norway week trip

One Week in Norway

Norway, one of the most beautiful Nordic countries known for its stunning natural landscapes, is located on the northwest of the Scandinavian Peninsula. It is impressive for its diverse geography, deep fjords, very high mountains and rugged coastal region.

With so many visit-worthy locations, such as Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, it inspired you to plan your one week in Norway stay to experience its charming beauty! The capital city is Oslo and some bigger cities that are worth your visit include Stavanger, Bergen and Trondheim.

Norway has a rich cultural heritage. Its traditional folk music, dance and literature are impressive. Examples of infamous figures are the playwright Henri Ibsen and the painter Edvard Munch were Norwegians.

Our full guide covers:

• Basic Introduction
• Where to stay in Norway
• How to get around
• What to see in Norway
• Things to do in Norway
• Tickets you have to buy before – must read
• Food and Restaurants
• Day Trips from Norway
• Itinerary for Norway
• Packing List

If you have chosen to stay for one week in Norway, please note that it is heaven for outdoor activities addicts. Great skiing, hiking, snowboarding, fishing and kayaking are guaranteed. In addition, you will get to see The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) which can be seen only in winter months and the Midnight Sun phenomenon in the Arctic Circle, which is characteristic of summer.

In short, Norway is a country of natural beauty, rich culture and a high standard of life, blending in amazing tradition and delicious cuisine. Eager to start planning your Norway 7 day itinerary? Keep on reading!

1. Basic Introduction

We want to start with a simple intro to the things you need to know before coming to Norway.

Currency : Norwegian Krone (NOK)

Language Spoken : Norwegian

Population : 5.408 million (2021)

Known for : Stunning Fjords; Northern Lights; Outdoor Activities; Rich History and Culture

Accommodation : Hotels, Hostels, Cabins, and Traditional Rorbuer

Find more details in our where to stay in Norway  section below.

Public Transport : buses, trams and trains

More under  how to get around .

Safety : Norway is the safest country in the world

Electricity : 230V/50Hz (European plug). Remember to pack your travel plug adapter .

2. Where to stay in Norway

Norway is one of the leading countries in environmental sustainability and is incredibly beautiful, with plenty to offer. It is hard to decide which places to go, especially when you get to spend only 1 week in Norway. I will do my best to help, but be mindful of your preferences, budget and the regions you are planning to visit. My guide features a variety of accommodations, made to fit your requirements and the type of travel companions you’re taking this trip with. You get to choose from city hotels to some charming cabins in the rural part.

So, if you want to feel and experience the authenticity of Norway, I suggest you stay at these places:

Each of these places will provide a pleasant stay and a lot to visit. Oslo, the capital, is famous for its vibrant atmosphere. Bergen offers picturesque surroundings and historical charm.

Tromsø, on the other hand, is known for the Northern Lights show. And lastly, Trondheim is a historic gem of Norway, while the Fjord region is a synonym for the stunning views.

So, not that I’ve listed the locations you should add to your Norway 7-day itinerary, let me guide you through choosing the accommodation.

2.1 Where to stay in Oslo

Oslo is an excellent destination for everyone looking for an immersive one week in Norway! A city with a dynamic and vibrant spirit, offering rich historical and cultural heritage. The Royal Palace, the home of the Norwegian Monarch, is located there. The Vigeland Park, with more than 200 sculptures made by Gustaf Vigeland, is a real open-air museum and the most important spot to visit.

The National Gallery, the Opera House, the National Museum of Norway, the Botanical Garden, the Oslo Cathedral and many more attractions are also located in the vibrant Oslo. The main street in the city, Karl Johans Gate, connects the Royal Palace with the Central Station. It is full of shops, cafes and restaurants, all inviting you to experience their energy.

Smarthotel, Oslo

Only a 5-minute walk from the Karl Johan shopping street, Smarthotel offers small double rooms and suites. You can enjoy breakfast on a terrace and use the kiosk to buy snacks or drinks. Families and couples like the accommodation, because all major city highlights are in its surroundings.

Citybox, Oslo

Citybox is in the very centre of Oslo. The rooms are very bright and have a private bathroom. There is a TV lounge and a seating area within the hotel, where you can relax. Vending machines are at your disposal, as a microwave is. This hotel is great for couples.

2.2 Where to stay in Bergen

If you decide to stay in this captivating, second-largest coastal city in Norway, you will enjoy the views of mountains and fjords. The Fish Market in the harbour and the Bryggen Wharf, as they call the waterfront, are perfect to visit, while the Fløibanen funicular can take you to the top of the mountain. Lots more to see and explore. Do not miss the Bergen aquarium.

Citybox, Bergen

Charming and modern at the same time, Citybox offers you a self-service check-in and brightly decorated rooms. There is a shared microwave and vending machines for snacks and drinks. It is very close to the Art Museum and some other places worth visiting. Perfect for couples!

Moxy, Bergen

In Moxy , despite the nice room with a private bathroom, you can enjoy the terrace, bar and fitness centre. It is only 1 km from the Møhlenpris Baddeplas Beach and 3 km approximate distance from Haakon’s Hall. Couples and families prefer this hotel, given its quiet ambience.

2.3 Where to stay in Tromsø

The city of Tromsø is located in the Arctic Circle in North Norway. Famous for the Northern Lights, stunning landscapes and cultural life, it is a perfect place to add to your Norway 7 day itinerary. There are many things to enjoy while in Tromsø: Tromsø Bridge; Arctic Cathedral; Cable Car taking you to Mount Storsteinen, where you simply mesmerise in the panorama of the fjords; Polaria, the Arctic-themed centre offering interactive exhibits; Arctic aquarium, an outdoor seal pool and a panoramic cinema.

Moxy, Tromsø

Moxy offers a fitness centre, a terrace and a bar. The significant tourist spots are nearby. Even the airport is near, just a kilometre away, making it a convenient place to stay.

Skaret by Vander, Tromsø

Skaret by Vander offers sea views and a fitness centre. It is 400m away from Polaris. You can enjoy the restaurant in the hotel. Family rooms are available. Each unit has a seating area, a fully equipped kitchen and a private bathroom. In addition, if you’re travelling with kids, they can enjoy the playground of the property.

2.4 Where to stay in Trondheim

Famous for its mediaeval architecture, this city of vibrant neighbourhoods offers many interesting places to visit during your one week in Norway. Nidaros Cathedral, Old Town Bridge, Ringve Museum, Rockheim (a museum of popular music), Art Museum and Munkholmen Island are just a few locations you can’t miss out on. The most interesting district is Bakklandet, charming for its cobblestoned streets, wooden houses and bohemian atmosphere.

Clarion Hotel, Trondheim

It is a hotel with an exceptionally modern design. It has a rooftop restaurant & bar on the 9th floor with a great view of the Trondheim Fjord. Clarion Hotel offers entrance to the nearby 3T Fitness Center and discount tickets for Pirbadet, Norway’s largest indoor water park.

The Living Room provides a lounge setting and à la carte dining menu. There is a also Skybar where you can enjoy a nice view of the city.

Penthouse, Lerkendal

The apartment offers a bedroom, a kitchen and a bathroom. There are also family rooms and a fitness centre. The garden with city views, together with the patio, will make your stay pleasant and relaxing.

2.5 Where to stay in Fjords

The Norwegian stunning fjords attract millions of tourists every year. Some which are worth visiting during your 1 week in Norway include Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, Sognefjord, Lysefjord, Romsdalsfjord, Nordfjord and Storfjord. Exploring these natural beauties, you have an opportunity to witness and immerse in the most spectacular natural wonders.

Fjords View, Sjøholt

Fjords View , a fully renovated residence dating from 1870, provides a captivating view of the Storfjord. With the convenience of a reliable bus service, you are near many fjords in the area, making it an ideal base for exploring the breathtaking landscapes.

Olden by the Fjords of Norway, Bjørkelund

Olden by the Fjords of Norway presents a spacious apartment with 4 bedrooms, an equipped kitchen, and a bathroom. The complex enhances your experience with additional amenities like a picnic area and a garden, allowing you to fully embrace the natural beauty of the surroundings.

3. How to get around Norway

Once you decide on the accommodation, it’s time to figure out the way you will move throughout the country. Undoubtedly the best way to explore whichever country you visit is by car. However, due to the climate conditions and the part of the year when you decide to spend one week in Norway, the country will offer you diverse transportation options. Anyway, here are the most convenient ways to explore Norway:

Northern Lights Chase Minibus Tour with Campfire:  Join the minibus tour and chase the enchanting Northern Lights. Experience the full Arctic magic with marshmallows and warm drinks by the fire. It’s a cozy adventure you won’t want to miss!

Domestic Flights are the most efficient time-consuming way to get to the desired destination, especially if you travel between the cities in different parts of the country. It is good to know that Norwegian airports are well-connected and local flights are very short.

Trains are known for being punctual and modern. There is a very extensive train network, which makes your travel comfortable. Bergensbanen is the main train route and it connects Oslo with Bergen, while other major routes are Dovrebanen, between Oslo and Trondheim and Sørlandsbanen, between Oslo and Stavanger.

Buses are an essential part of Norway’s public transportation. There are public buses and long-distance buses, both known for being punctual and convenient.

Car Rentals , a few domestic and a few international agencies are on your disposal list. Renting a car is a very convenient and popular way to move throughout the country. Book your rental in advance, especially if you travel in the high season. You can use a driving licence from your native country, but it is preferable to have an International driving permit (IDP). Keep in mind that you can’t rent a car in Norway if you’re under 21 years of age. All the roads in the country are in great condition, but depending on the season, especially in winter, the conditions can be challenging.

4. What to see in Norway – The Must-Do’s

If you are wondering what to see during your 1 week in Norway, I will give you a suggestion of the most significant spots. Here is the list:

The Must Do’s are:

• Vigeland Sculpture Park (Vigelandsparken)
• The Royal Palace (Det kongelige slott)
• The Viking Ship Museum (Vikingskipshuset)

More great sights to see in Norway are:

• The Munch Museum (Munch-museet)
• The Fram Museum (Frammuseet)
• The Oslo Opera House (Operahu

5. Things to do in Norway

Fjord Cruises

One of the most adventurous and unforgettable parts of your one week in Norway will definitely be the Fjord cruise . The stunning views, mesmerising surroundings and breathtaking natural wonders will be the best part of your trip.

The most iconic fjords are Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord, Lysefjord and Nærøyfjord. The fjord cruises can be focused on some specific fjords or include visiting some other natural wonders. Therefore, keep in mind that the cruises vary in duration, but are worth going to.

Hiking and Trekking

If you’re a hiking and trekking addict, then you have chosen a paradise for your one-week holiday. Due to its diverse landscapes, beginning from high mountains to deep fjords and lush valleys, you will find excitement in every step made.

The trails are convenient for all skill levels. Galdhøpiggen, Trolltunga, Preikestolen and Hardangervidda, are the most popular amongst many.

Northern Lights Chasing

This is a very exciting experience which is worth adding to your one week in Norway trip. You have to be in the northern regions for this because this is the best location to enjoy the Aurora Borealis magic .

Winter months, precisely from late September to early April are best as the nights are darker and longer. Chase for the clear sky, check the Aurora Borealis forecast and dress warm, taking a good camera with you.

I will suggest joining a Guided Northern Lights Tour because the operators have all the relevant info and know the best locations to spot the best views.

Oslo Opera House

It was opened in 2008 and its location in the Bjørvika district, near the centre of Oslo, gives you stunning views of the city and the fjord. I will again suggest a Tour Guide visit since your impression will be enriched with fascinating facts about its architecture.

Also, this will give you a unique chance to see some inside attractions that are not allowed for the public. Within this Opera House , there are some restaurants where you can enjoy and relax, perfect for catching a breath in the middle of your one week trip in Norway.

City Festivals

No matter when you are going to visit Norway, there are festivals throughout the year, so keep this in mind if enjoy events of this kind. Some important festivals are the Bergen International Festival in Bergen (May-June), St. Olav Festival in Trondheim (late July), Oslo Chamber Music Festival in Oslo (August), Molde International Jazz Festival in Molde (July), Kongsberg Jazz Festival in Kongsberg (July), The Northern Lights Festival in Tromsø(January- February) and many more.

These festivals expose Norway’s rich culture, enabling locals and tourists to enjoy music and arts and feel the vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Holmenkollen Ski Museum

This attraction is located in the Holmenkollen area which is only 20 min away from Oslo Center. It is close to the worldwide known Holmenkollen Ski Jump trail. When there, you will enjoy the great panoramic view of Oslo and the nearby fjord.

This is one of the oldest world museums of this type, offering artefacts about the history of skiing. You will learn about the skiing origins, development and achievements of domestic and international skiers.

The virtual reality experience that you can experience in the museum is unique. There is a ski simulator which gives you the feeling of skiing down a slope. Norway is a country with a rich history in skiing, so this is not just a suggestion, but a must-do visit to become closer to the cultural and sporting history of the country.

6. Tickets you have to buy before (Must Read)

You can’t always plan the dates for your tours, so it’s best to get things settled in advance if possible.

Here is a list of what you must buy before you set on your 1 week Norway trip:

• Museum Tickets
• Guided Tours
• Train Tickets

7. Food & Restaurants

The list below suggests some famous Norwegian dishes which are authentic and show the country’s gastronomic tradition.

• Raspeballer

Suggested Restaurants for You:

• Maaemo Oslo
• Geranium Oslo
• Fagn Trondheim

8. Day Trips in Norway

How to do the day trips? There are 3 options:

• Rent a car  on your own and hit the road
• take public transport
• join a tour

Here are the list of sights that you might want to check out for your day trips:

• Oslo: Vigeland Sculpture Park (Vigelandsparken), The Royal Palace (Det kongelige slott), The Viking Ship Museum (Vikingskipshuset)
• Bergen: Bryggen Wharf, Fløibanen Funicular, Fish Market (Fisketorget)
• Tromsø: Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen), Tromsø Island
• Trondheim: Nidaros Cathedral (Nidarosdomen), Bakklandet, Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybro)
• Fjords: Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, Sognefjord

9. Itinerary for 7 days

Here is a detailed itinerary for your one week in Norway. I hope I have made your stay relaxing and organised.

Day 1-3: Oslo

Once you arrive in Oslo, it will be nice to start by getting to your accommodation before you explore the city centre. In the morning hours, you can relax in the Vigeland Park and Museum. Having lunch in one of the nice restaurants on your way will be a great idea. Later, visit the Viking Ship Museum. In the evening hours, there are many restaurants on the Karl Johans Gate street, where you can enjoy some traditional Norwegian dishes with a glass of wine.

The next morning’s agenda is to visit the Farm Museum on Bygdøy Peninsula, have lunch there and come back to Oslo. Later, walk along the Aker Brygge waterfront, have dinner and enjoy the trendy Grünerløkka or Bjørvika districts.

Spend the third day visiting the Royal Palace and witness the changing of the guard ceremony and walk in the beautiful gardens. Oslo Opera House will be a delight to explore before you sit down for lunch. Afterwards, step into the Norsk Folkemuseum, an open-air museum of Norwegian cultural history.

Day 4-5: Bergen

As you arrive by train from Oslo, make sure to settle in your accommodation first. Then, begin by visiting the iconic Bryggen Wharf . The narrow alleys, the colourful Hanseatic buildings and small shops will refresh your spirit. Next, have lunch at the Fish Market, which is a unique experience. In the afternoon, you can reach the top of the mountain by the Fløbanen funicular. In the evening, choose one of the seafood restaurants on the waterfront.

On the second day in this city, you may plan a nature exploration by visiting Mount Ulriken. Walking or taking a cable car is up to you. Up there you can enjoy a lunch with a breathtaking view. In the afternoon don’t miss the Kode Art Museum and a diner in the Sandviken neighbourhood, after which you can choose a nightlife event.

Day 6-7: Fjords and Nature

It is best if you can start your day early and travel to the longest and deepest fjord , Sognefjord. Take a train from Bergen to Myrdal and after, board the very famous Flåm Railway. Settle for a relaxing lunch in Flåm village and try traditional food. In the afternoon join the fjord cruise and enjoy a dinner in Voss.

Next day, get to Hardangerfjord, well-known for its landscapes and orchards. Have lunch in Odda where you can get by train instead of taking a long hike. The afternoon can be spent in Hardanger, visiting the Nature Center there and taking a drive along the fjord. Later get back to Oslo, so you can finish your one week in Norway being on time for your plane.

10. Packing List

Warm layered clothing for changing weather if travelling in Winter and light breathable clothes if you travel in Summer

• Hiking shoes
• Waterproof boots
• Hat and gloves
• Swimsuit (if you visit in the summer season)
• Some Norwegian currency for small purchases

My advice is to check the weather forecast for one week in Norway, not long before your departure. And if you want to explore more exciting destinations, don’t forget to read the rest of my blogs.

11. Printed Guides & Map

These guides are best for the ones looking for a printed version.

Once you come to Norway, you will also receive a paper map of the city.

• Lonely Planet Guide for Norway
• Fodor’s Essential Norway

Here is again our map of Norway with the recommended hotels and neighborhoods.

Questions? Contact us

I tried to make this guide as useful and complete as possible. However, chances are you still have questions left.

Therefore, any questions? Anything not clear?

Please get in touch with us, I would be very happy to help. I want to make this guide as useful as possible for you.

You see, your question actually helps me as well.

Do not be shy and send me an email .

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

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 9, 2024

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

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

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

Planning Norway Road Trip – Where to Start

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 14: Trondheim

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1: arrival in norway – stavanger.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LEARN MORE: Hiking to Pulpit Rock

Day 3: Stavanger: Lysefjord and Florli 4444 Hike

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

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

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

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

READ ALSO: Best Things to See and Do in Stavanger

Day 4: Stavanger to Bergen by Bus and Exploring Bergen

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5: Bergen and Suggestions for Trolltunga

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

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

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

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

Day 6: Bergen to Gudvangen/Flam

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 7: Gudvangen – Flam area – The Nærøyfjord

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

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

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

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

Day 8: Gudvangen to Sogndal

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

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

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

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

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

Day 9: Sogndal to Geiranger

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

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

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

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

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

Day 10: Geirangerfjord – Briksdalsbreen – Geiranger

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

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

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

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

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

Day 11: Geiranger – Ornevegen – Trollstigen – Alesund

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 12: Alesund – Atlantic Ocean Road – Kristiansund

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 13: Kristiansund to Trondheim

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LEARN MORE: 2-Week Northern Norway Travel Itinerary

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

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

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

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Elizabeth L

Wednesday 17th of January 2024

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

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

Victoria Blyke

Tuesday 1st of August 2023

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

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

Wednesday 26th of July 2023

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

Friday 28th of July 2023

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

Wednesday 5th of April 2023

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

Thursday 6th of April 2023

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

Wednesday 15th of March 2023

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

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

The Perfect 2-Week Norway Itinerary

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Norway always manages to defy expectations. Gaze across the endless Western Fjords, and you’ll truly believe that Norwegian landscapes were carved by the hands of gods. Hike to snowcapped mountain peaks under the Midnight Sun, be awed by the dancing, swirling colors of the Northern Lights, and dare to experience the dark depths of a Polar Night. 

Norway is a land of extremes, a place that pushes the boundaries of natural beauty, and a destination that you can never hope to truly explore in just 14 days. But 2 weeks in Norway does present you with the opportunity to visit the country’s best attractions, and our detailed itinerary is designed to take you to the highlights – and to a few lesser-known places. 

We’re certain you’ll have an incredible time, but we also know that as soon as you step back on the plane to fly home, you’ll already be dreaming of a return trip!

The best 2-week Norway itinerary starts in Oslo , the iconic capital, where you’ll delve into Norwegian history before seeing all that this modern city has to offer. In Bergen , you’ll uncover a maritime city founded by Vikings and made rich by the Hanseatic League, and in Bodø, you’ll visit a quirky, artistic city that’s set to be a European Capital of Culture. 

Our itinerary takes you to the glorious Western Fjords, where you’ll stand in the shadow of Europe’s largest glacier. You’ll be mesmerized by the insane aesthetics of the Lofoten Islands, and you’ll fall in love with the outdoor life in Tromsø, where you’ll be deep, deep inside the Arctic Circle. Along the way, you’ve got epic opportunities for hiking, snow sports, cruises, and road trips. 

You’ll also see awesome cultural sites like the Oslo Opera House, browse extensive collections of artwork by famous painters like Edvard Munch, and learn about Sami culture in the Arctic. You’ll enjoy some of the best coffee and Scandi-style breakfasts in Europe every morning and dine daily on some of the freshest seafood and farm produce in Scandinavia in the evenings!

But Norway’s natural and cultural beauty is only matched by its vastness, which is why you need to plan your Norwegian adventure carefully. That’s also why we’ve put together our ultimate 14-day Norway itinerary to help you get a head start on the road. Keep reading to find out more!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Two Weeks in Norway

The best time to visit norway.

As we’ve already said, Norway is a land of extremes. You’ll need to time your visit carefully, depending on what you hope to see and do, as in Norway, you really can be at the mercy of the weather. 

If you’re here for hiking, then there’s no better time to visit than summer, when temperatures are at their highest from June through to August. This is when the days are longest, too, with areas within the Arctic Circle experiencing the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun (when the sun never sets) for up to two months of the year. 

Summer is busy, of course, and high temperatures are always relative. In Oslo, temperatures reach highs in the low 20°C, while in Tromsø (far in the north!), temperatures rarely breach 20°C. The coastline, including the Western Fjords and Bergen, all experience a surprisingly mild climate. Temperatures are kept fairly constant by the Atlantic winds, although there can be lots of rain in winter, spring, and autumn. 

We suspect that you’ve already had a look at the map and seen how far north Norway extends. This is a nation that seemingly stretches toward the North Pole, and indeed, as much as 50 percent of Norwegian territory is firmly located within the Arctic Circle. 

In winter, the Arctic regions experience the Polar Night (when the sun never rises), and temperatures can stay well below freezing for days at a time. It’s going to be cold, but winter is the perfect time to enjoy Norway in the snow, explore Sami culture in the north, and see the Northern Lights.

Whenever you choose to visit Norway, always plan for the worst weather. Bring raincoats and warm clothes even in summer, and leave extra days where possible in case of canceled flights, disrupted ferries, and unexpected storms. These rules apply everywhere, but even more so once you cross the Arctic Circle. 

Things to Know Before You Go

Norway is a modern, highly developed nation that’s typically a pleasure to travel around. Things just seem to work in Norway, but that’s what you should expect from a country with one of the highest per capita GDPs in the world. 

Given the average salary in Norway is also around $70,000 a year, many travelers find Norway to be a comparatively expensive destination to visit. You can cut down on costs by booking in advance, staying in guesthouses and Airbnbs with kitchen facilities, and traveling in the shoulder seasons rather than in peak summer months.

Staying on the subject of money, the local currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK), which has an approximate exchange rate of 10 NOK to the USD (at the time of writing). You can easily exchange money at banks and currency exchanges in Norway, but debit and credit cards are also widely accepted. In fact, you can generally get away with carrying no cash at all, as everything can be handled electronically. 

Norway has two official languages. Norwegian is the primary language, which is spoken by everyone, although there are several regional dialects and variations across the country. In the north, Sami is the second official language, although it’s only spoken by around 30,000 people.

Norwegian is descended from old Germanic dialects and has some similarities to English. Sami, on the other hand, is closer to Finnish and is descended from languages once spoken in the Urals. 

In Sami-speaking areas, you’ll find that there’s a revival of Sami culture, language, and history, which is fascinating to learn more about. Luckily, you’ll also find that the vast majority of Norwegians also speak perfect English, which makes things much easier when you’re traveling!

Norway is not a member of the European Union, but it is part of the European Union’s Schengen Zone. This makes it simpler when it comes to visas, as you’ll be granted access on either a Schengen Zone visa or given visa-free access for 90 days within 180 days if you’re from the UK, US, and many more countries. 

Getting Around Norway

This is a long, long country, and with a coastline estimated to be over 50,000 miles long (taking into account all those fjords and islands), you’ll need to plan your visit if you want to see all the best places to visit in Norway. 

The country is well developed and well connected, given its size and the vast distances between destinations, but you’ll still need to plan for delays (often caused by the weather) and be prepared for limited connections when you’re traveling to rural destinations. Always check the seasonality of transport routes, too, because many ferries only operate in the summer. 

Our itinerary starts in Oslo, simply because the Norwegian capital is the best-connected city in Norway. You can fly here from almost any European city, as well as many destinations in North America, Asia, and the Middle East (check out Norwegian Air for budget flights!). 

Because of the distances involved and the often difficult terrain, Norway has an extensive network of regional flights operated by Widerøe, Norwegian Air, and SAS. Even tiny villages are connected by air to Oslo or Bergen, and flying is the quickest way to get around.

You can also tackle the Oslo-Bergen railway, take the train north to Narvik, or enjoy scenic train rides like the Flåm Railway in the Western Fjords. Ferries connect much of Norway’s western coastline (check out the Hurtigruten routes) in summer, while buses fill in the gaps everywhere else. 

For ultimate freedom, we recommend renting a car for all or part of your journey. For the itinerary below, a car is particularly useful for exploring northern Norway, from the Western Fjords upwards. Our itinerary ends in Tromsø, the largest city in the north. From here, you can fly back south to Bergen or Oslo to connect with international flights. 

Norway Itinerary: 2 Weeks to Explore the Highlights of the Country

Oslo – 2 nights.

Your 2-week trip to Norway starts in Oslo , the nation’s capital and largest city. With a population of 700,000 people, Oslo truly is a world apart from the rural, more sparsely populated Norway you’ll soon be exploring, so take the chance to enjoy a city break while you can!

Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

Oslo is located in southern Norway, where the city enjoys a beautifully scenic position on the shores of the Oslofjord. You’ll want to take a sightseeing cruise along the fjord during your stay in order to appreciate the stark beauty that surrounds Oslo. 

Cruises depart from the piers by City Hall, and you’ll spot famous waterside landmarks like the Opera House before sailing past islands and islets in the sound. The best cruises now operate on electric boats, allowing not only for a quiet experience but maximizing the chance that you’ll see marine wildlife, like orcas.

Embark on a Sightseeing Cruise

Oslo Opera House

Back on dry land, you can pop into the Oslo Opera House to learn more about the construction and design of one of Europe’s most distinctive works of contemporary architecture. In the evenings, you might be lucky enough to secure a spare ticket to an opera or ballet, which we have to say is one of the best things to do in Oslo. 

The Royal Palace

Head over to the Royal Palace in central Oslo, where you can delve into regal history. Dating to the early 19th century, the grand palace is the current residence of Norway’s monarchy, but you can still take a grand tour of the stately rooms and royal halls.

Akershus Fortress

History lovers can also visit the Akershus Fortress, a 13th-century medieval castle that was also built to protect Norway’s earliest kings. 

Take a Self-Guided Mystery Tour

Museums, Galleries, and Parks

Oslo is a city of museums and galleries, and you’ll be hard-pressed to fit everything into your itinerary. We recommend heading over to the Bygdøy Peninsula, where you can pack in a heap of museums in a short space of time. 

This beautiful peninsula is home to five national museums, including the Kon-Tiki Museum (exploring the journeys of Thor Heyerdahl), the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (better known as the Folk Museum), the Norwegian Maritime Museum (dedicated to maritime history), the Fram Museum (which delves into Norway’s polar expeditions), and our personal favorite, the Viking Ship Museum (where you’ll find the remains of Viking burial ships). 

Visit 3 Museums in Oslo

If you’ve still got time, then you art lovers won’t want to miss Frogner Park and Vigeland Sculpture Park or the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art . Oslo’s botanical gardens offer a wonderful escape from the city, while the Nobel Peace Center provides insight into the work and lives of Nobel Peace Prize winners around the world.

Vigeland Park Exploration Game

The Western Fjords – 3 nights

From Oslo, your 14-day Norway itinerary continues as you begin your journey toward the Western Fjords. Oslo is separated from Norway’s west coast by hundreds of miles of high mountains, some reaching thousands of meters above sea level. Luckily, the enterprising Norwegians built Northern Europe’s highest-altitude railway back in 1909, and it’s now one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. 

Sit back and enjoy the views as you take the “Bergensbanen” from Oslo. The highest point of the journey is 1,237 meters above sea level, and there are 182 tunnels that traverse the mountains. The railway line connects Oslo with Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, but you’ll be alighting at Myrdal, a journey of just under 5 hours from the capital. 

Flåm Railway

At Myrdal, you’ll then switch to the equally scenic Flåm Railway, which will take you along 12 kilometers of heritage tracks and beautiful mountain passes to the fjord-side town of Flåm (the Flåm Railway is easily one of the best things to do in Norway!). 

Travel Along the Steep Flåm Railway

Aurlandsfjord

This charming Norwegian town overlooks Aurlandsfjord, which is itself a branch of the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord. Book a room at the historic Fretheim Hotel , then enjoy a few craft beers at Aegir Microbrewery. 

Fretheim Hotel

You’ll then have two full days to experience the Western Fjords with Flåm as your base. Start by taking a cruise from the Aurlandsfjord to the Sognefjord, then take your pick from hiking and biking, or in winter, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. 

Book a Room at Fretheim Hotel

Jostedalsbreen

We highly recommend visiting Fjaerlandsfjorden, another branch of the Sognefjord, where you’ll find a quirky “Book Town,” a floating sauna, and the Glacier Museum . The museum is at the base of Jostedalsbreen, which is the longest glacier in mainland Europe.

Bergen – 2 nights

Your next stop is Bergen , Norway’s second-largest city and the gateway to the Western Fords. Located on the west coast of Norway, in a sheltered harbor close to the ocean, Bergen is a city that was built on the North Sea trade and Atlantic cod. 

From Flåm, you’ll take the Flåm Railway back down to Myrdal, then rejoin the Bergensbanen for the final leg to Bergen (alternatively, you can hop on a regional flight from Sogndal to Bergen). You’ll have 2 nights in Bergen and at least one full day (depending on your arrival/departure times), which is enough time for a whistle-stop tour of the city. 

Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

Start by exploring the historic merchant buildings and colorful townhouses of Bryggen. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an archeological gem because this is where layer upon layer of Bergen history awaits you. 

Bryggen is effectively the Old Town, and it’s here where Bergen was founded by a Norwegian king in the 11th century AD. The Hanseatic League turned Bergen into a commercial hub from the 14th century onwards, and you can learn more by visiting the Bryggens Museum .

Bryggens Museum

Bergen is packed with art galleries and museums, and at Kode , you can explore the third-largest collection of Edvard Munch works in the world (the famous Norwegian artists had many ties to Bergen). 

Visit the Bryggens Museum

Mount Fløyen to Mount Ulriken

After that, take the funicular to Mount Fløyen, or ride the cable car to Mount Ulriken (where you can dine in style at the Skyskraperen Restaurant ). You could even brave the icy waters of the fjord with a dip at the Nordnes Pool before warming up in their thermal pool and sauna. 

Bodø and Lofoten – 3 nights

Now you’re leaving the south behind and venturing north into the Arctic Circle. Your first stop is Bodø, the second-largest arctic town in Norway and a hub for creativity. You can catch a regional flight direct from Bergen, or else it’s a long 21-hour drive!

Bodø is set to be a European Capital of Culture, and you can learn more about the local history at the Bodø City Museum. Join a street art walking tour, visit the Concert Hall, or time your trip to coincide with a local music festival. 

Saltstraumen

Nearby Saltstraumen is home to the largest “maelstrom” in the world (where enormous tidal speeds create giant whirlpools!), and Kjerringoy is the location of an old trading post and beautiful beaches. Mountain peaks abound in Bodø. In summer, the Midnight Sun sits high in the sky, and in winter, you might just catch the Northern Lights. 

Admire the Scenery by Helicopter

Ferry Ride to Lofoten

Bodø is really just a pit stop, though, as you jump on the ferry to Lofoten, one of the best places to go in Norway. The slow car ferry is a five-hour scenic ride from Bodø to Moskenes, which sits on the southern end of the archipelago. From Moskenes, you can explore the raw beauty of the islands as you head north.

Lofoten is a collection of small islands in Nordland, and you’ll be awed by the sheer scale of the mountain peaks and the humble but colorful nature of the fishing harbors and villages found here. 

You can road trip the archipelago, hopping from one island to another on the local ferries, or if you’re not pressed for time, you could even plan a bicycle tour. In summer, you can kayak, canoe, and hike to your heart’s content, while the ski season turns Lofoten into one of the most dramatic snow sports arenas in Norway. 

Don’t forget your camera because whatever the season, Lofoten can’t fail to be photogenic!

Narvik to Tromsø – 3 nights

You won’t want to leave Lofoten behind, but you’ve still got a long way to go before the end of your 2 weeks in Norway. From Lofoten, you’ll make your way back to the mainland by ferry or plane, where you can spend one night in Narvik before traveling further north.

Narvik was the scene of an infamous battle at the start of World War II when Allied forces fought Nazi Germany for control of vital coal resources. Narvik is still very industrial today, but we recommend visiting the Narvik War Museum and the Narvik Museum to learn about the local history. There’s a famous cable car here, plenty of epic mountain hikes, and of course, the Midnight Sun or Northern Lights depending on the season. 

Narvik is where Norway’s train line runs out, and from here, it’s a 4 to 5-hour bus or car ride to Tromsø, the Arctic capital. Tromsø is largely located on a sheltered island in a fjord, and with a population of 70,000, it’s one of the largest, most northernmost cities in the world. 

See Northern Lights with the Arctic Train Tour

Tromsø is a real highlight of your 2-week Norway itinerary, and you’ll love exploring the frontier history of a city that’s far removed from Oslo and Bergen.

Get a Tromso City Audio Tour

Polar Museum

There are more wooden buildings here than anywhere else in Norway (with the oldest dating back to the 18th century); you can delve into the history of Arctic exploration at the Polar Museum ; and cross the epic Tromsø Bridge to visit the uniquely beautiful Arctic Cathedral. 

You can also enjoy quirky bucket list moments, including eating at the world’s most northerly Burger King or Hard Rock Cafe! Tromsø is also a center for Sami culture in Norway, and you can gain an insight into the Arctic Circle’s indigenous peoples by joining a cultural excursion to a reindeer camp. In winter, Tromsø is a great location for a Northern Lights tour, as there are few other cities in Norway better placed for seeing this natural phenomenon. 

Northern Lights

Tromsø is the perfect place to end your Norway adventure, and from here, you can fly back south to Bergen or Oslo. Or you could extend your stay and fly further north to the Arctic realms of Svalbard, an island where polar bears often outnumber people. 

See the Northern Lights from Tromsø

There you have it! That’s our perfect 2-week Norway itinerary. Where will you be traveling on your trip to Norway?

Planning a trip to Norway? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

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About the Author:

Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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1 thought on “the perfect 2-week norway itinerary”.

Hi! A lot has happened in Oslo in the last few years! I’m missing a few Must See-sights from your Oslo recommendations: Oslo’s new public library Deichman Bjørvika (opened 2020), the new MUNCH museum (opened 2021), the new National Museum (opened June 2022), the luxury art deco hotel Sommerro (opened Sep 2022) – and not to forget Oslo’s extremely popular floating saunas 😉 And how about an electric fjord cruise with Brim Explorer or The Fjords? (Important note: The Viking Ship Museum is currently closed, will reopen as the new Museum of the Viking Age in 2026.) Greetings from Oslo

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An Orcadian Abroad

A Scottish girl in search of the world.

The Perfect One Week Norway Itinerary For First-Timers

We recently spent an incredible week in Norway, a country that has been on my list for most of my life, and virtually at the top of that list for several years now.

It’s really hard to know where to start with Norway, because there are so many phenomenal places that are guaranteed to blow your mind – but with so little time, and more importantly, so little money, we needed to prioritise and try to put together an itinerary with the best places in a realistic timeframe.

I’ve written about how we saved money on our trip , but now I’m excited to share EVERYTHING that we got up to! And I think we did pretty much the perfect itinerary that we could have come up with, especially for first-time visitors.

Here’s how we spent a fabulous week in Norway – based on flying in and out of Oslo.

This post contains affiliate links. Please note if you buy or book anything through my links, I may earn a little commission that helps keep this site running, at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!

Day 1 – travel to Bergen

After arriving late at night into Oslo, our first day was going to be a mega-early start to get over to Bergen on a spectacular 6.5 hour train ride across Norway.

Unfortunately, things did not go to plan. Norway’s usually impeccable public transport was in disarray after their worst storm in 25 years , which hit the country two days before we visited. Because of course it did. It’s hard to complain when we saw some of the devastation wrought by the storm, but our first day was not smooth.

Our expected arrival time of 1pm into Bergen ended up being late afternoon, and we had to hop on a train to Kongsberg where we would change onto a bus to Geilo, then catch the Bergen train from there. If you think that sounds like a palaver, it was even worse. We were very fortunate in that, er, we couldn’t get a seat on the first train, so we were by the door raring to go the second they opened.

We also had hand luggage, which meant we boarded the bus really quickly. By the time everyone arrived from the train with suitcases, 100 people were being left behind. It was CHAOS. It’s very, very unlikely that you will have the same experience as us, so don’t worry – Norway’s public transport as a whole was excellent! It was just really unfortunate timing.

The bus journey was beautiful, and we made a stop in Norefjord where we were able to have a quick explore and a pee stop. Of course, this was probably the least beautiful place we saw on our entire trip, which speaks volumes for Norway. I was fascinated by all the farms with the storehouses on stilts which are common in this area.

After a short wait in the ski resort town of Geilo, we were finally on our way to Bergen!

They weren’t lying – this train ride is amazing! We sauntered across barren landscapes, through lots (LOTS) of tunnels, past a GLACIER , and onwards alongside fjords and mountains.

The original plan had been to grab lunch in Bergen and then check into our hotel and freshen up before heading out to have an introductory explore. Instead, we didn’t get in until almost 6pm, so it was a quick freshen up and a quick explore.

Luckily, Bergen doesn’t need a lot of time to get a feel for it. We walked through the park into the old town and along to the harbour, picking up a hot dog on the way. The hot dog stand, Trekroneren , is a great place to pick up a cheap meal – it was about £8 for a reindeer hot dog with lingonberry sauce!

Bryggen is the place everyone will recognise in Bergen, with its row of charming wooden buildings with shops and restaurants. It’s touristy, of course, but it’s got a great vibe, and I loved exploring the alleyways in behind the famous facades.

The rest of Bergen would have to wait, though, because we had exciting plans!

Day 2 – a fjord cruise to Eidfjord

There are various day cruises you can do from Bergen, and I pored over the options figuring out which would be the most scenic. Ultimately, I chose Hardangerfjord which I’d read great things about – it’s the “Queen Of The Fjords”, after all. It’s also home to Eidfjord, a charming village that would be great to spend some time in.

There are plenty of other stops on the cruise, so you could visit somewhere else along the fjord, but Eidfjord is right at the end, giving us the maximum amount of time cruising fjords. Which was, to be fair, my main reason for visiting Norway!

I am SO GLAD we chose this trip! Everything about it was amazing.

We got the best weather of the entire trip, which helped, but the scenery was phenomenal and the day went really smoothly – especially after the day before.

The “tour” is more of a public transport affair under one ticket – you take a bus from Bergen to Norheimsund, which drops you right at the boat. There was more than one bus, so they were prepared for the amount of people this time…!

Once again, the bus journey was amazing – but nothing compared to what we would see over the day! We drove past crystal clear lakes with reflections like I’ve never seen, and waterfalls tumbling down mountains. Bo- ring .

Let me introduce you to Hardangerfjord.

The only thing with this cruise is it took us so close to the famous Trolltunga hike, something I’m desperate to do one day. We even went down part of the fjord arm that leads to it, so I was even more gutted that we were having to give it a miss. If we’d had an extra day or two, I would have organised that as a detour.

Anyway, Eidfjord.

This charming fjord village is a popular stop on cruise itineraries, so it can get pretty inundated with tourists. Many of them get straight on a bus which chaperones them to a waterfall about half an hour away, but at £50+ a pop, we opted to stay in the village instead. I’m really glad we did – we wandered along the waterfront past a row of knitted trees, we got to visit a wood maker’s workshop (perfect for a unique gift!) and then walked to a hidden beach.

This place was amazing, and walking back to the town with the sun beating down above the mountains onto my face, I don’t remember the last time I ever felt that content. Out of nowhere, a horse appeared between some trees, and I said hello. It was all so fairytale-like that I started to wonder if I was dreaming. I couldn’t stop smiling, and a family hollered hello to me as I passed, and I walked by a girl teaching her little sister how to rollerskate and we waved.

I reached the viewpoint I’d seen on the map and almost cried. THIS is what I came to Norway for!

And THIS was still not the best place we’d see in Norway. But it was certainly the absolute perfect introduction.

It’s a long day out. The bus in the morning is just before 7.30am, and the evening one doesn’t get back to Bergen until 8.30pm. The cruise itself is around 3 hours each way from Norheimsund to Eidfjord. But it’s well worth it for getting out on the water and seeing some of Norway’s amazing scenery.

Book your Hardangerfjord cruise here , including the bus from Bergen!

Day 3 – Bergen

It was time to explore Bergen properly, and we started by heading out of the city centre on the tram (bybanen).

We were off to see a stave church with a colourful history. This is in Fantoft, around 20 minutes away from the bus station. If you line it up right, you can do this trip on a single 90 minute ticket for 40 NOK, which is excellent value. As we didn’t go into the church itself, we managed this fairly easily, but we strategically bought the ticket within 5 minutes of the tram turning up.

Fantoft stave church was one of the casualties of church burnings in the ’90s by members of black metal bands across Norway. It was rebuilt in 1997, so the building itself isn’t that old, but it’s an amazing church! I’ve been fascinated by Norwegian stave churches for years, so I was keen to see one, and the fact it has an interesting history helped!

The entire history of the band involved in this is insane, by the way. If you want to fall down a Wikipedia rabbit hole, try Mayhem and Varg Vikernes for some horrific (read: morbidly fascinating?) stories.

We got back into the city and headed down to the harbour, where it was much busier during the day. We were going up Mount Floyen – separately. Ash was getting the funicular up, and I was hiking!

The hike is really good and only takes about 45 minutes. I started off in a quaint residential area which I photographed later on, reached a park, and from there I followed a road for a while before cutting up onto a hiking trail. I think there’s another path from the park which would have avoided the road (via the Tippetue viewpoint) but they seem to be about the same distance. Either way, you get fabulous views on the way up.

The top of Mount Floyen was really busy, but we were up there on a sunny Saturday, so it was to be expected!

It was even busier when we got back to the bottom, and we retreated for a while to recuperate from a busy couple of days, which was great timing as it rained as soon as we got back.

Not for long though, thankfully – and Bryggen was begging to be explored in the sunshine, so we were soon back out to enjoy the rest of the day and see if we could find any hidden corners we’d missed the first time.

I really enjoyed Bergen, but I was happy with the amount of time we had there. It’s not a huge city, and although there’s plenty to do, we weren’t really there for museums and we saw everything we wanted to see.

Day 4 – Bergen to Flam via Gudvangen

Day 4 was my most anticipated day – we took a bus to Gudvangen, where we’d be taking a cruise through some of Norway’s best scenery to get to one of the most scenic villages in the country.

We had two hours in Gudvangen, giving us enough time to visit the Viking Valley ! The best thing about the Viking Valley is it’s not a museum… it’s an actual Viking village, where people are living as Vikings! The concept came to life in 2017, and has become a popular tourist attraction. You can take part in axe throwing, have a go at archery, and take a tour with one of the residents. The tour was excellent, delving into the history and lifestyle of Vikings – essentially Norse pirates.

We had the perfect amount of time to enjoy the village before we needed to head down to the waterfront for our cruise through the fjords to Flam.

Of course, that’s when the heavens opened.

You could barely even see the fjord as we set off. I was a bit gutted as Naeroyfjord is meant to be one of the most spectacular fjords in Norway, but our luck had obviously run out with the weather gods after a phenomenal couple of days, and at least we had seen Gudvangen in good weather, as it was so beautiful I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard of it before I started researching Norway properly.

The cruise lasts for two hours, and thankfully started to clear up as we headed down the second arm, Aurlandsfjord, towards Flam. Like the other cruise, it makes a few stops on the way, including lovely Undredal which is famous for its brown cheese.

I had gone a bit mad in my research, and when I found out a) that we wouldn’t be able to do everything we wanted on public transport in the time frame, and b) how expensive it was anyway, I decided to blow our budget out of the water and hire a car for a day.

Luckily, I was able to book it for 4pm one day and return at 3pm the following day for the price of one day, and so that’s exactly what we did.

Read more: Why It’s Worth Spending A Night In Beautiful Flam, Norway

It meant that day 4 was NOT over yet, and I took the car for a test drive by way of… a 50 minute drive to another stave church. Not just any stave church though. I think this might be my favourite in the whole of Norway! Heddal might be bigger, but this…

I mean come on! It looks like it’s part of a fantasy horror film set! I LOVE IT!

The drive was fantastic too. It starts off alongside the fjord from Flam to Aurlandsvangen, then disappears into the longest road tunnel in the world for 25km, before sailing through some mountains towards Borgund. This whole area is just AMAZING.

Because it was Sunday, we missed the shops and decided to splash out on a meal at the Flam Brewery. Unfortunately it was an hour’s wait for a table so we ended up going to a campsite we passed to get takeaway pizza from a food truck, made with cheese from Undredal.

This ended up being the perfect solution, because not only did I get to try the famous cheese, we could enjoy it on the balcony at our guesthouse with THIS view!

I have to give a massive shout out to our accommodation in Flam too. It was twice as much as we paid anywhere else (note: everywhere in Flam is, unless you’re camping), but absolutely WORTH splashing out on! It was an odd mix of guesthouse and hostel, with shared bathrooms and a well-stocked kitchen. Our room had a view of the fjord, which is just unbeatable.

Book the Flam guesthouse with panoramic view here!

Day 5 – Flam & Aurland

Little did I know that this would be one of the best days of the trip.

After a wander in Flam, including the charming Flam railway museum and picking up some breakfast goodies from the renowned Flam bakery, we drove back up to Aurlandsvagen to enjoy our pastries with a view.

It’s a hell of a drive up to Stegastein viewpoint, with switchback after switchback and not enough space for two cars, which made each corner an adventure.

Stegastein viewpoint is one of the most visited attractions in Norway, so naturally it was busy as hell. I’ve got to be honest, although the view was incredible, I was a bit underwhelmed. I got a really bad photo of me with crowds of people reflected in the glass that stops you from gliding off the edge. Then it started raining so we had to eat our pastries in the car!

On the upside, and bear with me on this, I recommend using the toilet at the end . I’d read that it’s a loo with a view, but honestly, NOTHING will beat that loo with a view. As toilets go, it’s incredible!

After our late breakfast, we headed further up the road where I planned to hike up Mount Prest. The car park was full and people were parking like maniacs, so I thought that was the end of that – but then we reached a layby a few minutes’ walk up the road which was empty.

In the end, I didn’t do the full hike. The weather was really intermittent, and I’d be doing it by myself. However, I’d read that there’s a plateau around 20 minutes into the hike which offers fantastic views of the fjord, so we both decided to do that (in fact, it took less than 20 minutes!).

I AM SO GLAD WE DID. This was sooo much better than the Stegastein viewpoint! This is exactly what I came to Norway for – these VIEWS.

Having decided not to do the rest of the hike, we now had some extra time on our hands – and I’d spotted an awesome looking road on Google Maps. We headed out of Aurland into Aurlandsdalen, towards some inviting mountains, but I was not prepared for just how spectacular this was going to be.

Soon, we were inside one of the mountains, driving uphill through a tunnel, round corners. This is one of my favourite drives I have EVER done! It felt like being in a video game!

And then we finally came out near the top of the mountain.

Holy SHIT, man. Norway pulling out all of the stops. Just bloody magnificent.

Eventually, we had to tear ourselves away and drive back down to Flam to catch a train. And not just any train – this is one of the most scenic ones in the world!

The Flam railway is probably the most popular thing to do in the whole of Norway, and so obviously it sells out in peak season. Do not just turn up and expect to get on!

The fact that the Flam railway was not our highlight of the day tells you all you need to know about how amazing Norway is.

From Myrdal, we headed back on a four-ish hour train to Oslo to wind down in the city for the rest of the trip. (The trains were still messed up at this point but I won’t bore you with the details!)

Book all your Norway trains, including the Flam railway, on vy.no !

Day 6 – Oslo

Oslo is a city of museums, which is lucky as this was the rainiest day of the trip.

Even luckier, I decided if it stopped raining, we should go to the outdoor folk museum first. And stop raining it did – for just long enough to see the best of the outdoor areas!

The Norsk Folkmuseum is really cool, with houses and shops to explore in the fully set up “old town”, as well a huge farm area and even a stave church and a “pharmacy garden”. The museum is massive and we didn’t see it all – you could spend all day there, easily!

From there, we hopped on a bus to the Fram museum which is absolutely fantastic, about the polar expeditions on the Fram ship. Most of the museum is filled with the ship itself, and all around the outside are information boards and exhibits.

The only problem was, it was sooo hot in there and I ended up feeling unwell. No way would I have survived the Fram expedition! There’s a frozen room you can walk through as an interactive exhibit, and I’m not gonna lie, that helped for a few minutes…!

We braved the rain to run across the road to the Kon-Tiki museum. In comparison, this museum is tiny, but it’s set up so well with a few different rooms about rafting adventures.

Both the Fram and Kon-Tiki museums are fascinating, learning about expeditions that nobody thought were possible, but in completely opposite ways.

We used the Oslo City Pass to get into all the museums, which saved us a load of money. We activated the pass after midday, which meant we had the following morning too, and it includes public transport too so it’s well worth getting if you fancy hitting up a few museums.

Day 7 – Oslo & fly home

We had one final day in Oslo. Initially this was just because we could only get one night in Flam, but actually it ended up being a good way to wind down our trip.

The weather had picked up in the morning, so after breakfast we hopped straight on a metro to Vigeland park while we still had public transport included. Vigeland Park is filled with bizarre sculptures, and although I was on the lookout for a particular one, it was fun discovering the others. Even the fountains are surounded by strange artworks like this series of children, culminating in one of them being yeeted into oblivion by a donkey.

We soon found the one we were looking for:

“Man Attacked By Babies”… it doesn’t need any explanation really, does it?

From the park, we were able to get a bus straight down to Aker Brygge, which was perfect as we were continuing our museum trail with the National Museum. Ash really wanted to see The Scream, so we were debating the Munch museum vs the National Museum as there is a version of the painting in each.

I’m not normally a fan of art galleries, but this was a great place to see. The entire Munch exhibition was interesting and thought-provoking, and elsewhere in the museum I loved the Norwegian landscapes and the Valkyries flying to war. Amazing! It’s not somewhere we would have necessarily visited without the Oslo City Pass.

After picking up our bags, we headed to Grünerløkka, a hipster area of Oslo that we would probably have missed, but I was meeting a Twitter friend so it was the perfect excuse to go. It’s full of bars and coffee shops, and I had the largest cup of tea I have ever had. It wasn’t a cup; it was a BOWL.

From there, we walked down to the station by way of the Oslo Street Food court, where we stopped for an early dinner before our flight.

I love all these food courts and street food markets that are popping up everywhere, and this was a fantastic one!

I had empanadas and a strawberry crepe, but look at these mini burgers Ash got!! Yes, they’re blue!

This was a really affordable way to eat in Oslo, a notoriously pricey city, and a great way to end our time in the city.

Overall, this was the perfect itinerary for us as well, especially for a first visit. It would have been even better to be able to fly in to Bergen and out of Oslo or vice versa, but the prices weren’t on our side, and it doesn’t matter so much when the journey in between is so spectacular.

I can’t really overstate how great our time in Norway was. Despite some of the setbacks, it was one of my favourite trips ever! The only problem is, while a week is enough for an amazing introductory visit, it’s certainly not enough time to see everything, and now there are tons more places I’d love to see.

So, Norway, this may be the beginning of a very expensive love affair.

And it’s 100% worth it.

Read more about our amazing trip to Norway: ⭐ Why It’s Worth Spending A Night In Beautiful Flam, Norway ⭐ 12 Ways To Save Money & Keep Costs Down On A Trip To Norway Or do you fancy some more beautiful places in Europe? ⭐ Hiking & Heating Up In Kotor, Montenegro ⭐ Slovenia: Loving Ljubljana & Visiting Lake Bled In March ⭐ A Photo Guide To Sintra, The Best Day Trip From Lisbon ⭐ The Land Of Fire & Ice: A Five Day Iceland Itinerary

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5 thoughts on “ The Perfect One Week Norway Itinerary For First-Timers ”

Absolutely stunning! I’m like you, Norway has long been at the top of my travel list so this was very helpful and inspirational for whenever I make it there. I just love the fjords and the old stave church and the houses on the water. Great tips! 🙂

Norway is just such an amazing country. We’re going to go to the Lofoten Islands next year and are on count down already.

Would you recommend renting a car for the whole trip?

I’m a big fan of road trips, and it would be a great way to see Norway! It’s an easy enough country to drive in too – one thing to be aware of is that there are a lot of toll roads. The main reason we went for public transport was that it’s a 7+ hour drive between Oslo and Bergen, and the rail route is amazing! I’m sure you can’t go wrong with either option though, and you can always break the journey up with a night somewhere.

Thanks for that! I’m debating whether I should skip Oslo or not, because I’m more interested in seeing all the nature Norway has to offer. Any thoughts?

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One Week in Norway

From road trips to the fjords to train rides through the mountains, from cruises along the coastline to northern lights adventures in the arctic region, you have plenty of options for spending one week in Norway! Let the Norwegian travel experts at Nordic Visitor design a custom week-long itinerary in Norway just for you.

See many of Norway's highlights in one week

You’ll be surprised by how much you can see and do with one week in Norway. It all depends on how you want to travel and what time of year you visit.

Feel like taking a 1-week road trip in Norway? With about a week to spend in summer you can drive between Norway’s friendly and cosmopolitan capital city, Oslo, to the rugged and picture-perfect western coastline. Visiting Norway in winter? Consider a week up north in Kirkenes or Tromsø in Norway’s arctic region to experience snowy adventures like dog sledding and an incredible chance of viewing the northern lights.

Want to experience the nostalgia of train travel in Norway? A round-trip Norway in a Nutshell® journey between Oslo and beautiful Bergen is a wonderful one-week option any time of year, taking you over winding mountain passes and alongside breathtaking fjords. Feel like sailing? Short cruises are also available year-round on the popular Hurtigruten or Havila coastal voyages, and many Nordic Visitor week-long tour packages include an overnight cruise combined with train or rental car itineraries.

Are you looking to spend more time in the fjords and coastal cities of Western Norway? We recommend 10 days or more, to enjoy a self-drive tour or a longer Norwegian cruise .

Nordic Visitor offers a wide range of tours in Norway that can be customised to your liking, such as with extra nights and optional activities added to your itinerary.

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Explore Norway in one week

For an incredible travel experience in Norway suited to your length of stay, we recommend these customisable tours below.

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Why not take more time to explore? If you have more than a week to spend in Norway, here are our top picks.

Highlights of Norway

Hurtigruten cruise, norwegian fjords & expert tour guide.

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Sweden, denmark & norway, classic norway, northern lights by train and cruise, tromsø, flåm & the fjords, 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 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 – accommodation, activities, rental car, train tickets, 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.

Christin, United States

Best of northern norway classic - 71° north cape, december 2023.

The tour was perfect and went smoothly the entire time. Communication from Nordic Visitor was timely and detailed. Would book with this tour company again.

Ian, United Kingdom

Norway road trip - complete, july 2023, memories we'll cherish forever.

We found Norway to be a fabulous country and enjoyed every minute of our trip. The scenery was fantastic, the places visited were brilliant and the people were incredibly friendly and helpful. The information pack provided by Nordic Visitor was invaluable, the route chosen for us was superb and the places we stayed in were great. Likewise, the excursions offered, especially the Rib Safari were fantastic and gave us memories we'll cherish forever. Lastly, but by no means least, Irja, our travel consultant, couldn't have been more helpful and I would like to extend a huge thank you to her for all that she did.

Anne-Mari, Finland

Best of northern norway classic - 71° north cape, february 2023, unforgettable in so many ways.

It was unforgettable in so many ways, highlights after highlights. We knew to expect a lot after our trip to Iceland a couple of years ago, also organised by Nordic Visitor. Our expectations were exceeded and more. We saw northern lights three times, the food everywhere was excellent, experienced dog sledding in the moonlight and sleeping in the SnowHotel, and we saw a white reindeer! How lucky we are to have experienced all that. We have now returned home, happy and full of awe.

James, Australia

Northern lights by train and cruise, october 2023, a great experience.

Very well-organised tour and a great experience. Nordic Visitor were very professional and their experience was evident in choosing the well-located and comfortable accommodation they selected for us. Best of all we got to see the northern lights!

Jonathan, United States

Norway fjord route by car - classic, june 2023, incredibly happy.

Our travel agent, Małgorzata, was amazing to work with! She was able to add a few extra days in Oslo and arranged transportation via train to Bergen. Overall, I thought booking this vacation online and making payments was seamless. All the hotels we stayed in were nice, clean and safe! We loved the breakfast buffets, they were top notch! Also, collecting our rental car and navigating in a foreign country was seamless. We are incredibly happy that our tour package that we received at our first hotel included a physical map that had our tour highlighted.

Costel, Romania

Northern lights norway classic, february 2023, i'll be recommending nordic visitor to my friends.

The trip was really amazing. We had an absolutely superb time in Tromsø; hotel and excursions were spot on. The guide and whole the staff was really professional. Professional photos taken by the guide were really fantastic. They gave us excellent care, more than what we have experienced on any trip. Our favourite experience was the snowmobile, but catamaran trip was great too. Certainly I will be recommending it to my friends. I was very pleased that those who delivered the services showed a lot of professionalism.

Violetta, United States

Best of the norwegian fjords – express, august 2023, very satisfied customer.

This was my second experience using Nordic Visitor. I am a very satisfied customer. A few years ago we did a self-drive tour of Iceland that was just amazing. This time we did a train/cruise combo tour of Norway. Once again, I can only say you will have a fantastic experience and you will appreciate the labuor of organising and planning being handled by experts who know what they are doing. The cruises through the fjords were beautiful as were the train trips. We loved the combination of train and boat travel as each offered distinct beauty from a different perspective. The country is truly lovely and we look forward to booking future travel with Nordic Visitor!

Dian, United States

Classic norway, may 2023, extraordinary.

Extraordinary! Everything went off as planned without a hitch. Our travel guide, Juliana, was exceptional, very responsive in answering our questions and providing updates.

Oi, Singapore

Norway in a nutshell® - classic, september 2022, very satisfied with nordic visitor.

We were very satisfied with the tour and overall experience with Nordic Visitor. The hotels were strategically chosen and the quality of hotels was satisfactory. The optional tours were also highly recommended. Timings of the schedules throughout the tour were ideal and not rushed.

Julie, United States

Wonders of the norwegian fjords, august 2023, best vacation we ever had.

Our family of 5 (3 adult children) loved our Norway fjord tour. We saw the most beautiful scenery and loved each hotel. The food was delicious. Something for everyone. Our guide Al and driver Chris kept things running smoothly. We will have memories to last a lifetime. Thank you Nordic Visitor. Best vacation we ever had!

Alan, United Kingdom

Norway in a nutshell® express - winter, march 2023, an excellent decision to book with nordic visitor.

Following research, we decided to book with Nordic Visitor. This was an excellent decision. The booking process was easy and informative and Hanna was always available for guidance. The accommodation provided was top class and, importantly, convenient to the train stations from which we travelled. Our tour was amazing throughout with stunning scenery and sights.

Gailmarie, United States

Highlights of norway, july 2022, the tour gives you a fabulous overview of norway.

The tour gives you a fabulous overview of Norway. We did a lot of travel in between sights but this enabled us to have a real breadth of experience, from fjords to mountain passes, railway adventures and small boats. Our tour guide was excellent and the sights and experiences outlined for us were top-notch. The materials provided about our tour were excellent and well thought out.

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

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2 Weeks in Norway: 2 Itineraries

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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

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.

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.

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.

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

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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Are you planning a trip for 2 weeks in Norway? This Norway road trip itinerary is for those who want to experience Norway in the best way!

2 weeks in Norway: the ultimate road trip

A comprehensive guide.

Norway is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and it's not for nothing that it has inspired hundreds of stories, legends, and sagas.

It's a large and diverse country, full of endless hiking trails, points of interest, and stunning landscape.

It's impossible to see everything that Norway offers in one trip.

Even if you travel to Norway for several months, which is impossible for most people (fate wanted - Norway is also one of the most expensive countries in the world).

Therefore, the first thing to do when planning a road trip to Norway is to choose the area you want to focus on depending on the amount of time you have to spend.

This Norway itinerary offers a comprehensive two-week road trip .

The Itinerary focuses on western fjords with tastings from eastern and southern Norway.

The Norway road trip starts in Oslo , passes through the fjord area, and returns to Oslo.

On this Norway road trip, I chose to look for the less crowded places , for example, instead of choosing to stay in a tourist town like Flam I chose to sleep in Aurlandsvangen, a small town that is close to Flam and no less impressive.

Also, this route passes by the small towns outside the tourist route like Urke and Oye. It's hard for me to understand how people miss these towns.

I met very few tourists in these towns, and I was able to connect with the amazing Norwegian nature perfectly.

You can start the road trip in Norway from other points (in Bergen, for example) and follow the recommendations accordingly.

On a trip to Norway, it is very worthwhile to maintain a certain amount of spontaneity . Let yourself randomly discover cute spots on the road and off the beaten path.

The Norway itinerary I have given here gives only the gist of things about the proposed route, In each of the places there is always much more to see and do, and it's always advisable to go into visitor centers to get more information about each one and find what suits you.

Remember that no matter how hard you try - you will not be able to see everything even in 2 weeks in Norway.

But no matter what you will see in Norway - for sure, it will be amazing!

In this Norway itinerary you will find:

*Amazing landscape

*Scenic routes

*Great Hiking Trails

*Beautiful Camping Spot

*Stunning Fjords

*Fascinating cities

Plan your road trip to Norway:

When to visit norway.

For the first trip to Norway, I recommend visiting Norway in the summer season . From late June to September.

I find it less pleasant to travel when so many businesses are closed in the winter, and some of the museums are also closed.

Some people like the feeling of disconnection but pay attention to it.

In addition, at the end of June, early summer, and late spring, So many of the high peaks are covered in snow and a lot of green in the eyes which creates a spectacular spectacle.

I visited Norway in June.

During mid-June-mid-July, the sun does not set, and you can enjoy 24 hours of daylight because of the midnight sun phenomenon that occurs during this period in Norway.

The view is spectacular every season. Yet it is worth knowing that the combination of the benefits of summer and the remnants of snow from the past season takes place in June-July.

How is Norway during summer?

Norway is a perfect paradise for addicts for hiking, mountaineering, and rough terrain hiking.

Mostly hiking is not easy, for long distances without access to a car, and in changeable weather. And we are talking about hikes and trails only in the summer season.

In the peak season of tourism and hiking, you will find all of Norway's campsites, hostels, and hotels packed with travelers. Also Caravans driving on all roads in Norway.

Nature reserves, hiking trails, and attractions are bustling with activity, inviting tourists.

Cruise and cruise ships moor in each fjord. Tourists shop, chat and have fun, take pictures, eat, and continue their journey to the next fjord.

In summer in Norway, you will find the shuttles active.

The ferries are accessible and active, the glacier hikes active and bustling, and lots of colorful and wonderful blooms celebrating in the nature reserve trails, mountains, and northern tundra.

Pay attention! All summer tourism celebrations in Norway end gradually, from 22-Aug (the date students return to schools in Norway), until the end of the summer tourism season on 15-Sep, or earlier - depending on the snow conditions in Norway that year.

In conclusion, the best trekking and hiking season in Norway is from late June-September 15th .

Immediately after the short summer, which takes place in July and August only - autumn arrives, and with it comes and begins the snow in the high mountains, temperatures land, the ground freezes, daylight shortens, and conditions become extreme.

Weather and equipment

While the winter in Norway is cold and frozen. In the summer, the possible temperature range is very wide and it can vary drastically.

On a 2 weeks in Norway, you will experience cold and rain (and even snow!) And a few days after a temperature of 30 degrees.

You should remember that even when it is hot in Norway - at night it is always pleasant or cool.

On a trip over a week in Norway, it is almost impossible to avoid the rain . The rain will probably reach you for at least part of the trip.

The Norwegian Meteorological Service website is excellent and regularly updated. It is a must-have item for travelers in Norway.

Necessary clothes for a trip to Norway

A summer trip to Norway requires all types of clothing - warm and cold, long and short.

Fleece is a must-have item. As well as at least one thermal shirt and warm socks.

Rainwear (raincoat or soft shell) is also an essential item.

A good and comfortable solution is detachable pants that can be used for hot and cold days.

Good Shoes are an item that is well worth investing in.

Norway is a destination for hiking and climbing , even if you do not plan to go hiking.

Sneakers will also ruin your legs and ruin themselves, or at the very least get very dirty. Invest in good walking shoes.

How to get around Norway?

The best way to travel around Norway is by car.

As mentioned, the Norway road trip I did was with a rental car, and I think this is the best way to travel around Norway , to reach all the little places in Norway and get lost among the roads in Norway that are some of the most beautiful in the world.

Car rental in Norway

The shorter your trip, the option of renting a car in another country (Sweden for example) becomes a waste of unnecessary time.

I always find great deals on car hire in Norway through Rentalcars.com .

I have had a good experience with this company for some time and through them, I ordered the car I rented in Norway for the whole road trip.

Examine carefully all the options available to you and remember one important guiding rule - time is also money .

‍ driving in Norway

In general, driving in Norway is quite comfortable and straightforward.

Most roads are in good to excellent condition - even roads that have steep ascents or descents - driving them is easy, as long as you drive slowly and carefully.

A few points about the roads in Norway:

*A large part of the driving roads in Norway, especially when moving away from the cities - are single-lane or two-way roads with limited visibility of vehicles coming from the other side.

*Sometimes you will find yourself stuck for long minutes after a slow vehicle with no possibility of overtaking or even find yourself as part of a convoy, accept it with understanding and patience , do not try to make dangerous detours.

*Many roads are very narrow - and still full of trucks or the most common vehicle in Norway - camper vans.

*You will encounter many situations where you will have to stop or slow down to let the vehicle on the other side pass. The keyword is patience.

Read More: How to Plan the ultimate Norway road trip

speed limit

The maximum driving speed in Norway is 110 kph , but on most roads in tourist areas, the speed limit is 60-80 kph .

Speed ​​cameras are mostly scattered on multi-lane roads near large cities (but not only).

Not sure how many are real and how many are fake cameras.

Many people go over the speed limit, and I have not seen a single police car on the whole trip, not even in Oslo.

Anyway, You need to act with discretion.

How to travel Norway on a budget?

Camping in norway:.

We bought a tent suitable for rain (with outer cover) a 3-4 seasons tent.

Sleeping bag - a sleeping bag suitable for 0 degrees in extreme cold and 5 degrees in the normal cold.

Sleeping pad - You can settle for a simple outdoor mattress if you travel to Norway in the summer.

It is recommended to bring mosquito repellent that has 20% or more of DEET because in Norway it's expensive.

Cook for yourself:

You don't need to eat outside in a restaurant every day in Norway, especially, because of the high prices. You can buy the groceries in the supermarket at reasonable prices and cook a meal for yourself .

It does not matter if you are cooking in a camping site or in the apartment where you staying.

For sure, this is a great way to travel in Norway on a budget.

For cooking, use a camping stove that is not located directly above the gas. I'm using the Kovea spider camping stove for 5 years, connects to the gas with a tube from the side, and stands on its legs like a spider. It's good for the wind.

We bought a small pot, a small frying pan, a set of sum, a good knife, a bowl, and spices.

Note that camping sites and Airbnb almost always have all the cooking equipment, so there is nothing to worry about and no need to bring too many dishes.

It's recommended to bring a thermos.

You can fill hot water in places like camping, Airbnb apartments, and even just a sink in the supermarket because the hot water there - is really hot.

The hot water can be used to cook easily, instead of trying to boil cold water.

The best apps for a trip to Norway:

YR app - Great for weather, especially within 24 hours ahead.

We used to know if it was worth sleeping outside or if it was worth doing hiking, etc.

Download: Appstore | Google play

UT.NO app - belongs to DNT (responsible for many trails and cabins).

Lists all the hiking trails and cabins of the organization in Norway.

Works with GPS and is very useful for navigating routes.

In addition, very useful for planning - you can see the length of the route, how much up / down there is in it, and the exact starting point.

Mattilbud app - shows specials that supermarkets have.

NorCamp app - Norway free camping map. mapping of camping sites in Norway, with photos and other characteristics of the place.

RuterBillett app - To travel by public transport in Oslo you need to use the app.

Download: Appstore | Google play ‍

How did I plan my trip to Norway?

This Norway road trip itinerary is based on the trip I made and the conclusions drawn during it.

I visited Norway in the summer in June, a circular Norway road trip from Oslo in a rented car.

This 2 week Norway itinerary also includes 3 of the most beautiful cities in Norway (Bergen, Stavanger, and Ålesund) and one-day hikes.

Most of the time I slept in my tent  in camping sites or in wild camping.

In the big cities like Bergen or Stavanger, I booked accommodations in advance.

My main guiding principle for building the Norway itinerary was to avoid driving too long in one day , partly because I am not interested in overloading in one day, and I always like to enjoy the road itself and make stops at beautiful spots along the way.

Travelers who share a car and have no problem driving over 3-4 hours a day - may consider faster progress.

Do not overload yourself! Leave plenty of space to enjoy the road itself, because every road in Norway is stunning and you will want to stop every 10 minutes to take pictures.

On my road trip to Norway, I chose to go to places that are not necessarily the most touristy. I wanted to experience the wild spots in Norway and the peaceful places.

You will find that the Norway road trip itinerary offered here is busy and far from allowing the extraction of everything - there may be places that you will have to give up due to shortness of time or weather conditions.

It's important to understand that the roads and driving in Norway are part of the trip , no less than the hiking trails or the various attractions because everything around is so beautiful. It's a shame not to enjoy the road.

Norway road trip itinerary: overview

Two weeks in Norway - the detailed itinerary

Day 0 - arrival in oslo.

Welcome to Norway - the land of the fjords!

Oslo has been the capital of Norway since 1814 and is home to the Norwegian Parliament and the Royal Family.

The city is located between the fjord of Oslo and thousands of dunams of forested mountains (Marka Forest). It's a green city in many ways.

The compact city center is accessible for walking or cycling and an efficient public transport system makes the city accessible even without a car.

The city center is small and can be exhausted in one day, which also means that if not everything is enough, it can be completed on the way back at the end of the trip.

Oslo highlights sites:

Oslo opera house - The building is located next to the harbor. Allows visitors to climb on the roof of the building and enjoy the view of Oslo and the fjord. The building itself has won design awards, hosts cultural performances in various fields, and offers guided tours .

Oslo Cathedral and Karl Johans Street - the main street in Oslo. Everything happens here. Shopping at luxury stores, festivals, and lots of vibrant nightlife.

The Royal Palace - The Royal Palace in Oslo is the official residence of the Norwegian royal family, and much ceremonial activity takes place here.

City Hall (Rådhuset) - is not an ordinary town hall. There are various art exhibitions here, a wall with beautiful paintings, and a spectacular view of the port of Oslo.

Akershus Fortress - The castle is located in the city center and was built in 1299 by King Håkon V. The fort stood under siege several times and served as the home of members of the royal family during the renaissance.

Akershus Castle is open all year round. In the summer, they have guided tours.

A little further from the city center but well worth a visit - the famous Vigelandsparken sculpture park - one of the most visited attractions in Norway with more than 200 bronze, granite, and iron sculptures.

Other attractions in Oslo: the Nobel Peace Center, the Munchmuseet, the Naturhistorisk museum, the Peanut Gardens, and the Viking Ship Museum.

Discover Oslo by guided tour

Rather than navigating by yourself, it can often be easier and more fun to join a tour.

You can join a walking tour or a bike tour that passes through the famous places in Oslo.

Where to stay in Oslo?

Oslo City Center Rooms - Located in Aker Brygge

I stayed there for one night, the perfect location, and the room was great.

After the flight and because it was my first day I preferred not to sleep in a tent so I booked this hotel in advance for one night and it was a good idea!

At to end of the day, we went to Angst bar .

A nice and cozy place to have a beer or a cocktail, a great atmosphere. Although the beer cost 10 euros! (Which is the average price of beer in Norway in bars) but it was worth it.

Day 1: Oslo - Suleskard

Distance: 320 km

Driving time: 5.5 hours

The first day of the road trip in Norway begins, and it is also perhaps the longest day in terms of driving.

This is a day whose main purpose is to divide the long road from Oslo to Stavanger.

I have been debating whether to drive it in one day all the way or partway.

I chose to drive to Stavanger in 2 days, and because of it, we got to see beautiful places along the way.

We knew we were planning to sleep and cook to ourselves along the road trip in Norway to save costs.

So we did some shopping before leaving Oslo at Rema 1000, the most affordable and cheap super.

It's better to do some shopping in the big cities like Oslo because both the prices are more favorable and there is a wider range of products.

We stocked up on everything we needed and started driving to Dalen.

Today highlights:

Heddal stave church - It's a 45-minute drive west of Oslo, near the town of Notodden. Heddal stave church considered the largest wooden church. Established in 1240.

Eidsborg Tjønn - A perfect place for a lunch break

We discovered this place on the way to Dalen, a pastoral and quiet place that is a must-stop or at least make a shortstop.

We were there all alone in infinite silence in the middle of the road, a perfect experience.

This is the beauty in Norway. There are so many beautiful places to stop .

I realized from the first day that you should enjoy the road itself and not necessarily the destination of that day.

Next stop: Dalen

Dalen is a small and beautiful village located in the heart of Telemark and surrounded by many mountains and nature.

To get an impression of the landscape and the village it's recommended to take a short walk to Rui Old farm .

To get to Rui, you have to climb up the steep valley side from the village Dalen.

The trail is challenging as you ascend over two hundred meters in one kilometer. However, your hard work is rewarded when you arrive at Rui and can enjoy the views and tranquility of the small, quaint farm.

After the walk, you will be impressed by the unique hotel in Dalen - A beautiful hotel that has made many Royal connections over its long history.

The historic hotel building is made of wood and painted mustard yellow and is somewhat reminiscent of a church of wooden boards.

The structure is one of the largest wooden structures in Norway.

Outside of the hotel, in the courtyard stand several vehicles that symbolize beautiful days in the history of the hotel, which was very popular among the upper class of Europe.

If you really want to upgrade your trip and have the money, you can book a night at the hotel and enjoy a special experience, if you are not staying at a hotel at least come and be impressed by it.

From Dalen, you will driving on a beautiful road to a tiny place in the middle of the road - Suleskard.

I spent the night at Suleskard Campground mountain center .

This is the only place there, a tiny place in the middle of nowhere and suitable for a night stop.

I like these hidden places along the way , places that are far from everything , with only a handful of tourists and people coming to these places. There's something special about that, in my opinion.

You can stay in one of the cabins or private rooms they offer.

We chose to do wild camping right next to the river.

We found a nice spot for camping and set up the tent for the night.

Day 2: Suleskard - kjerag Hike - Preikestolen Camping

distance: 37km

driving time: 1:10 hour + 1.5 hour ferry

Get up early in the morning because a wonderful day is waiting for you!

A spectacular drive during which you pass one of the most beautiful roads in Norway.

Lysefjord Norway road / Lysevegen road or fv500 is a Norway scenic road. The road is blocked in winter because of the huge amounts of snow that make it impossible to drive on it.

The road is only open during the summer and usually, the road is open for driving between May 20 and November 1 . The road reaches a height of 900 meters.

The mountain peaks on both sides of the road reach up to over 1000 meters, and you will almost always find them covered in snow.

This way, you get to one of the coolest attractions in Norway - Mount Kjerag .

Mount Kjerag rises to an altitude of 1084 meters above sea level and is the highest point in the Lysefjord in Norway. Here you can enjoy the spectacular view of the stuck rock Kjeragbolten and understand why the place is popular with mountain climbers and base jumpers.

Mount Kjerag is reached by a circular walk of 11 km for 5-7 hours (round trip).

The hike requires good physical fitness because the route includes a climb of 800 meters.

In some places, help with ropes is required, and climbing is considered demanding even among experienced climbers.

The hike starts in the parking lot at Øygardstøl. We recommend consulting a staff member there. For example, regarding the current weather conditions, the degree of the slipperiness of the trail, and more.

In any case, if you are unsure about the route or inexperienced, it is highly recommended to join a guided tour.

Once you have completed the hike you will drive towards the small town Lysebotn which is right on the edge of the fjord.

The drive to Lysebotn is a continuation of the winding and impressive road we came from (fv500). Which is a road that is in itself an amazing tourist attraction. 7.5 km containing 28 sharp turns .

You need to drive this road with special care, especially if it is raining and the road is wet.

The views on the way down are stunning until you reach the edge of the fjord and to Lysebotn.

It's very important to start this day early to make it to the ferry departing from Lysebotn at 15:30 towards the Preikestolen(Pulpit rock).

There are a few companies that make this cruise towards Lysebotn a few times a day.

Only 2-3 times a day the ferry leaves. So you should start the day early.

On this ferry, the number of vehicles is limited , and the ferry must be booked in advance .

Take into account the times you will have to get there by 15:30 of that day.

The ferry is a bit of an expensive if you are with a car but definitely an amazing experience .

When you get off the ferry, drive about 15 minutes to where you will stay today.

Where to stay near pulpit rock?

Preikestolen Camping - Camping close to the Pulpit rock to start the hike early in the morning.

This campsite is one of the most organized campsites I have ever been to.

They have A large area that is suitable for caravans and tents.

The Cost is 220 NOK for a car + tent or caravan.

As a rule for all the famous hikes in Norway - It's advisable to start early as possible.

Take the time to enjoy the way and the hike and avoid the congestion of tourists who start later, especially in a popular attraction like Pulpit Rock.

Day 3: Hiking Preikestolen & arrive to Stavanger

distance: 39km

driving time: 45 minutes

Get up early in the morning to see one of the most famous attractions in Norway .

The Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) is considered by many to be the highlight of the trip in Norway .

The hike is a 3-hour (an hour and a half in each direction) and at least an hour of staying on the cliff.

It's crowded with tourists , but not for nothing.

Pay attention : the hike is considered easy compared to Norway, but still is entirely an ascent that is sometimes steep.

The publications on the Norwegian sites may give a false impression that this is a super-light hike that suits everyone.

Anyone that has a problem with the leg or the back, takes this into account.

hiking pulpit rock

Preikestolen(Pulpit Rock) is one of the most spectacular cliffs in Norway and is considered one of the most popular tourist sites in the country. 

An amazing hike.

The hike itself starts from a dirt path that exits the road at the entrance of the resort village (there is a lot of signage in the place and there is no chance of getting confused).

The hike starts with a fairly steep and slippery ascent from the rain that falls quite often.

At the end of the ascent, you can see the amazing view of the fjord from which you ascend, we took advantage of the view for a coffee break.

The trail is very well marked. anyway, most of the time there are a lot of people walking on the trail so the chances of making a mistake are nil.

The trail continues to pass through lakes, forests, and surprises time and time again with the amazing view that unfolds from it.

Finally, after about 1.5-2 hours of hiking, you reach the Preikestolen cliff.

The way back is from the same trail/ascent up the mountain and down a trail that is connected after about 2 km to the trail.

Some tips for hiking the pulpit rock:

*The trip is one day hike, so there is no need to take a lot of equipment - water, some food, and coffee are enough.

*As mentioned, Start the hike early in the morning - fewer people, and the weather is usually better in the morning.

*The weather in Norway is changeable - you should check the forecast before arriving in the area. You can check in the yr app.

After the hike, drive to Stavanger.

The drive is about 35 minutes, so you can enjoy an almost full day in Stavanger.

What to do in Stavanger?

Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway.

The center of Stavanger is quite compact and from there you can access the variety of attractions quite easily.

Gamle Stavanger Gorway has a little less than 200 wooden houses, and they are considered to be the best preserved in Europe.

You can diversify your walk in the city at some of the city's many museums such as the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, the Stavanger Museum of Art, and the Norwegian Canning Museum.

The Old Stavanger is located on the western side of Vågen and has 173 18th-century wooden structures. Most of them are small, white cottages.

Stavanger has won several awards for its efforts to preserve the ancient part of the city, and the place is considered to be the most preserved in Europe.

Today Old Stavanger is a popular residential area with many galleries and boutique shops for handicrafts. This part of the city houses the Canning Museum and the Maritime Museum.

Guided tour walk in Stavanger

Stavanger has so much to see, and the most beautiful and best way is to discover the city on foot.

Join one of the offered guided tours (link to an organized tour) in the city center and enjoy the charm of the old town, the cobbled streets, and the small wooden houses.

The ups and downs in Stavanger will reveal to you the secrets of the city.

More than you can learn about the days of the herring canning industry and how the city developed over time and became the oil capital it is today.

On the tour, you will get to know some of the familiar symbols that have influenced the standard of living of today.

The tour passes through the Valberg Tower - which was formerly used as a guard tower, and the famous colorful street with cozy cafes and restaurants.

The walk continues to Market Square and the 12th-century Stavanger Cathedral.

Visit Solastranda beach

If you have sunny and clear weather, you could take advantage of the time in Stavanger after you have wandered around the city a bit, and visit one of the beaches that are near Stavanger - Solastranda beach.

Norway has so much to offer. Amazing roads and great hikes and also beautiful beaches, although the water temperature is very cold (It's still Norway) but in summer you can definitely enjoy the beautiful beaches of Norway.

Where to stay in Stavanger?

Stavanger Bed & Breakfast -  simple and cheap accommodation in a good location with a cozy living room and a balcony. 

The beautiful Verven 2A -  Beautiful apartment in a nice neighborhood just outside of the centrum.

Mosvangen Camping Stavanger -  Camping site next to a lake and near town (about 20 minutes walking).

Read More: 10 free things to do in Stavanger

Day 4:  Stavanger - Odda

Distance: 192 km

Travel time: 3:40 hours

Start the drive on e39 Road and then continue to e134 Road.

On the way to Odda, and in the town, there is plenty to see and do.

there are several beautiful waterfalls on the way, including -Låtefossen and Tjørnadalsfossen.

The recommended waterfall (a must-see) - is the huge Låtefossen.

For wooden church lovers - you can also pass by the Røldal stave church .

Both Odda itself and Tyssedal are beautiful villages where you can spend a few hours and have lunch.

You can find out about the visitor center in Odda and get several long or short routes in the area in the Folgefonna Nature Reserve.

Tip: Lilletopp - a beautiful viewpoint, the short hike starts from the lowest parking lot of Trolltunga (P1) in Tyssedal.

It's about an hour hike, but in fact, you can reach the starting point on foot from anywhere in the village.

Lilletopp is considered a light substitute for Trolltunga, is suitable for everyone, especially in the evening when the place is quiet and empty of tourists.

Highly recommended even if you plan to hike the Trolltunga.

From Odda, you can start one of the most beautiful hikes in Europe and perhaps among the most beautiful in the world - the Trolltunga hike .

I wanted to make the most of the hike to create the perfect experience. Therefore, I chose to hike the Trolltunga in a slightly different way.

Important information for the Trolltunga hike:

Usually, most people do the Trolltunga hike as a one-day hike.

Get up early in the morning and start the hike that takes 10-12 hours round trip.

I decided to split the hike into two days.

What does it mean?

Start hiking the Trolltunga at 2pm, set up a tent for the night, and camp near Trolltunga .

This way, we also spent more time in this beautiful place and also avoided the tourist load because once all the people finished the hike and came back, we had the Trolltunga to ourselves as much as we wanted.

It should be understood that when traveling in June and July , the big advantage is that there are light almost 24 hours a day!

So you can take advantage of this fact and go hiking even in the hours when we are not used to them like in the afternoon or evening.

In retrospect, it was the best decision I made, and I'm so happy about it.

For those who want to hike the Trolltunga in one day, stay overnight in Odda or Tyssedal, and the next morning start the hike as early as possible (6am).

Read more: The ultimate guide for hiking the Trolltunga ‍

Day 5: Hiking Trolltunga [one of the Norway best hikes]

For those who choose to do the hike in one day, try to start the hike as early as possible (not after 6 in the morning), so you can enjoy the way itself with less hustle, and bustle.

For those who prefer a guided tour, there are several options. There is also a guided tour to Trolltunga in two days, just like I did independently.

They take care of everything, food, tents, sleeping bags and you do not even have to carry anything.

It's highly recommended - for anyone who wants to experience the hike in the best way!

What is the Trolltunga hike?

"Trolltunga" is one of the most recognizable and iconic hikes Norway has to offer.

This is a long hike of a whole day - a very early departure in the morning, a challenging hike that is not suitable for everyone.

Most hikers start the route by parking at (P2 - Skjeggedal) - from there the hike is an 8-12 hours (round trip).

You can park there, but it is also better to take a bus because parking is very expensive.

For those who are interested, It's possible to shorten the time and save a significant part of the difficult ascent of the start by ordering another bus (more expensive).

From the lower parking lot (P2) to the upper parking lot (P3) at Mågelitopp.

Save you about an hour and a half to two hours from the hike.

All buses to Trolltunga are recommended to be booked in advance .

You will probably be tired and happy after you finish this beautiful hike, so come back to Odda for another night before continuing to one of the most beautiful cities in Europe - Bergen.

Day 6: Odda - Bergen

Distance: 193 km

Driving time: 3 hours

Drive from Odda to Husedalen Valley and Vøringfossen waterfall.

From there you can reach the waterfall trail in the Husedalen Valley.

This is an amazing one-way route in a valley along which are 4 waterfalls.

Most of the route is uphill (of course) but it is not too difficult and can be done back and forth at any stage if you feel tired or exhausted.

Some hikers settle for 2 waterfalls.

The second waterfall on the Nyastølfossen road is the most impressive to me, so you can be content with walking up to it, but it is definitely recommended to see them all.

The full hike takes 5-6 hours (round trip).

Before continuing to Bergen, it's recommended to make a stop in another spectacular waterfall - Vøringfossen.

From there you can drive to Bergen for 2 nights in the city.

Read more: The Complete Guide to Bergen

Day 7: Bergen

A full day in Bergen - the second-largest city in Norway.

Bergen City-center sites include Bryggen Pier and the Fish Market.

The most famous and popular viewpoint in Bergen is the Fløyen (arriving by bus or on foot).

From there you can also go hiking in the mountains that surround Bergen. The city has a number of interesting museums, good restaurants and is a major destination for attractions and sailing in the fjords.

Where to eat in Bergen?

Kafé Special - a place visited mainly by locals and students at the University of Bergen.

A wide variety of satisfying food and beers at relatively reasonable prices.

It is important to know that the weather in Bergen is expected to be gloomy and rainy (about 300 rainy days a year), although the sun's rays can sometimes be surprising.

Read more: How to Spend 2 Days in Bergen

Day 8: Bergen - Flåm - Aurlandsvangen

Distance: 175km

Driving time: 2:40 hrs

Drive in the morning from Bergen in the direction of Flåm.

On the way, you can stop at the shores of Lake Seimsvatnet - a beautiful spot for a coffee.

Everywhere in Norway, there is stunning scenery, and this is no exception! Beautiful lake - one of many! There's too much to see in this country that leaves you speechless. Perfect place to stop.

When you get to the area, there are options for sailing on the Nærøyfjorden from one of the villages (Gudvangen or Flåm).

One of the most popular attractions in the area is Norway in a nutshell (I didn't do it).

Tip: The village of Aurlandsvangen is the most beautiful in the area in my opinion.

There are far fewer tourists here than the busy Flåm. A quiet and stunning place located on the fjord.

You can also rent a kayak and paddle in the fjord.

You can go up to the Stegastein viewpoint (a road that goes up from Aurlandsvangen).

Close to Stegastein viewpoint hides a short and beautiful hike (Mt. Prest) that not many know about. I could not find much information about this hike.

The Mont Prest hike is a 1.5-2 hours.

The hike is not particularly difficult but has a stunning view overlooking Aurlandsvangen and the insane fjord.

a once in a lifetime view.

There is a great sense of accomplishment to reach the summit - a guest book will await you with the names of other hikers who have made the hike. You can write down your name and be a part of the people who made it.

Where to stay in Aurland?

As mentioned, I recommend not sleeping in the super touristy Flåm but whistling to stay in Aurlandsvangen, a small and charming village with a stunning and pastoral view.

Lunde Camping - I stayed to sleep in a super nice placeThere is a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and the flowing river.

The campsite offers accommodation cabins and places to camp with a tent or caravans.

Day 9: Aurland- Loen

distance: 206 km

driving time: 4:10 hrs

Drive from Aurland towards Lærdalsøyri via one of the most beautiful roads in Norway.

There are 2 ways to get from Aurland to Lærdalsøyri:

Lærdal Tunnel (e16 road)  - a road that is basically a long tunnel all the way, One of the biggest tunnels in Norway.

Admittedly it shortens the road but whoever chooses this road misses all the spectacular scenery in the area!

Aurlandsfjellet (The Snow Road) - It's a beautiful mountain pass with superb views. After seeing the fantastic Stegastein lookout, I recommend heading to this national tourist road if you drive to Loen, avoiding the Aurland tunnel.

The Aurlandsfjellet road, especially at the beginning of the road, is narrow and a bit winding.

If you start early, you have the advantage of not crossing by car or bus! with lovely views of distant lakes and glaciers. For sure, one of the most beautiful roads in Norway!

Read More: 8 most scenic routes in norway

After you have finished the scenic road and a little after Lærdalsøyri, take the ferry from Fodnes to Mannheller - and drive to Loen. Again, a beautiful Norway road.

Recommendation for a stop on the way: The village Fjærland - a beautiful and quiet village in a spectacular location.

The village has a section of books scattered throughout the village.

Arrive by yourself and understand (you have to continue inside to get to the village itself, aim for Mundal).

For those who are interested, at the entrance to the village, on the road - there is also the Glacier Museum. Also down the road, you can stop for a few minutes at the Bøyabreen Glacier.

The Loen area with the stunning Lake Lovatnet, the glaciers, and the triangle of settlements. Loen, Olden and Stryn are some of the most beautiful and possibilities-laden areas in Norway, so I spent two days in this area.

I have listed some of the recommended options for the next day - but they are relevant for two days and can be divided as needed.

Where to stay in Loen?

Helset Camping - A great campsite in a perfect location right on the shores of the beautiful Lovatnet Lake.

Day 10 - Loen area: Lodalen Valley & glaciers

Loen has several hiking trails.

One of the better-known hikes is Mount Skåla - the highest mountain next to a fjord in Norway.

The hike is suitable for those who are in good shape!

It's a one-way hike that takes around 8 hours (round trip) and provides the most impressive view of the area.

The hike starts from Tjugen in Loen.

Hiking Mount Skåla

We chose to hike Mount Skåla because of the challenging climb. The summit of Mount Skåla is at an altitude of 1800 meters.

This is the steepest and highest continuous climb in Norway. The highest peak in Norway rises to about 2500 meters.

However, The hike to it is not made with one continuous ascent.

While this is a modest peak in alpine terms. The prevailing conditions in Norway, the weather conditions like temperature, winds, snow - are equal to those found in much higher alpine peaks.

Very important: Check the weather in the yr app before hiking Mount Skåla. You want to hike on a clear day so you can enjoy the insane view at the top.

Several options for simple routes:

The most popular - is Mount Hoven . You can take the Loen Skylift .

There is a restaurant on the summit and several hikes that you can do from there. The cable car climbs 1,011 meters (3,317 ft) to the top of Mount Hoven.

Loen Skylift costs 450 NOK(roundtrip) for an adult.

Lake Lovatnet is one of the most beautiful lakes in Norway!

You can sail on it, fish in it, just relax on the beach or rent a bike.

There are also some trails around it. Some really easy and beautiful ones come out of a small parking lot just before the entrance to the toll road of the Kjenndalsbreen Glacier.

Even if you do not intend to do a particular route or attraction - a ride along the lake is spectacular.

It is also the central glacier area of ​​Jostedalsbreen National Park.

It is highly recommended to visit at least one of the glaciers - Briksdalsbre and Kjenndalsbreen.

Even if you do not want to climb a glacier, a visit is a must experience.

I was actually impressed by the slightly less touristy glacier - Kjenndalsbreen - (less of the glacier itself, more of its surroundings and location, surrounded by mountains and waterfalls from every direction).

The villages - Loen -Olden -Stryn - are all nice, beautiful, and good for rest and equipment.

Stryn - is the largest and has a selection of places to eat/drink/buy.

Day 11: Loen - Geiranger - Urke

distance: 140 km

driving time: 2.5 hrs + 1.5 hrs ferry

Start the morning by driving towards Geiranger - located on the most famous fjord in Norway and in the world!

The road itself is a very beautiful road. the main attraction is the Dalsnibba utsiktspunkt viewpoint - which overlooks the fjord from an altitude of 1500 meters. The drive involves a toll road.

On the way, there is the Flydalsjuvet viewpoint - which allows you to be photographed on a rock that is from a tongue against the background of the fjord (this is an alternative for the lazy people to the iconic image that can be photographed in Troltunga).

From there continue downhill to the village of Geiranger.

Before reaching the center of the village, you should aim for parking near the restaurant - Vesterås, from where there are several short and easy routes that provide views of the fjord.

Then continue to a clichéd tourist pastime that includes cafes, souvenir shops, and a tour up the waterfall trail (Fossevandring).

The village is also the starting point for a cruise in the fjord, which also allows viewing of the Seven Sisters Falls.

You can book cruises and attractions in the place, expect queues and a large crowd of visitors, this is a small village but not very quiet.

The best viewpoint on the fjord is the Ørnesvingen.

This point is naturally crowded with tourists, but can be avoided - there is a path above the lookout point that leads to an even better lookout and the Gjerdefossen waterfall.

Those looking for slightly longer walks in the fjord area can find a number of suggestions here.

I suggest not staying to sleep in Geiranger is crowded with tourists and especially groups who get there from the cruises, for me, it was too much.

In Norway no matter where you choose to be - everything is just amazing.

After the touristy Geiranger, it's recommended to get out of the worn area of ​​the tourists and visit the charming and non-touristy towns Urke and Oye.

To get there you can take a cruise on the famous fjord by ferry that will take you to Hellesylt.

The cruise lasts about an hour during which you will cross the most famous fjord in the world.

The cruise is expensive! But how many more times in your life have you sailed on a fjord in Norway in one of the most beautiful places in the world? think about it.

Even when I was traveling Norway on a budget I did not want to miss the sailing experience in this amazing fjord.

It is important to book tickets in advance for this ferries as it is very popular and intended for tourists.

When you get to Hellesylt there is a drive on an amazingly scenic road through the Sunnmøre Alps that will bring you to these towns.

As soon as you arrive you will feel how pristine and beautiful this area is, for some reason these places are not on the tourist route and for me that is a great fact.

Visiting the most beauitful towns in Sunnmørsalpene

Urke and Øye are two magical towns located in the Sunnmørsalpene (Sunnmøre Alps), and not far from the famous town Alesund.

These are places that are usually not on the tourist route and you will find more locals here than tourists.

Wherever you are in Norway, each place is more beautiful than the other and so are these towns.

Although these towns are tiny, there are lots of things to do.

They are located on the fjord that you can swim there, and there is even a jump into the fjord for the braves one. I jumped from there to the cold water of the fjord, and it was so cool and refreshing!

Urke is the larger of the two towns (relatively), and in Øye, you will find a well-kept and stunning luxury hotel for those who have the budget.

If you want to experience an area of ​​incredible beauty with far fewer tourists, you should spend a night in this magical place.

I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

The best hiking trail is a climb to Mt. Saksa - a steep and not easy climb to the top of the mountain - from which there is a spectacular view of the Alps and the fjords.

The route leaves the village of Urke and takes a total of (round trip) about 6 hours.

Where to stay?

Oye Hotel - If you are interested in a slightly more prestigious place and you have the right budget you can check out the hotel which is in Oye a particularly impressive hotel that is in the most pastoral place there is. Just an experience.

Urke camping - nice campsite in Urke with beutiful view over the fjord

Do a Wild camping!

I spent the night in wild camping at a very beautiful spot I found on the lakeshore .

There are so many beautiful places to wild camping in Norway.

Day 12: Urke - Alesund

distance: 57 km

driving time: 2.30 hrs

Drive from Urke to Stranda - A scenic road on the edge of the Alps (Sunnmørsalpene) that provides spectacular views and then take the ferry to Alesund via -Aure.

Those who are interested in a short walking trail - can aim for Brunstadsætra near the village of Velledalen.

This is a light and almost secret 45-minute hike to a nice viewpoint and lawns.

Visiting Alesund

Alesund - a place where spectacular architecture meets the views of the fjords.

Alesund has a turbulent Viking past, an abundance of juicy seafood, and breathtaking views.

Surrounded by turquoise fjords, the town of Alesund sits above a series of small islands with exceptional views of the archipelago and the Atlantic Ocean.

Behind the city rise steep mountains, highlighting the snow-capped mountain peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps.

Alesund could easily be the perfect backdrop for a Nordic fairy tale with a modern twist.

What to do in Alesund?

A walk around the beautiful city center is a must for anyone who comes to Alesund.

The best viewpoint over the city is Aksla. It can be reached on foot via the 418-step exit from the municipal park through other observation points (those interested can also drive to the observation point directly by car).

The most popular place for selfies is halfway to a glass-coated lookout point that looks like it is floating in the air.

The highest viewpoint offers panoramic views of the archipelago, and the alpine landscapes surrounding Sunnmørsalpene.

In addition, it's possible to reach the remote parts of the city along the coast, by visiting the neighboring islands (connected by tunnels and bridges) or by visiting the interesting museums of the city or the underwater observatory.

You will spend the night in the charming town - Alesund.

Where to stay in Alesund?

Aalesund City Apartment - Modern place in a perfect location. Great place to stay for a short or a long time.

Ålesund Downtown Loft - at the heart of the city. Rooms with shared bathroom.

Volsdalen Camping - quite camping site, 30 min walk from Alesund

Day 13: Alesund - Trollstigen - Åndalsnes

Distance: 138 km

Driving time: 2:45 hrs

Drive from Alesund towards Valldalen (do not go directly to the troll road because the navigation will lead you on the short road which is not the full troll road) - from there continue towards the Trollstigen Center.

You can walk a few minutes to the famous lookout point on the winding road up the mountain.

Those interested have a number of additional and longer routes that depart from the visitor center, including lakes in the area and higher vantage points.

For those who are really interested, you can also get off the trolls toad on foot.

For those who don't - continue down the road towards Åndalsnes (with a variety of stops along the way).

Åndalsnes is beautiful and surrounded by mountains. Stop at the visitor center (Norsk Tindesenter) to hear what is happening in the area and to get information about routes in the area and especially to get information and book a ticket for the bus for the next day's hike.

For those who do not intend to go on the hike and move on - you can see some of the alternatives offer that I will detail below.

Accommodation: Åndalsnes

Day 14: hiking Romsdalseggen Ridge

Romsdalseggen Ridge is without a doubt - one of the most beautiful hikes in Norway.

A bus must be booked in advance the day before, which will take you to the starting point.

The buses leave the visitor center - one at 8:30 and one at 9:30.

The hike is considered medium difficulty and takes around 8 hours.

Recommendation for a place to eat after the hike:

The Sødahlhuset café in Andalsens is one of the most successful and delicious places I have eaten in Norway.

Delicious and special dishes and very vegan friendly too.

The prices are not cheap at all, but after a grueling day of walking - you have honestly earned it.

The cafe is a 5-minute walk down the street from the endpoint of the hike.

Shortcuts: If you do not want to do the full hike, or if the weather does not allow you, you can climb from Åndalsnes to Rampestreken - A beautiful viewpoint point that is part of the hike

The one-way hike takes about an hour-and-a-half of a very steep ascent, but not a long one, and is very worthwhile.

Another trail that is considered a substitute is the Litlefjellet - A easy hike for everyone that lasts only an hour (round trip) and provides a beautiful view of the area through the trolls.

To get to the starting point of Litlefjellet, navigate at Google Maps to Vengedalen parking.

Day 15: Åndalsnes - Lillehammer - Redalen

distance: 290 km

Driving time: 4 hrs

On this day, we start the road back south towards Oslo.

Drive in the morning to Hjerkinn - a town located at the junction of 6 large nature reserves, the main one being - Dovrefjell - Sunndalsfjella.

The nature reserves cover a huge area and allow for many multi-day trips.

For shorter and easier trails it is worth getting to Kongsvoll (some of the routes leave from the car station and some leave on the other side of the road, near the hotel).

You can see a map of the routes here.

If you are lucky, you will meet musk ox that infest all reserves.

I was lucky and saw a number of musk ox, one lonely and big one that was really close to the entrance to the reserve and another whole family of musk ox, something like 5-6 of them in different sizes that were further away from me but still in a range that can be seen.

It was a tremendous experience to see these strange animals.

Beyond the musk ox, the reserve itself is stunning in its beauty and the feeling there as if you are in a different area, vast open spaces, and a different landscape than what I was used to seeing in the western fjords of ​​Norway.

Interesting fact: Musk ox became extinct in Norway and only in recent years were imported from Russia to reproduce there.

Another point for exiting the tracks is from the Snøhetta car park.

The ascent to the Snøhetta lookout point is moderate and very light and suitable for everyone.

From there you can also continue to other routes - including a route to the summit of Mount Snøhetta on a route that takes a total of around 7 hours (round trip) and is not particularly difficult.

The landscapes in the area are beautiful and special (very different from those in the fjords area).

In any case, do not miss at least one short route.

After visiting the Dovrefjell Nature Reserve and you may have seen the cool Musk ox, continue driving towards Lillehammer

Lillehammer has a large selection of places to eat and drink and is a good stop for a refreshing rest.

What else to see and do in Lillehammer?

The main attraction in Lillehammer is the Olympic Park and the ski jump of the Winter Olympics - Lysgårdsbakkene - can be reached by cable car for a fee or on foot for free.

The Lillehammer Kunstmuseum is very successful.

The main street - Storgata is a beautiful and pleasant street that is suitable to return to for a civic revision.

The Maihaugen Museum is the largest open-air museum outside Oslo and displays life in Norway at different times.

where to stay?

I didn't find anything special in Lillehammer.

For me, it was a bit boring so I did not stay to sleep there and chose to stay in Redalen about half an hour drive from Lillehammer, a lovely little place with a lakeside campsite.

Sveastranda Camping - Great campsite with a lot of space and beautiful view, right on the lakeside. one of the best camping sites I have stayed during my road trip in Norway.

Day 16: Redalen - Oslo

distance: 161 km

Driving time: 1:50 hrs

That's it, the last day of the Norway road trip has arrived.

A two-hour drive will take you to Oslo, returning the rental car and flying back home.

If you have time until your flight, you can walk around Oslo and see some of the things you did not get to see on the first day in Oslo.

Norway road trip itinerary: summary

Do you have more than two weeks in Norway? Excellent!

You can add the Jotunheimen national park and Besseggen ridge hike to your Norway itinerary.

Hiking Besseggen ridge

Besseggen ridge is one of the most popular hikes in Norway.

In good weather, this is not a very difficult hike compared to other routes in Norway (in my opinion).

The hike starts with an ascent that lasts 1.5-2 hrs and continues with a relatively straight and simple walk with 2 steep and difficult but short sections - and at the end of descent that if done carefully there is no reason to fear it.

However, in rainy weather, the hike becomes much more challenging due to the fact that it includes an ascent (and especially a descent) on smooth rocks near the abyss.

The hike starts from Gjendesheim cabin - from there take a ferry to Memurubu and walk all the way back (it is also possible to do a reverse route, but the ferries in the other direction are more limited, so it is not recommended).

The Besseggen ridge hike takes 6-8 hours.

Tip: Don't do the hike in the morning, go out at noon.

This way you will not have to book the boat in advance and you will enjoy fewer hikers.

Remember that the sun sets late and never darkens (during the summer)

Booking the boat in advance is recommended at the peak of the season on weekends and it is best to do it at the earliest the day before departure, after finding out that the weather is suitable.

Booking the boat is through the website only. The boat includes a transfer from the main parking lot to the Gjendesheim cabin.

The Jotunheimen national park has many options for additional and easier routes.

Planning to travel for 3 weeks in Norway? Even better!

You can use my Norway itinerary in the same way as it passes through the most beautiful places in Norway.  

With 3 weeks in Norway, you will be able to travel in a much more relaxed and fun way!

If you are traveling Norway on a budget and afraid that 3 weeks in Norway is a big expense, remember that if you do not pay for accommodation (wild camping in Norway is free) or pay a small amount (in tidy camping), buy groceries in the supermarket, cook your own food instead of eating out, you can save a lot of money!

The 3 week Norway itinerary will remain on the same skeleton and the same places but with much more freedom of action and will look like this:

Oslo (2 nights)

Dalen (1 night)

Stavanger (2 nights)

Odda (2 nights)

Bergen (2 nights)

Aurland (2 nights)

Loen (2 nights)

Urke & Oye: Sunnmøre Alps (2 nights)

Alesund (1 night)

Åndalsnes (1 night)

Dombås (1 night)

Jotunheimen National Park (1 night)

Lillehammer/Redalen (1 night)

14 important tips for Norway road trip

1/ Book flights as far in advance as possible! Saves a lot of money.

I booked my flights to Norway 6 months in advance and paid $40 for a flight instead of $250 if I had booked two weeks in advance.

2/ Cook for yourself! Restaurants in Norway are outrageously expensive! Bring from home a good frying pan, small pot, cooking utensils, and spices.

You can make amazing things from products at the supermarket!

3/ Norway has a law that says you can camp and set up a tent anywhere in the country as long as it is 150 meters away from a private area .

This fact therefore greatly reduces the cost of a trip to Norway .

I slept almost every night in a tent so I was able to afford to travel a month in Norway at a relatively cheap price in one of the most expensive countries in the world.

4/ REMA 1000. My home in Norway, has a strong WiFi source, relatively cheap toilets, and food.

5/ Must download a navigation app. I recommend the Maps Me app. There is also the OSMOND.

Both are free and do not require internet, You need to download the maps on wifi.

6/ Those who are interested in buying a SIM card in Norway in order to enable internet and calls, it can help with all sorts of dilemmas along the way and it is also relatively inexpensive.

You can do this in a lot of stores. Usually like kiosks.

Ask them about the details of the package you are looking for and they will be happy to help you.

Almost all Norwegians speak fluent English by the way so the matter of communication is very easy.

7/ If you choose to sleep in a tent, look for signs along the way that point to a viewpoint or painting of a tree and bench, where there is usually a good place to sleep and park the car and often also relatively clean chemical toilets.

8/ In Norway, there are tourist center branches in almost every city that always help and also provide WiFi and services.

Do not hesitate to use them. They are marked with the letter i.

9/ There are campsites and cabin sites that do not appear on the booking site and booking sites.

Find them on a Google map, on the "visit Norway" website, and contact us directly (possibly by email) so that they can reserve a place for you.

If you received an answer that the place is reserved for you, you can be sure that it can be trusted.

10/ Some supermarkets have a restaurant.

The menu is regular and includes a hamburger, fish & fries, or a bun with sausage.

Sometimes this is the only way to eat hot food without cooking and the price is reasonable.

11/ Hiking poles may help with walking routes. Come to Norway with good shoes that dry quickly, hold the footwell and absorb shocks.

Even if you are one of those who only walk on lite trails - there are sometimes muddy, slippery, or rocky trails.

12/ Norway's weather app - yr - is the best and you should download it to your phone.

I use yr on other trips as well.

And yet it happened that we were surprised by a heavier rain than expected or that I did not read the nuances in the specification of the forecast.

This domineering weather is part of the experience.

It happens that there are painful compromises because of him.

Every trip to Norway has an "important" day that the weather ruins.

According to traveler reports, this is happening to everyone.

Before trekking or before deciding to travel to another area, it is highly advisable to look at the weather and make sure it is reasonable, otherwise, a whole plan could be ruined.

13/ Although we traveled in a car and will probably travel that way if I will come back to Norway in the future (and will return for sure), it is worth considering the possibility of a trip in a campervan.

It is difficult to estimate the pace of the trip and the weather.

The advantage is a campervan allows flexibility and it gives you home even on rainy days when it is difficult to set up a tent or cook outside.

The difficulty is mainly in driving on narrow roads.

14/ During the winter, when some roads are closed to traffic , Google's maps are updated accordingly, making it difficult to estimate road distances and travel times.

For example, if you are taking advantage of winter to prepare for your summer trip, and want to check out the beautiful scenic routes, Google will only show you the highway , unless you fill in filters a date of summer , and then it will show you the roads that open in Norway during the summer.

Thanks for reading my Norway road trip itinerary!

It's been a long blog post, so if you've gotten this far, thank you so much for reading my Norway two week itinerary.

Hopefully, you enjoy this beautiful country, and this Norway travel guide will help you plan your trip in the best way!

My Travel Resources

Here are some websites I use whenever preparing for my next journey anywhere around the world.

• Book affordable flights on Skyscanner , a great website that show the best routes and flight deals to your destination.
• Find a budget-friendly deal on all sorts of accommodation types on Booking.com .
• Buy the most flexible and budget-friendly travel insurance at SafteyWing .
• Check the best tours in Norway to maximize your trip.

Read My Other Blogs:

How to plan the ultimate norway road trip

2 days in bergen norway

8 most scenic routes in norway

5 day barcelona itinerary: the perfect guide

3 Day Madrid Itinerary

how to spend weekend in Amsterdam

2 weeks in sicily: the perfect sicily road trip

how to spend 3 days in prague

scotland road trip Itinerary for 14 days

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Best Norway Itinerary: Most famous Norway hikes in a week 

This is the perfect 1-week Norway itinerary that includes the top 3 most famous Norway hikes – Kjerag, Pulpit Rock, and Trolltunga.

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I’ve hiked all the famous Norway hikes in a week, and you can do it too with this tried and tested one-week Norway itinerary. In this perfect Norway hiking itinerary, I will tell you everything you need to know for hiking Kjerag (Kjeragbolten), Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), and Trolltunga in just under a week in Norway. 

This was the second road trip I did around Norway. And I already had the experience of the first road trip , which was totally unplanned. Here’s everything you need to know before going on a road trip in Norway .

I like spontaneity, and I like the freedom to choose every morning how my day will go. Since I already have the blueprint for the perfect Norway hiking itinerary, do consider this gorgeous route when planning a trip to Norway.

But, as I learned the hard way (and the costly way, too) on the first 2-week road trip in Norway, you can’t mix spontaneity with hiking the world-famous hikes of Norway.

That’s why I made a point of going back the second time, and I had planned every day and every accommodation to ensure I wasn’t going to miss any of these places. 

You’ll probably say I am going to an extreme with it, but trust me, I am not. And since I worked for days to develop this perfect, tried, and tested Norway itinerary, I want to share it with you. It will save you lots of time and unpredictable events. And I will explain everything as we go.

Internet connection in Norway

Internet roaming might not always be the best option for you.

I just discovered the absolute best way to have internet, wherever I go (EU and non-EU).

I tried Airalo for the first time in 2023, and it works like magic. You install this app on your phone, get the data package you want, and then install the eSIM on your smartphone. You need a phone to support eSIMs. That’s it.

Then, you get to Norway, and you have internet with Airalo !! Don’t you just love technology?

What are Norway’s most famous hikes?

Norway has thousands of fjords and countless hiking trails. But thanks to social media, a few of them have become more popular than others, and people from all over the world visit Norway specifically for these hikes. 

The top most popular hikes in Norway are:

• Kjerag (Kjeragbolten)
• Pulpit rock (Preikestolen)
• Trolltunga 

The good news is that these are only moderate hikes (if the weather is nice and sunny), and almost everyone can do them. Hiking shoes are strongly recommended!! (please do not ignore this)

I have created this itinerary in this order because it is the best way, from a logistical point of view, if you are starting in Oslo. 

Some still want to know which Scandinavian country is the best to visit between Norway and Iceland. After spending also a month in Iceland , I have written the ultimate guide comparing Iceland and Norway .

The best Norway itinerary for doing the most famous Norway hikes in a week

For your Norway one-week itinerary, the first thing you need to worry about is transportation. 

This is a driving itinerary, and after driving in Norway for one month in total, I can say that driving is the best way to see Norway. I drove across Europe, from Romania to Scandinavia, and that was the best way to do it, to save money on renting a car in Norway. 

If you arrive in Norway by plane, check out here the best prices for car rentals in Norway .

You’ll soon find out that renting a car is one of the biggest expenses, followed by accommodation and gas. Assuming you have the budget all figured out, we will start our Norway itinerary for the most famous Norway hikes in Oslo. 

Oslo is the largest city in Norway, it’s also the capital city, and most people who fly in arrive in Oslo. 

I was driving from Sweden, and the first stop was in Oslo.

Driving in Norway: What you need to know

You may not realize just how huge Norway is and how gigantic are the driving distances between cities. 

And there’s often not much you can visit or do in between those cities. 

For instance, there are countless national parks in Norway that offer superb landscapes, but there are many options for accommodation. 

I would also strongly advise against driving after dark on steep and narrow roads on the side of the fjord (which are many of the roads I’ll recommend) because they are very dangerous. 

Also, some of these roads may be closed from October to April because they are in remote areas, and nobody comes to clean the snow. 

Another thing to remember is that what looks rather like a direct road on the map, might not be the same in real life.

Norway is a mountainous country full of steep, narrow, winding roads that often require you to take a ferry.

A lot of European roads are tied with ferries because it’s easier and cheaper that way. While Google Maps suggests only 5 hours on the road, it may take much longer.

There are also many road and ferry tolls that you will have to pay (the system is automatic and can’t be avoided). And if you are on a budget and want to make the most out of your trip, then planning is key. 

After two road trips in Norway, I can personally vouch for this Norway hiking itinerary. I tested this itinerary in September 2022 , and I have tested all the recommended places for accommodation. I also added some even better options for accommodations.  

Day 1: Oslo to Kristiansand

I spent the first day in Oslo, exploring the city, and I recommend you do the same if you have spare days. But you’re here for a road trip itinerary to take you to the most famous Norway hikes. 

Kristiansand is one of the Southernmost cities in Norway, on the coast. It may look counterintuitive to go in the opposite direction from the first hike in Norway on this itinerary. 

However, after many calculations and evaluations, I decided this was the best option. 

Spent the night at Citybox Lite Kristiansand , which is right in the city centre. The bright side is that you’ll have an afternoon to explore this beautiful city. 

Day 2: Kristiansand to Lysebotn

To reach Lysebotn, you’ll drive through a beautiful land, and you will probably want to stop for photos more than you realize. This long drive (230 km) will take you more than 4 hours if you count the stops too. 

I recommend taking your time and enjoying the landscape this road has to offer. 

Note that the starting point and the parking lot for hiking the Kjeragbolten are on top of the mountain, and you will pass by it on your way to Lysebotn. 

Lysebotn is a small summer settlement where you will find a camping site and also a small hotel. I stayed at Lysefjorden Tourist Cabin .

Note that they are open only during summer. In fact, the entire area is not accessible by car during winter. After you drive on these roads, you’ll understand why.

There is also a camping site next to it, but it was already closed in September. Make sure to make a reservation on their website because they get full weeks in advance during summer (this is the case with most camping cabins in Norway during summer).

Unless you choose to stay somewhere out on the mountain or at one of the few free cabins offered by the Norwegian state (yes, there is one on the way, but it’s not exactly by the road, and there is no running water or electricity), here’s an example – DNT Børsteinen , but it’s almost 1km away from the road.

These may be more suitable for multi-day hikers who choose to stay as much as possible in nature. But trust me. There is nature all around you. 

If you can make this drive fast enough to

Day 3: Kjeragbolten hike

The Kjerag hike in Norway is rated as a medium hike, but it might become very difficult if the weather turns bad. This was the case in September. The day before was sunny and lovely, and people were doing this hike in shorts. But the day I was doing the hike, it was about 9 degrees Celcius, windy and rainy. 

If you need more details about the hike, I recommend checking out the official Kjeragbolten hike page. 

Kjeragbolten hike in Norway:

• Start at the KJERAG Parking 300 NOK – https://goo.gl/maps/SNMxZSdxMPnr5G8p7  
• Parking costs 300 NOK for the entire day (approx 30 Euros)
• 800 m elevation
• 6 hours medium hiking time
• Find all the info here: https://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/fjord-norway/ryfylke/the-lysefjord-area/hiking-to-kjerag/

It was super hard to hike on the slippery rocks , and half of the others quit about halfway through.

I was lucky I started the hike at 9 am, a couple of hours before the storm hit.

However, I was shaking terribly by the end of it, and my body was about to collapse. I was cold, wet, and in great pain. When I got to this famous rock, I crawled on the Kjeragbolten. It was too rainy and windy to stand, and the rock seemed to be vibrating. 

I was happy I chose to spend two days at the Lysebotn cabin because I needed a hot shower and a bed to recover for the rest of the day. Also, by the time you finish your hike, it might be too late to go anywhere else. 

Day 4: Lysebotn to Preikestolen (Pulpit rock hike)

After recovering from the Kjerag hike in Norway, the best way to get to the next stop, which is the Pulpit Rock hike, is by ferry. 

You’ll have to wake up super early to catch the morning ferry from Lysebotn and enjoy the Lysefjord from another ferry. 

It’s important to know that this is a small ferry, and you will have to book it at least two weeks in advance to make sure you can get on it. Otherwise, you will have to drive around the mountain, which will take at least half of the day and will be much more expensive (considering the gas you’ll use). 

Book the ferry here https://www.kolumbus.no/en/  

I took the morning Lysebotn ferjekai at 7:10 am and got off at Forsand. This trip should take around 1 hour. From Forsand you can drive to Preikestolen – Upper parking . There is day parking, which is not expensive, but the parking gets full fast. That’s why I recommend getting there during the morning.

Pulpit Rock Hike in Norway:

• Check out all the details here https://preikestolen365.com/
• The hike is accessible all year long, considered an easy hike, but proper equipment is needed
• In summer, this is an easy hike
• The road hike will take around 4 hours

After the hike, I recommend staying at Preikestolen BaseCamp , to just relax and get warm.

You will feel even better relaxing here after the hike, especially if the weather turns bad, as it so often does. 

Another reason to stay at the Preiekstolen BaseCamp is that you have free parking.

Simply drive into the parking lot, turn left, and drive up to the front of the cabin, where you’ll find another small parking lot (note that there are not that many parking spots).

Even if you go on the hike first and check in later, nobody will ask any questions. At the end of your stay (the next day), ask the receptionist for a card to exit the parking lot. That’s all. 

Day 5: Preikestolen to Odda

After an early breakfast at the lovely Preikestolen BaseCamp, drive to Odda, the largest town close to the famous Trolltunga hike in Norway.

This is a half-day drive, but it is also really beautiful. 

I recommend staying two nights in Odda , one before the hike and another one after the hike. 

Hike to Buerbreen Glacier in Odda, Norway

When I arrived in the afternoon in Odda, I wanted to explore a bit more and decided to go on an easier hike, the Buerbreen glacier. This is supposed to be an easy hike, but I was lucky enough (sense the irony) to do it on a rainy day (as all the other hikes I’ve done in Norway). 

Because of the weather conditions, this 2-hour hike also turned into some sort of torture.

It looked easy, but it’s not. Don’t be fooled. Of course, if you are a professional athlete, it might not be as hard, but for normal people, it’s not easy . 

Depending on your budget, you can choose between a few accommodations in Odda. I choose to stay at Trolltunga Odda Apartments for two nights.

It was just perfect, as the apartment also had a washing machine to wash all our mountain clothes. It was one of the best places I stayed in during my road trips in Norway.

Day 6: Trolltunga hike

You cannot have a complete Norway trip without adding this ultra-famous hike to your itinerary.

Trolltunga is the longest one of the three hikes; it’s a 20-km round trip and will take more than half of the day. Many hikers spend two days on the trail, as there are many areas where camping is allowed (follow the signs). 

However, if you don’t want to camp there, you can do it in one day, but it will be exhausting, and I don’t recommend driving too much after this. 

There are three parking (P1, P2, and P3) available for Trolltunga. All three are reachable by normal cars, but if you have a trailer or a taller car, you can only drive up to P2. 

Each parking has different pricing. The cheapest one is P1, and P3 is the most expensive one. And the 20 km hike starts at P3. If you want to spend less on the parking, you can park lower, but it will take you much longer to finish the hike. There are also some shuttles between the parking, but they cost extra. 

Here you can find all the info needed for the parking – https://trolltunga.com/parking-and-transportation/parking/  

NOTE that you need to book your parking at P3 in advance and pay it online. 

Then you have to follow the instructions you’ll receive. 

You’ll have to pay for the P2 toll before driving up to P3. During summer, P3 is extremely popular, and you’ll need to book it in advance (although it’s crazy expensive!!).

I paid a total of 90 Euros (in September 2022) just to be able to drive up to P3 and start the hike from there. It seemed extreme at first, but my body was grateful I did that. 

After reaching Trolltunga, you can take it easier on the way back and enjoy the views. After you reach your car, you can drive back to Odda to relax and get a good night’s sleep. 

If you decide to continue your road trip, your next stop should be in the Bergen region, and the famous Flam and Nærøyfjord. Consider booking a cruise to reach the only two UNESCO fjords in Norway.

However, if you only have time for a 7-day Norway itinerary, then you should head back to Oslo the next day.

Check out my 10-day itinerary for Norway and continue with Bergen, the Atlantic road and Trondheim.

Day 7: Drive back to Oslo

On the last day of this best Norway itinerary for hiking the most famous trails in the country, you can make a few stops to admire nature. Another recommended stop is in Heddal.

The Heddal stave church is one of the few stave churches in Norway that still stand in almost perfect and original condition. Norway used to have thousands of those, but only about 20 still stand. 

From Heddal, you have about one more hour before you reach Oslo, the capital of Norway, and your starting point of the best Norway itinerary road trip.

If you are spending the night in Oslo, you can stay at the following locations:

HI Oslo Haraldsheim (budget accommodation, free parking)

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel (best location)

Clarion Hotel Oslo (best location, for the best price in Oslo)

There’s also quite a lot happening in Oslo, check out some of these activities.

Tips for hiking in Norway

I recommend going early in the morning, as soon as the parking opens.

Hike fast to be one of the first to reach Trolltunga and take your photos. Afterwards, it gets crowded, and you will have to wait a lot for a photo. This happens in all tourist spots in Norway. They form a queue for photos. Luckily, I had rainy weather during all my hikes, so that wasn’t an issue. 

Don’t forget to check out my complete list of travel tips for your first trip to Norway . These are all from personal experience as I have literally been on a 1-month road trip in Norway .

I hope this guide helps planning a trip to Norway, especially if you’re keen on hiking the most famous hikes in the country.

If you want to plan a longer road trip in Norway, consider also driving up to the North Cape, where I witnessed the most gorgeous Aurora (Northern Lights) show in Norway .

Iulia Vasile

Iulia is a travel expert, blogger, engineer, freelance copywriter, and a curiosity-driven personality. She sees travel as the ultimate tool for self-improvement and personal growth, and that's the main topic of her blog, Juliasomething.com.

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The Ultimate One Week West Norway Fjords Itinerary

Last Updated on March 1, 2024 by Natalia

Western Norway is home to some breathtaking scenery and some of the most beautiful fjords on the planet, and with this one week itinerary you can see some of the highlights in just 7 days. Covering West Norway, the itinerary takes you to some of the country’s most famous fjords, including Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord. Along the way you’ll pass towering mountains, wonderful waterfalls, quaint villages and much more! The West Norwegian Fjords are well-known for their stunning beauty, with both Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord having been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you’re hoping to see as much as you can in just 7 days, then this ultimate one week Norway Fjords itinerary is the perfect road trip for you!

Want more help booking and planning your Norway itinerary? Check out our custom travel itinerary service and get in touch with us so that we can help plan an amazing personalised itinerary just for you!

Table of Contents

Norway Self Drive Itinerary Information

This complete one week self-drive itinerary around Norway’s fjords is only possible during summer and parts of spring and autumn, as there are a number of road closures around the country over the winter.

The exact dates vary from year to year depending on the weather, but usually the roads around Geiranger are shut from around November to May.

If you would prefer to travel around Norway by public transport this itinerary is still possible, but travel times between stops will be longer and you may not take the most scenic route. Public transport costs can be relatively high, so we recommend renting a car to save money and give yourself more flexibility.

Roads in Norway are generally in good condition so you shouldn’t have any problems driving around this beautiful country. Click here for some useful information about driving in Norway.

Although this is set as a one week road trip Norway fjords itinerary, it’s possible to extend to 10 days or even 2 weeks if you want to take your time. The fjords are so beautiful so by allowing more time in each place you’ll have more chance to enjoy the fantastic scenery.

If you want to try and plan your Norway fjords trip to avoid cruise ships in each destination then click here to find the cruise ships schedule .

One Week Norway Fjords Itinerary

Bergen (days 1 and 2).

The first stop on your road trip Norway fjord itinerary is Bergen, the second largest city in the country. You can book direct flights to Bergen airport from a number of cities across Europe or alternatively fly to Oslo and take a connecting flight.

As this is a self drive fjord itinerary in West Norway, we recommend renting a car from Bergen airport. Renting a car means that you don’t have to rely on public transport and you have a lot more freedom to enjoy the magnificent scenery on your trip. As you will be flying in and out of Bergen it’s easiest to pick up and drop off your rental car there.

Although Norway can be a relatively expensive country, car rental prices are quite affordable. We recommend booking a car in advance through Tripadvisor, as they compare prices from a number of operators and you can then pick the best deal to suit the dates of your trip.

Click here to rent a car from Bergen airport on the Tripadvisor website!

Bergen airport is just 17 kilometres away from the city centre, so it’s an easy drive once you’ve picked up your car. The journey should only take around 20 minutes, at which point you can begin exploring this beautiful country!

Don’t forget to take a raincoat and/or umbrella with you though, as Bergen is one of the rainiest cities in the world!

Depending on what time you get into the city, you may have time to take the Bergen Funicular in the afternoon or evening. The funicular takes you from the city centre up to Mount Fløyen, which has magnificent views of the city and surrounding area.

If the weather seems relatively clear then we recommend taking the funicular as soon as you can. The weather can change quickly in Bergen, so it’s worth making sure you get to enjoy the views while it’s clear.

When we visited the weather was supposed to be better in the afternoon, but as it was clear in the morning we decided to take the funicular earlier. Fortunately we did, as the weather was only clear for around an hour before clouds rolled in and obstructed the view for the rest of the day. If it’s quite cloudy and rainy then it’s probably worth waiting until the next day to take the funicular.

There are a number of walking routes to enjoy at Mount Fløyen, but if you want to do these you may be better off waiting until the next day. With some luck you may even get to spot some mountain goats on your visit! Click here to find out more about the walking routes at Mount Fløyen!

Tickets for a return trip on the Bergen Funicular cost 180 NOK for adults and 85 NOK for children in 2024. If you’re visiting during the summer months it’s a good idea to buy your tickets online in advance as then you won’t have to queue to buy tickets when you’re actually there. Click here to buy your tickets for the Bergen Funicular on the Fløyen website!

How you spend your second day in Bergen and this one week Norway itinerary depends on whether you took the funicular on day one. If you didn’t get chance to do it then this should be a priority as it’s one of the best things to do in Bergen.

A lovely spot to visit when you get the chance is Bryggen, a historic district home to a series of colourful wooden buildings lined up along Vågen harbour. These buildings are the city’s most famous attraction and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After you’ve done that, take the time to wander through the small passageways between the buildings. These passages are home to galleries, cafes and small shops selling handicrafts, jewellery and more.

Other things to do include visiting the neighbourhood of Nordnes and Byparken – a pleasant public park around a 15-minute walk from Bryggen. Nordnes is home to more lovely wooden buildings. Many of these buildings are white, but there are also some colourful ones too if you wander around. Byparken, which translates as ‘city park’, is home to a small lake, so it’s a lovely place to walk if the weather is nice.

Unfortunately, as we’ve already mentioned, Bergen is one of the rainiest cities in the world. It’s quite likely that it will rain during your visit, so it’s best to assume at least some of the time you will need to take shelter. If you get lucky and have time to see more then here are some other things to do in Bergen.

Where to Stay in Bergen

Mid-Range – Clarion Hotel Bergen

Located in the picturesque Bryggen district, the wonderful Clarion Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Bergen. The hotel has comfortable rooms with good facilities, and to top it off its central location is great for exploring the city.

Click here to view the brilliant Clarion Hotel Bergen on Booking.com!

Treat Yourself! – Opus 16

Housed in a building dating back to 1876, the luxurious Opus 16 hotel is one of the best hotels in Bergen. The rooms are extremely comfortable, which makes them perfect for relaxing in after a day of exploring the city!

Centrally located just a few minutes walk from Bryggen, the hotel is a great base for discovering the city.

Click here to book a stay at the amazing Opus 16 Hotel on Booking.com!

Geiranger (Days 3 and 4)

Day 3 is the first day you undertake a long journey on this self drive itinerary in Western Norway where you start to see the fjords. It’s best to leave as early as possible to make sure you arrive in time for the afternoon ferry across Geirangerfjord.

Before you set off, it’s important to note that you actually want to drive to Hellesylt. From Hellesylt you can then take your car on the ferry to Geiranger – the second stop on your Norway fjord itinerary.

It should take around 6 hours to drive from Bergen to Hellesylt, but this involves taking a car ferry from Ytre Oppedal to Lavik around an hour and a half into the journey. At times these ferries run as often as every 20 minutes and so there’s no need to book in advance.

As long as you set off early you should have time to enjoy some of the beautiful scenery you pass as you drive. Ferries from Hellesylt to Geiranger generally only run from April to October, which is something to keep in mind when planning your trip.

Make sure you arrive to Hellesylt with enough time to explore the village briefly before your ferry. The main thing to see is the waterfall known as Hellesyltfossen, which can be viewed from the bridge near the ferry terminal. If you have the time you can go for a longer walk to the top of the waterfall and to Sunnylven Church afterwards.

The ferry between Hellesylt and Geiranger is one of the best ways to see Geirangerfjord – a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned as one of the best fjords in Norway and one of the most beautiful in the whole world! This trip is definitely a highlight of your one week in West Norway itinerary

Make sure to take advantage of the outside viewing deck for brilliant views of the fjord scenery, from towering mountains to numerous waterfalls – including the ‘the Suitor’ and the famous ‘ Seven Sisters Falls ‘. The journey lasts approximately one hour, but fortunately if it’s too cold there is an indoor seating area which also has nice views.

Start the next day with a visit to the Norwegian Fjord Centre, which gives you the chance to learn about the history of this incredible landscape and how it was formed. There are a number of exhibitions and interactive stations at the centre, including a cinema that shows how the fjord looks throughout the different seasons of the year.

Between May and September the Fjord Centre is open from 9am, but at other times of the year it doesn’t open until 10am. Entrance costs just 140 NOK for adults and 70 NOK for children. Find out more about the Norwegian Fjord Centre and what else there is to do in the area by reading our guide to the best things to do in Geiranger!

After you’ve learnt about how Geirangerfjord was formed, it’s time to get some amazing views of it from above. Make your way to Flydalsjuvet Rock Viewpoint, which is around a 10-minute drive from Geiranger village. From here you’ll be treated to some breathtaking views of Geiranger fjord which is one of our favourite views on this 7 day Western Norway itinerary.

The viewpoint is completely free to access and there is a car park nearby, so it’s easy to reach. You can walk to the viewpoint from the village, but it takes around 75-90 minutes to do so. It’s best to drive there though, as you will need your car for the next stop after the viewpoint.

By seeing the fjords from above you really do appreciate how amazing this scenery is and why we think spending one week in Western Norway is so special!

Approximately a 35-minute drive from Flydalsjuvet Rock Viewpoint is the incredible Geiranger Skywalk at Dalsnibba – one of the highlights of this week long Norway itinerary. Located 1,500 metres above sea level, the skywalk offers astonishing views of Geirangerfjord, as well as Blåbreen glacier and the surrounding areas.

If you’re hoping to get amazing views of the fjord, then the Geiranger Skywalk is simply unmissable. It gives you the chance to see Geirangerfjord from a different perspective thanks to the wonderful panoramic views.

The entrance fee to the skywalk is 330 NOK for a car, including up to 5 people in the price. It’s worth noting that due to the weather in the mountains that the Geiranger Skywalk is normally only open between May and October, as it’s at a high altitude please note that it’s not always open during these dates dependent on weather conditions. Tickets can be booked in advance on the official Skywalk website.

If you do not have your own transportation it’s possible to do a tour with Get Your Guide who visit the Geiranger Skywalk as well as a couple of other stunning viewpoints. Click here to book your tour of Geiranger Skywalk!

It can get incredibly cold this high up, even during the summer, so make sure to have some warm clothes with you.

If you plan to stay a bit longer in Geiranger, or even if you just find yourself with a bit of extra time, then there are a few optional extras to add to your itinerary. The first of these is the Storfossen waterfall walk from Geiranger village to the Fjord Centre, or vice versa.

If you’re looking for a more challenging hike then you should visit the Storseterfossen waterfall. The walk to this waterfall starts from Westeras Gard farm, also known as Vesterås farm, which is a short drive from Geiranger village.

Where to stay in Geiranger

Mid-Range – Lunheim Accommodation

If you’re looking for brilliant views of Geirangerfjord at an affordable price, then Lunheim Accommodation might be exactly what you’re looking for. Located on a farm above Geiranger village, the property has a terrace and garden for guests to enjoy.

Rooms at the property are comfortable and there are shared kitchen and barbecue facilities if you want to save money by cooking for yourself. On top of that, the owners are very friendly and will help with your stay in any way that they can.

Click here to arrange a stay at the great Lunheim Accommodation on Booking.com!

Treat Yourself! – Hotel Union Geiranger

The Hotel Union Geiranger is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a luxurious stay in the area. It’s a family run hotel with a range of brilliant facilities, including both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a sauna and hot tub.

Thanks to the hotel’s location you’re able to get some lovely views over both the village and Geirangerfjord. There’s also free parking at the property, which is perfect for this self-drive itinerary! 

Click here to book a stay at the fantastic Hotel Union Geiranger on Booking.com!

Flam (Days 5 and 6)

The next day will mainly be spent travelling from Geiranger to Flam by car as part of this self-drive 7 day West Norway fjord itinerary. If you want to take the scenic route then we recommend driving towards Lom on road RV 15 and then following the Norwegian Scenic Route Sognefjellet towards Gaupne.

From there you should make your way towards Lærdalsøyri, which involves taking a ferry from Mannhaller to Fodnes. Fortunately the ferry normally runs every 20 minutes, so you can just turn up and board relatively easily.

After you’ve taken the ferry, continue towards Lærdalsøyri. From there you have 2 options, either take the main E16 road straight to Flam or if you’re craving more scenery then take the Aurlandsfjellet Norwegian Scenic Route. Fortunately, Aurlandfjellet isn’t too far from Flam so if you want you can always come back to drive the scenic road the next day!

One of the best parts about taking the scenic route is the chance to visit the Stegastein viewing platform, which has breathtaking views of Aurlandsfjord. This viewing platform is around a half hour drive from Flam, so if you don’t want to drive the whole route then you can just visit for the views the next day.

The length of the drive really depends on how long you spend enjoying the scenery and which route you decide to take. Fortunately there is no need to reach Flam particularly early, as there isn’t really anything to do in the village until the next day! As a result, you can take your time on the drive and take whichever route suits you best.

The main reason for visiting the tiny village of Flam is the chance to take a scenic train journey on the Flam Railway. It’s been described as the most beautiful train ride in the world and passes through some of the country’s most incredible scenery, so it’s certainly worthy of a place on any one week Norway itinerary!

Although the journey only lasts approximately 1 hour one-way from Flam to Myrdal, the ever-changing views are beyond spectacular. As you ascend towards Myrdal you’ll be treated to amazing views of towering mountains, rushing waterfalls, a glacial river and more.

Better yet, you get to enjoy the views all over again as you need to return back to Flam once you’ve reached Myrdal. If you don’t want to take the train both ways then you have the option of hiking or biking back down to Flam.

We recommend booking tickets in advance so you don’t miss out for the dates of your visit. Find out where to book tickets and much more with our guide to the Flam Railway!

If you opt to do the return trip on the train then you may also have time to take a cruise along Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. It’s well worth adding this cruise to your itinerary as it allows you to see one of the narrowest fjords in both Norway and the world! As you’d expect, the scenery is outstanding and a highlight of our one week in Western Norway itinerary.

Cruises along Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord are run on environmentally friendly vessels, which take you from Flam to Gudvangen. Journeys take around two hours one-way, with return trips available either by taking another cruise or a 20-minute shuttle bus back to Flam. Tickets for the cruise can be booked on the Visit Flam website.

If you have more time and didn’t take the scenic Aurlandsfjellet route the day before then it’s well worth visiting for the wonderful Stegastein viewpoint. It provides one of the best views of Aurlandsfjord, so it’s definitely worth the drive if you have the time!

Where to stay in Flam

Mid-Range – Flam Marina

Offering brilliantly located apartments on the shore of the fjord, Flam Marina is one of the best properties in the area. Free parking is available on site, and everything you need is within walking distance of the property.

Both one bedroom and two bedrooms apartments are available to rent.

Click here to book a stay at Flam Marina on Booking.com!

Treat Yourself! – Flamsbrygga Hotel

The wonderful Flamsbrygga Hotel is one of the best accommodation options in Flam. Balconies at the hotel have some brilliant views thanks to the great location nearby to the shore of Aurlandsfjord.

Rooms at the property are comfortable to ensure a relaxing stay, and the Flam Railway station is just a few minutes walk away.

Click here to see the fantastic Flamsbrygga Hotel on Booking.com!

Bergen (Day 7)

On the final day of your one week Western Norway itinerary you need to make your way back to Bergen. If possible arrange a flight home for the evening so that you have time to drive back via the stunning Voringfossen waterfall in Eidfjord.

Driving directly from Flam to Bergen only takes around 2 and a half hours, but if you visit the waterfall it will add around 3 hours extra to the drive.

Adding 3 hours to your journey may sound like a lot of effort just to see one waterfall, but we can assure you that it’s more than worth it. Voringfossen is one of Norway’s most famous waterfalls due to its breathtaking natural beauty, so don’t miss the chance to see it with your own eyes and is so worth the inclusion on this one week Western Norway itinerary of the fjords!

It has a total height of 182 metres, with the longest single drop covering 163 metres, and an average width of 23 metres. There are a few different viewpoints opposite the waterfall to allow you to get the best possible views of Voringfossen as it sends water powering into the ravine below.

Thankfully, visiting Voringfossen is completely free, as free parking is provided near to the viewpoints. There is a small souvenir shop if you’re looking for any last minute gifts to take home and there are also free toilets near the car park. Although it does make it a much longer drive back to Bergen, in our opinion it’s completely worth it!

Once you’ve finished up at the waterfall, set off to Bergen airport and return your rental car before boarding your flight home. If you’d prefer you can always spend an extra night in Bergen before flying home to save having to worry about timings on the last day.

Alternatively, VRBO have some fantastic accommodation options if you want to rent a property instead of staying at a hotel during your 7 day West Norway fjord itinerary! Click here to see the amazing options on the VRBO website!

If you are looking for inspiration for your next trip then we recommend visiting North Iceland for the Northern Lights or a week in Montenegro.

Please note that some links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This money is used to support this website and cover the costs of keeping it online and free to access!

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The Best One Week Norway Winter Itinerary – From a Local!

April 1, 2021 by Silvia 16 Comments

Living in Tromsø I’m lucky to experience some of Norway’s most incredible winter views and northern lights every single day. But I also really love a good Norway road trip! And while I usually spend a few weeks on my road trips, I thought I could put together a one week Norway winter itinerary for people with less time. And of course I had to test out the Norway itinerary before publishing, and wow, what a trip. 

I’ve published about thirty Norway itineraries based on my travels around Norway over the past six years I’ve been living here, but this is probably my favorite Norway winter itinerary. 

Norway in winter is incredibly magical, and surprisingly not as cold as you might think, thanks to the Gulf Stream. I have a complete guide to the best time to visit Norway here, but if you’re interested in seeing the northern lights and snow covered landscapes then winter is an excellent choice. 

And if you’re interested in seeing the northern lights, I’ve also put together a full northern lights ebook covering absolutely everything you need to know about planning an epic northern lights trip, which you can purchase here . 

I spent seven days traveling up and down northern Norway and I have to say, I was impressed with how much ground I managed to cover in such a short space of time. Mountain hikes, coastal walks, sea eagles, horseback riding, reindeer, whales, and Northern Lights – it turns out you can experience a lot of Norway in just one week.

And if you’re wondering if you need to go all the way up to northern Norway instead of exploring around Oslo, if you want a chance of seeing the northern lights then you want to go north of the Arctic Circle. It’s quite rare to see the northern lights as far south as Oslo. So definitely head up north! 

I did this trip during the winter so I’m writing it as a winter itinerary, but this itinerary would be equally wonderful during other times of the year. In the spring and summer instead of the Northern Lights you would have a lot more daylight (and the midnight sun in the summer), you’d be able to go on more hikes, and it would be warmer for outdoor activities. And in the autumn you’d have Northern Lights but still more daylight and less snow. 

Table of Contents

Day 1: Bodø & Støtt

I flew into Bodø from Tromsø the night before, but you could also arrive in the morning or early afternoon of your official first day.

And the great thing about using Bodø as a starting point for your Norway trip is that both the airport and train station are right in the city center. So you could either fly in and walk straight into town or, my personal preference, get the train up to Bodø.

The train journey from Oslo is super long – as in about 17 hours with an hour stop in Trondheim – but it’s also a beautiful way to get to see Norway’s countryside. The last four hours before arriving in Bodø are the most beautiful, so try to be awake for that portion of the journey, when you’re going over the mountain. It’s even more beautiful than the drive, so this is definitely something to stare out the window for.

Like seriously, the famous train journey from Oslo to Bergen has nothing on this train ride when it comes to stunning scenery.  Trondheim has more international flights than Bodø, so you could also look at flying into Trondheim and getting the train up from there, as it’s the prettiest part of the journey anyway.

Do try to make some time to explore Bodø before getting the express boat in the evening. The boat terminal has lockers if you need to store your luggage. You can read more about things to in Bodø here , as well as in this post about my visit to Bodø last summer .

Bodø only has 50,000 people, which for some countries would make it a really small city, but actually it’s the second biggest cities in Northern Norway (Tromsø is the largest city in Northern Norway with just under 80,000 people lol). Plus it’s a student city, which means there’s always a lot going on.

Bodø has also grown a lot in recent years and now is one of the “it” places for young people to move, with lots of start ups and quirky restaurants and cafés, street art, concerts, and events. Plus the surrounding nature is seriously stunning – you will be amazed.

And then in the evening you’ll get the express boat to Støtt. The boat terminal is downtown, next to the Scandic Havet. When I did the journey my boat left at 16:15, but you can find the updated boat schedule for  Bodø  (Sentrumsterminalen båt) to  Støtt hurtigbåtkai (Meløy)  here .

You can reserve your ticket from Bodø online if you want, and then when you arrive at the boat terminal go to the desk and they’ll scan your ticket and give you a boarding pass (or you can simply buy your ticket there). On the way back to Bodø you buy your ticket on board.

Where to stay on Støtt

There’s only one place to stay at Støtt: Støtt Brygge. You can stay in one of their authentic rorbuer (fisherman cabins), or in a room or small apartment in the old bakery building. You can check all the accommodation options and prices here .

And I’m not even exagerrating when I say that Støtt Brygge is one of the loveliest places I’ve stayed in all of Norway. The history is amazing, and you’ll learn so much about Norwegian culture and history while staying here. And the views are  amazing .

Day 2: Støtt (Meløy)

To be honest, I would have loved to have had an extra day on Støtt. So if you have time to add another night to your Norway itinerary, consider doing so here.

Støtt itself is a small, quiet island, but there’s loads to do in the area. You can talk to Støtt Brygge about the activities you’d like to do when booking your accommodation. I know they offer arctic kayaking and watching for the Northern Lights in a lavvu tent, but they’ll also arrange other activities for you.

I went on a hike with Meløy Adventure, one of Støtt Brygge’s partners, and that allowed me to see a bit more of the Helgeland coast. You can read more about things to do in Støtt and the Meløy region here .

Day 3: Støtt to Lofoten

After breakfast and checking out from Støtt Brygge, get the 10 am boat to Bodø, which arrives in town at 11:30.

Then you can store your luggage in the lockers at the boat terminal if you like and spend a few hours in town, or you can just head straight to the airport. It’s about a ten minute walk uphill (I did it with a big suitcase with no problems).

And then you can catch the 5:20 pm flight from Bodø to Svolvær.

Once in Svolvær pick up a rental car at the airport. I rented mine through Avis, but you can compare prices on RentalCars.com . Just try to book as far in advance as possible, as rates usually do go up.

And then drive about ten minutes down the road to Svinøya Rorbuer .

You are going to  love it here. I stayed in a fisherman cabin right on the water and woke up to the most amazing mountain views.

The cabins have kitchens so you can either pick something up at a supermarket for dinner, or see if you can have dinner at their restaurant, Børsen Spiseri.

And then at 8:30 pm meet up with Lofoten Aktiv for some serious aurora chasing! You can book your tour here .

First accommodation on Lofoten

Tonight you’ll stay at Svinøya Rorbuer – you can check rates and availability here .

Day 4: Lofoten

Today is going to be packed, but so much fun.

You’ll start off the day with a sea eagle safari into Trollfjorden for some amazing views of Lofoten’s landscape, as well as a chance to watch eagles. To be honest I was most excited just to get to take a boat into Trollfjord, but actually seeing the sea eagles turned out to be a highlight of the entire week for me. You can book the trip here .

You can get a bit of a preview in this video from my boat trip:

The safari lasts about two hours. You can read more about my experience chasing the Northern Lights with Lofoten Aktiv and on the RIB safari here .

Then you’ll drive to Hov on Gimsøy, which is known as one of the best places in Lofoten to see the Northern Lights. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Svolvær to Hov.

You can have dinner here (either buy food at a supermarket in Svolvær to cook in your cabin or eat at their restaurant), and then go horseback riding under the Northern Lights! You can read more about my experience with the horses here .

Accommodation

You’ll spend the night at Lofoten Links Lodges , which are beautiful cabins right by the horse farm. Each cabin has big windows facing north so you’ll be in the perfect position to watch for the Northern Lights. You can book your accommodation here .

Day 5: Vesterålen

You have a bit of a drive today, but it’s a beautiful one.

First you’ll drive about two and a half hours up to Sortland to see the reindeer at Inga Sami Siida. You need to book this in advance here . Try to get there early so that you still have some daylight afterwards, as the drive up to Andenes is really beautiful. Take the scenic route via Bleik.

You can read more about my time on Vesterålen here .

Vesterålen is really special because it’s still fairly undiscovered, at least compared to the nearby Lofoten Islands. You can drive for an hour here without seeing any other cars, and the views really are stunning. Plus this is one of the best places in Norway to see the Northern Lights, and one of the only places in the area where you can hang out with reindeer.

Accommodation in Andenes

In Andenes I recommend staying at the Thon Hotel Andrikken, which you can book here .

Day 6: Vesterålen to Bodø

After breakfast drive down the road to Sea Safari Andenes, where you’ll start your whale watching tour! These do book up well in advance, so try to book your tour as soon as possible here .

And then after your whale safari it’s time to drive back down to Svolvær, return your rental car, and fly back to Bodø.

My flight was at 22:45, so I got dinner in Svolvær and then drove out along the coast to see my last glimpse of the Northern Lights for the trip.

Accommodation in Bodø

The Thon Hotel Nordlys is one of my favorite hotels in Norway, partly because of the views of Bodø’s harbor, but mostly because of their epic breakfast buffet. You can check rates and availability here .

Day 7: Bodø -> Home

If you can get an evening flight or train out of Bodø then you’ll have the day to explore more of Bodø!

On my last day I enjoyed the best breakfast of the trip at Thon Hotel Nordlys and then headed into town. In the afternoon I went for an arctic coastal walk with Stella Polaris , after which I warmed up with lunch at Berbusmel .

And then in the evening I caught the 5:30 pm train home to Mosjøen.

Optional Addition: Senja & Dyrøy

So I actually combined this trip with a trip farther north to meet up with my friends Catriona and Viv. They flew into Tromsø and then we spent two nights on Senja and two nights on Dyrøy. You can see our Senja itinerary here and our Dyrøy itinerary here .

Adding this onto your trip would increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, as more time in Norway means more chances of clear skies, plus you’d get to check off another Norway bucket list experience: husky sledding! And then depending on how you’re booking your flights, you could fly home directly from Tromsø.

What to pack for Norway in winter

And if you’re wondering what to pack for winter in Norway, you can find my full Norway winter packing guide here .

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February 1, 2019 at 3:51 pm

It sounds hectic but great! I think I’d especially like hunting for the Northern lights on horseback (if you don’t see any, you’ll still have had a unique experience!) and staying in one of those cabins where you can actually see the northern lights from your window 🙂

Silvia says

February 2, 2019 at 3:18 pm

That’s exactly what I thought! It’s always the best when the aurora hunting activities are fun in themselves, regardless of whether you see the lights or not.

February 3, 2019 at 6:06 pm

Hi Silvia, I’m interested in this partnership thing, could you maybe write a post how it works? Like, they contact u, u say yes and then what? They pay for your trip, everything? Do they let u choose where u wanna be or where you wanna stay? Do they plan EVERYTHING for you? Don’t get me wrong, it’s really interesting, it’s a shame that not much of bloggers/youtubers talk about it. I follow lots of ytb makeup influencers, but it’s always “i have sponsorship with this and that”, but never about how it really works. I recently bought tickets to Norway, I’m gonna spend three weeks in the north, so I really love posts like this, they always get me more and more ideas! Silv, did u ever spent some time on a trip, sleeping in tent? Or did u always stayed in hotels?

February 4, 2019 at 12:15 pm

That sounds like it will be a great trip! I’ve only done a trip with a tent once in Norway as I found it a bit too cold, but you can read about it here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/aurlandsfjellet-sognefjellet-bergen-road-trip/ And I’ve written more about how these partnerships work here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/blogging/make-money-travel-blog/

Thomas Johnson says

February 15, 2019 at 7:11 pm

Hey Silvia,

I visited Europe back in 2017 and have made it my mission (more like my promise) to visit Europe once a year moving forward. I recently took my dad in 2018 for his first trip across the Atlantic and now I am planning a trip with my mom (slightly jealous from last year’s father and son trip) for her very own first trip across the Atlantic, in which she wants to see Norway and the Scandinavian lands. I have had trouble trying to fit everything I want to see (Oslo, Bergen, Lofoten/Leknes, and Tromso) into the time frame we are working with. Now my mom isn’t the most athletic but she would die to get some high vantage viewpoints (easy hikes) as well as see all sorts of areas in Norway. Do you have any suggestions as to what to see with her? Can we indeed do Oslo, Bergen, Leknes, and Tromso in 10 days? Do you think that is way to much? etc…. The planned travel dates are June 20th, 2019 – June 30th, 2019.

Thanks, Tom

June 13, 2019 at 1:30 pm

Hi Silvia, Thanks for this! I’m planning a trip with my friend for winter and this is absolutely perfect. 🙂

Meggie says

August 20, 2019 at 7:49 pm

I’m planning a two week trip to Norway Sept 26-October 10 this year. I’ve been reading your posts about Autumn in Norway and different travel itineraries. I can’t tell you how excited we are. This was a last minute trip because we found amazing flights. My husband and I want to experience beautiful scenery, hiking, picking mushrooms and maybe a few cozy cafes! You have convinced me to focus on heading north for our trip from your blog posts, but I’m worried the time of year might be bad. I was set on heading to Lofoten until I read your post where your Norwegian friends “shook their heads” at you for mentioning fall in Lofoten. Which of your travel itineraries would you suggest for that time of year? We like to spend some time our time exploring, so I was thinking of lengthening a 7 day itinerary. I don’t like to feel like I can’t spot and enjoy myself because I’ve got to move into the next place. Thank you!

September 2, 2019 at 5:36 pm

Hm actually despite the unpredictable weather I would still go for Lofoten! It’s so much quieter in October. I think this entire itinerary would still be perfect. You’ll still have a chance to see the Northern Lights, but it will be lighter and warmer than when I did it in December!

Shruti says

August 26, 2019 at 10:47 am

Hi Silvia, I am Shruti. I am travelling from India to Norway for the 3rd and 4th week of october. I am so eager to going around norway after reading your blog. Its very Will I be able to drive around or will the weather be difficult to drive? As I come from a place where the winters are mild, I would like to know from you.

September 2, 2019 at 4:10 pm

I think you should be okay driving, depending on where you are. Most places don’t get much (or any) snow in October, except for the mountains.

September 3, 2019 at 2:33 pm

Thanks a lot for the help. I have decided on going to lofoten and andenes and driving around there.

Aayush Sheth says

October 31, 2021 at 2:18 pm

Hey Silvia, your blogs are super amazing!! Thank you for putting them together. Would you suggest me covering northern Norway in late November? Asking in terms of how harsh will the weather be and of course the chances to catch the northern light sightings. Thankss 🙂

November 6, 2021 at 9:16 pm

Late November is a great time for northern lights! It will be quite dark, but you will still get a few hours of daylight to see the sights.

December 13, 2022 at 11:38 pm

Hi Silvia, I am planning my trip right now for Feb 2023. I LOVE this 1 week winter trip idea. I’ve never been to Norway. I was thinking of flying in to Trondheim and doing your itinerary , and taking the train to Oslo, explore for a few days and then return home. I would love to see Tromso but this might be too much flying for us. I don’t mind trains, but too many flights can get ahhh. after many hours from to/from the US + one to Bodo, it could be too much. Am I missing out not adding Tromso?? Any suggestions?? Thank you so much for your time. Tara

Harshada says

August 7, 2023 at 7:51 pm

Your article and itinerary looks very interesting. We are planning to visit Norway in February 2024. Is this a good time of the year to see Aurora Borealis still? Any additional advice, suggestions, recommendations would be very much appreciated Thank you in advance for your time and writing back to us

Regards, Harshada

August 8, 2023 at 11:42 am

Yes, February is a perfect time for the northern lights!

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Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

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3 Weeks in Norway Itinerary

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 is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe in the Scandinavian Peninsula. It is bordered by Sweden to the East, Skagerrak Strait to the South, and Finland and Russia to the Northeast.

Norway is well-known for its fjords, the Northern Lights, Norwegian salmon, Vikings, and more. Plus, if you’re into hiking, it’s an exciting place. You can hike up mountains like Preikestolen for epic views of the fjords, which are these massive, beautiful waterways surrounded by cliffs.

Simply put, 3 weeks in Norway offers cultural and natural wonders to local and international tourists. It is filled with snow-capped mountain peaks and beaches where numerous adventurous activities await.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO NORWAY

Norway is one of my favourite places to visit because of how easy it is. For a country where English is not the main language, the locals and the government surely made it easy to get around. Here are some other travel information you should know:

When is the best time to go to Norway

The best time to visit Norway is during the summer, from June to August when the weather is warm and the days are long. Peak season is in these summer months, so expect more tourists and higher prices especially since this is also the time the locals are travelling domestically.

The rainy season varies by region, but it’s generally wetter in the autumn. Winter, from November to March, is cold and snowy, perfect for skiing.

The shoulder seasons, May and September, offer milder weather and fewer tourists, making them great times to visit if you prefer avoiding crowds. It’s still a bit cold during these months, but there are less tourists.

Are 3 weeks enough for Norway

20 days is not enough to see all of Norway, but i t’s plenty to explore its top sites such as Oslo, Bergen, and the Fjords, and do some hiking . It’s important that you plan to visit cities that are near one another or have easy access or transportation to save time.

What to pack

Even in summer, Norway can be cold at night, so plan to pack at least a lightweight jacket, sweater, or hoodie . If you’re visiting in summer, lightweight and breathable clothing is a good idea. But for spring, autumn, and spring, you want to plan to layer your clothes and bring a scarf and hat to stay warm.

It’s not cheap to buy winter jackets here, so you better bring your own to be comfortable.

How to get around

The best way to get around Norway depends on your priorities. Trains and buses are the most convenient for reaching major cities and offer scenic views. F or speed, domestic flights connect major cities quickly.

The most affordable option is often buses , followed by trains, especially with advance bookings. Car rental is a good idea for flexibility and exploring remote areas at your own pace, though it can be pricier due to rental fees and high fuel costs.

Consider your budget, destinations, and whether you value speed, convenience, or scenic routes to decide the best option for you.

Language and currency

The main language in Norway is Norwegian. Yes, tourists can easily get around using English, as it’s widely spoken throughout the country . Most Norwegians, especially in urban areas and tourist spots, speak English fluently.

Signs, menus, and information in tourist areas are often available in English as well. Communicating in English should pose no significant issues for visitors, making it convenient for English-speaking tourists to explore the country, interact with locals, and enjoy their travel experience in Norway.

The main currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK) . Tourists cannot usually pay with other major currencies like USD or EUR in most places. Card payments are widely accepted and preferred over cash in Norway, including in shops, restaurants, and public transport.

Many Norwegians live almost cashlessly, using cards or mobile payment apps for transactions . It’s advisable for tourists to use cards or mobile payments for convenience and to withdraw or exchange a small amount of cash for places that might not accept cards.

Average travel cost for Norway

Norway is an expensive destination, that’s a common fact. But it doesn’t mean you’ll have to shell out too much. With good planning, you can still travel on a budget and book everything in advance or plan your trip outside the peak season.

Here are some cost ranges for spending 3 weeks in Norway:

• Affordable: Budget travellers can expect to spend around $1,500 to $2,000 . This includes staying in hostels, using public transportation, eating at inexpensive places, and enjoying free activities.
• Mid-range : For a more comfortable experience with private accommodations, some restaurant meals, and domestic travel, the cost is about $3,000 to $5,000.
• Luxury : Luxury travellers looking for high-end hotels, fine dining, private tours, and exclusive experiences might spend upwards of $8,000 to $12,000 or more .

These estimates include accommodation, transportation, food, and activities but exclude international airfare. Prices in Norway can be high, so planning and budgeting according to your travel style is important.

Norway is actually not part of the EU, but it is a member of the Schengen State. It can be confusing since the Schengen Area is the most successful product of the EU. Anyway, this means that Norway implements the same visa policy as the EU.

For travellers with a passport from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and most places in America, you can enter and travel to Norway without a visa and stay for up to 90 days (or in the Schengen Area collectively).

Other nationalities must apply for the Schengen visa through the Norwegian Embassy or Consulate near you.

Other travel tips

Pinned map of must-see places in norway.

Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google

TRIP COST CALCULATOR

Trip cost calculator, 3 weeks in itinerary.

Aside from the rugged coastline and mountains, Norway has numerous expansive museums. With everything it offers, staying in Norway for at least 20 days is ideal.

There are also a couple of fjords spread out all over the country , so if you can’t visit one in a specific location, you could do so on your next destination as long as you get to the coast.

This is an overall slow travel itinerary, so the modes of transport depend on your preference. You can rent a car if you prefer privacy and flexibility regarding travel times. There are also tons of public transport available here for those who prefer less expensive options, including buses, trains, tramways, and ferries.

On the other hand, maybe you want to spend 3 weeks in Scandinavia instead which covers Norway, Denmark and Sweden in one trip.

Oslo for 5 days

Oslo is the capital and the most populous city in Norway. It is classified as both a county and a municipality.

This city is well-known for its modern design, architecture, fjords, and forest landscapes, so this place perfectly balances nature and a scenic city vibe. Aside from that, Oslo is said to be the birthplace of modern skiing, specifically in Morgedal.

It is the perfect place to start your trip because its airport accommodates domestic and international flights. There are also tons of car rental shops here for those who prefer to use cars as modes of transportation.

Aside from multiple must-see places here, they also have day tours to Hadeland Glassverk, Kistefos Museum and Sculpture Park, Edisvoll, and more.

Things to do in Oslo

• The Royal Palace
• Grunerlokka
• Norwegian Mining Museum
• Holmenkollen Ski Jump
• Heddal Stave Church
• The Oslofjord
• The Opera House
• Akershus Fortress

Accommodations in Oslo

Stavanger for 3 days (Pulpit Rock)

Stavanger is the third-largest city and third-largest metropolitan area in Norway. I recommend staying here for at least 3 days for those waiting for three weeks in Norway. Stavanger is known for having the most extensive collection of wooden houses in Northern Europe, found in the old town of Gamle.

Aside from that, Stavanger is also a bus ride away from Preikestolen and Kjeragbolten, which are both natural wonders that can be hiked in a day. It also houses Solastranden, named one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

The distance between Oslo and Stavanger is 547.7 km . To reach Stavanger in record time, you must ride the train to Oslo Lufthavn Stasjon, fly, and then ride the bus from Sola to Stavanger.

The travel time for this is 3 hours. Other options include riding the bus, which has a travel time of 8 hours, riding the train, night train, or driving.

Things to do in Stavanger

• Petroleum Museum
• Stavanger Museum of Natural History 
• Norwegian Printing Museum
• Over Holmegate
• Annual NuArt Festival
• Gladmat food festival
• Fjord Cruise

Accommodations in Stavanger

Bergen and floyen for 4 days (fjords).

You cannot plan 3 weeks in Norway vacation without visiting Bergen. It’s is a city and municipality in Vestland County on the West coast of Norway. It is also known as the city of seven mountains because it is surrounded by mountains.

It is considered one of the UNESCO sites in the country and is known to be home to some of the world-renowned classical composers, including Ole Bull and Edvard Kreig. It is also well-known for its nightlife and being a gateway to the fjords, plus the traditional colourful houses.

Floyen is one of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen and is perfect for hiking and checking out the panoramic views. They offer walking tours with various duration and hardship levels and bicycle rentals. They also have a climbing park and zipline.

The distance between Stavanger and Bergen is 207.5 km. There are numerous ways to get to Bergen if you’re coming from Stavanger. The fastest is by flying, which has a travel time of 40 minutes. Other options include riding the Fjord Line ferry, taking a bus, or driving.

Things to do in Bergen and Floyen

• Day trip to the famous Trolltunga
• Hanseatic Museum
• Mount Floyen trail hike
• Kode Museums
• Bergenhus Fortress
• Vilvite and the Aquarium
• Canoe paddling

Accommodations in Bergen and Floyen

Alesund for 3 days (fjords).

Alesund is the 13th most populous city in Norway. It is known for its concentration on Art Noveau architecture. It is also surrounded by a diverse and magical landscape that makes Alesund look like a city straight from a postcard. It is considered to be the most beautiful fjord city.

Aside from its incredible scenery, Alesund offers numerous activities such as kayaking, Hiking, SUP boarding, or e-bike city tours. With all these things and more, I suggest you stay for at least 3 days in Alesund if you spend 3 weeks in Norway.

The distance between Bergen and Alesund is 421.8km and has a driving time of more than 7 hours. Other options include riding the bus or the ferry. The fastest option would be to fly, with a travel duration of almost 4 hours.

Things to do in Alesund

• Atlantic Sea Park
• Alesund Museum
• Alnes Lighthouse
• Hike up Slogen
• Boat trip to Hjorundfjord
• Go kayaking
• Ski touring
• Art Nouveau Center

Accommodations in Alesund

Tromso for 5 days (fjords).

Tromso is the 12th largest municipality in Norway. It houses the world’s northernmost planetarium, university, and botanical garden. It is well-known for its magnificent ice domes and fjords and is known to be among the best locations to witness the Northern Lights.

There is an annual Northern Lights festival here, and one of the cruise lines offers an aurora supper cruise.

Aside from that, Tromso is also where you’ll experience the midnight sun and polar night phenomenon. With all of that being said, Tromso is indeed an otherworldly place.

Alesund is quite far from Tromso, with a distance of 1,423.9 km, so I recommend flying to reach Tromso faster. The travel time for this is more than 5 hours, and tickets cost anywhere between $113 to $330. Other modes of transportation are riding the bus and then train, riding the ferry, or driving, but all of these have more than 24-hour travel durations.

Things to do in Tromso

• Polaria, the northernmost aquarium
• Fjellheisen cable car
• See the northern lights
• Whale-watching fjord tour
• Reindeer sledding
• Tromso Ice Domes
• The Polar Museum
• Snowshoeing

Accommodations in Tromso

BONUS: Svalbard

If you’re up for more, you can go to Svalbard. It is a Norwegian Archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. It is a separate island and must-visit because you can see polar bears here, bird species are abundant, they offer exclusive wildlife tours, and you can also visit the northernmost brewery, Svalbard Bryggeri.

There are also tons of activities to do here, like going on a safari, exploring ice caves, snowmobile tours, dog sledging, visiting the Global Seed Vault, exploring ice caves, and more.

If you go here, you can skip Alesund and spend fewer days in Oslo and Tromso.

MUST-TRY NORWEGIAN DISHES AND DRINKS

If you have travelled to other Scandinavian or Nordic countries, the food in these places is quite similar, although each of them has its own versions. Here’s a quick list of dishes and drinks to try from Norway:

• Rakfisk – Fermented fish, often trout or char, served with flatbread and sour cream.
• Fårikål – Mutton and cabbage stew, seasoned with whole black pepper and often served with potatoes.
• Kjøttkaker – Norwegian meatballs, usually served with gravy, potatoes, and lingonberry jam.
• Lutefisk – Dried whitefish (usually cod, but ling and haddock are also used) rehydrated and cooked with lye, often served with peas and bacon.
• Rømmegrøt – Sour cream porridge, a rich and tangy dish, often served with sugar, cinnamon, and butter.
• Pinnekjøtt – Dried and salted lamb ribs, rehydrated and steamed, served as a traditional Christmas dinner.
• Smalahove – Smoked sheep’s head, traditionally eaten before Christmas.
• Brunost – Brown cheese, a sweet, caramel-like cheese made from the whey of goat’s milk.
• Krumkake – Thin, rolled cake similar to a waffle, filled with whipped cream or other fillings.
• Risgrøt – Rice porridge, often served with sugar, cinnamon, and butter, and sometimes served as a Christmas dessert.
• Multekrem – Dessert made of cloudberries and whipped cream, sweet and tangy.
• Akevitt (Aquavit) – A distilled spirit that is often flavoured with herbs such as caraway seeds; it’s a traditional Norwegian spirit.
• Kaffe – Norwegians love their coffee, often enjoy black, and it’s an integral part of daily life.
• Mjød (Mead) – An ancient drink made from fermented honey, experiencing a resurgence in popularity in Norway.

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN NORWAY

Norway is a nature lover’s haven through and through, with its fjords, mountains, and quaint fishing villages. However, that’s not all there is in Norway.

It has numerous trendy cities and well-preserved cultural heritage, and of course, let’s not forget the countless snow-related activities, festivals for those who prefer adrenaline-filled activities and the hustle and bustle of crowds.

Whatever your preferences are, you can experience them in this country. That’s why I highly advise staying for at least 3 weeks in Norway because it has so much to offer.

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Norway Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Weeks in Norway

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Are you planning to spend two weeks in Norway? Are you finding it difficult to craft a perfect Norway itinerary that lets you explore the best of Norway in 2 weeks? Well, we feel you. Norway is an incredibly beautiful country with so much to see and do that anyone would be overwhelmed while planning a trip to Norway. Here, we share our detailed 2 weeks in Norway itinerary that includes the famous fjords, scenic routes, charming towns, and beautiful hikes – a little bit of everything that this pretty Scandinavian country has to offer.

Read More: 7 Days in Norway Itinerary

Planning the Norway Trip Itinerary

Planning an itinerary for Norway needs ample time and thorough research. Norway is huge. It’s practically impossible to cover everything in just 2 weeks. So, you must understand your travel goals.

What do you expect to experience during your 14 days in Norway and plan an itinerary accordingly?

Don’t try to squeeze too much into your schedule that you don’t get time to embrace the unique beauty this country holds.

Our Norway Itinerary for 14 days uses different modes of transportation to save time. We traveled from Oslo to Stavanger and Stavanger to Bergen by air and then rented a car in Bergen to cover the rest of Norway.

You must know that if you drop a car at a different location, you pay extra (almost double the amount). So, you have the option to transform this itinerary into a complete Norway road trip itinerary i.e. pick up and drop a car in Oslo. But, factor in extra time so you don’t rush through the country.

Also, another thing to note is that you should plan to visit Norway during the summer months of June, July, and August to avoid road closures .

2 Week Norway Itinerary in a Nutshell

Norway travel itinerary map.

Here’s a map that lists the places and attractions you can possibly explore on your 2 weeks trip to Norway. You can make minor tweaks based on the suggestions given by us.

Best Norway Itinerary: Explore the Best of Norway in Two Weeks

This Norway itinerary starts and ends in Oslo, the vibrant capital of Norway. Why did I choose Oslo as a starting point?

Serving as an international travel hub, Oslo is a perfect place to start your Norwegian exploration.

Well, I’ve seen itineraries that start in Stavanger or Bergen and completely skip Oslo.

First off, how can you visit Norway and not explore its fascinating capital?

I understand that travelers visit Norway to witness the world-famous Norwegian fjords but Oslo, being the biggest city and the capital of Norway can be the best introduction to Norway and deserves your time and attention especially if you are a first-time visitor.

Another reason for choosing Oslo as a starting point for this itinerary is that there are fewer chances to get a direct flight to Stavanger and Bergen no matter where you are coming from (USA, India, UK, or Canada).

Most of the flights to Stavanger or Bergen have a layover in Oslo. However, you are sure to get a direct flight to Oslo from your home destination. It saves a lot of time and hassle.

Related Read: Train Journey from Oslo to Bergen

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo | Explore Oslo

Perched on Norway’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord, Oslo is well-known for its lush green spaces and unique museums.

It’s understandable if you want to rest after a long flight. Or you might want to freshen up and stroll around your hotel to get familiar with the city. You’ll get an edge if you book a hotel in the city center.

There are many amazing accommodation options in Oslo City Center . We recommend the Karl Johan Hotel and Grand Hotel for their perfect location, beautiful interiors, great service, and amazing food.

Essential Reading: Where to Stay in Oslo

Day 2: Explore Oslo

Kick off your day with a guided walking tour of Oslo . One of the best ways to discover the gems of the Norwegian capital, a walking tour is ideal for those who are visiting Oslo for the first time or who are short on time.

The tour takes you through the major attractions located downtown – Oslo City Hall , Karl Johan Gate , University of Oslo , Royal Palace and the Park , Stortinget (the Parliament Building), National Theater , Nobel Peace Center , Aker Brygge , and more.

Once done with the walking tour, take a cruise on Oslofjord .

Get down at Bygdøy Peninsula and visit one of the many amazing museums on the peninsula – Kon-Tiki Museum, Fram Museum, Viking Ship Museum,  and  the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History .

The museums can also be explored as a part of the Oslo city tour , especially for first-timers.

Take some time to visit the Oslo Opera House even if you’re not much into opera because the building is a piece of art, inside out.

Explore the largest sculpture park (there are about 212 fascinating sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland ) in the world, Vigeland Sculpture Park (located in Frogner Park ) in the evening.

Suggested Reading: Best Places to Visit in Oslo with Kids

Day 3: Oslo to Stavanger via flight | Explore Stavanger

It’s time to board a flight to one of the oldest cities in Norway, Stavanger. Take an early morning flight so you can have an entire day to explore Stavanger.

Stavanger Airport (SVG) is about 14.6 km (9 miles) from the city center. The Airport Express Coach by Flybussen is the best (fastest and cheapest) way to reach the center of Stavanger from the airport.

A bus runs every 15 to 20 minutes to and from the airport and takes 25 minutes to the city center and 30 minutes to the port. The ticket prices are a bit cheaper online than on the bus.

It’s a super charming town with narrow streets lined with medieval white wooden houses.

It’s quaint and beautiful and offers a lot to see and do – from unique museums to mind-boggling street art (you can join an art walk to discover the artworks) to historical landmarks to colorful streets ( Øvre Holmegate ) to lovely cafes, boutiques, and galleries.

It also serves as a gateway to some of the best outdoor opportunities in Norway.

Stroll the pretty Gamle Stavanger (old town), soak up the sun at Sola Beach , and spare some time to visit at least one of the most beloved museums in Stavanger – Norwegian Petroleum Museum , Maritime Museum , Norwegian Canning Museum , Stavanger Museum (MUST), and Viking House .

Opt for a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour if exploring on your own is not your type.

We stayed at Hotel Victoria , a beautiful Victorian-style waterfront hotel that’s one of the top picks by families with children.

Just about 400m (no wonder, it has an excellent location score of 9.7) from the city center, it’s easy to explore the major tourist spots while staying here.

Their family room is spacious yet cozy and comes cheap too.

If you don’t mind staying a bit far off the city center, Ydalir Hotel  is an excellent choice.

Located on the campus of the University of Stavanger, it’s a non-profit property that donates all its earnings to the University for the betterment of students. Ydalir offers a beautiful apartment at a great price.

Find the last-minute deals for accommodations in Stavanger.

Day 4: Lysefjord Cruise | Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) Hike

Just about an hour and a half away from Stavanger, Lysefjord is strikingly beautiful. Home to some amazing hiking trails and lookout points like Pulpit Rock, Kjerag, and Flørli, the 26-mile-long (42 km) fjord is a must-see when in Stavanger.

Rødne offers a combination tour where you can enjoy a 3-hour-long Lysefjord cruise along with a Preikestolen hike.

The fjord cruise starts from Strandkaien (quay in downtown Stavanger) and takes you through the highlights of the fjord viz. Fantahålå  (Vagabond’s Cave), Preikestolen cliff from below, and Hengjanefossen  waterfall before halting at Forsand from where a bus takes you to Preikestolen Mountain Lodge, the starting point of the hike.

The hike to Preikestolen is 8 km (4 km each way) and takes around 4 hours (2 hours each way) to complete. The amazing view of Lysefjord from the clifftop is worth the effort.

Once you are done with the hike, a bus takes you back to Stavanger via the world’s longest underwater tunnel.

The tour runs from April to September daily at 10:00. The entire tour duration is 9 hours including the 4 hours of hiking expedition.

It’s recommended to book a ticket online (rodne.no) in advance. A ticket costs NOK 970 per adult and NOK 570 per child aged 4 years to 15 years.

Day 5: Kjeragbolten Hike

Apart from Pulpit Rock Hike, Kjerg and Florli 4444 are the other two beautiful hikes in the Lysefjord region.

We had time to do only one and we chose Kjerg. If you can spare an extra day, I’d insist you take on both hikes.

We missed Florli 4444🥺But I can imagine the thrill of climbing the longest wooden stairway (4444 steps) in the world.

Nevertheless, climbing Kjerg is a heart-pumping adventure too. About 11 km long, the hike to Kjerg is gorgeous and of course, a test of your endurance but then that’s what makes it one of the best hikes in Norway.

The trail starts at Øygardstølen and takes 6 to 8 hours depending upon your fitness level to complete the round trip. 1000 meters above the waters of Lysefjord, the views are to die for.

I was afraid to climb onto the boulder, so I opted out but the stunning panoramic views make the hike worth it!

You can rent a car to reach the start of the Kjerg hike or book a guided tour. We booked this one and loved the way they planned the entire trip so we could enjoy the hike.

Learn More: Driving from Bergen to Oslo

Day 6: Stavanger to Bergen via flight | Explore Bergen | Drive to Odda

There is a host of transport options to travel between Stavanger and Bergen. We chose to travel by air as it’s the fastest mode of travel (takes just 40 minutes) and we were short on time (because so little time and so much to do).

Bybanen makes it super easy to get from Bergen Airport to the city center.

You can choose to travel by bus, drive, or board a ferry. A road trip (bus or car) involves two ferries.

The journey by road or water is impressive and puts forward a unique and striking landscape for you to admire but takes up to 5 hours and 30 minutes leaving a little time to explore Bergen.

As you’ll only have half a day to explore Bergen, you need to hand-pick some of the best things to do in Bergen to make the most of your time in the fjord capital.

Start by riding the Fløibanen Funicular to Mount Fløyen and then hike up (if you feel adventurous) or take a cable car to Mount Ulriken (one of the seven mountains in Bergen) and come back to the city to enjoy a stroll in charming Bryggen , and finally relish the fresh seafood at Bergen Fish Market -that’s it!

We mostly book a guided tour when we are short on time. Here we recommend two of the best walking tours in Bergen that help you explore the best of Bergen in just 2 hours: City Tour on Foot by Martin Piehler Bergen Tours and A Walk Through Past and Present by I Love Bergen .

It’s time to rent a car because you can’t visit Norway and not take a road trip. Road-tripping in Norway is another level.

We picked up our rental car and drove to Odda (about a 3-hour drive) for a night’s stay. Click here for the best deals on rental cars.

The reason we chose Odda over Bergen for a night halt was that we had to hike Trolltunga the next day which is a demanding hike and we wanted to cut on the exertion of driving the same day.

So, we’d recommend you to do the same (choose to stay in Odda or Tyssedal) if you want to hike the Troll’s tongue.

Or else you can skip Trolltunga (if your kids are young) and spend another day exploring Bergen.

We stayed at Bakkegata , a stunning 100-year-old Art Nouveau house located in the heart of Odda. It’s just about 14 km away from the main trailhead at P2 in Skjeggedal . Plus, the property is loved by families.

Alternatively, Trolltunga Guesthouse is a good place to stay in Tyssedal.

Check out the best hotels in the Trolltunga region.

Read More: Best Things to do in Bergen

Day 7: Trolltunga Hike

Trolltunga is one of the most iconic hiking routes in Norway.

Instagram is full of awe-inspiring pics showing hikers standing or jumping on the edge of a unique rock formation (the troll’s tongue) hanging 700m above Lake Ringedalsvatnet.

Inspired by social media photographs, travelers from all around the world flock here to get themselves clicked on the troll’s tongue. We too followed suit.

With steep cliffs and no fences, the hike to Trolltunga is long and very very challenging.

It’s 27 km or 17 miles (10 to 12 hours for a roundtrip) from the main trailhead in Skjeggedal and 20 km or 12.5 miles (7 to 10 hours for a roundtrip) from the alternative trailhead at Mågelitopp.

You can take a shuttle bus from one trailhead to another.

The hike takes an entire day so it’s always good to start as early as possible. Target hitting the trail before 8:00 so you can get back before it gets dark.

And of course, you need ample time to get those Instagram-worthy photographs and enjoy the dramatic views.

Make sure you take proper rest to reboot your energy levels for the next day because it’s going to be a long day.

PS: I’d reiterate – for the best experience, stay close to Trolltunga and take the hike early in the day.

Day 8: Odda to Flam via Gudvangen | Flåm Railway | Nærøyfjord Cruise

Flåm is around 154 km (95 miles) from Odda and takes anywhere around 2 to 3 hours.

There are so many amazing stops on the way to Flåm from Odda. Don’t rush. Take time to relish the beauty of nature.

It’s vital to start as early as possible so you have ample time to cover the high points of today’s itinerary.

Stalheimskleiva , one of the steepest roads in Northern Europe, with 13 hairpin bends, not only pumps up your adrenalin but also offers a stunning view of Nærøydalen Valley , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

And don’t forget to explore Stalheimsfossen and Sivlefossen waterfalls while driving this road. Stalheimskleiva is a little detour but worth it!

Skjervefossen and Tvindefossen are other waterfalls you can stop by en route.

Gudvangen, a charming Viking village is another stop on this route. When in Gudvangen a visit to the Viking Valley is a must.

When in Flåm, riding Flåmsbana ( Flåm Line ) between Flåm and Myrdal is dubbed as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.

It takes 2 hours for a return trip. The Flåm Railway operates from 9 am to 6 pm. The first train departs at 9:00 and the last one at 17:55.

A round trip costs 650 NOK per adult and 163 NOK per child aged 6 to 17 years. You can book the train journey online in advance.

End your day with an exciting 3-hour fjord cruise or fjord safari through a UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. We did this cruise with Heritage Taste Fjord Safari and it remains one of the best ever experiences we had in Norway.

A visit to the fairytale village of  Undredal is the highlight of the cruise.

There are not many options when it comes to accommodation in Flåm so please book well in advance. We loved our stay at Flåm Ferdaminne .

Find the best deals for accommodation in Flåm .

Day 9: Flåm to Geiranger via Jostedalsbreen National Park | Stop By Stegastein Observation Deck

A beautiful 5-hour drive along fjords and charming towns from Flåm to Geiranger via Jostedalsbreen National Park takes you through 2 National Tourist Routes (Norwegian Scenic Routes) –   Aurlandsfjellet and Gamle Strynefjellsvegen .

Take a slight detour on the way to explore Stegastein lookout , an observation deck that offers dramatic views of Aurlandsfjord .

From Stegastein drive along the Aurlandsvegen Mountain Road (Aurlandsfjellet) to Jostedalsbreen National Park.

PS: You can deviate a bit and take the longest tunnel (24.5 km) in the world, Lærdalstunnelen .

Jostedalsbreen National Park is known for the largest glacier in Europe, the Jostedalsbreen Glacier.

From glacier landscapes to rugged mountains to cascading waterfalls and lakes to fjords to lush greens – you’ll witness the contrast in nature as you explore the national park.

Sandwiched between Sognefjorden and Nordfjord, Jostedalsbreen offers glacier hikes, skiing, kayaking, rafting, and much more.

The national park has three visitor centers (Fjærland, Jostedalen, and Oppstryn) where you can learn more about nature, climate, historical and cultural heritage, and local communities.

Count a minimum of 3 to 4 hours to explore Jostedalsbreen.

Continue the remaining 2 hours drive to Geiranger, a captivating village known for its spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed fjord, Geirangerfjord.

The highlights along the way are Videfossen waterfall , Geiranger Skywalk in Dalsnibba (known for the highest fjord view from a road in entire Europe), Knuten or The Knot (the first ascending loop road in Norway), and Flydalsjuvet viewpoint .

We stayed at the Grande Fjord Hotel . Strategically located by the Geirangerfjord, this accommodation offers stunning fjord views (that’s what we are here for) and is rated highly for a stay with kids.

Hotel Utsikten and Hotel Union Geiranger Bad & Spa are other beautiful properties by the Geirangerfjord.

Find the best deals for accommodation in Geiranger.

Day 10: Geirangerfjord Cruise

Discover the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord on a scenic fjord cruise between Geiranger and Hellesylt. Operated by traditional car ferries, the cruise puts across dramatic scenery.

Colossal fjord cliffs, deserted mountain farms like Skageflå and Knivsflå , cascading waterfalls like The Seven Sisters , The Bridal Veil , and The Suitor ( Friaren ), and the sight of porpoises (may the luck be with you) – hold a position on an outside deck with a camera in your hand (because the true beauty of nature is meant to be captured) to get a glimpse of unspoiled nature.

PS: Kayaks and rib boats also offer tours of Geirangerfjord.

You can decide to explore the charming village of Geiranger after the cruise where you can visit the world’s first chocolate factory that operates from a boat, Geiranger Sjokolade , and/or follow a waterfall trail ( Fosseråsa ) from the center of Geiranger to the Storsæterfossen or choose to enjoy a lovely drive south to another tiny village of Loen in Nordfjord where Loen Skylift , a cable car that takes you to the top of   Mt. Hoven (1011 meters above sea level) to marvel at the far-reaching view that encapsulates Mt. Skåla and Lake Lovatnet to the east, Olden and Jostedalsbreen glacier to the south and Nordfjorden which extends toward Stryn to the west or can take on the hike from Skagehola (a boat ride from Geiranger brings you to Skagehola) to Skageflå , an abandoned mountain farm.

You Might Also Like: 3 Weeks Scandinavia Itinerary

Day 11: Geiranger to Ålesund via Trollstigen| Explore Ålesund

You can drive straight from Geiranger to Alesund in about 2 hours but how can you not include one of the 18 Norwegian Scenic Routes – Geiranger-Trollstigen while in Norway?

So, we’ll be taking the most scenic route (191 km) over the fastest route (108 km).

A drive from Geiranger to Ålesund via Trollstigen (The Troll’s Road) gives you a chance to get an eyeful of imposing fjords, gushing waterfalls, frozen lakes, tunnels, charming towns, and magnificent mountains viz. Kongen or the King, Dronningen or the Queen, Bispen or the Bishop, Trollveggen or the Troll’s Wall, Romsdalshorn, and Alnestind – mind you, it’ll be one of the most beautiful and dramatic landscapes you’ll ever see!

A visual feast in a true sense.

104 km of pure bliss, the National Tourist Route Geiranger-Trollstigen runs from Langvatnet to Strynefjellet and Sogge Bru in Romsdalen and includes a scenic ferry ride from Eidsdal to Linge over the Storfjord .

From Geiranger, you drive up the steep Ørnevegen or The Eagle Road (make a brief stop at a viewing point to enjoy the panoramic view over the town of Geiranger, the Geirangerfjord, the Seven Sisters Falls, and the historic alpine farm of Knivsflå) to Eidsdal where you board the ferry to Linge and continue driving to Valldal or Sylte to drive up Trollstigen.

The Troll’s Road twists through 11 hairpin bends as it climbs 858 meters above sea level to Stigrøra .

There are many viewpoints along the way ( Gudbrandsjuvet between Valldal and Trollstigen and Trollstigen platform at Trollstigen Visitor Centre) where you can stop for a bird-eye perspective.

PS: If you visit during the strawberry season (June and July), I’d urge you to taste the best strawberries in Norway, or rather, in the world at a local farm in the strawberry village of Valldal.

There are plenty of hiking options along the route for hiking enthusiasts. You can hike up to the beautiful lake Bispevannet from Trollstigen Platform or take a leisurely circular walk along the cascading Istra River .

It can take 5 to 6 hours (a driving distance of 191 km in 3 hours 40 minutes + a minimum of 2 hours for stopovers) to reach Ålesund. You are likely to reach your destination by late afternoon.

Grab a quick bite at Racoon Coffee before you walk around the art nouveau town of Ålesund.

Afterward, climb the 418 steps (starting at the city park) to Mount Aksla ( Fjellstua ) Viewpoint for the best views of the town.

End your day with a nice dinner at Apotekergata No. 5 .

We stayed at Ålesund SkySuite , a beautiful top-floor penthouse right in the middle of the city. Apart from all the necessary amenities, it offers an awesome view of the town.

Hotel Brosundet is another amazing property in the center of the town that’s just right for families.

Find the last-minute deals for accommodation in Alesund.

Day 12: Ålesund to Kristiansund via Atlantic Ocean Road | Explore Kristiansund

Another beautiful day in Norway! You’ll drive one of the most scenic drives in the world – The Atlantic Ocean Road .

The National Tourist Road is voted as Norway’s Engineering Feat of the Century.

From fab coastal scenery to Norwegian culture and history, this stunning coastal road (between Bud and Kristiansund) packs a punch.

You’ll drive to Vestnes via E136/E39 from Ålesund and then take a ferry to Molde from where you’ll drive to Bud via Fv664 to reach Kristiansund via Fv663 and Fv64 . Spanned by 8 bridges, Atlantic road (Atlanterhavsveien) zigzags from Vevang to Kårvåg on Averøya .

The entire stretch (185 km) from Ålesund to Kristiansund takes about 4 hours and if you add the stops, it consumes 5 to 6 hours.

With less than half a day on your hands, you can check out the islands like Ny-Hellesund or Bragdøya , or Grip by a local ferry or stroll the city center ( Kvadraturen ) or walk the Strandpromenade n ( Kristiansand Boardwalk ) or visit Fiskebrygga , the old fish quay and the new pedestrian area that’s alive with restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and outdoor concerts.

We stayed in this inviting two-bedroom loft with a panoramic view over Kristiansund.

Just about 400m from the center, this accommodation is perfect in every way – excellent location, spacious, super clean, comfy beds, a terrace with views over the city and the ocean, and free private parking.

Find the best deals for accommodation in Kristiansund.

Day 13: Kristiansund to Trondheim | Explore Trondheim | Drive the Golden Road

There are two possible routes to take from Kristiansund to Trondheim:

1. Southern route via E6 through Sunndalsøra

2. Northern route via E39 and Fv680 through Kyrksæterøra (includes a Halsa-Kanestraum ferry)

Route 1 is 289 km long and takes around 5 hours to complete while Route 2 is 207 km long and takes less than 4 hours to drive.

The former Viking capital, Trondheim has a vibrant and cozy vibe.

There’s so much to see and do here – visit the Nidaros Cathedral (an important pilgrimage in Scandinavia), stroll the cobbled streets of Bakklandet , cross the Gamla Bybroa (an old town footbridge) over the Nidelva River to spot one of the most Instagrammable places in Trondheim (the colorful warehouses on both sides of the river) and hike in the city forest Bymarka .

Book a Guided Tour to Explore Trondheim like a Local

Spare some time to drive the Golden Road – a detour off the E6 to Inderøy . Drive the main highway E6 from Trondheim to Rora and then deviate off to drive Fv755 towards Inderøy.

The journey takes you through local farms, breweries, galleries, restaurants, cafes, handicraft workshops, unique accommodations, and historic monuments.

We stayed at Thon Hotel Prinsen , a mid-range property right in the center of the city. It’s been rated highly for its location and meals and it’s one of the top picks by families with kids.

If you want to splurge a little on accommodation, look no further than the Brittania Hotel . It’s hands down the best hotel in Trondheim.

Check here for last-minute hotel deals in Trondheim.

Day 14: Trondheim to Oslo | Fly back home

It’s your last day in Norway so, what better way to end a trip ( best trips like best love affairs, never really end ) than taking a beautiful drive through breathtaking scenery from Trondheim to Oslo?

A 491 km stretch between Trondheim and Oslo takes 6 hours 15 minutes and more with detours and stops.

The most famous stopovers and detours along the route are the Olympic village of  Lillehammer , the charming mountain village of  Røros, and the national parks of Rondane and Forelhogna .

Return your rental car to Oslo Airport and catch a flight back home with unforgettable memories and great stories to share with friends and family.

Hope our 2 weeks in Norway itinerary helps you craft yours. If you’ve any queries about this 14 day Norway itinerary, comment below and we’ll be happy to answer 🙂

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Anjali Chawla

2 thoughts on “Norway Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Weeks in Norway”

Hi Anjali, this is a beautifully written blog about scenic western Norway. I would love to see the cost of the trip. There are many writeups but 99% do not mention how much was the actual cost when they took the trip. For most travelers, the budget is one of the most important ingredient to take the trip from the paper and make it happen. The second suggestion would be to write on the pics where they were taken and when as definitely nature changes and a mountain looks different in Fall VS Spring. I enjoyed reading about Norway.

Thanks for your comment 🙂 I’m glad you found our blog helpful. Your words mean a lot. I’d definitely update the post soon as per your suggestions.

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Home » Itineraries » Norway Itinerary

Norway Itinerary

With soaring stave churches, stirring landscapes, medieval history, and plenty of modern attractions to keep you entertained, its no wonder that the popularity of Norway has grown in recent years. It’s a destination that offers a wide mix of attractions both indoors and outdoors, and everything has a uniquely Norwegian twist. While we tend to seek out beaches more than snow, Norway in winter offers a special appeal we couldn’t turn down—the chance to see the Northern Lights, ice-covered fjords, sled dogs at work, and the glory of Norway’s largest cities.

At more than 1500 miles north to south, Norway is a huge country full of an endless array of gorgeous things to see. It’s impossible to experience everything on a short visit. Our goal was to pack in everything possible into our one week in Norway itinerary without feeling extremely rushed. Here’s a look at how we spent our time.

If you are considering a trip to Norway in winter, check out our packing list on what to take and what to wear. This will keep you warm and comfortable.

One-Week Norway in Winter Itinerary

Day 1: take norway in a nutshell route to flam, day 2: flam to the fjords and bergen, days 3 & 4: visit bergen, days 5 & 6 – see the northern lights in tromso, day 7: visit oslo.

One of the most popular ways to see the southern part of the country is the Norway in a Nutshell tour. This route takes you from Oslo to Mydral followed by one of the most famous train journeys in the world on the historic Flam railway. From Flam, you continue on to an amazing ferry journey through the fjords, ultimately ending in Bergen (more on this second leg in day 2 below).

Because the entire route from Oslo to Bergen is more than 12 hours—and much would be in the dark in the winter—we opted to break it up over two days. We’ve written in much more detail about how to plan your own Norway in a Nutshell trip here .

On the first day, the train left Oslo at 8:25am headed for Myrdal. The journey to Myrdal was pretty but simple countryside until we approached Flam. If you’re tired from the early morning start or jetlag (or both), you can nap for a couple of hours without missing anything special.

As we approached Myrdal, the scenery began to shift. Bright red houses appeared by lakes, the terrain became more mountainous. As we traveled, we spotted snowmobilers and skiers, some even zooming along with kites strapped to their backs to catch the wind.

After a brief stop at Myrdal, we boarded the Flam railway for the next leg of the trip. This is where the landscape became truly impressive.

The Flam Railway, a 12-mile stretch of the Bergen Line, is often called one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. One of the highlights of our Norway itinerary, the route of this old-fashioned steam train winds through 20 tunnels, passed ravines, waterfalls, and tiny villages as you descend nearly 3000 feet to Flam.

The village of Flam is tiny—just 350 residents—so it’s a very quiet place during the winter in Norway (in the summer, it’s flooded with people). Even when tourists descend upon the area when the train arrives, people have a tendency to spread out. Flam has a couple of restaurants and shops, but the surrounding scenery is the attraction. If people stay overnight, there are options for hiking, snowshoeing, and other outdoor winter activities, but we just wanted to enjoy the serenity. And the beer at Aegir BrewPub, of course.

Where to stay in Flam

There are two hotel options in Flam which are both popular and can be pricey. In the summer, they book up well in advance. For our winter trip to Norway, we booked about one month in advance.

• We opted for the Flamsbrygga Hotel , which is attached to the Aegir BrewPub. The hotel looks a bit like a stave church and fits in perfectly surrounded by the fjord ( Read reviews and book a room ).
• The Fretheim Hotel , a refurbished 1800s manor house, is another good option ( Read reviews and book a room ).

The second part of the Norway in a Nutshell trip to Bergen has even more dramatic scenery.

Setting out on the 9:30am ferry from Flam we ventured into Naeroyfjord, one of the longest and deepest fjords in the world. In the winter in Norway the sun is still low on the horizon, so throughout our ferry trip we watched the colors turn from deep greens and blacks to bright blues as the sky lit up.

For two hours, we sliced our way across the frigid water as the landscape changed around us. We passed tiny fishing huts splashed in bright colors and watched waterfalls gush their way down the 5000-foot-tall mountains around us. It was everything we could have hoped for.

Our visit to the fjords ended in Gudvangen where we stopped for a quick snack before transferring to the bus to Voss. The 75-minute bus ride through the countryside took us by even more splendid houses and had waterfalls that seemed nearly to end at the road’s edge. From Voss, we took the train to Bergen, one of the most popular Norway destinations and our base for the next two days of our 7 days in Norway.

Bergen is Norway’s second largest city, but it feels much smaller. One of the best places to visit in Norway, Bergen has a compact Old Town and excellent public transportation to move around quickly, which makes it easy for visitors to see a lot in a short time.

The weather in Bergen can be quite unpredictable, especially in winter, so we were thrilled when the sun cooperated with us almost every moment. We didn’t take it for granted and wanted to make the most of our visit.

Our first day in Bergen started with an easy tram ride a couple of miles outside of the city center to the Fantoft Stave Church. Norway is known for its soaring wooden churches that look like they came straight from a fairy tale, and this one is an excellent example.

After the church, we headed back to the harbor to visit Bryggen, a row of merchant houses and shops that have their roots in the Hanseatic League. Since we’re suckers for bright colors and UNESCO World Heritage sites, this fit the bill in every way. Making our own street art tour of the nearby streets capped off day one.

Our second day was all about the mountains. First, we took the quick 8-minute ride up Mount Floyen on the Bergen funicular. Then we took full advantage of the sunny weather by riding the cable car to the top of Mount Ulriken. Although the activities sound similar, they provide completely different views of Bergen and the surrounding area. Most people with limited time will probably find the funicular to be the most convenient option.

An afternoon of museum hopping and more street art rounded out our day. We’ve written in more detail about our days in beautiful Bergen .

Where to stay in Bergen

• In the heart of Bergen’s city center, Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz is the top-rated hotel in Bergen ( Read reviews and book a room ).
• The stylish, modern Hotel No 13 is within easy walking distance of everything ( Read reviews and book a room ).
• A fashionable luxury hotel, the Bergen Bors Hotel is located in the city’s stately old stock exchange ( Read reviews and book a room ).

The idea of going above the Arctic Circle in winter brought one word to mind—“cold.” And while it was certainly cold, Tromso was so much more than that.

Flying from Bergen to Tromso was easy. We arrived around lunch and spent some time wandering the cute streets. We stopped by Mack, the world’s northernmost brewery, and its adjacent brewpub Olhallen. The brewpub has 67 beers and ciders on tap and was a perfect respite from the winter weather.

In the evening, we turned our attention to the primary reason for our visit to Tromso—to fulfill Lance’s long-standing dream of seeing the Northern Lights.

Seeing the Northern Lights is entirely weather-dependent and can be unpredictable. As we planned our Norway trip, we knew there would be a chance of going all the way to Tromso and not seeing the Lights at all. As a result, we allotted two nights of our 1 week in Norway to chasing the Lights to give ourselves an additional chance of see these purple and green flares dance their way across the sky. (Check out our Northern Lights FAQ for everything you ever wanted to know about the Aurora.)

Our decision to allow two nights in Tromso in our schedule turned out to be the right call. Our visibility the first night was limited, but it gave us an opportunity to practice our photography skills because capturing the Northern Lights takes a little bit of work. We were perfectly prepared for our second night when the Lights unveiled themselves in all their glory. We have written in detail about chasing the Northern Lights, photographing them, and all the details of our experience here . Also read our tips for photographing the Aurora Borealis .

To fill our time in between the Northern Lights excursions (the trips often last from about 7:00pm to 2am), we tried another typical winter activity for northern Norway— dog sledding . Zooming across the frozen plains behind a team of blue-eyed huskies was surreal. Although we were frozen, we loved every minute.

Where to Stay in Tromso

• With views of the bay and the mountains, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromso , is an excellent option ( Read reviews and book a room ).
• The Comfort Hotel Xpress has small but expertly designed rooms for good value in a convenient location ( Read reviews and book a room ).
• The Scandic Grand Tromso is a great base for your Arctic adventures ( Read reviews and book a room ).

Our last day in Norway began with a flight from Tromso to Olso. We were tired from our wonderfully busy week and two late nights watching the Northern Lights, but we wanted to get in some sightseeing time in the capital city.

Oslo’s waterfront has been undergoing a massive redevelopment for years (hence the many cranes in our photos), so we decided that would be the focus of our time in the city. The Opera House is the crown jewel of the new construction and is quickly becoming one of the most iconic modern buildings in Scandinavia. Designed to resemble a glacier, the Opera House is meant to be a work of art—you can even walk on top of it.

From there we headed to another of the best places to see in Oslo, the Akershus Fortress. The castle here was completed around 1300 at the time that the capital moved from Bergen to Oslo. We strolled the grounds, visiting different memorials and watching as the winter afternoon light turned the thick fortress walls golden.

After touring the inspiring Nobel Peace Center, we visited Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen, two areas known for their great restaurants, shops, art installations, and harborside views. There’s even an outdoors “bath,” but with snow still on the ground, we passed on that experience. We’ll have to leave that for our next trip to Norway.

Where to Stay in Oslo

• Right by the Opera House and 2 minutes from Oslo’s high street, the Thon Opera Hotel is perfectly located ( Read reviews and book a room ).
• The Clarion Collection Hotel Folketeateret is a great option in the city center near shops and some of the city’s best restaurants ( Read reviews and book a room ).
• With a great restaurant and wine bar and well-appointed rooms, Hotel Christiania Teater is ideal for a visit to Oslo ( Read reviews and book a room ).

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Norway Itinerary: 7 Days / 8 Days

• August 25, 2022

If you start naming the most beautiful countries in the world, Norway will definitely find a place on the list. Each turn reveals spectacular landscapes – majestic fjords, towering mountains, gushing waterfalls, charming villages, and shimmering water bodies. Norway has four seasons; winter, spring, summer, and fall. Every season has something unique to offer, whether it’s sailing through the picturesque fjords in summer or chasing the Northern Lights high above the Arctic Circle in winter.

Summers in Norway are marked by mild temperatures and days that seem to last forever. If you enjoy hiking, camping, and seeing the fjords in all their glory, summer is the time to visit Norway. The itineraries listed below are intended for summer and parts of spring and autumn , as many roads and hikes are closed during the winter. Public transportation is still available in some areas, but travel times between stops will be longer, and you will be unable to make the most of your trip. From May to September , the weather is ideal for hiking, swimming, camping, and exploring the fjords. July and August are the busiest months, and it gets extremely crowded.

Regrettably, planning a trip to Norway is not easy. Traveling between the major attractions requires long travel hours and multiple modes of transportation. The country is vast, and seeing everything in a week is impossible. There is no ‘best itinerary’ through this vast region, as the best itinerary depends on the weather, time, and preferences. The itineraries are excellent introductory trips that will give you a taste of what the country has to offer.

 7-DAY NORWAY ITINERARY 

Day 1– oslo.

Oslo, the capital city, is an obvious choice to start our itinerary because it is well-connected to the rest of the world. The airport express train (Flytoget) is the fastest way to get from the airport to the city center, taking only 20 minutes. It is ideal to stay in the city center so that you can make the most of your limited time in Oslo. A full-day travel pass entitles you to unlimited tram, bus, and metro rail travel within the city for the day. You can buy it at a 7-Eleven Store, train station, or router.co Depending on the time at hand, you can pick from Oslo’s top attractions.

Recommended Places to Visit in Oslo:

• Vigeland Park: This open-air sculpture park features over 200 sculptures by renowned Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland.
• Akershus Fortress: A medieval castle housing museums and restaurants.
• Opera House: An architectural masterpiece perfect for some amazing views and memorable clicks
• Kael Johans Gate: A bustling city center filled with street cafes, bars, and nightclubs.
• Aker Brygge: The upscale harbor front, built on a former shipyard, has a row of high-end restaurants with outdoor tables.
• The Viking Ship Museum is currently closed for renovations.

Day 2 – Oslo > Myrdal > Flam

We’ll be following Norway in a Nutshell itinerary here. Their package is simply a collection of train, bus, and boat tickets that take you through the Sognefjord in Western Norway. It coordinates and customizes various modes of transportation to get you from Oslo to Bergen. If you want this easier and more convenient option, book part of your itinerary through Norway in Nutshell. However, you can save money and gain flexibility by booking your own tickets.

Start by booking a train ( vy.no) from Oslo to Flam via Myrdal (6:30/8:30 am). The famous Bergen Line departs from Oslo in the morning and takes you to Myrdal. Traveling on this line is a real pleasure as it will take you through some of the highest train elevations in the world. The last hour of the 4.5-hour journey is particularly beautiful. You will then change trains and continue your excursion on Flam Railway Train (Flamsbana). The train will stop at the Kjosfossen waterfalls for 5 minutes so you can take pictures. It winds through the wild Flam Valley, past towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, deep ravines, and numerous tunnels. It is regarded to be one of Norway’s most picturesque train rides. To be honest, I thought it was a tad overhyped.

Once you reach Flam, check into your hotel . The Electric Minibus ( el.tour.no ) ride from Flam city center to Stegastein viewpoint is highly recommended. The drive will take about 30 minutes one way and will provide incredible views of the Aurlandsfjord. Spend the rest of the day in Flam doing stuff like kayaking and RIB boat tours. Or simply stroll through the busy town and end the day with a sunset at Flam Beach.

Day 3 – Flam > Gudvangen > Voss > Bergen

In the morning/afternoon embark on a cruise from Flam to Gudvangen ( norwaybest.com ) passing through the spectacular Nærøyfjord for a magical experience. Nærøyfjord is the narrowest arm of Sognefjord and is nestled between sheer cliffs, charming waterfalls, and hanging canyons. We will depart for Bergen once we touch base in Gudvangen. Travel by bus to Voss ( norwaybest.com ), then train to Bergen ( vy.no). Check-in at your hotel in Bergen and have a nice relaxing dinner.

Looks complicated? If you want an easy way out, book a trip with Norway in a Nutshell , and they will reserve all the tickets from Oslo to Bergen for you. However, it would be significantly more expensive. During the tour booking process, you can request luggage transportation so you don’t have to drag it around all day.

Day 4 – Bergen

Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is a popular tourist destination. The enchanting town has plenty to keep you busy for the day. Ride the Bergen Funicular from the city center to Mount Floyen for panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. You can also hike one of the many trails that lead to Mount Floyen. If you want to enjoy more 360-degree views over the city, take the cable car to Mount Ulriken, the highest of the 7 mountains surrounding Bergen. A visit to Bryggen is not to be missed. It is a historic district with a row of brightly colored wooden buildings lining Vagen Harbour. Bryggen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Norway’s most photographed landmarks. The streets, nooks, and corners of the old town have an irresistible charm and are worth exploring.

Day 5 – Alesund

Take the morning flight (1 hour) to Alesund. The airport shuttle will leave you at the city center. The quaint coastal town appears to be straight out of a fairy tale. Alesund is known for its Art Nouveau architecture, which was adopted to rebuild the town after a fire in 1904. Stroll along the harbor and admire the architecture of the matchbox town. If you arrive on a clear day, hike up to Aksla Viewpoint (418 steps) for a bird’s-eye view of the town. There is also a road that you can drive up to.

If you’re looking for some excitement, wildlife sea safaris, and kayaking trips will not disappoint. You can drive the famous Atlantic Road if you have a car. It takes three hours each way, including the ferry ride from Vestness to Molde and back. The city is also well-known for its signature, home-cooked desserts . So, go ahead and pick up your favorite cake or pastry from a local bakery.

Day 6 – Geiranger

We’ll be taking a morning cruise from Alesund to Geiranger today. The ride takes three hours one way and passes through three magnificent fjords, including the UNESCO World Heritage Geirangerfjord. The fjord is surrounded by some of the steepest mountains, which emerge straight from the azure waters. An incredible sight. The cruise also travels by some scenic vistas along the way, such as The Suitor and The Seven Sisters waterfalls. The boat trip concludes in Geiranger, a small, crowded village located at the end of the Geirangerfjord. Your time in Geiranger is limited, but you can still enjoy a few activities such as

• Embark on a kayaking tour/RIB boat tour of the tranquil fjord.
• Rent one of the tiny electrical cars and explore Geiranger.
• Hire an E-Bike and pedal to one of the popular viewpoints, such as Flydalsjuvet and Eagle Bend
• Climb 327 steps to experience the mighty Waterfall Walk, which brings you close to the wild, roaring river.

It’s time to return to Alesund. You have two choices. You can rejoin the cruise that brought you from Alesund. It returns three hours later. If you want to see different landscapes, you can travel by land in two parts. The first bus ride labeled “The Garden Route,” will take us from Geiranger to Andalsnes. The route includes Trollstigen (with hairpin turns) and Eagle Road (a zig-zag road). From Andalsnes, board another bus to Alesund. This trip can be booked here . You can save money by booking your own bus tickets through this website . However, the route becomes inaccessible after mid-August. If you travel in late summer, your only option is to return to Alesund by cruise. Stay overnight in Alesund.

Day 7 – Oslo

Fly to Olso. If you still have some time before your return flight, you can do some last-minute shopping. It’s time to leave Norway for your next destination.

8-DAY NORWAY ITINERARY

If you enjoy hiking, a stopover in Stavanger makes sense. In that case, our trip will be over in 8 days.

Day 1 – Oslo

Arrive in Oslo and spend the day exploring the capital city

Day 2 –Stavanger

Fly into Stavanger (50 minutes), a city on Norway’s southwestern tip. Take the Flybussen coach to the port or the city center. The tiny town is compact and can be easily explored on foot. The picturesque streets, white wooden houses, and beautiful harbor are a photographer’s dream. If you have more time to kill, you can visit the Stavanger Cathedral and the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. Have an early night as we have a busy day ahead of us.

Day 3 – Lysefjord Cruise and Pulpit Rock

Pulpit Rock, located near Stavanger, is a towering cliff plateau suspended directly over Lysefjorden. The phenomenal fjord was formed by powerful glaciers during the ice age. We’re in Stavanger primarily to hike Pulpit Rock. Begin your journey at the ferry terminal, which is a short walk from the center of Stavanger. From here, you can take the Lysefjorden cruise. Cruising the magnificent Lysefjorden is the ideal warm-up for the Pulpit Rock hike. The trip will take about 40 minutes. The cruise concludes in Forsand, from where you take a bus to Preikestolen Mountain Lodge (30 minutes). The bus will drop you off right at the car park where you will begin your hike.

You must make your own way up to Pulpit Rock. Guided tours are possible, but they are quite expensive. It is a 4km one-way hike with a 350m elevation gain that can take 4-5 hours to complete. It’s not an easy hike, especially if you’re not in great shape. The Norwegians are extremely fit, so don’t be fooled by their effortless hiking. The boulders are large and slippery, making them difficult to climb or descend. The weather is unpredictable – it can be hot & sunny or start raining – and there is no shelter. So, be prepared before you start your hike. Bring snacks, water, a raincoat, sunscreen, and anything else you may require.

You will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Lysefjorden once you reach the top. The fjords and the surrounding mountains look breathtakingly beautiful from above. It must be seen to be believed. Click a few pictures, enjoy a small picnic, and then start your descent. Return to Stavanger by bus (45 minutes), passing through the world’s longest underwater tunnel. The entire trip – cruise, bus to Preikestolen, and the return bus to Stavanger – can be booked here .

Take the 5-hour express bus ( nor-way.no ) or the 35-minute morning flight to Bergen.  You can use the airport bus or the light rail (Bybanen) to get to the city center from the airport. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure and discover Bergen.

Day 5 – Bergen > Myrdal > Flam > Gudvangen > Voss > Bergen

This route is similar to the Oslo version. We will leave Bergen at around 8:30 a.m.( vy.no ), change trains at Myrdal, continue on Flam Railways to Flam, take the fjord cruise to Gudvangen, and then return to Bergen via Voss. The journey will take the entire day, and you will reach Bergen around 9 p.m. This trip can also be booked through Norway in a Nutshell. Stay in Bergen for the night

PS: This time we won’t be spending the night in Flam. However, if you find the trip to be too exhausting and don’t mind switching hotels recurrently, you can stay overnight in Flam and travel back to Bergen the next day. If you choose to stay, you will finish the itinerary in 9 days.

Day 6, 7, and 8 – Alesund, Geiranger and Oslo

We will fly to Alesund and then follow the same itinerary as described in the 7-day itinerary above.

If you have three more days to spare, you can take a round trip to the Lofoten Islands from Bergen or Oslo.

Things to know before you travel:

• I believe 7-10 days is sufficient time to explore Norway if you don’t enjoy hiking. Everything is stunningly gorgeous, but the landscapes are quite similar. Meandering around makes no sense when you consider the cost of spending each day in Norway. This is my personal opinion.
• Please double-check the exact train/bus schedule before planning your trip. They are provisional and subject to change each year.
• The local currency is the Norwegian Kroner (NOK), but you don’t need any cash in Norway. Credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere.
• Norway is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the world, with extremely low crime rates.
• Unless you are exceptionally lucky, it is impossible to see the Northern Lights in the summer. The aurora is active all year; there are simply not enough hours of complete darkness for it to be visible during the summer months. Because the nights are the longest from November to February , this is the best time to see the Northern Lights. A visit between September and March should provide a good opportunity to see them.
• You can see the Midnight Sun in Norway. The Midnight Sun isn’t a different kind of sun. It’s the same sun, but it never sets. As a result, there are 24 hours of daylight. Svalbard has the longest period of Midnight Sun in Norway. Between 20 April and 22 August, the sun does not set.
• Norway is notoriously expensive. Everything will burn a huge hole in your wallet, including lodging, dining, groceries, excursions, and public transportation.
• Norwegian is Norway’s official language. The majority of Norwegians speak English. The locals always start in their native language, but they are quick to assist with any questions you may have.

• Free Wi-Fi is available everywhere – buses, trains, ferries, restaurants, attractions, and so on.
• Carry a raincoat and jacket even in the summer. The weather changes frequently and the temperature drops when you reach a higher altitude.
• Norwegians dress very casually, even in big cities. Keep that in mind while packing your bags.
• Flybussen Airport Shuttles are the most convenient and cost-effective way to travel to and from all major Norwegian cities. Tickets are available on the bus, but they are always cheaper online .
• When taking the tram from Myrdal to Flam, sit on the left side of the tram for better views.
• Norway-in-a-Nutshell is a package, and you are not a NIN traveler if you book your tickets. You will therefore need to make your own way in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
• In Norway, buses, trains, and ferries are generally aligned. As a result, if your train is delayed, the subsequent bus/ferry will wait for it to arrive before departing. Surprisingly, trains in Norway are frequently late
• Roads in Norway are largely in good condition, so driving should not be a problem. You will drive on the right side of the road.
• In Norway, gasoline is pricey. If you intend to drive, keep this in mind when budgeting your trip.
• Many towns are not connected by road. As a result, vehicles enter car ferries that travel between fjords and islands.
• Finding vegetarian or vegan options is not difficult in Norway. However, vegetarians will only find 2-3 choices on the menu.
• In Norway, tap water is perfectly safe, and you don’t need to buy bottled water. During the Pulpit Rock hike, I filled my water bottle from a stream, as suggested by the staff. I was just fine.
• You are eligible for a VAT refund if you are visiting from outside the EU. So, remember to get your VAT refund forms from every shop where you buy something.
• The post is not sponsored by anyone. The links have been provided to help readers plan their trip to Norway.

This Post Has 3 Comments

Norway is amazing. I would love to explore it even more. Thanks for sharing

Very informative information. Just one query. You say in Norway they drive on the left. Everywhere else it says they drive on the right like the rest of Europe . Maybe you need to correct this.

Thanks for pointing out this. Will definitely check.

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My Norway Itinerary - What we did with one week in Norway

I n between my British Book Club tours and Croatia, I had a week to kill in Europe, so I decided to head up north to Norway with my friend Tamara. I’ve always wanted to visit Scandinavia, and Norway was a great place to start. To be honest, the beauty of this gorgeous country blew me away, and I’m plotting to take my family back after getting a quick taste of this country.

Which Norway Itinerary is Best?

One thing I learned while researching which Norway itinerary to do was that there are about a million different ways to organize your trip to Norway. We wanted to avoid overly touristed places like Pulpit Rock or Troll Tongue just to get “that picture” but did want to experience some iconic sites in Norway. We didn’t have time to make it all the way to the Lofoten islands either.

The conclusion that I came to was that there’s no wrong way to see Norway, so we opted to just pick the itinerary that looked most appealing to us. I think I could take another trip to Norway or another 20 and I still wouldn’t cover it all.

We weren’t in Norway at the right time of year to see the Northern lights or do any winter activities. We visited in September at the very beginning of the fall foliage. It was a wonderful time to be there since we missed the peak season summer crowds, but still got great weather, with only a tiny bit of rain. When I visit Norway again, I’d like to go north, but we mostly stayed to in southern Norway, except for our jaunt up to Alesund.

This trip was all about relaxation, exploring less-popular areas of Norway, and getting a feel for the landscape and the culture. I think we definitely accomplished this. We touched on a bit of history, a lot of nature, a bit of adventure, and lots of great food.

You’re welcome to do your Norway trip any way you like. There is a LOT of this country that we did not see, but I’ll lay out what we did each day.

To drive or not to drive

We struggled to decide if we should drive or use public transportation for our Norway itinerary. Ultimately we decided that the places we wanted to see were mostly out-of-the-way remote areas that would require us to use a car. And I have to say I’m so happy with that decision. There are so many scenic routes that I think driving is a no-brainer.

When visiting Norway, some of the most memorable places we visited were only accessible by car and we honestly saw no other tourists during our time in Norway. We visited one area that is on the Norway in a Nutshell itinerary, and it was packed with tourists, so I’m very glad we didn’t go with the Norway in a Nutshell package, even though I’m sure those people had a lovely time. It’s just not the type of trip we were looking for this time.

A note about renting a car in Norway

I’d say about 80% of the rental cars in Norway were electric, and almost all were hybrid. There is an extensive network of charging stations throughout Norway, so I wouldn’t let that deter you. We opted for a hybrid that could take fuel and also charge. But after seeing all of the charging options in Norway, I would feel more comfortable going full electric now.

If you’re renting a car, there are two companies we prefer to use: Rental Cars and Expedia Cars. We have had no issues with them and have been able to find the best prices available.

Our car rental cost about $1,000 USD for the week, including a transfer fee since we were flying out of a different airport, and insurance and a second driver, which I was glad to have since we had a few long days.

We used Google maps to navigate around Norway, and that worked great. We had service during most of our Norway road trip and only occasionally lost service when high up in the mountains. You can also download sections of Google maps so that you can still use them when you don’t have service. I recommend doing this before you leave.

Driving in Norway required navigating some narrow streets and windy mountain roads, but most of the roads were nicely paved and kept up really well.

Since we drove across Norway, our days were mostly spent with a half day driving and a half day exploring. It was perfect for a relaxing type of trip that covered a lot of ground. Driving never felt like a chore in Norway, since literally everywhere you look is absolutely stunning.

Day 1: Oslo to Gausta

We decided to begin our Norway itinerary in the capital city of Norway. We flew into Oslo late at night, so we stayed within walking distance of the Oslo airport at the Raddison Red Hotel , which was fantastic. The breakfast was incredible. Norwegian hotels are known for their huge breakfast spreads, and this one did not disappoint!

Early morning, we kicked off our Norwegian adventure in the vibrant city of Oslo. This modern city meets rich history and beautiful scenery.

We only had one day to explore Oslo and saw the city on foot, stopping at the Oslo Opera House, which was a stunning piece of architecture. But honestly, my favorite part of this stop was walking around the outside of the Opera House and seeing the wood shop that creates sets and the costume department hard at work sewing costumes. They had miniature displays in the windows of their costumes, it was fascinating!

The Oslo Opera House is right on the Oslo Fjord and the views from the rooftop are amazing, even if we were freezing in the wind!

Here are some other things to do in Oslo:

• Visit the Viking Ship Museum
• Explore Vigeland Park
• Visit the National Museum of Norway

After exploring Oslo, we hopped in our rental car and started on our drive toward the city of Gausta. We stopped at the historic Heddal Stave church, a remarkable example of medieval architecture and one of the country’s most significant historical landmarks. Dating back to the early 13th century, the this old Stave Church is constructed entirely from wood! It has been restored between now and then.

This masterpiece of medieval architecture, its intricate wooden carvings, and its historic aura left me in awe. The crazy part of visiting this stave church was the smell!

Yes…the smell! They use tar to seal the wood and it smells like a campfire! I loved it!

On our way to Gausta, we stopped at Circle K to try one of the famous Norwegian hot dogs. There were options for toppings like potato salad, crab, onions, and other mayonaise-salad-type things. We opted for potato salad. The hot dogs were surprisingly tasty! We also tried raisinbol, a cardamom-spiced sweet bun with raisins that was delicious.

The second stop on our Norway itinerary was the beautiful mountain town of Gausta.

We spent the night at the Gaustablikk Høyfjellshotell , nestled amidst the mountains. Its cozy ambiance and spectacular views made for an unforgettable stay. It was a beautiful ski resort that we had almost to ourselves. They had the most comfortable beds I’ve ever had, an amazing restaurant and lobby, and a floating on sauna on the lake! We booked sauna time and jumped in the freezing cold lake three times! It was exhilarating! Saunas are a big deal in Norway and almost every hotel we stayed in had one. It was a great way to warm up in the cold weather.

We were both wishing we had our husbands with us because it was a very romantic stay! I wish we would have stayed here an extra night. We ended the evening with a romantic authentic Norwegian dinner at the hotel.

Days 2: Rjukan to Hardangerfjord

We spent the morning eating the enormous and amazing breakfast at the Gaustablikk Høyfjellshotell , seriously the breakfast was out of this world! We had Norwegian heart waffles, a juice bar, all kinds of eggs and meats, bread, fish, spreads. The waffles were our favorites! I actually bought a Norwegian waffle maker before I even got home.

hiking around the hotel, picking lingonberries, and enjoying the sunshing. We tried to hike every morning before our drives. We hopped in the car and drove about 30 minutes down the mountain.

Today, our Norway itinerary took us to the charming village of Rjukan, a valley below Gausta, where we spend the night. We visited an open air museum which had several old buildings used as farm houses and barns. There are several of these around Norway. They’ve relocated these old buildings to these museums and when they’re open you can go inside and explore.

We hopped on the Krossoban Cable Car in Rjukan, which offered us a stunning aerial view of the landscapes. This gondola was created because the town of Rjukan gets no direct sunlight in the winter, so residents have cabins up on the hill that they would visit in the winter to get some vitamin D! Rjukan also uses mirrors to reflect sun into the valley during short winter days.

There is also a lot of WWII history in Rjukan, which was occupied during the war. You can visit the Vemork Heavy Water Museum which has a fascinating history. You can read more about it here .

We stopped in the little town of Rauland to fuel up and get snacks. There was a great little bakery where we bought bread and cheese, which was good because it sustained us on our long drives where there weren’t many food options.

We stopped at the beautiful Latefossen, another huge waterfall, and took some pictures.

We finally made it to Hardangerfjord and checked into the Ullensvang Hotel , which had incredible views of the fjord and a swimming pool. There’s not much to eat in the town, so we had the hotel buffet, which was outrageously expensive at $67, but at least was delicious.

Day 3: Hardangerfjord to Bergen

The next morning we swam in the pools along the fjords and spent some time in the sauna, then grabbed another amazing breakfast at the hotel.

Our original plan was to kayak on the fjord in the morning, but our kayak tour got canceled due to rain. Here’s the tour we were supposed to do.

It was only sprinkling and we wanted to get some exercise in before getting back in the car so we hiked along the fruit trail, which was a path through apple orchards nearby. It was beautiful and we had a few apple snacks along the way. There were little farm stops where you could buy fruit and cider.

We then visited the quaint village of Eidfjord and indulged in some delicious treats at the Fjak Chocolate Factory. I highly recommend trying the “brown cheese” chocolate. It tastes like toffee! We grabbed some soup for lunch at a nearby cafe and continued on with our drive. Our day ended with a visit to the mesmerizing Steinsdalsfossen Waterfall.

We checked into our farm stay at Solneset Farm . This was a unique experience and the Norwegian countryside is beautiful. I loved seeing all the animals and being out in nature.

Sadly, the restaurant was closed for the season, which we didn’t know when we booked, so we had to bring our own food and cook for ourselves, which was kind of a pain in the shared kitchen. But it was also fun to meet other visitors at the farm. We played a rousing game of Norwegian Scrabble, and I won, just for the record.

Day 4: Exploring Bergen

We had an early start and a slow morning, making breakfast at the farm and walking around the farm and checking out the cute bunnies. Then we headed into Bergen, about 20 minutes away. There’s a massive parking structure in Bergen, which was very convenient.

Bergen greeted us with its charming streets and colorful houses and quite a bit of wind and rain. We loved wandering the city center and exploring the shops. Strolling through Bryggen, the iconic row of colorful wooden houses, was like stepping into a postcard. There was a Hallmark Christmas movie being filmed so we saw lots of fake snow and Christmas trees lining the streets and signs saying to keep quiet.

A ride on the Føibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen was a highlight, offering incredible views of the city. We wandered around the mossy troll forest at the top of the mountain. This was the inspiration for the mossy rock trolls in Frozen, and you can see why!

We had some lunch and grabbed some more cardamom buns, of course, and Fjak chocolate had a cafe in Bergen where we grabbed some amazing hot chocolate, before heading back to the Solnoset Farm.

Here are some other things you can see in Bergen:

• Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene
• Bergenhus Fortress
• Fish Market

We enjoyed a peaceful night at the Solnoset Farm Hotel where we made ourselves dinner and relaxed while the rains came.

Day 5-6: From Flåm to Lom

The next day in our Norway itinerary, we had a slow morning at the farm and then drove through the Norwegian countryside one one of the country’s scenic routes to the adorable town of Flåm, which is one of the most popular stops on the Norway in a Nutshell tour, which uses Norway’s public transportation.

It was a cute town and you could do a fjord cruise and take the Flåmbana scenic train ride. They were both really expensive and this was the only place that we saw a lot of tourists, so we decided to just stop in and then head out and skip the train and the cruise. We were seeing some incredible scenery from the windows of our rental car, so I didn’t feel like we were missing out at all.

We kept driving through some of the windiest and most gorgeous roads I’ve ever driven, stopped at the Tvindefossen Waterfall (honestly it was hard to keep track of which waterfalls were which), until we got to Lom where we stayed at the Fossheim Hotel.

We had dinner at the hotel where we tried reindeer (yum…like a really lean steak) and had a good night sleep in the rustic little hotel.

In the morning we explored the town of Lom. There was a cute little library which we had to check out, a cultural museum, a beautiful glacial river and bridge, and a bakery overlooking the river with the tastiest buns ever (are you seeing a pattern of bun consumption here?). It was a perfect slow morning wandering the town.

Next we drove along fjords to the town of Loen . Our adventure in Loen was filled with natural wonders. The drive through Aurlandsfjellet National Scenic Route was surreal, with every turn revealing new, stunning views.

We stopped to do the Loen Zip Line. It was pretty cool, but it was cloudy and raining that day, so it was hard to see out onto the valley below and so it wasn’t as exhilarating as it normally would be. I’m sure on a clear day you get amazing views from the top! The gondola ride up was beautiful and that made the stop worth it. The ziplining wasn’t nearly as good as what I had done in Croatia the week before.

Our final destination was in the picturesque town of Ålesund. The drive up Trollstigen was thrilling, with its sharp turns and steep inclines.

We kept driving and took the ferry to the coastal town of Ålesund (pronounced oh-lah-soond ). Oh, Ålesund is such a gem, especially if you’re into places with a mix of natural beauty and charming architecture! We stayed here for 2 nights and loved it!

We checked into the Ålesund Quality Hotel , which was right on the water with incredible views!

Days 7-8: Wandering Ålesund

Ålesund, with its Art Nouveau architecture and coastal beauty, was the perfect finale to our Norwegian journey. The days here were spent wandering through its streets, soaking in the culture and the breathtaking scenery, stopping at coffee shops, and trying lots of food.

We ate at Cinque Minuti, an authentic Italian pizza place, twice, had lots of cardamom and pistachio buns, and hot chocolate to keep us warm.

We hiked up Aksla where we got the best views of the city and surrounding islands.

There was a little family festival going on, so we were able to tour some old fishing ships, do some vintage shopping, and try local foods.

The next morning we flew back from the Ålesund airport to England for our next tour.

Every moment in Norway was a blend of adventure, serenity, and awe-inspiring beauty. From the majestic fjords to the quaint villages, each day brought new wonders and unforgettable experiences. This trip was just what we needed in between running 2 British Book Club tours.

Our journey through Norway was more than just a travel experience; it was a journey through a land of myths, legends, and natural splendor…oh and lots of great adventures and food. The memories we created here will be cherished forever and I’m ready to bring my whole family back to experience this gorgeous country.

The post My Norway Itinerary – What we did with one week in Norway appeared first on Wanderlust Crew .

Explore Norway with a Camper: The Ultimate 3-Week Itinerary

Norway is a breathtakingly beautiful country, with an array of natural wonders and outdoor adventures that are waiting to be explored. And what better way to experience all of this than by renting a camper and setting off on a road trip? With a camper rental, you have the freedom to travel at your own pace, stopping wherever and whenever you like, making it the perfect way to experience Norway.

Whether you're an experienced camper or a first-time adventurer, this 2-week itinerary will help you make the most of your trip to Norway. So, let's get started!

Day 1-2: Oslo

Start your adventure in Norway's capital, Oslo. This modern city has a lot to offer, from museums and art galleries to parks and gardens. Take a stroll through the city center to see the famous Royal Palace and visit the Munch Museum to see works by the famous Norwegian painter, Edvard Munch.

If you have time, head to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, a park filled with more than 200 bronze, granite, and cast iron sculptures. Spend the night in one of the camper parks in the city.

Day 3-4: Drammen

Drive to Drammen, a city located about 40 kilometers from Oslo. This city is known for its picturesque waterfalls and parks. Take a stroll along the river and explore the city's cultural heritage.

Spend the night in a camper park in the city, and in the morning, visit the beautiful Marienlyst Park, one of the city's most popular attractions.

Day 5-6: Geilo

Drive to Geilo, a beautiful mountain resort in the heart of Norway. This area is known for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Take a hike in the mountains, go fishing, or simply relax and enjoy the view.

Spend the night in a camper park in the area, and in the morning, visit the Geilo Cultural Heritage Museum to learn about the history of the area.

Day 7-8: Bergen

Drive to Bergen, a charming coastal city located in western Norway. This city is known for its vibrant cultural scene and rich history. Take a stroll through the city center to see the famous Bergenhus Fortress, the oldest of Bergen's many historic buildings.

Spend the night in a camper park in the city, and in the morning, visit the famous Fish Market, one of the city's most popular attractions.

  Day 9-10: Ålesund

Drive to Ålesund, a picturesque coastal town located in western Norway. This town is known for its beautiful architecture, stunning scenery, and outdoor activities. Take a hike in the mountains, go fishing, or simply relax and enjoy the view.

Spend the night in a camper park in the area, and in the morning, visit the Ålesund Aquarium, one of the town's most popular attractions.

Day 11-12: Trondheim 

Drive to Trondheim, a charming city located in central Norway. This city is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. Take a stroll through the city center to see the famous Nidaros Cathedral, the largest medieval cathedral in Norway.

Spend the night in a camper park in the city, and in the morning, visit the Trondheim Science Museum to learn about the history and culture of the area.

 Day 13-14: Tromsø

Drive to Tromsø, a city located in northern Norway  , known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures. This city is located above the Arctic Circle, making it an ideal location for viewing the Northern Lights. Take a hike in the mountains, go fishing, or simply relax and enjoy the view.

Spend the night in a camper park in the city, and in the morning, visit the Tromsø Museum to learn about the history and culture of the area.

Day 15-16: Lofoten Islands

Drive to the Lofoten Islands, a group of stunningly beautiful islands located in northern Norway. This area is known for its stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and cultural heritage. Take a hike in the mountains, go fishing, or simply relax and enjoy the view.

Spend the night in a camper park in the area, and in the morning, visit the Lofoten War Museum to learn about the history of the area. xt here ...

Day 17-18: Bodø

Drive to Bodø, a city located in northern Norway. This city is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Take a hike in the mountains, go fishing, or simply relax and enjoy the view.

Spend the night in a camper park in the city, and in the morning, visit the Bodø War Museum to learn about the history of the area.

Day 19-20: Return to Oslo 

Drive back to Oslo, the starting point of your journey. Take one last stroll through the city, visit any museums or attractions you missed, and reflect on the amazing experiences you had during your 2-week road trip in Norway.

Conclusion: The best road trip with a camper

At Nordic Campers, we believe that a 3-week road trip is the perfect amount of time to experience the best of what Norway has to offer. It allows you to see a variety of landscapes, from the vibrant city of Oslo to the stunning Lofoten Islands and the Northern Lights in Tromsø. You'll also have the opportunity to partake in a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and exploring the cultural heritage of the area. With a camper rental, you have the freedom to travel at your own pace, and we're confident that you'll fall in love with Norway's natural beauty and charm. So, book your camper rental today, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

About the author

• Places to go
• Plan your trip
• Things to do
• Camper rental in Norway
• Mobile Apps in Norway
• Nordic Campers
• Tips for your Trip

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Embracing the new #vanlife trend, the founders of Nordic Campers realized that Norway needed an affordable camper rental company that people could use on their adventures around the country. Our vision is to provide travelers with a completely unique travel experience as well as the most convenient and affordable campers in Norway.

Company Profile

Nordic Campers is a small family company that takes its pride in delivering good service to their customers. It was founded in 2012 and was the first mini-camper rental in Norway. Through the years is has kept developed and is now the most know campervan rental in Norway. Nordic Campers is recommended by www.visitnorway.com