fjords? Let me know in the comments down below.

Don’t know what to pack for this epic road trip? Make sure to take a look at my ultimate campervan packing list !

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The Ultimate Trollveggen Hiking Trail - Hiking Stabbeskaret On The Troll Wall In Norway

BLOG , Destinations , Europe , norway , Travel Guides , travel inspiration · January 7, 2022

The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Southern Norway

There are so many beautiful places in Southern Norway that sometimes it can be really hard to figure out an itinerary. From the majestic fjords in the West to otherworldly National Parks. If you’re an outdoor lover then Southern Norway is the perfect country for you to visit!

In this article I will cover the best places that Southern Norway has to offer if you love spending time in nature. Of course there are some stunning cities as well but that wasn’t my main focus point on my trip. I love discovering unique places and in this article you’ll definitely find a ton of those!

As with all of my other travel guides and destination lists, I’ve visited all of these beautiful places in Norway myself. Besides stunning photos you’ll also be treated with insightful information that will help you when planning your next holiday to Norway!

So without further ado, here are the 20 most beautiful outdoor places in Southern Norway!

The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Norway For The Outdoor Lover

1. Preikestolen

Preikestolen is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Southern Norway . It’s also one of the most touristic places but it definitely lives up to the hype!

The hike up and down to Preikestolen is 7.8km in total and starts at the main parking lot. First you’ll walk up through a forest but after the first kilometer you’ll encounter a more boulder like landscape. The hike up can be strenuous at times so if you have trekking poles with you I highly recommend bringing them.

Now, if you are prone to vertigo or have a fear of heights this hike might not be the best idea for you. Not because of the hiking trail itself but because of its end destination. The Preikestolen is a 600 meter high cliff rock with a full on vertical drop on all sides.

Once you’re up there it’s important to be very careful and mindful of where you’re going.

🎒 BEST TOUR – S tavanger: Preikestolen Classic Hike and Side Trail

💡 TIP – Start hiking in the late afternoon or before sunrise to avoid the big crowds . We started hiking up around 3pm and were pretty much the only ones hiking up. Everyone else was already returning to their car.

💡 TIP – The weather in Norway can be very unpredictable . We got completely drenched on our way up and the entire hike I thought we wouldn’t see anything because of the thick clouds. But if you wait a little they will clear up and you’ll still be able to see the beautiful Lysefjord below.

The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Norway For The Outdoor Lover

2. Månafossen

Månafossen is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Southern Norway and with its 90 meters in free fall the tallest waterfall in the county of Rogaland.

This is a great hike if you’re feeling a little adventurous but you don’t want to do a lot of hiking! The trail starts at Eikeskog where you start by climbing up a stone stairway. After that the climb becomes very steep but for most parts there are chains so you can pull yourself up.

I know, this sounds crazy!!! But trust me, it’s actually very easy to reach the main viewpoint at the top!

💡  TIP  – This is a good hike to do on the same day as the Preikestolen hike which is only 1,5 hour driving away.

The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Norway For The Outdoor Lover

3. Låtefossen

The twin waterfall Låtefossen is a truly unique place to see in Southern Norway . Located within the Odda valley you can spot this beautiful waterfall right next to the road.

There’s a parking lot (and even a toilet) located right behind the waterfall and you can even walk down to see it more closely.

It’s the perfect place to stop and have lunch if you’re driving from Preikestolen to Trolltunga !

The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Norway For The Outdoor Lover

4. Trolltunga – One of the best places to visit in Norway

Trolltunga is one of the most spectacular places in Southern Norway ! The hike itself is not for the faint of heart cause with its 20.2 km in total (if you start from P3) it can be pretty strenuous on your feet, But honestly, the views that you’ll see along the way more than make up for it!

Your final destination on this hike? The world famous Trolltunga! Also known as one of the most photographed and Instagrammed rock formations in the entire world. Unfortunately this also means that you won’t be the only person here taking a photo. This spot usually comes with a waiting line which can go up to 2 hours in the busy summer months.

But don’t limit yourself to this famous rock alone! Their are so many beautiful views along the way and a little change of perspective immediately results in a let less or sometimes even no other people.

🎒 BEST TOUR – There are also a couple of tour companies that offer a guided hike which includes an overnight . If you don’t like camping then this is the perfect tour for you since you’ll be staying in a luxurious see through dome which offers a stunning view over the fjord.

💡 TIP – Start hiking in the early morning and take the first bus or taxi up to P3. This way if you keep up the pace you’ll be one of the first ones to arrive at the Trolltunga.

💡 TIP – You can spread this hike out over 2 days and camp nearby at one of the designated campsites. This way you’ll be able to see the sunrise and sunset and enjoy the place in solitude.

The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Norway For The Outdoor Lover

5. Bondhusdalen

Bondhusdalen is one of the most beautiful lakes in central Norway and not too far from Odda. So if you’re hiking the Trolltunga trail it would be a shame to not hop over and through the glacier to Bondhusdalen.

You’ll need to calculate around 2 to 3 hours for your visit but all of this depends on the weather. During our visit the weather was pretty gloomy but even then the water was looking bright turquoise. You can only image that when the glistens on it and you can see the mountains in the background that this place is absolutely fantastic!

The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Norway For The Outdoor Lover

6. Furebergfossen – one of the coolest waterfalls in Southern Norway

Furebergfossen is one of the more unique places to visit in Norway. This multi tier waterfall is not too far from Bondhusdalen and can be found right next to the road.

There’s a small parking lot right in front of it but it can only hold a couple of cars.

But even if you don’t make a stop here it’s a spectacular place in Norway to drive by.

south norway travel guide

7. Vøringfossen

There are hundreds of waterfalls in Norway but not many of them can compete with the power of Vøringfossen. In my personal opinion, I thought this was one of the most beautiful places in Southern Norway and it’s pretty easy to reach as well!

There’s a big parking lot not too far from the entrance and from there it’s only a short walk to the waterfall. They’ve build steel staircases and bridges that go over the waterfall. The view from up here is absolutely magnificent and I highly recommend walking the entire trail around for the best experience and the best views.

💡 TIP – There’s a hotel and restaurant at the top of the waterfall.

south norway travel guide

8. Rjukandefoss – the most scenic waterfall in Southern Norway

Rjukandefoss is one of the best places to visit in central Norway and the perfect place to stop if you’re making your way up to Jotunheimen National Park!

There’s a small car park on the side of the road and the short trail through the woods will lead you to the waterfall in no time. There’s also a suspension bridge which makes it possible to view the waterfall from both sides of the river.

The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Norway For The Outdoor Lover

9. Jotunheimen National Park

Jotunheimen National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Norway and one of my personal favorites. The entire time that we were driving through it my face was plastered to the window shield. There were turquoise lakes and super tall mountains as far as the eye could see.

And if you’re very lucky you might even see a reindeer or two during your time here.

I highly recommend spending at least 1 or 2 nights in this area and a visit to Jotunheimen National Park isn’t complete without doing at least one of these hikes below!

Besseggen Ridge

The Besseggen Hike is considered one of the must-complete hikes by Norwegians and it is said that once you conquer this ridge you can call yourself a ‘serious hiker’. An estimated 60.000 people walk the Besseggen ridge every year.

The Besseggen Hiking Trail is  a point to point hike  which starts in Memurubu and ends in Gjendesheim. But to get to Memurubu you’ll first need to take a ferry from Gjendesheim.

📖  MAKE SURE TO READ MY FULL GUIDE ON THE BESSEGGEN RIDGE HIKE WHICH INCLUDES A LOT MORE DETAILS AND PHOTOS.

The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Norway For The Outdoor Lover

The Knutshøe Hiking Trail is also located in Jotunheimen National Park but is often overshadowed by the immensely popular  Besseggen Ridge Hike . But  if you have more than one day at the Jotunheimen National Park you should definitely hike this beautiful trail !

I consider the Knutshøe Hiking Trail as  one of the most beautiful hikes in Norway  and to top it of it’s also a fun and rather adventurous one!

📖  MAKE SURE TO READ MY FULL GUIDE ON COMPLETING THE KNUTSHØE HIKING TRAIL, INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS & PHOTOS.

The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Norway For The Outdoor Lover

10. Dovrefjell National Park – A unique place to see in Norway

One of the absolute highlights from our recent trip to  Norway  was seeing a musk ox with our very own eyes at  Dovrefjell National Park !

Dovrefjell National Park  is the only place in Norway, and one of few places in the world, where you can experience the majestic musk ox. The musk ox is a truly historic mammal and is one of the oldest mammals to walk our planet. Dating back to about 187,000 to 129,000 years ago, muskoxen are known as  the shaggy survivors of the Ice Age .

🎒 BEST TOUR – Dovrefjell National Park: Hiking Tour and Musk Ox Safari

📖  MAKE SURE TO READ MY DETAILED GUIDE TO KNOW EXACTLY HOW AND WHERE TO SPOT A MUSK OX IN DOVREFJELL NATIONAL PARK.

south norway travel guide

11. Innerdalen – Visit the most beautiful valley in Norway

I have honestly no idea if out of all of the valleys in Norway, Innerdalen is actually the most beautiful one. That would require me to visit all of them and there simply isn’t enough time. But every other travel website claimed that it’s the most beautiful one so let’s just leave it at that.

It’s a short but steep hike to this valley and from there you can choose to go on even more adventurous hikes . If that’s not your cup of tea you can also enjoy some waffles and a hot drink at the cosy hut in the heart of the valley.

The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Norway For The Outdoor Lover

12. Romsdalseggen

The Romsdalseggen Ridge Hike in Åndalsnes is one of the most impressive hiking trails in entire Norway! But out of all of the hikes that I did in Norway it was also the most difficult one. There’s a steep ascend over boulders, an exposed part where you have to hold onto chains to cross over and one of the hardest descends.

But I promise you, it’s all worth it once you reach the top! The next kilometers you’ll spend hiking along the ridge line which means you’ll have impressive mountain views on both sides.

The Romsdalseggen Ridge Hiking Trail is  a point to point hike , just like that other wonderful hike in Norway the  Besseggen Ridge Trail . But in contrary to that one there’s only one way to complete this hike and that’s from Venjesdalsetra, a car park in Vengedalen, to Åndalsnes.

There’s  a dedicated Romsdalseggen bus  that will take you to the car park in Vengedalen. This bus leaves from the  bus station in Åndalsnes  and will drop you off at Venjesdalsetra. It costs  200NOK  per person and you can park your car or camper van at the  long term parking lot  in Åndalsnes.

📖 MAKE SURE TO READ MY FULL GUIDE ON HIKING THE ROMSDALSEGGEN RIDGE INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS AND PHOTOS!

The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Norway For The Outdoor Lover

13. Troll Wall

Hiking up to the Troll Wall viewpoint was one of my favorite things to do in Norway . The hike itself is rather adventurous with a lot of climbing over boulders but the view, THE VIEW!

The final viewpoint is located at the vertical cliff of the Trollveggen wall. So once you’re up there it’s  a steep drop down into the Romsdalen valley . Make sure to be very careful around the edges and take care if you have a fear of heights. The view is however absolutely amazing and totally worth the trouble of the hike.

📖 MAKES SURE TO READ MY FULL GUIDE ON THE TROLL WALL HIKE INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS AND PHOTOS!

south norway travel guide

14. Trollstigen – The most spectacular road in Norway

The best part of visiting this beautiful place in Norway? The winding road leading up to it! Especially if you’re coming from Åndalsnes!

The Trollstigen road is world famous due to the fact that it creeps up the mountain in incredible loops and to top it off there’s a giant waterfall at each side.

At the top of the road you’ll find the Trollstigen visitor centre where you can park your car. In true Norwegian fashion you’ll also find a fabulous viewing platform here. The wind up there can be absolute mayhem but you’ll get a spectacular birds eye view over the serpentine road.

🎒 BEST TOUR – From Ålesund: Trollstigen Sightseeing Village & Fjord Tour

south norway travel guide

15. Litlefjellet

Litlefjellet is one of those places in Norway that seems to keep on flying under the radar. But doesn’t this sound perfect? A short (but steep) hike up followed by one of the most stunning views in the entire  area of Romsdal .

From Litlefjellet you’ll have a direct view over the impressive Trollveggen mountain range and if you’re up for it this is one of the most beautiful places in Norway to go wild camping!

south norway travel guide

16. Mount Saksa

If there’s one place that you can’t miss if you absolutely love hiking it’s the Sunmøre Alps in Western Norway . And you want to know the best part? This area in Norway is still relatively unknown!

I think if I had to choose my favorite place in Norway out of all of the ones I’ve seen on this road trip it would be this one!

You can find these views by hiking up mount Saksa. It’s a steep and strenuous hike up but the views are so damn worth it!

After a very hard climb up you’ll be greeted by 360° views over the Sunmøre Alps.

📖 MAKE SURE TO READ MY COMPLETE GUIDE ON HIKING MOUNT SAKSA FOR MORE DETAILS!

south norway travel guide

17. Trandal – The most scenic swing in Norway

This has to be one of the most beautiful swings in Norway ! But in all honesty it’s not the easiest to get to! Trandal is a small village in the Sunmøre Alps and can only be reached by ferry or on foot. And I honestly wouldn’t recommend going on foot cause you need to hike across several mountains to get there.

The ferry to Trandal leaves from Sæbo and it’s important that you have a look at their schedule from beforehand. During high season there will be plenty of ferries but for instance in September the last ferry back was already at 7pm.

This swing is located in front of the restaurant Christian Gaard . And while you don’t need to eat here to take a photo at their famous swing. It is however a lovely place to enjoy a meal but do know that the prices are steep. For reference both of us had 1 meal and 3 beers in total and had a bill of €128.

The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Norway For The Outdoor Lover

18. Gunnar Råsa

Good news! There’s not just one beautiful swing in Norway! There are actually three! And two of them can be found on your way up to Gunnar Råsa.

As like with every other hike in Norway it’s a steep climb up and it took us about 1,5 hour to reach the swings!

The trail leading up to Gunnar Råsa starts in Sæbo . Once you get off the ferry turn to the right and drive alongside the water. After a few hundred meters you’ll see a couple of parking spaces and the hiking trail starts right next to these.

south norway travel guide

19. Geiranger – the most famous fjord in Norway

Geiranger is probably one of the most visited fjords in Norway and maybe it was the gloomy weather we had during most of the day but I was a little underwhelmed by this place. There are some nice viewpoints to be found but for most activities you have to book a fjord cruise.

The entire place honestly feels very touristic and way less authentic but the viewpoint below definitely made up for that!

🎒 BEST TOUR – Geiranger: Guided Kayak Tour in Geiranger Fjord

The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Norway For The Outdoor Lover

Typical about Norway are its wooden houses where the roof is covered in moss. In central Norway you’re bound to bump into a lot of these so there’s no need to visit these specific ones.

But I did love the spectacular backdrop that they came with! The weather was gloomy and rain was falling but the clouds rising up from the lake added a sense of mystery that!

south norway travel guide

I hope this list of the best places to visit in Norway will help you in planning your trip! And I can guarantee you that if you love being outdoors and you love hiking now and then that you’ll have an amazing time!

Happy exploring!

south norway travel guide

Charlotte Lint is the founder of Charlies Wanderings. Charlotte has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice. She is an expert on writing efficient travel guides and finding unique places to stay. Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.

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south norway travel guide

Get Lost says

January 8, 2022 at 10:05 pm

I had no idea Norway was so spectacular! Your post has got me itching to pack my bags! I’d love to visit these stunning places. Rjukandefoss is calling my name! Thanks for the great guide!

Josy A says

January 9, 2022 at 1:10 am

Squeee, so I am fully convinced! I already liked the idea of hiking to Trolltunga, but now I am in love with the look of all those waterfalls and the other incredible hikes! Innerdalen, the troll wall, Romsdalseggen and Mount Saksa are all calling to me! What stunning scenery. It all looks worth a bit of inclement weather and hard hiking.

Francesca says

January 9, 2022 at 7:04 am

I have been to Norway many uears ago and I absolutely love this country. Your list is incredible and it really includes all the wonders of this amazing place. I love your pictures on the swings and if I will ever get back will make sure to take some myself. Great post!

Charlotte says

January 9, 2022 at 9:43 am

Aw thank you so much! Rjukandefoss was one of my fav places!

January 9, 2022 at 9:45 am

Thank you so much! There are honestly soooo many beautiful places! It’s insane!

January 9, 2022 at 9:46 am

Thank you so much Francesca!!

January 9, 2022 at 12:27 pm

I’m so desperate to get to Norway – looks like heaven for hiking lovers! Thanks so much for such a helpful and detailed post 🙂

catherinemryan says

January 9, 2022 at 6:19 pm

At the risk of sounding ignorant, I had no idea Norway was so beautiful! I can’t get enough of your photos, and now Norway is on my list of places to visit ASAP (though 2023, if I’m being realistic. don’t worry, I can wait)

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South Norway

Top 10 Attractions in Southern Norway

Southern Norway is full of attractions and things worth your visit. It was hard narrowing it down, but here is my 10 favourite things to do in the South.

Photo of undefined

Benjamin Moeyersons

12. november 2018.

Southern Norway is probably the most known, accessible, well-established tourism destination of Norway. Nonetheless, the region does have a vast area of places to choose from on your trip to Norway. With Oslo and Bergen as biggest airports to fly to, they will offer you plenty of perfect starting points to commence your journey! To make your life a bit easier we have created a list of Top 10 things to visit in Southern Norway:

1. Lindesnes Lighthouse

Lindenes Lighthouse during the twilight.

The pinnacle of the south of Norway as it is located at the actual southernmost point of Norway. Being the oldest of all lighthouses in Norway it dates back to 1655 when it was first lit. Did you know that every lighthouse has a unique sequence of light? This because, back in the day, people at sea would be able to recognize the sequence of light to pinpoint where they are. (so that back in the day, before smartphones gps and other positioning devices would be able to identify where they were.

The lighthouse also gives you the opportunity to learn more about the development of lighthouses, maritime culture, and how they used to make light in the lighthouse before electricity existed. 

2. The Kilden Performing Arts Centre

What if you are into cultural experiences but are on a very tight schedule and thus don’t have much time to visit all the different symphony orchestras, theatres, operas, and cultural organizations around Southern Norway? Kilden Performing Arts Centre has the solution as it houses all of them in the same place.

With the architecture being recognized on an international level it is definitely pleasure for the eye that just draws you right in to pay a visit.

3. Heddal Stave Church

A wooden stave church in Norway.

The wooden masterpiece that towers above all others. Heddal Stave Church is the largest stave church in Norway. Built in the 1200s, it is still in use today! Located West of Notodden on the way to Haugesund the ore-pines used come from the woods of Heddal and are the base of the magical atmosphere created by the carved portals and architectural formations.

4. The Parks of Oslo

Coming up with one top thing to do in Oslo is very hard if not impossible. That is why my top thing to do in Oslo is wander around the parks. There are numerous parks to be found in Oslo that each have an entirely different identity and will offer you some rest throughout all of the other visits but at the same some more insight into local culture and history.

When you’re blessed with ending up there on one of the good weather days, don’t hesitate to go to the grocery store, buy a “engangsgrill” (one-time-bbq), bring a blanket, and have a wonderful picnic. Our top choice of parks are: Frogner Park. Being Oslo’s biggest park you won’t only see tourists around here but also plenty of Norwegians in their day-to-day life. It is also home to the largest sculpture park in the world.

The Palace Park on the other hand surrounds the Royal Palace and seen that you find yourself in the capital of Norway you might as well go say Hi to King Harald V. As last park we would recommend the Botanical Garden. More than 1800 different plants in combination with collections of trees, sculptures and picturesque houses will make your senses go loco.

5. Following in the footsteps of Henrik Ibsen

A statue of Henrik Ibsen, surrounded with trees.

Even though Henrik Ibsen, the founder of modern realistic drama and one of the world’s best-known authors, has passed away little more than a century ago, his presence can still be felt today.

Be it through his plays that are still performed, or the Ibsen museum where you can see the pharmacy that he worked in, or through the inspirational route through Norway where you have the chance to follow Ibsen’s footsteps and explore what inspired Ibsen’s Peer Gynt. 

6. Summer Island Paradise

I know I know, I can feel you frowning already. However, when you’re not looking for the over-crowded, entirely full of white sand, and way too hot beaches of the Mediterranean, Southern Norway is your thing as it will offer you the exact opposite! As a counter offer you will get totally secluded, rocky glazed, and at a perfect temperature to go sunbathing and ocean dipping.

The first two aspects will be included in the package at all times, the weather will be depended on how much you have the weather gods on your side. Nonetheless, you will be able to just take your kayak, tiny little boat or any other means of water transport and head out to the island of your dreams.

If you do end up meeting that one other person on your island, the right to roam gives you unrestricted access to all outlying fields and islands along the archipelago of Southern Norway and Norway as a whole. (Of course some properties are private and they should be respected at all times).

7. Bryggen Bergen

south norway travel guide

As second largest city in Norway Bergen is home to numerous activities and sites to visit. Bryggen is yet another addition on Norway’s list of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. Having had to cope with a range of fires throughout time, Bryggen has risen up yet another time.

Being the foundation of the very first buildings of what now is the city of Bergen the great fire of 1702 has been buried in the back of people’s minds. It is actually where the Germans have been dominating trade from for over 400 years starting from around the year 1360. As import and export offices you will be able to walk around overhanging houses and narrow alleyways to make your way through the historical part of town.

8. Hiking Preikestolen, Kjerag or Trolltunga

Trolltunga, or the Troll Tongue, in the south of Norway.

These three hikes are a definite must for the sporty and outdoorsy people amongst you. Giving you overviews over fjord like you’ve never seen before, enabling you to connect with nature on a whole other level, and being rewarded by making it to the top of the pearl jewels of the South. But don’t worry, if they happen to be too far away after all or not really what you are looking for there are plenty of other hikes to be done all over the south of Norway.

9. Meeting moose at Elgtun

Even though Norway is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, they won’t always come and play peekaboo with you unfortunately. However, at the Landeskogen Peace Center in Bygland they have found a solution. Literally translated, Elgtun means “Moose yard”. Here you will be able to not only see, which is already very special, but also meet the actual kings of the forest! Orvar, Olga, Elvira, and Frøya (the names of the 4 moose) are waiting for you and are eager to meet you.

10. Vøringsfossen

A majestic waterfall in the southern region of Norway, Scandinavia.

With a free fall of no less than 475 feet (145m) it would be quite the jump. Add to that its location in the middle of Hardangervidda national park, and the narrow and very steep valley of Måbødalen giving you the great recipe for Norway’s most famous waterfall. When making it to the top of the waterfall you’ll be rewarded with a view further than you’ll eyes will be able to reach and as breathtaking as when standing there on the ridge looking down this majestic mass of water. 

Bonus:  As a bonus for those of you already planning ahead, Southern Norway is going to become home to the world’s largest underwater restaurant. Opening up to the public in 2019 in Lindesnes the award-winning architect firm will house you having dinner at a full 5 meters below sea level, time to let the bubbles out!

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Tours in Southern Norway

Take a scenic train journey or road trip in South Norway, with a route that includes stays in dazzling coastal cities like Bergen and Stavanger and a chance to visit the famous fjords. Experience the best of Norway’s south coast -- and beyond -- on a custom tour planned by the Norwegian travel experts at Nordic Visitor.

Travel around Southern Norway's Coastline

A trip around Norway’s south coast is a great addition to a trip to the Norwegian fjords . Southern Norway, nicknamed “The Norwegian Riviera”, is the number one summer holiday destination for locals owing to the region’s mild weather, picturesque seaside towns teeming with little wooden cottages and idyllic rocky shoreline that's great for hiking.

The best way to take in the sights of southern Norway is with an itinerary that starts in Oslo, the capital, and takes you to Bergen on the west coast. From the historic port city of Bergen, with its incredible scenic overlooks from the surrounding mountains, you can continue south along the coast with stays in bustling oceanfront cities like Stavanger and Kristiansand.

One of the most popular options for making the journey from Oslo to Bergen is by travelling on a Norway in Nutshell train package. This scenic trip encompasses a steep and picturesque train ride over the mountains, a short cruise on the majestic Nærøyfjord and some free time in the colourful fjord village of Flåm, among other highlights. From Bergen, we recommend taking the “coastal bus” south to Stavanger, which offers great scenery of the rugged shoreline and includes two scenic ferry crossings. From Stavanger you can continue your journey along the south coast by train back to Oslo.

For an extra scenic twist to this suggested route, you can instead take a train to Trondheim on the west coast and sail overnight to Bergen on a southbound Hurtigruten cruise. Train and cruise tour packages in Norway are available year-round from Nordic Visitor, and it’s a good idea to spend at least a week -- ideally 11 days or longer -- on our suggested route in western and southern Norway.

With 10 - 14 days or more to travel, why not expand your Norway trip to include neighbouring Scandinavian countries? Whether you travel on your own or in the company of a guided small group, Nordic Visitor makes it easy to combine visits to Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland all in one tailor-made itinerary.

Note: If you want to experience the northern lights and snowy adventures like dog sledding, we highly recommend visiting northern Norway in the peak winter months, December to March.

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EXPLORE NORWAY’S SOUTH COAST

Travel along Norway’s southern coastline with a scenic journey by coach and train. These tours include overnights in cities like Stavanger and Kristiansand, as well as Bergen, Oslo and more.

Norway in a Nutshell® & Pulpit Rock

Classic norway & pulpit rock, scenic norway - complete, road trip & hurtigruten cruise, travel to neighbouring countries.

Why not visit Norway and Scandinavia in one trip Check out our most popular multi-country tour packages below.

Highlights of Scandinavia

Sweden, denmark & norway, capitals of scandinavia, capitals of scandinavia & norwegian fjords, train & cruise, best of scandinavia classic, norway travel experts.

As a travel agency founded in the Nordic region, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Norway. We offer a variety of tours — both independent and guided — that include the must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights that are hand-picked by our own Norway travel experts. To ensure a stress-free trip, we handle all the local details for you — accommodations, activities, rental car, train tickets, Hurtigruten cruise reservations and other specialist services.

Oh, and we can customise your itinerary! If you decide you want to add extra nights at a certain location, for example, your personal Nordic Visitor travel consultant will be happy to make suggestions and modify your itinerary.

Different ways you can experience Norway

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Norway below.

Fjord Cruise & Train

Self-drive tours, guided small group, northern lights, lofoten islands, hurtigruten cruises, what do our customers say.

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Christian, Canada

Complete norway, february 2020, we had a great experience.

Everything was fine, accomodations were perfect, comfortable and very good breakfast. Our experience with Nordic Visitor was very helpful and the followups were very efficient.

Tracy, United States

Highlights of norway, may 2019, fantastic tour my second guided tour with nordic visitor, and i will look to do other tours.

I enjoyed the small group size and getting to know my tour mates. I most enjoyed the Fjord part of the tour.  Flam was amazing and the accomodations were fantastic! This was my second guided tour with Nordic Visitor, and I will look to do other tours with Nordic Visitor. I have recommended to friends and 2 have used for self-drive tours in Iceland. I also wrote a positive trip advisor review on my Iceland tour and it was read by 1,500 people! I will give another positive write-up on this trip. I love to look at your website (which is one of the best travel websites I've seen) and dream about where I may want to go next.

Jane, United States

Wonderful experience.

Wonderful experience visiting an amazing country - Absolutely stunning scenery - welcoming people. 

Brenda, South Africa

Norway in a nutshell® classic - winter, january 2020.

It's intimidating visiting a foreign country where you don't speak the language. Our fears were put to rest the moment we started our tour, the whole experience was just wonderful. Everything was wonderful, our tour was carefully planned and made the maximum use of our time.

Larry, Canada

Highlights of norway, july 2019, i enjoyed the whole tour.

The scenery was beautiful and the accommodations and food were excellent. Our tour leader and driver were great to travel with and I enjoyed the whole tour.

Andrea Thompson

Norway in a nutshell® - classic, october 2019, it was a great experience.

It was a great experience! Nordic did all the work organizing our trip, which went incredibly smoothly. It was the most stress-free trip I've ever taken, and we saw much more than we probably would have seen on our own.

Debbie, United States

Norway in a nutshell® & northern lights express, march 2020, excellent tour.

An excellent tour. Excellent locations, nice quality. Self guided, directions were very clear and concise. We especially enjoyed the day spent at Camp Tamok, where we partook in reindeer and dog sledding.

Lesley, Australia

Norway in a nutshell® classic - winter, october 2019, good travel experience.

Flam railway trip fantastic and the ferry cruise in the magnificent fjord. Overall, very good travel experience for this usually very independent traveller.

Lofoten & the Fjords, June 2019

Very prompt & responsive, thorough & professional.

This is my second Nordic Visitor travel experience; first was to Iceland & this one to Norway. Both times the Nordic Visitor Travel consultants were very prompt & responsive, thorough & professional. I would strongly recommend Nordic Visitor to my family & friends

Michelle, Australia

Seamless organisation, wonderful time.

All hotels where great a very well located. All transferred where seamless and directions very easy to follow. As a solo traveller I was astounded by how well everything had been organised. I had a wonderful time and thank you for organising my days in Norway. I would definitely use you again. I will be travelling again in 2020. I will be contacting you about other destinations. Thank you again for your seamless organisation. A wonderful journey.  

Richard, United States

Best of the norwegian fjords – express, august 2019, positive experience.

Overall everything went off perfectly!

Complete Norway, June 2019

Everything worked like clockwork.

I have to say that the services included were better than very good -- they were outstanding. Everything worked like clockwork. Service providers were extremely cordial and competent.

Travel Guide

Be prepared for just about anything on your Norway adventure.

The first sight that greets most visitors to Norway is Oslo, Norway’s capital city and home to...

Pulpit Rock

Rising an impressive 604 metres (1982 ft) above the Lysefjord, Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock, is...

Geirangerfjord

Considered among the most beautiful fjord in the world, the Geirangerfjord will take your...

What to bring

Layers, layers, layers! Come prepared for all type..

What‘s the weather like in Norway? You just might ..

Norwegian Language

You will get by fine with English, but here are a ..

Time & Daylight

When to expect sunrises, sunsets, northern lights ..

Our Services

Whether you travel by train, cruise ship or car in your Nordic Visitor package, all customers receive personalised service with a designated travel consultant , tailor-made quality travel documents, and our self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines their route, overnight stays and highlights along the way. Furthermore, Nordic Visitor has long-standing professional relationships with local tour operators , which are carefully selected by our staff and are recognized for consistent, quality service.

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Hiking in southern norway.

Southern Norway is a paradise for those who love to experience nature on foot, and the mild climate allows for hiking throughout much of the year. In each municipality, you will find beautiful new day trip cabins with fantastic views that are popular hiking destinations. Another great hiking trail is the Barnevandrerstien, which stretches across large parts of Sørlandet in various stages. Additionally, there is a diverse selection of shorter or longer hikes to choose from, so there is something for everyone.

The Child Wanderer Path in Southern Norway

The Child Wanderer Path is a 136 km long continuous path that carries on a sad but educational history. As the path is today, it is divided into 7 stages and can be combined with trains and accommodation at some places.

The Daytrip Cabins

During 2024, you will find an attractive and similar type of day trip cabin in each of the 25 municipalities in Agder. The purpose of the project is to establish attractive destinations in the local environment that can contribute to more outdoor life, more physical activity and better public health…

Hiking - all year round!

Taking a hike in Southern Norway in winter can be a fantastic experience, with unique landscapes and a calm atmosphere. Here are some suggestions for winter trips in Southern Norway:

Coastal walks: Explore coastal paths and beaches, and enjoy the fresh winter air and the sound of waves lapping against the shore. Popular coastal areas for winter walks include the beaches in Kristiansand, Mandal and Arendal.

Forest tours: Southern Norway is known for its beautiful forests, which become even more enchanting in winter. Put on warm clothes and wander through snow-covered paths, surrounded by tall trees and a peaceful atmosphere. Setesdalsheiene and Baneheia near Kristiansand are good alternatives for winter walks in the forest.

City walks and viewpoints: Southern Norway's cities have their own charm in winter. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets decorated with festive decorations, visit local markets and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of cafes and shops. The old town in Kristiansand, the picturesque streets of Risør and the lively center of Arendal are great places for city walks in winter.

Remember to dress appropriately for the weather, wear sturdy footwear and take the necessary precautions for winter walking, such as being aware of slippery surfaces and changes in weather conditions.

Coastal walks

Coastal path in grimstad.

Kyststien - The coastal path in Grimstad stretches along the beautiful and diverse…

The Coastal Route in Farsund and Lista

The coastal path runs through the protected landscape areas and areas with bird…

Town walks and lookout points

Varbak panoramic lookout point.

In the centre of Farsund lies an amazing lookout on a hill which is approximately a…

Risørflekken sea beacon

Risørflekken is Risørs most famous landmark as it was used by sailors…

Go for a walk (approx. 3 km) on the former island naval base of Odderøya, now…

Forest and mountain hikes

Baneheia outdoor area.

Baneheia extends right up to the Kvadraturen in Kristiansand, and is a much used…

These and many more trails are situated in a magnificent terrain where parts of the…

Ti på Topp Grimstad

Toppturer i kvinesdal, toppturer i kristiansand: den omvendte båt, topptur til skuldra, plan your trip to southern norway.

Stavanger and around

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Around Stavanger

Kjeragbolten, preikestolen, gamle stavanger, stavanger to bergen.

Much of central Stavanger is strikingly modern, a jingle and a jangle of mini- and not-so-mini tower blocks that spreads over the hilly ground abutting the main harbour and surrounding the decorative, central lake, Breiavatnet , the most obvious downtown landmark. None of this may sound terribly enticing, but in fact Stavanger is an excellent place to start a visit to Norway: all the town’s amenities are within easy walking distance of each other; it has excellent train, bus and ferry connections; and it possesses an especially attractive harbour, a couple of enjoyable museums, a raft of excellent restaurants plus several lively bars. The town is also – and this comes as a surprise to many first-time visitors – nearer to the fjords than Bergen, the self-proclaimed “Gateway to the Fjords”: within easy reach of Stavanger are the Lysefjord and the dramatic Preikestolen rock formation.

Stavanger sits on a long promontory that pokes a knobbly head north towards the Boknafjord , whose wide waters form a deep indentation in the coast and lap against a confetti of islets and islands. To the east of Stavanger, longer, narrower fjords drill far inland, the most diverting being the blue-black Lysefjord, famous for its precipitous cliffs and an especially striking rock formation, the Preikestolen . This distinctive 25m-square table of rock boasts a sheer 600m drop to the Lysefjord down below on three of its sides.

Getting to Preikestolen by ferry and bus is comparatively straightforward, but cruising the Lysefjord by ferry requires a little forethought – best with the help of Stavanger tourist office (see p.000), who sell the boat tickets. Note also that no matter what the publicity hype says, you do not get a decent view of Preikestolen from the waters of the Lysefjord.

Leaving the Lysefjord behind, the narrow road up from Lysebotn (closed in winter) offers spectacular views as it wiggles and wriggles its way up the mountainside. Eventually, after 7km, just above the last hairpin, the road arrives at the Øygardstøl café , which has panoramic views back down towards the fjord. Øygardstøl is also the starting point for the hiking trail which leads west to the Kjeragbolten , a much-photographed boulder wedged between two cliff faces high above the ground. It’s a tough route, so allow six hours for the round trip – and steel your nerves for the dizzying drops down to the fjord below.

Lysefjord’s most celebrated vantage point, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), offers superlative views, though on sunny summer days you’ll be sharing them with lots and lots of others. How much you enjoy it depends on your vertigo: the bold/foolhardy dangle the odd limb over the abyss, the more cautious stay away from the edge – and there are no fences or barriers. From the car park at the end of the road, where you’ll also find a hostel and a mountain lodge, it’s a four-hour hike there and back to Preikestolen along a clearly marked trail. The first half is steep in parts and paved with uneven stones, while the second half – over bedrock – is a good bit easier. The change in elevation is 350m and you should take food and water; the hike is not feasible in winter unless you really know what you are doing.

Hikes from the Preikestolen car park

From Preikestolen car park, a short sharp hike leads down to Refsvatn , a small lake encircled by a footpath which takes three hours to negotiate, passing birch and pine woods, marshes, narrow ridges and bare stretches of rock. It also threads through Torsnes , an isolated farm that was inhabited until 1962. The lake footpath connects with a rough path that careers down to the Refsa quay on the Lysefjord.

On the western side of the main harbour is the city’s star turn, Gamle Stavanger . Though very different in appearance from the modern structures back in the centre, the buildings here were also the product of a boom. From 1810 until around 1870, herring turned up just offshore in their millions, and Stavanger took advantage of this slice of luck. The town flourished and expanded, with the number of merchants and shipowners increasing dramatically. Huge profits were made from the exported fish, which were salted and later, as the technology improved, canned. Today, some of the wooden stores and warehouses flanking the western quayside hint at their nineteenth-century pedigree, but it’s the succession of narrow, cobbled lanes behind them – along and around Øvre Strandgate – that shows Gamle Stavanger to best advantage. Formerly home to local seafarers, craftsmen and cannery workers, the area has been maintained as a residential quarter, mercifully free of tourist tat: the long rows of white-painted, clapboard houses are immaculately maintained, complete with picket fences and tiny terraced gardens. There’s little architectural pretension, but here and there flashes of fancy wooden scrollwork must once have had the curtains twitching among the staunchly Lutheran population.

With great ingenuity, Norway’s road builders have cobbled together the E39 coastal road, the Kystvegen ( w kystvegen.no ), which traverses the west coast from Stavanger to Haugesund, Bergen and ultimately Trondheim with eight ferry trips breaking up the journey. The first part of the trek, the 180km haul up from Stavanger to Bergen, includes two ferry trips and sees the highway slipping across a string of islands, which provide a pleasant introduction to the scenic charms of western Norway – and hint at the sterner beauty of the fjords beyond. Perhaps surprisingly, this region is primarily agricultural: the intricacies of the shoreline, together with the prevailing westerlies, made the seas so treacherous that locals mostly stuck to the land, eking out a precarious existence from the thin soils that had accumulated on the leeward sides of some of the islands.

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The Ultimate Norway Travel Guide: What to See + Insider Tips for Your Trip

Planning a trip to Norway? You’ll love it. From the best time to visit to unmissable places to see and insider tips – here’s your step-by-step Norway travel guide.

It’s probably a bit unfair to outrightly declare a country the most beautiful in the world, but Norway would certainly be a top contender. Its otherworldly landscapes of deep fjords, rugged coastline, majestic glaciers and jagged mountain ridges make for a stunning adventure .

Throw in the picturesque fisherman huts and the colourful Northern Lights that dance around the skies and you have one hell of a country to explore. 

It’s certainly not cheap and, in summer, its popularity makes for some serious crowds around the main areas in the south, but there is still so much of the country that will invoke a sense of true remoteness and of reaching the far corners of this planet.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime sort of trip. 

How to Plan a Trip to Norway: Before You Go

Best time to visit .

Sunrise in Svolvaer

High season in Norway is during summer between June and August, when domestic tourists tend to take holidays along with most other Europeans.

During this time, the days are long and it’s ideal for hiking, cycling and cruising, although there’s no guarantee of much warmth. Accommodation and transport like trains are especially busy in summer and it’s hard to secure places and tickets on short notice.

The best time to visit Norway is in the shoulder season, particularly the months either side of summer. May and September offer mild temperatures but far fewer crowds than in summer. 

Although winter is traditionally considered low season, because of the bitterly cold weather, it’s not technically a terrible time to visit. If you dress properly and come prepared for the cold then Norway is a true winter wonderland. For cross country skiing and other winter sports, this is the best time to visit Norway.  

Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, one of the country’s biggest drawcards, dances around the sky from September onwards and tends to peak over winter between December and February. Want in on the action? Check out my guide to stunning Northern Lights Hotels in Norway .

Handy Resources for Getting To Norway 

To help plan your trip to Norway, these resources and websites will help you with logistics and for getting decent prices.

  • Skyscanner is one of the best flight resources for comparing prices. You can also search for an entire month to see when the cheapest dates are to fly for a particular city or country.
  • Look into travel passes like Travelpass Nordland which offer multi day passes on different types of transport and their app also has a handy travel planner with transport information so you can plan ahead
  • Maps.Me is a mapping app that allows you to download for offline use and is one of the best all round navigation apps for any country. You can also pin locations, allowing you to plan where you want to go and what you want to see. For hiking it’s also a good safety mechanism as most trails are marked on the app and the GPS means you can check where you are, if you think you might be lost
  • Booking an all-inclusive tour with companies like Intrepid Travel or G Adventures eliminates many of the hassles of trip planning and logistical challenges. However, it also reduces some of your freedom and last-minute ability to change plans
  • For day trips, using Get Your Guide is the best way to find high-quality tours with reputable companies. There are hundreds of options in Norway on there, from fjord cruises to foodie tours.

Where to Stay 

Thon Hotel Svolvaer

Hotels and hostels are of quite a high standard in Norway, although they’re also likely to take up a huge chunk of your budget. The country’s HI Hostels which is run by the Norwegian hostelling association are the budget traveller’s mainstay and can be booked through their website. Otherwise, Booking.com is where you can compare and book hotel accommodation in advance.

Cabins dot the Norwegian landscape in their thousands and are often referred to as hytter or rorbuer or wooden cabins. They are usually self-catering affairs with a couple of bedrooms. They are always found around campgrounds and they are the most popular choice of accommodation on the Lofoten islands. You can often rent a hytter starting from around 800kr per night. 

Camping is a popular choice for both locals and foreign visitors and there are literally hundreds of campgrounds ranging from basic tent sites to complex setups with first-class facilities. You can expect to pay around 300kr for two people and a tent with a car.

Packing for Your Norway Trip

Sailing towards Vestfjorden

Let’s be honest, no matter what time of year you decide to go, the most important item to pack will be a warm coat or down jacket. The weather in Norway is notoriously unpredictable and even in summer you can face all four seasons in one day. 

The best way to pack for your trip is to think about layers. That way you can be prepared for whatever weather you encounter. 

Other than a warm jacket, a weatherproof or rain jacket is also a good addition, especially if you plan on hiking or getting outdoors. A good pair of walking shoes or insulated hiking boots are also good footwear options if you plan on heading anywhere remote or doing any outdoor activities. 

Surprisingly, sunscreen is also a must pack for Norway. The air is often so cold that you don’t feel that you’re burning, but the sun is extremely strong at any time of year. 

Travel Insurance

It’s important to arrange travel insurance before you depart for your trip. If you pay for full comprehensive cover, it should protect you from illness, injury, theft and cancellations. 

If you plan on doing any extreme or winter sports like skiing, you may need to check if your insurance will cover you, as generally this may require an additional payment.

The same goes for hiring a car. Check that your personal insurance will cover you for any injuries obtained while driving and whether there is an additional cost. 

Suggested Guidebooks

south norway travel guide

The best guidebooks for travelling in Norway are Lonely Planet Norway and The Rough Guide to Norway . Both are considered the best in the guidebook game and can help plan your trip. 

There are also e-book versions available if you prefer not to lug a heavy guidebook around with you.

Norway Visitor Guide: What to Do During Your Norway Trip

Top 10 things to do in norway , explore the capital, oslo.

Oslo

One of the most exciting cities in Europe, it has a growing music scene, modern architecture, wide bike lanes, some of the best baristas in the world and the northernmost three-star Michelin restaurant.

But that’s not all. A nearby island filled with some of the coolest museums in Europe, a Royal Palace and the epic Nobel Peace Center are a few more reasons you need to visit. And don’t get me started on the pastry scene.

Take the Train from Oslo to Bergen

Train Norway

An incredibly beautiful train journey through some of the country’s best scenery, you’ll be astonished at the feat of engineering it would have taken to build such a rail line. 

Wander Through the Streets of Bergen

Bergen

The medieval wharf of Bergen is UNESCO listed and the beautiful old buildings with fairytale-like houses and bustling art galleries makes this city especially enchanting. 

Take a wander through Bryggen, the wharf area of the city, before heading up on the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen. From here, marvel at the city below you.

 See the Northern Lights from the Lofoten Islands

If seeing the Northern Lights isn’t on your Norwegian bucket list, I don’t know what to say…

Scattered with traditional villages against a mountainous backdrop, Lofoten is one of the country’s biggest drawcards. It’s also one of the best places to see the Northern Lights .

Visit the Gateway to Norway’s North, Tromso

Tromso

The largest city in the far north and often referred to as the capital of the Arctic, from this city you can admire fjords, whales, the midnight sun and take a tour to see the northern lights without having to travel too far from the centre. Many people decide to try dog sledding in Tromso too.

Road Trip the Kystriksveien Coastal Route

This stunning road trip along the coast is often described as one of the most beautiful drives in the world, passing every sort of landscape you can possibly imagine

Experience Extremities in Svalbard

What happens if you mix an icy haven with one of the world’s toughest terrains and plenty to see and do – including an ex-soviet ghost town? Svalbard, of course.

A huge group of islands in the northernmost part of Europe takes extremes to the next level, with 60% of the area covered in glaciers and an array of Arctic wildlife you’ll likely never see anywhere else, such as polar bears which outnumber people there.

Hike to Pulpit Rock near Stavanger

Pulpit Rock

The now-insta famous lookout at Pulpit Rock is crowded with people in summer, but you can’t deny that the two hour hike up to this spectacular viewpoint is worth it.

Despite what you might think, this hike is actually pretty easy. Though it does get chilly – wrap up warm or you might just end up very very angry (and cold)

Take a Ferry Along Geirangerfjord

Frequently considered as one of the world’s top natural attractions and best ferry rides, you can admire the waterfalls running down steep mountains and the bright blue water of this incredible place.

Spend Time in Lively Trondheim

The country’s third-largest city has colourful wooden buildings with plenty of cool cafes and food markets and festivals frequently bringing the streets to life.

There’s much to see and do in Trondheim, but a couple of unmissable spots are the historic Kristiansten Fortress, which sits on a hill overlooking the city. As well as this, the adorable streets of Bakklandet are home to well-preserved wooden buildings and cosy cafés. people-watching opportunities for daysss.

Suggested Norway Trip Itineraries 

Hamnoy

In Northern Norway you can experience the best of the Arctic and experience things you can’t see in many other places in the world. For a truly unique trip follow this two week itinerary north:

Oslo – Trondheim – Bodo (northernmost stop on the train line) – Narvik – Tromso – Alta – back to Tromso – Lofoten Islands – ferry to Bodo – back to Oslo

If you have plenty of time and want to see as much of the country as you can, here’s an itinerary for catching all of the highlights of Norway, possible by using a combination of train, bus, flights and rental car if you are happy with driving in Norway . It would take around three weeks to complete.

Oslo – train to Bergen – Stavanger – Geirunger for a ferry through the fjord – Trondheim – take the Kystriksveien Coastal road trip – Bodo – Narvik – Tromso – Lofoten Islands – back to Oslo 

How to See the Best of Norway for Free 

Norway is known as an extremely expensive country to travel in and so seeing as much of the country for free as possible is certainly ideal. Here are some tips on how you can get things for free in Norway.

Couchsurfing is a great way to explore Norway for free. You can basically stay or ‘crash’ at someone’s place and create meaningful interactions with the locals and your host at the same time. In the larger cities like Oslo and Bergen, it will not be difficult to find a host for the night. However, in the smaller towns and more remote areas you may have to plan and reach out to a host in advance. 

Wild camping is also a great way to not only stay for free but also experience some of the best of Norway’s landscapes. If you come prepared with proper camping gear and warm clothing, wild camping is allowed in most outdoor places. You only have to respect basic rules like, leave no trace, do not pitch on private property and keep away from any buildings. 

Hitchhiking is also a popular way of getting around and is quite common, especially in the southern half of the country where roads are busy enough. Although there are certain risks with hitchhiking, especially if you travel solo, you’ll find other travellers also hitching a ride in order to reduce the cost of transport. Just listen to your gut instincts. 

Dishes to Try in Norway 

Lofoten food studios

  • Reindeer – usually roasted, it’s one of the main dishes non-vegetarian tourists like to try at least once on their visit to Norway
  • Cheese – Norway’s cheese has been made internationally recognised by Jarlsberg, first made in 1860 and you can find it in most tourist-oriented restaurants 
  • Stockfish – unsalted cod dried in Norway’s cold air on wooden racks is one of the country’s longest sustained export commodities
  • Fish is generally considered a food staple in Norway and is eaten three or four times a week. Salmon is particularly popular and surprisingly, relatively cheap compared to other dishes

Top Drinks in Norway 

  • Aquavit – considered the national drink, this is a potent distilled spirit made from potatoes and flavoured with a variety of herbs and spices such as fennel, cumin or cardamom
  •   Glogg – the traditional Scandinavian mulled wine adds aquavit to red wine simmered with cloves and cinnamon
  • Mead – also known as honey wine, is a fermented drink made from honey, it’s considered a traditional Viking drink 

Norway Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go to Norway

Tips for travelling to norway.

south norway travel guide

  • Consider the month you are travelling around Norway and research how much daylight there is and what the weather will be like because this will not only influence what clothes to pack but also whether certain roads will be blocked or certain experiences like seeing the Northern Lights will be possible
  • Book train tickets and accommodation in advance for cheaper deals, particularly if you are travelling in summer when things book out weeks in advance
  • You can get a local SIM card for your phone that should cost around 100kr and cover about 80% of the country, which is pretty remarkable considering how remote a lot of the towns are

Tipping In Norway

Tipping is by no means compulsory in Norway, but it is customary for Norwegians to leave a tip of about 10-20% in a restaurant or bar if the service was good. It’s uncommon to tip outside of the hospitality industry so don’t feel obliged to tip taxi drivers or hotel staff.

Interesting Facts 

south norway travel guide

  • Around half of the population live around Oslo, in the far south of the country
  • Two-thirds of the country is mountainous
  • Off Norway’s coastline lies around 50, 000 islands amongst the fjords and glaciers
  • The Norwegian economy is largely dependent on the petroleum industry
  • Norway has one of the lowest population densities in Europe

Handy Phrases for Travelling to Norway

Most people in Norway speak almost fluent English and will not expect a foreign traveller to learn any Norwegian words. However, if you want to try and learn some basics, here’s some phrases to keep handy.

Takk – Thank You

Hallo – Hello

Ha det – Goodbye

Vær så snill – Please

Hvor er…? – Where is…?

En billet til… – One ticket to…

Jernbanestasjon – Train station

Busstasjon – Bus ststaion

Flypass – Airport

Hvor mye koster billetten? – How much is the fare?

Time Zones 

Norway is situated in the Central European Standard Time (CEST) or Central European Time (CET), depending on daylight savings. Daylight savings applies in Norway, like many other European countries and clocks are set one hour forward at the end of March and one hour back at the end of October. 

Electricity + Adapters

Norway uses the common plugs in other European countries, Type C and F, which has two round prongs. Most Scandinavian electricity outlets use 220 volts. 

There is a relatively low health risk associated with travelling to Norway, with rates of disease and illness at a similar rate to other European countries. 

Tap water is also completely safe to drink and of a high quality, so you don’t need to worry about buying plastic bottles or filtering your water.

Still, regular vaccines are recommended such as Hepatitis A and B, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus, typhoid, pneumonia and influenza. However, there are no required vaccines that will affect your entry into the country.

There is a relatively well-connected and reliable public transport system in Norway, linked by buses, trains and ferries.

However, outside of the southern cities, places are few and far between and towns are sprawled outwards for kilometres. This means that renting a car is the preferred mode of transport for travellers wanting to get deep into Norway’s far north, although this is not exactly the cheapest way to go. 

Car rental for a week can start at 3500kr, although you can often get deals for a weekend rental or in the quieter months.

The major highways are well taken care of and generally open all year round, although you’ll find many of the smaller roads in the north will close for months over winter. 

The national railway has lines connecting Oslo to Stavanger in the southwest, Oslo to Bergen in the west and Oslo to Trondheim and onto Bodo in the north. Many of the train rides start at 800kr for a standard fare ticket, although this will change depending on how early you book and what class you want.

Train travel in Norway is most popular for those wanting a comfortable journey between the major cities. 

Buses reach almost every corner of the country, with the main long-distance company being Nor-Way Bussekspress. Prices are much more reasonable than the trains and can often be bought on the bus on the day, although it’s possible to secure a seat in advance if you’d prefer.

Taking a ferry is almost a highlight of any trip to Norway and around the Lofoten Islands they are almost impossible to avoid. They are usually both for passengers and vehicles and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. 

There are also more speedy and comfortable boat trips and cruises that operate for multiple days along the coast with cabins and restaurants on board. 

There are some relatively cheap internal flights that you can score which can save you time spent on buses and trains.

From Oslo to Trondheim you can expect to pay around 650kr, for example. This only means that you will miss out on some of the fabulous scenery along the way.

Check flights on Skyscanner

Norway is one of the safest countries in the world and its crime rates are extremely low. However, in the major cities you should still be wary of your belongings and valuables, as you should be in most other countries. 

If you practice basic common sense and personal awareness, you shouldn’t have any problems travelling around Norway.

Costs and Budgeting for a Norway Trip

Rambergstranda Lofoten

Here’s the bad news – Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. Your budget will need to be much greater and more flexible than perhaps travelling to most other countries.

However, in saying that, there are ways of cutting costs like getting a multi-day transport pass, giving up alcohol for the duration of your trip and self-catering your meals. 

A budget traveller who has a picnic lunch and stays in cheap hostels or hotels could look at spending around 800kr per day. For slightly more comfort, like staying in 3 star hotels and eating out for meals, you could spend around 1500kr per day. 

Read More Norway Travel Guides

A guide to the lofoten islands norway: brilliant things to do + travel tips.

  • A Snowy Sami Reindeer Experience in Tromso, Norway

Norway in Winter: Why It’s Worth Visiting

  • Best Time and Places to See the Northern Lights in Norway
  • A Food-Lover’s Guide to the Lofoten Islands: A Culinary Adventure in Norway’s Arctic Circle

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Norway Travel Guide

I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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Two Week Traveller

2 Weeks in Norway: 2 Itineraries

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

Norway, a land of breathtaking fjords, cascading waterfalls, and the ethereal Northern Lights, beckons travellers with its unparalleled natural beauty.

From the vibrant urban life of Oslo to the serene Lofoten Islands, the country offers a captivating blend of modernity and tradition. Its unique geographical wonders, rich Viking history, and deep appreciation for the arts and sustainability make Norway a top destination for adventure and tranquillity.

2 weeks in Norway means you can see plenty of places, experience many things, and try local dishes. This Norway travel guide covers things you should know about vacationing there, choose between 2 itineraries, dishes to eat, and more.

BASIC TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR NORWAY

4 images - top left is a row of traditional colourful houses in Oslo along the pier, top right is Trolltunga cliff, bottom right is Oslo National Theatre- bottom left is northern lights - 2 Weeks in Norway Itinerary

To ensure that you have an incredible time in Norway, you should know the best time to go, how much to budget, how to get around, and visa policy, all needed for planning an itinerary . All these are covered below:

When is the best time to travel to Norway

The best time to visit Norway is June to August, as these months have longer days and warmer temperatures. However, these months are also the peak season, meaning booking in advance is required.

For those who are fond of skiing and other snow-related activities, the winter season is from mid-November until the last week of January. Please take note that the winter months are also the rainy season in Norway.

Are 2 weeks enough for Norway

While two weeks in Norway provides a good introduction, the country’s vastness and diversity mean some regions will be left unexplored. Within two weeks, travellers can focus on key attractions like Oslo, Bergen, the Fjords, Trondheim, and perhaps a venture into the Arctic Circle to places like Tromsø.

However, more remote areas like the Lofoten Islands or the northernmost regions might require additional time. A two-week trip will offer a rich experience, but those seeking a deeper dive into Norway’s landscapes and culture might yearn for more time.

The bottom line is, if it’s your first time in Norway, plan to see 3-4 cities only that are well-connected from one another . If you’ve travelled here before, you can make your itinerary more “off-the-beaten-path” style and skip the cities you’ve been to. Don’t try to see too many places in just 2 weeks in Norway.

How to get around

Trains are the best way to get around Norway if you want to avoid renting a car and driving alone. They are often faster than buses and are very comfortable. The cheapest way to get around is by bus, albeit slower. Other modes of transportation include trams, flying, car rental, and hitchhiking.

Language and currency

Norway has two official languages, which are Sami and Norwegian. Most of the locals, however, could speak or understand English, so you wouldn’t have any difficulty in terms of the language barrier. The Norwegian currency is called the Norwegian crone (NOK) .

Debit and credit cards and online payments such as Google and Apple Pay are commonly used here. But it’s still advisable to have cash on hand because some small shops or stalls cannot accept other modes of payment. The most commonly used credit cards here are Mastercard and Visa.

Interestingly, Norway is not a member of the EU. However, its government has a Schengen State visa policy in place. This means that the visa policies for countries such as Italy, Germany, France, and such are similar to Norway.

If your passport is issued by the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, the EU, and many parts of Latin America, you can travel in Norway for up to 90 days in a 180-day calendar period.

If your citizenship was not mentioned, this means that you must apply for a Schengen visa in advance from the nearest Norwegian Embassy in your location.

Cost of 2 weeks in Norway

Norway is often considered one of the more expensive destinations in Europe due to its high standard of living and a strong economy. On average, 14 days in Norway costs around NOK 30,000 ($2,800 or $200 a night) . Here’s a breakdown depending on your style of travel and budget:

INFO: $1 = NOK 10.43

  • Accommodation : Hostels or budget guesthouses can cost NOK 300-700 per night.
  • Food : Opt for supermarket meals, local cafes, and picnics, spending around NOK 100-200 per meal.
  • Activities : Focus on free attractions, walking tours, and nature explorations. Budget NOK 50-150 daily.
  • Estimated Total : NOK 8,400-19,600.
  • Accommodation : Standard hotels or Airbnbs range from NOK 800-1,500 per night.
  • Food : Dine in mid-range restaurants, spending NOK 200-500 per meal.
  • Activities : Museum entries, occasional guided tours, allocate NOK 200-500 daily.
  • Estimated Total : NOK 28,000-42,000.
  • Accommodation : Luxury hotels or lodges can be NOK 2,000-5,000+ per night.
  • Food : Fine dining experiences may cost NOK 500-1,200+ per meal.
  • Activities : Private tours, fjord cruises, and premium attractions. Budget NOK 700+ daily.
  • Estimated Total : NOK 49,400-98,800+.

While Norway is not the most budget-friendly destination, its unforgettable experiences offer significant value for the price.

Travel arrangement tips

Map of top sites and activities in norway.

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN NORWAY ITINERARY

In this article, I prepared 2 itineraries for you. You don’t have to follow all of them to a tee, but you can modify them as you wish. Feel free to interchange or skip some of the locations mentioned in order to stay at another site longer.

ALSO READ: 2 weeks in Europe ; 6 travel itineraries to choose from or 2 weeks in East Europe or 2 weeks in the Baltics , which are more affordable destinations

Itinerary #1: First-timers (Oslo, Lysefjord, Bergen, Hurtigen Alesund, Tromso)

The first itinerary is most suitable for first-timers as it has a little bit of everything. It consists of Oslo, Lysefjord, Bergen, Hurtigen Alesund, and Tromso. Oslo is Norway’s most ethnically diverse city. It is also famous for its rich culture, cuisine, and outdoor activities that they offer.

Lysefjord, on the other hand, is one of the best fjords in Norway and is filled with natural sceneries, including waterfalls, mountains, and wildlife.

Bergen features Norwegian fjords and was voted the world’s most unspoiled tourist destination by National Geographic, while Alesund is famous for its fairytale-like architecture in a natural setting. Last but not least is Tromso, which is home to Northern Norway’s oldest research institution.

Oslo for 3 days

Oslo is the economic and governmental centre of Norway. It is famous for its historic buildings, including Parliament, City Hall, and Royal Castle. Aside from that, Oslo is also well-known for Grunerlokka, which is its trendiest neighbourhood. For skiing enthusiasts, you can visit Holmenkollen Ski Jump.

For those who want to do some activities, you could kayak and swim to your heart’s content or have a cruise at Oslofjord. This is also a haven for chocolate lovers as it houses Freia Chocolate Factory. If you are planning to drive throughout your 14 days in Norway, renting a car here is best.

2 images - Akershus Fortress on the left. On the right is Preikestolen Pulpil Rock Cliff in Lysefjord

Lysefjord for 3 days

Lyserfjord is a 42-km long fjord located in Rogaland County. It literally means light fjord and is well-known for Mount Kjerag and The Pulpit. If you are a hiker, hiking the Preikestolen Trail is a must. You could also climb the world’s longest staircase and take a sightseeing cruise.

The distance between Oslo and Lyserfjord is 459.5 km. To reach Lyserfjord, I highly recommend that you ride the train, which has a travel time of more than 8 hours and costs anywhere between $172-$233. Other options include riding the bus, driving, or riding the train, then flying, then riding the Line 100 bus.

Bergen for 3 days

Bergen is a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its quaint shops, cafes, wharfside houses, and Hanseatic history. You could hike Mt. Floyen, a museum, or a fish market. You could cruise to Balestrand, then head back to Bergen through Flam.

There’s no direct route from Lyserfjord to Bergen, but you could drive to the Aksdal bus terminal and then take the bus to Bergen bus station. Another option is to take a ferry with a travel time of almost 9 hours.

Hurtigruten Alesund for 2 days

Alesund is a municipality in More Og Romsdal County in Norway. It is a port town on the West coast where you could explore art nouveau buildings. Alesund isn’t only famous for its architecture. It is also filled with breathtaking fjords, fresh seafood, and snow-capped mountain peaks.

The distance from Bergen to Alesund is 422 km, but it is a straightforward journey.The fastest way to reach Alesund is via plane, which has less than an hour of travel time.

You could also take a cruise that lasts a day, hire a private transfer, or drive for 7 and a half hours to reach your destination.

Tromso for 3 days

Tromso is the 12th most populous municipality and 21st largest area in Norway. It is also the largest city in the north. This Arctic capital, also dubbed Paris of the North in the 19th century, is famous for the world’s northernmost university and houses the northernmost planetarium and botanical garden.

You have a chance to see the Northern Lights here when you visit during the winter or the Midnight Sun during summer.

The journey to Tromso from Alesund lasts for almost 29 hours by bus and train and covers a distance of 1414 km, so I highly recommend that you fly to reach your destination. The travel time is more than five hours, and tickets cost between $92-$252.

This is the perfect place to end your 2 weeks in Norway itinerary because of its never-ending series of festivals, numerous activities, and restaurants. You’ll always have things to do and places to explore in Tromso, no matter what season. However, you could also use the time allotted here to extend to other places I listed on this itinerary.

2 images - on the left is Tromso Northern Lights. On the right is the Norwegian Petroleum Museum

Itinerary #2: Balanced (Oslo, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Floyen, Dombas, Tromso)

This second itinerary is ideal for people who like to experience the best of both worlds, as I included attractions popular among foreign visitors and smaller cities if you want to get away from crowds for a bit. Oslo is famous for being one of the most eco-friendly cities in Europe. Aside from that, you’ll also be able to visit all its must-see attractions in a day or two because of its compactness.

On the other hand, Kristiansand is home to music, arts, and cultural festivals. The city is just pulsing with creative energy all year long. Stavanger is famous for its street art, museums for all ages, and some of the best restaurants you’ll find in Norway

You can have an unforgettable moment and listen to an orchestra in an actual cathedral if you visit Tromso, while both Mt Floyen and Dombas are famous for their hiking trails.

Oslo for 2 days

Oslo is a city that is suitable for everyone as it has snowcapped mountain peaks and green open spaces for nature lovers, museums for history buffs, cafes for those who want to have slow travel, and nightlife.

You can do ziplining, ice skating, or try out one of their floating saunas. Some other places to visit here include Vigeland Park, University Botanical Garden, The Norwegian Folk Museum, and more.

It is a perfect starting point as everything is easily accessible here. In fact, I suggest that you rent a car here if you’re planning to rent a car all throughout or during a part of the duration of your trip.

Kristiansand for 2 days

Kristiansand is the Southernmost city in Norway and is the gateway to and from the continent of Europe. It is well-known for zoos and waterparks. Some of the must-visit attractions here include Koanonmuseum, Dyreparken, Abra Havn Pirate Village, Badelandet Aqua Park, and more.

The distance between Oslo to Kristiansand is 318.2 km, and the most recommended option is to ride a train with a travel time of more than 4 hours. Tickets cost anywhere between $35-$60. Other options include riding the bus, the night train, and driving.

Stavanger for 3 days

Stavanger is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Norway. It is famous for day hikes, museums, and well-preserved structures such as Gamle Stavanger, which has less than 200 wooden houses and is considered some of the best preserved in Europe.

In order to reach Stavanger, if you’re coming from Kristiansand, I highly recommend that you take the train as it is the fastest option, with a travel duration lasting almost 3 hours. Tickets cost anywhere between $28 to $45. Other options include riding the bus, night train, or driving.

2 images - on the left is Trolltunga cliff near Bergen overlooking a lake. On the right is a funicular climbing Mount Floyen

Floyen/Bergen for 2 days

Floyen is one of the city mountains found in Bergen. It is famous for hiking and its panoramic views. You could also go to Mt Ulriken, where you can dine at the Skyskraperen Restaurant by riding a funicular.

If you are travelling from Stavanger, there are numerous ways to reach Bergen, where you would find Mt Floyen. If you’re unsure where to fly into Bergen, here’s a guide to airports in Bergen .

The fastest would be through flying, which takes only 40 minutes. Other options include riding the bus or driving via Fjord Line Ferry. From there, you would ride another bus towards Mt. Floyen.

Dombas for 3 days

Dombas is a village or small town in Northern Innlandet in Norway. It is a central hub for both cars and railroads. There are many restaurants and accommodations, and they also offer several activities here, such as biking, camping, and fly fishing. They also have ski resorts for those who are fond of skiing.

The distance between Bergen (the city where Mt Floyen can be found) and Dombas is 431.8 km. I highly recommend the bus to reach your destination, which has a travel time of more than 11 hours. If you want to reach Dombas faster, you can also fly and then take the train. The travel time for this is almost 8 hours. Other options include riding the ferry, then the bus, and driving.

Tromso for 2 days

Tromso is well-known for reindeer meat, dogsled rides, its fjord, and ice domes, among others. Some of the must-visit places here include The Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden, Polar Museum, Polaria, and their floating saunas.

The distance between Tromso and Dombas is 1,321 km, so I highly recommend flying when going here. The cheapest option is to fly from Tromso to Trondheim and then take the train. The travel time lasts for almost 8 hours, and the tickets cost anywhere from $89 to $278.

Tromso is the perfect place to finish your trip because it offers so much. You could do the activities there, including hiking, skiing, whale watching, fjord cruises, trips to galleries, museums, and shopping. They also have a Northern Lights festival, which is perfect for those who love nightlife.

WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN NORWAY (per city)

After helping you have some ideas on where to go and how many days to stay in each place, let me give you a list of attractions and activities you should add to your itinerary:

  • Explore the city – on a hop-on, hop-off bus or a 3-hour bike tour or a city tour with Fjord cruise or a walking tour or an e-scooter tour
  • Akershus Fortress
  • The Fram Museum
  • Visit the Viking Ship Museum
  • Experience Public Sauna – Tjuvhomen sauna
  • See the Oslo Opera House
  • Explore Vigeland Park – city tour with a stop at Holmenkollen and Vigeland Park
  • Stroll at Ekebergparken
  • Kayak on Akerselva River – read the tour reviews
  • Tour the Royal Palace
  • Learn about the Food Culture – do a food walking tour
  • Experience the Nobel Peace Center
  • Take a Fjord Cruise – on a traditional Viking ship or a cruise with a shrimp buffet or on an electric cruise with an audio guide
  • Oslo Paradox Museum – get your ticket
  • Explore Bergen – on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour or a segway tour or present and past walking tour or city tour on foot or a self-guided Bergen top sites
  • Day trip to Trolltunga
  • Kayak through Oygarden Islets – book the excursion
  • Take the Fløibanen Funicular to Mount Fløyen
  • Walk around Bergenhus Fortress
  • Do a Fjord Cruise – to the stunning Mostraumen
  • Visit Bryggen Wharf
  • Ride the Flam Railway – do a self-guided trip or tour with Naeroyfjorden, Flam, and Stegastein combo
  • Explore the Fish Market
  • Cruise to Sognefjord – read the tour reviews
  • Hike to Mount Ulriken
  • See Norway Fisheries Museum
  • Experience Viking Sailing – sign up for a group tour or the one with fishing
  • Visit the Hanseatic Museum
  • Cruise to Alversund Strait – check the tour price
  • Visit Bergen Maritime Museum
  • See the traditional houses along Bryggen
  • Discover Norwegian cuisine – join a food and culture walk

Lysefjord and Stavanger

  • Hike to Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) – tour from Stavanger
  • Take a Fjord Cruise
  • Climb the Kjeragbolten
  • RIB tour to Lysefjord – from Stavanger
  • Explore Lysebotn Village
  • Go Kayaking in the Fjord – from Stavanger or from Lysejord
  • Visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum
  • Explore Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger)
  • Visit Stavanger Cathedral
  • Get a hop-on, hop-off bus for Stavanger – see the price
  • Purchase a bus pass to explore the city
  • Visit the Art Nouveau Centre
  • Join the Alesund Food Walk – see the tour price
  • Climb Aksla Viewpoint
  • Explore the Atlantic Sea Park
  • Fjords to Trolls – Alesund shore tour
  • Wander through the Ålesund Old Town
  • Take a Boat Tour to Geirangerfjord – fjord cruise itinerary
  • Tromso Northern Lights – book a classic tour or chase the lights with minis bus tour or chase by boat or cruise with hot tub and dinner
  • Visit the Arctic Cathedral
  • See Northern Lights on your own at Prestvannet
  • Go Dog Sledding – see, meet, and ride the husky dog sled
  • Explore the Polar Museum
  • Check out to Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum
  • Go Whale Watching – on a hybrid-electric catamaran or whale and other article wildlife or whale and seabirds
  • Take a Cable Car to Mount Storsteinen
  • Go Bird Watching on a Fjord Cruise – tour with lunch and drinks
  • Visit The Arctic University Museum of Norway
  • See Reindeer – go feeding and sledding
  • Hike up to Tromsø Viewpoint
  • Cruise around the Arctic – read the reviews
  • Enjoy Charlottenlund Recreational Park

Kristiansand

  • The Inverted Boat
  • Visit Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park
  • Explore the Posebyen Old Town
  • Relax at Bystranda Beach
  • Walk through Ravnedalen Natural Park
  • Visit Kristiansand Museum
  • See all tours around Kristiansand
  • Visit Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park
  • Go Moose Safaris
  • Try Cross-Country Skiing
  • Explore the Pilgrim Trail
  • Take a Scenic Train Ride on the Dovre Line

LOCAL NORWEGIAN DISHES AND DRINKS TO TRY

3 images of Norwegian dishes - Brunost, Kjottkaker, and Glogg - 2 weeks in Norway

I love trying local dishes to see which ones I like the most. I recommend you dine out and check out at least 3-4 dishes during your 2 weeks in Norway. Certainly, Norway offers a rich culinary landscape influenced by its coastal geography and cold climate:

  • Rakfisk : Fermented fish, a traditional Norwegian delicacy.
  • Kjøttkaker : Norwegian meatballs, often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce.
  • Lutefisk : Dried fish reconstituted in a lye solution, then steamed or baked.
  • Pinnekjøtt : Salted, dried, and sometimes smoked lamb ribs, steamed and served during Christmas.
  • Gravlaks : Salmon cured in sugar, salt, and dill, typically served with mustard sauce.
  • Fårikål : A stew made of mutton and cabbage, seasoned only with salt and pepper.
  • Klippfisk : Dried and salted cod, which is rehydrated and then cooked.
  • Sursild : Pickled herring, often consumed during festive occasions.
  • Krumkake : Thin, delicate rolled cookies with intricate patterns.
  • Multekrem : A dessert made of cloudberries and whipped cream.
  • Brunost : Caramelized whey cheese, often sliced thin and eaten on bread or waffles.
  • Akevitt : A potent spirit flavoured with spices and herbs, traditionally consumed during festive events.
  • Gløgg : A warm spiced wine, often enjoyed during the winter months.
  • Karsk : A cocktail made from coffee, moonshine, or vodka, popular in some rural areas.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN NORWAY (per city)

Now, it’s time for a quick list of best accommodations to stay in Norway, which is arranged by city to help you easily arrange and book your hotels.

  • Affordable to Mid-range: Thon Hotel Storo or Radisson RED Oslo Okern or Bob W Sentralen
  • Luxury: Camillas Hus or Hotel Bristol or Amerikalinjen

Bergen/Floyen

  • Affordable: Bergen Hostel Montana or Citybox Bergen Danmarksplass
  • Mid-range: Barfot Apartments or Klosterhagen Hotel or Thon Hotel Orion
  • Luxury: Opus 16 or Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen or Thon Hotel Bristol
  • Mid-range to Luxury: Hotel Brosundet or Hotel 1904
  • Affordable to Mid-range: Tromso Coco Apartments or Ami Hotel
  • Luxury: BJØRVIKA APARTMENTS or Skaret by Vander or Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø

Kristiansand/Lysefjord

  • Affordable:
  • Mid-range: Radisson Blu Caledonien Hotel or Thon Partner Hotel Norge or Thon Partner Hotel Parken
  • Affordable: Cozee Central Apartments
  • Mid-range: Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel or Thon Hotel Maritim or Clarion Hotel Energy
  • Luxury: Ydalir Hotel or Hotel Victoria

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN NORWAY

Norway has so much to offer that even staying here for a year wouldn’t suffice. However, I included the greatest tourist spots in these itineraries that will fill your 2 weeks with unforgettable memories.

There are many places, things to do, and natural phenomena that you will only see here and not everywhere else, so if you’re thinking of visiting a country that can offer you something different, Norway is one of the best places to go.

I hope these travel itineraries for 2 weeks in Norway helped you plan your trip.

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Norway's breathtaking landscapes, from fjords to northern lights, offer an unparalleled natural beauty. Experience outdoor adventures, Viking history, and modern Scandinavian culture. A trip here promises majestic scenery and a deep connection with nature. via @twoweektraveller

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Norway in the summer: 10 great places to explore

south norway travel guide

Summer, with its long, bright nights, is the perfect time to travel around and experience Norway's magnificent nature, dramatic fjords, picturesque cities, and cultural experiences.

Most people associate Norway with the northern lights and midnight sun in Northern Norway or the fjords in the west. However, you don't need to travel far inland before encountering other amazing experiences. Around Oslo and in Sørlandet, a wonderland of nature and cultural experiences awaits.

Here are my best tips for experiencing the Norwegian summer at its finest, from Kristiansand in the south to Finnmark in the north.

A woman in hiking gear sits on a boulder and gazes at a vast ocean.

Norway in the summer

Norway in the summer: city breaks and nature.

You can't mention a vacation in Norway without talking about Oslo. The capital has undergone a massive facelift in recent years, and a vacation here is the perfect blend of city life and nature. Enjoy floating saunas, modern neighborhoods, and lots of events and attractions.

Go on a cycling adventure along the Oslo Fjord or hike in the forested hills of Oslomarka. Explore ski resorts that transform into hiking trails in the summer. Don't forget to experience Oslo's cultural scene too, visit museums like the Viking Ship Museum, and discover modern art at the Astrup Fearnley Museum.

Just an hour's drive from Oslo, you can visit Hadeland, a new art destination, or explore Kistefos Museum and its unique exhibition building, The Twist .

Docked boats with multicoloured flags affixed to their masts crowded into a harbour surrounded by stunning buildings.

Summer vacations in southern Norway

Where should you spend your summer vacation in Norway? Follow the Norwegians and travel to the southern corner of Norway. Sørlandet is known as Norway's vacation paradise, offering lovely beaches, picturesque islands, and lots of sunshine. In the region's capital, Kristiansand, the charm of narrow streets surrounded by whitewashed wooden houses combines with the richness of Norwegian folk traditions in the Setesdalen valley.

Experience the historical atmosphere in the old town of Posebyen. Stroll through cobblestone streets, enjoy local delicacies from the sea in cozy eateries, spend a relaxing day on the city beach, or join one of the lively festivals filling the streets with life and cultural experiences.

For family fun, Kristiansand Zoo is a must, loved by both children and adults.

If you're up for an adventure, take a short drive to Lindesnes Lighthouse, Norway's southernmost point. Or explore the award-winning Michelin restaurant Under, the world's largest underwater restaurant, in Lindesnes. Remember to book your table well in advance!

City summer breaks, hiking, and watersports in Stavanger

A waterfront scene featuring moored boats alongside buildings adorned in shades of orange.

Stavanger is home to a unique combination of Michelin restaurants, old wooden houses, world-class street art, and a multi-dimensional music scene. The city is the ideal starting point to explore two of Norway's most iconic tourist attractions: Lysefjorden and Preikestolen.

For beach lovers, the coastal area of Jæren is a true paradise with some of the country's best and widest sandy beaches. If you're into surfing or kitesurfing, this is the place to be. Take the trip along the North Sea Road towards Egersund and drive through charming coastal towns like the picturesque Sogndalstrand.

Stavanger's Michelin Star restaurants invite you on a culinary journey, while the old wooden houses and colorful street art bring the city to life. Plan a hike to the impressive Preikestolen and enjoy the panoramic view of Lysefjorden.

Culture and fjords in Bergen

Paved road of old street with a blue door and flower pots

Norway's second-largest city, Bergen, offers everything from historical World Heritage sites and innovative fashion trends to a culinary scene and a progressive music environment. Explore some of Norway's most fascinating museums here, including the impressive art museum KODE.

Get lost in the narrow alleys and streets, and experience the city's beauty from the top of one of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen. The city is also the ideal base for exploring the world-famous Norwegian fjords, such as Sognefjorden to the north, Norway's longest and deepest fjord. Don't forget Hardangerfjorden, home to the iconic Trolltunga, to the south. Do yourself a favor and explore the less crowded tributaries, which are just as breathtaking as the main fjords.

If you don’t rent a car in Norway, it's also a great opportunity to take the train to Flåm and experience one of the world's most beautiful train journeys on the Flåm Railway.

Summer vacations for foodies in Norway

A red cable car traversing a ropeway with incredible views of the sea and the surrounding towns.

In the middle of Norway, the Trøndelag region is bursting with exciting history, culinary culture, and nature experiences. Awarded the title of the European Gastronomy Region in 2022, the region is a dream destination for food enthusiasts.

Try your luck with fishing or bring your bike or skis for an adventure. Walk along the nine pilgrim routes known as St. Olav's Ways, all leading to the impressive Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. As the capital of the entire region, Trondheim is also known as the Home of Nordic Flavours. Experience culinary masterpieces or enjoy delicious dishes at cozy cafes and restaurants.

Follow the scent of local dishes along the Golden Detour in Innherred and take a journey back in time to the UNESCO-protected mining town of Røros.

Island hopping in Norway

A woman in a red dress stands on the top of a fortress overlooking a cluster of buildings in the distance.

Are you into island hopping? Then park your car in either Brønnøysund and Sandnessjøen or the resorts of Horn and Tjøtta. From here, you can hop on a ferry (with a rented bike) to one of the fantastic island communities along the Helgeland Coast. From Sandnessjøen, for example, you can head out to Dønna and Herøy. Enjoy a stay in a rorbu (seasonal residence for Norwegian fishermen), go hiking in the mountains, and explore medieval churches and the dramatic sea. From the resorts Horn and Tjøtta, you can head out to the municipality of Vega, consisting of over 6000 islands that have caught UNESCO's attention, earning them World Heritage status.

A bit further north from Sandnessjøen, in Stokkvågen, you can go on a road trip to many exciting islands such as the Træna archipelago. On one of the islands, Husøy, a summer festival has been organized.

The islands of Husøy and Selvær together have fewer than 500 inhabitants but offer unique natural conditions and interesting experiences, such as a cave in the mountains and beautiful hiking trails. You can also take a speedboat to Husøy from Sandnessjøen or Bodø.

Dramatic nature in Lofoten

view over island of Traena under the midnight sun, Norway

If it's Norway's dramatic nature that entices you, there is no better destination than Lofoten. Few places in Norway are as photographed as Lofoten. With its charming rorbuers and impressive mountains, it secures a place on many international travel bucket lists, and perhaps it's already on yours?

It's easy to fall in love with the vibrant Lofoten culture, stretching across 6 municipalities and 12 cities with plenty to see. Coastal culture and natural conditions make Lofoten an excellent choice year-round. Here, you can spend your days surfing, nature safaris, mountain hikes, sea excursions on RIB boats, and traditional Lofoten fishing. If you're traveling with children, visit the impressive Viking Museum in Vestvågøy. If not, horseback riding in the midnight sun might sound more tempting.

For the adventurous, sea kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, and diving might be the way to go after a few days in the mountains. If you want to spend your days surfing, the town of Å – Lofoten's outermost point – is possibly the best choice. The beaches here are referred to as the world's northernmost surf paradise. If climbing sounds exciting, Austvågøy's climbing opportunities in the Lofotveggen are a must – and the view is worth it all.

Climbing, Kayaking, and Culture in Bodø and Salten

Red wooden houses nestled alongside a river that flows through the steep mountains and spanned by a bridge.

The beautiful city of Bodø is surrounded by sea and mountains, making it a clear favorite for a holiday in Norway. No trip to Bodø is complete without a trip to Keiservarden or one of the nearby mountain areas with fantastic viewpoints. You can also pack a picnic and drive to Mjelle Beach, where you'll be met by white sand and soothing waves. Both here and from Bodø Harbor, you can go on guided kayak tours – and Bodø is generally a great starting point for kayaking. If you're in a more adventurous mood, you can go kayaking along Svartisen with departure from Meløy outside Bodø.

Bodø is also known for having exciting caves, like Svarthamarhola – Scandinavia's largest cave. Explore the caves and hear the echo of your own voice as you go further and further in. If you prefer climbing, don't miss the chance to try the challenging peaks in Salten – such as Stetind and Hamarøyskaftet. If climbing skills aren't that great yet, but you love heights, the wooden staircase Fykantrappa in Glomfjord – Europe's best-preserved outdoor wooden staircase – might be a good alternative.

Experience the Midnight Sun in Finnmark

A rural village with a sheltered harbour next to small islands in a lake.

The northernmost parts of Finnmark have the pleasure of having the midnight sun for the longest time – from mid-May to the end of July . If you're lucky to experience the midnight sun, there's not much else that compares to the sight and the exceptional view over the sea.

Go on a fishing trip or sea safari in Honningsvåg, explore the charming fishing village before heading up to the North Cape Plateau. You can also combine the excursion with a stay in Alta. Here, you have ample opportunities to learn about Sami culture, reindeer herding, and Norwegian culture by seeing rock carvings and visiting the Alta Museum. The ultimate experience awaits you by going to Finnmarksvidda in Inner Finnmark, with the towns of Kautokeino and Karasjok as a starting point.

You can also enjoy the midnight sun in Kirkenes, near the Russian border. This northern city had a central position during the German occupation in World War II and was bombed over 300 times in a short period. So, you'll find an interesting piece of history up here and can spend your days exploring the Soviet monument, a bomb shelter, and a prisoner camp.

Summer vacations in Norway with Kids

A family of three in warm clothes sits on a chair, with the man holding the baby on the table.

Tromsø is known worldwide for its magnificent nature. Historically, Tromsø is not an insignificant city either. The city was the capital of free Norway for three weeks while Oslo and southern Norway were occupied. Today, Tromsø is the largest city in Northern Norway and is regularly called the Paris of the North and the capital of the Arctic.

Tromsø has an exciting mix of culture and nature, making it a great holiday destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and culture lovers alike. You'll find theaters, music, and a variety of festivals, and you're never far from the beautiful mountain landscape or pristine forests. You can also go on fjord trips, whale safaris, bird spotting, sea fishing, or visit a husky farm and a Sami gamme (traditional Sami dwelling).

If you're traveling with children, don't miss the Polaria experience center centrally located in Tromsø, where you can learn about Arctic sea conditions, and children can observe marine life. The 1960s Arctic Cathedral is also worth a visit. Another good choice is Polar Park, the world's northernmost animal park in Bardu. A city break in Tromsø can also be combined with an excursion to Kvaløya and Sommarøy, which has beautiful sandy beaches and breathtaking views of the sea.

The Nordkapphall standing on the plateau of the Nordkapp, overlooking the sea.

For more vacation inspiration close to home check out the best beach vacations in the US and the best places to visit during summer in the US this year .

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Guardian reporter Richard Luscombe at the News Cafe in Miami Beach, Florida.

A local’s guide to Miami: What to eat, see and do in three days

The best spots for shopping, sightseeing and exploring the art deco facades of South Beach – plus an Everglades excursion (and ‘gator bites’ snack)

S ure, you can come to Miami just to look at it. There’s plenty of eye candy, from the art deco facades of South Beach to the colorful murals of Wynwood and the natural beauty of the Florida Everglades. And how could we forget the travel brochure-blue warm waters of the Atlantic.

But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from two decades living in what locals call the Magic City, it’s that Miami is a place that needs to be lived in. It wants to be heard. It craves to be experienced. Thanks to the Latin American culture and cuisine that courses through its veins, Miami pulses with a vibrancy like no other city in North America.

Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl won’t affect your enjoyment – there’s plenty for all. What really matters is that you’re open to soaking in the vibe, ready for your senses to be stoked and your mood to be mellowed. Without further ado, my itinerary for friends and strangers alike.

Day 1: Dominoes and downtown

A giant-sized rooster in the colors of the Cuban flag on Calle Ocho in Miami’s Little Havana.

We’re starting our day with a stroll through the Cuban neighborhood of Little Havana, along Calle Ocho. This is where the first refugees from Fidel Castro’s 1959 communist revolution in Cuba made their home. We’ll grab a breakfast pastelito (a sweet or savory Cuban puff pastry) and a cafecito (espresso coffee) from a street kiosk as we amble towards Máximo Gómez Park , where we’ll find elderly Cuban exiles engaged in friendly banter over a game or three of dominoes. For lunch, there’s nothing to beat a roasted pork, cheese and pickle Cuban sandwich from the iconic Cafe Versailles .

The newly gentrified Wynwood district, about 15 miles north of downtown, is on tap for the afternoon. Until recently, the area was a sprawl of rundown warehouses. Investment in the strongly Puerto Rican neighborhood has sparked a transformation into a corner of Miami where craft breweries, fashion houses, art galleries and dance halls abound. At its heart is Wynwood Walls , billed as Miami’s original street art museum, with a plethora of giant murals painted by world-famous artists.

Murals in the Wynwood neighborhood in Miami.

But we’re saving some money for shopping at the waterfront Bayside Marketplace , and a sunset cruise to millionaire’s row aboard the Island Queen. We might not share the wealth of Miami’s celebrated glitterati, but we can lord it above them with panoramic views of the city from the Skyviews ferris wheel , before cocktails and supper with live entertainment at Pier 5, Bayside’s new live music venue.

Brickell, Miami’s financial center, on the Biscayne Bay.

Day 2: Outdoor yoga and opulent architecture

We partied hard and late, so we’re recharging this morning with some outdoor yoga on the scenic grounds of one of Miami’s most magnificent and historic buildings, the Vizcaya mansion . More than a century old, the Mediterranean revival-style building and its beautiful gardens were crafted for James Deering, an agricultural visionary whose descendants sold the estate to Miami-Dade county in the 1950s.

The Fairchild tropical botanic garden in Coral Gables, Florida.

As beautiful as Vizcaya’s gardens are, they can’t hold a torch to the majesty of the nearby Fairchild tropical botanic garden in Coral Gables, where we’re walking this afternoon. A full 83 acres of tropical lushness, nowhere else in the city showcases its range of flora and fauna, and with special events most weekends from chocolate celebrations to mango festivals, chances are you’ll find something to nourish your roots.

It was only a matter of time. We’re finally heading for South Beach. It’s the art deco capital of the world, and you can bag an educational walking tour with the knowledgeable guides from the Miami Design Preservation League.

Afterwards, you’ll find us people-watching at the News Cafe , one of the best street-side eateries on Ocean Drive, where the clientele is as diverse and eclectic as its location. A plate of truffle fries makes for tasty light pickings, or grab some mahi-mahi tacos if you’re hungry.

The art deco district in Miami Beach.

If you’re wondering where we’re staying, you’ll find us at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, a national historic landmark dating to 1926, where the opulent grand pool was a favorite of numerous Hollywood movie stars of the mid-20th century, alongside quintessential personifications of American wealth such as the Roosevelts and Vanderbilts.

Day 3: Taste of the wetlands

You’ve seen airboats skimming the swamps of the Florida Everglades in the opening credits of CSI Miami . Today we’re going out searching for alligators. It’s a short drive west along US41 to where multiple airboat operators ply their trade, with Coopertown proclaiming itself the original. It’s Florida’s smallest town, with a population of eight, but it’s large in hospitality, and Coopertown Airboats’ fleet of seven vessels will take groups small and large on a quest for critters deep into the wetlands.

The Coopertown Everglades airboat tour.

Yes, it can get cheesy. They’ll try to sell you a photo with a baby alligator, and you can chow down on “gator bites”, nuggets of alligator tail, when you’re back on dry land. But there’s no more signature experience or more fitting way to mark a short stay in Miami than venturing into the wilderness known as one of the world’s last wild frontiers.

And with that, you’ll be leaving the Magic City with tired feet, a host of rich memories and a yearning to see much more. You’ll be coming back for another look before long.

Richard Luscombe is a general assignment reporter for the Guardian US, based in Miami. A certified python trapper (with zero catches to his name), he enjoys spending time in the Florida Everglades and watching big space rockets launch from Cape Canaveral

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  1. Southern Norway I The hidden secret of Norway

    The secret is out! Southern Norway is the Norwegian's own summer paradise. The glittering sea. The big, blue sky. The smooth and warm rocks lazy sunbathers love. No wonder the area is known as "the smiling south". Stroll through narrow streets between white wooden houses, in small towns that are dotted along the coastline like a string of ...

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  3. Southern Norway travel

    Norway, Europe. Come summer, the southern coastline draws Norwegian holidaymakers in droves. With a string of pristine coastal villages of whitewashed timber beside complex networks of bays and skerries (rocky islets) and a shimmering sea, it's not difficult to see why. For travellers, the 'Norwegian Riviera' offers a chance to experience a ...

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    Kristiansand. With 82,000 inhabitants, KRISTIANSAND, some 30km west along the E18 from Lillesand, is Norway's fifth-largest town and a part-time holiday resort - altogether a genial, energetic place which thrives on its ferry connections with Denmark, busy marinas, passable sandy beaches and, last but not least, its offshore oil industry. In summer, the seafront and adjoining streets are a ...

  5. Plan your trip to Southern Norway

    Add comfy treetop cabins, activity parks, Norway's most frequently visited attraction Kristiansand zoo and amusement park, and fascinating museums. It's just a matter of time before this vibrant part of Norway is a "secret" that soon will be out. Get in-depth travel information on Southern Norway's official website. visitsorlandet.com.

  6. Tips for Visiting Southern Norway: The Norwegian Riviera

    Southern Norway is home to numerous "potholes," natural swimming pools that formed over 10,000 years ago, after the Ice Age. They're now a great place to take a dip during the summertime or fall. Head to Sild, just 25 minutes by car from Risør, for a chance to swim in the largest potholes in Europe—some 20 feet deep.

  7. Best of Southern Norway Itinerary

    The total driving distance of the Best of Southern Norway itinerary is approximately 1,450 kilometers (900 miles) round-trip from Bergen. Remember that many of Norway's roads are winding and slow, particularly near the fjords, and there are three ferry crossings along the way. This itinerary as a two-week trip is meant for those who plan on ...

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    Visit the southernmost point of Norway, Lindesnes Lighthouse, to experience its rich maritime history and enjoy breathtaking coastal views. Explore Raet National Park, with its unique coastal landscape and diverse wildlife, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and relaxation by the beach. Setesdal, known for its cultural heritage ...

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    Welcome to Southern Norway. Discover the southern part of Norway and the many offers and activities regardless the season. The Telemark region in Norway has an amazing coastline which gives opportunities for bathing and boating in the summer. The region is best known for the special style of skiing that was practised in the impenetrable upper ...

  11. 11 BREATHTAKING best places to see in Southern Norway

    Hornindalsvatnet- the Deepest Lake in Norway. As Southern Norway attractions go, this is possibly one of the more random- but we enjoyed our time at Hornindalsvatnet. Hornindalsvatnet is the deepest lake of Norway - the official depth of 514 meters and its bottom is 461 meters below sea level!

  12. South Norway Road Trip: 25 Best Places to Visit (2024)

    Ultimate Online Guide to the best places to visit and see on your South Norway road trip. Hiking trails, glaciers, waterfalls, viewpoint, cities, national parks, famous tourist attractions, hotels and more. Norway is an incredibly beautiful country to visit, so it should be part of your Scandinavian itinerary.You can find more general information about traveling in Norway in this detailed guide.

  13. Southern Norway Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks

    2. Lindesnes Lighthouse. Along the South Coast of Norway, a stop at the beautiful Lindesnes Lighthouse is a must. The lighthouse, which was built in 1655, is not only Norway's oldest but also the southernmost lighthouse on the mainland. After a short climb, you can let your gaze wander over the beautiful coast.

  14. Southern Norway 2024: All You Need to Go Before You Go

    About Southern Norway. Called Sørlandet, Norway's South Coast is known for its rocky coastline, its whitewashed houses and its idyllic archipelago. This warmest area in the country draws many resdents for a summer holiday. Kristiansand, the biggest city here and fifth-largest in all of Norway, has many lovely beaches, a very good zoo (Norway's ...

  15. The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Southern Norway

    1. Preikestolen. Preikestolen is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Southern Norway. It's also one of the most touristic places but it definitely lives up to the hype! The hike up and down to Preikestolen is 7.8km in totaland starts at the main parking lot.

  16. Top 10 Attractions in Southern Norway

    To make your life a bit easier we have created a list of Top 10 things to visit in Southern Norway: 1. Lindesnes Lighthouse. Lindesnes lighthouse lighting up the surrounding waters. Photo: Pixabay. The pinnacle of the south of Norway as it is located at the actual southernmost point of Norway. Being the oldest of all lighthouses in Norway it ...

  17. Southern Norway tours. Packages by Travel Agency Nordic Visitor

    Tours in Southern Norway. Take a scenic train journey or road trip in South Norway, with a route that includes stays in dazzling coastal cities like Bergen and Stavanger and a chance to visit the famous fjords. Experience the best of Norway's south coast -- and beyond -- on a custom tour planned by the Norwegian travel experts at Nordic Visitor.

  18. The Ultimate Norway Travel Guide

    Best Time to Visit Norway. The best time visit Norway is between June and September. During this time, the weather is warm and the roads and trails are clear of snow. If you plan to go hiking in Norway, you should be aware that the hiking season in southern Norway runs from June 1 through September 30.

  19. Hiking in Southern Norway

    Southern Norway is a paradise for those who love to experience nature on foot, and the mild climate allows for hiking throughout much of the year. In each municipality, you will find beautiful new day trip cabins with fantastic views that are popular hiking destinations. Another great hiking trail is the Barnevandrerstien, which stretches across large parts of Sørlandet in various stages.

  20. Stavanger and around

    The South Travel Guide. ... The Rough Guides to Norway and related travel guides. In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice. Buy US$34.99. Buy US$25.99. Buy US$34.99. Buy US$29.99. Buy US$34.99. Find even more inspiration here. Scandinavia for first-timers: 7 ideas for short breaks.

  21. Visit Norway

    Stunning fjords. Cosy, compact cities. Magical northern lights. Plan your trip, discover great offers, and read our insider guides and inspiring feature articles about people, places and our quirky traditions. So that you get the most out of your trip!

  22. The Ultimate Norway Travel Guide + Top Tips

    Dishes to Try in Norway. Reindeer - usually roasted, it's one of the main dishes non-vegetarian tourists like to try at least once on their visit to Norway. Cheese - Norway's cheese has been made internationally recognised by Jarlsberg, first made in 1860 and you can find it in most tourist-oriented restaurants.

  23. The Best 2 Weeks in Norway: 2 Itineraries with map

    2 weeks in Norway is see the Fjords, Northern Lights, Bergen, Trolltunga, and more. This Norway guide also discuss when to go, cost of the trip, and what to eat. ... Australia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, the EU, and many parts of Latin America, you can travel in Norway for up to 90 days in a 180-day calendar period.

  24. Norway in the summer: 10 places to explore in 2024

    Search articles and guides. Search for Search. Travel recommendations. Norway in the summer: 10 great places to explore. 10 mins read. Camilla Riis March 11, 2024. Summer, with its long, bright nights, is the perfect time to travel around and experience Norway's magnificent nature, dramatic fjords, picturesque cities, and cultural experiences ...

  25. Remote Hotels That Reward a Long Journey

    Remote Hotels That Reward a Long Journey. It can require a long, complex journey to reach these far-flung hotels, but the fantastic landscapes and otherworldly ambience of their locations make the payoff immeasurable. The hotels below are part of the MICHELIN Guide hotel selection. Each of the 5,000+ hotels in the selection has been chosen by ...

  26. Proper English: Exquisite English Country Hotels

    The Madrona Hotel Goes Wilde in Wine Country. A Victorian mansion in the California wine country is now the Madrona, an uncompromising hotel that owes its brash design to the rebellious Aesthetic Movement of the late 19th century. Oscar Wilde would be proud. Hotels Napa Valley California. Travel 4 minutes.

  27. A local's guide to Miami: What to eat, see and do in three days

    Day 1: Dominoes and downtown. A giant-sized rooster in the colors of the Cuban flag on Calle Ocho in Miami's Little Havana. Photograph: The Guardian. We're starting our day with a stroll ...