best travel guide to norway

The best places to visit in Norway in 2024

Mar 14, 2024 • 8 min read

Stunning culture-filled cities are tucked away in Norway's incredible landscapes © BlueOrange Studio / Shutterstock

Simply put, Norway is spectacular. Along the west coast, shimmering blue fjords carve deep into the interior, with picture-perfect villages hugging the shores and gravity-defying farms clinging to the steep slopes above. Elsewhere, the coastline is less dramatic but still stunning with white-painted towns and countless islands, while interior Norway has some of Europe’s wildest, most beautiful mountains, interspersed with green agricultural valleys and stretches of deep forest.

Almost anywhere you go in Norway you’ll find scenery to take your breath away and abundant activities to inspire you. Here are the best places to visit in 2024.

Best for museums and architecture

Norway’s energetic, innovative capital boasts top-notch historical and cultural museums, a creative food scene, and cutting-edge architecture such as the striking new Munch Museum and the iconic opera house, designed to resemble a glacier. A stroll along the new waterfront promenade is a great way to get a close-up look at Oslo’s evolving cityscape. And after a year-long renovation the Nobel Peace Center reopened in November 2023 . 

Planning tip : One of Oslo’s top attractions, the Viking Ship Museum , is closed until 2026, but the Fram Museum is another great ship-centered attraction that tells the fascinating story of Norwegian polar exploration. 

2. Lofoten Islands

Best for astonishing Arctic beauty

The Lofoten archipelago is vivid, dramatic, and irresistibly photogenic, with jagged mountains rising from the sea and colorful villages hugging rocky shores that are moss-green in summer and blanketed in pristine snow in winter. Come for the hiking, the kayaking, the arts scene, the history, the wildlife, the seafood, or just to admire the incredible views on this outer edge of northern Norway. In summer, there’s almost endless daylight, while in winter, the aurora borealis often shimmer overhead in undulating waves of green, yellow, red, and purple. 

3. Jotunheimen

Best for hiking and trekking

Home to Norway’s 29 highest summits, plus hundreds of other peaks over 2,000 meters, Jotunheimen – whose name means “home of the giants” – is rugged, wild, and an irresistible lure for hikers and climbers. Base yourself in a mountain lodge or cabin and go for day hikes, or embark on a multi-day wilderness trek through incomparable scenery. Much of the region is protected within Jotunheimen National Park , which is within easy reach of the fjord region and several cities. 

Planning tip : Join the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) for discounts and special access to a large network of staffed lodges and unstaffed cabins throughout Norway, including many in and around Jotunheimen. 

4. Sognefjord

Best for stave churches and pretty fjordside villages 

The longest and deepest fjord, the Sognefjord carves into the interior from the west coast to the edge of Jotunheimen. Its many scenic arms include the stunning UNESCO–listed Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. Several of Norway’s 28 surviving medieval stave churches are located around Sognefjord, including two of the most impressive, Urnes and Borgund. Also around the fjord are picturesque villages such as Fjærland, the book town; idyllic Solvorn; Undredal, known for its goat cheese; and Flåm, the lower terminus of the scenic Flåm Railway.

Planning tip : Sightseeing cruises on the UNESCO fjords operate between Flåm and Gudvangen, connecting to a bus to complete the round trip. If you’re driving another option is to take the car ferry between Kaupanger and Gudvangen.

5. Hardangerfjord

Best for waterfalls and cider

Norway’s second-longest fjord, the Hardangerfjord is known for its fruit orchards and many spectacular waterfalls. There are endless things to do here, from kayaking peaceful inlets to cycling the fjordside roads, hiking up to isolated Kjesåsen Farm, or trekking onto the glaciers of Folgefonna National Park. The Hardangerfjord is gorgeous at any time of year, but mid-May to mid-June brings an additional layer of beauty with the blossoming of the region’s many apple and cherry trees. Be sure to sample some of the locally produced cider and juice while you’re here.  

Planning tip : Norled’s fast passenger ferry runs from April through October, making it possible to travel between destinations around the Hardangerfjord without a car. There are also a few car ferries that you can walk aboard for free.

Best mix of urban attractions and outdoor recreation

Norway’s second-largest city is a charmer, starting with its UNESCO-listed waterfront district, Bryggen, a delightful warren of colorful wooden buildings and narrow alleyways where merchants from the powerful medieval Hanseatic League once held sway. Though framed by mountains – there’s wonderful hiking within easy reach – Bergen is very much a maritime city, as reflected in its vibrant restaurant scene highlighting fresh fish and seafood.

Planning tip : The Bergen Card offers free or discounted admission to many of Bergen’s excellent museums and other attractions, as well as tours and transportation.

7. Geiranger

Best for panoramic fjord views

The UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord is another of Norway’s most beautiful fjords, with sheer walls, impressive waterfalls, and abandoned farms clinging to high cliffs. The ferry journey between Geiranger and the quieter village of Hellesylt is stunning, as is the land approach to Geiranger from the north on Route 63, Ørnevegen (the Eagle Road), which makes 11 hairpin turns as it winds down the mountainside. Stop at Ørnesvingen, the highest switchback, for panoramic views. 

Planning tip : East of Geiranger, Route 63 continues along the north side of the glacial massif. Take the side road from Djupevatn (toll) to the Dalsnibba lookout for a stunning look back towards Geiranger. 

Best for early 20th-century architecture and design

Regularly voted one of Norway’s most beautiful cities, Ålesund owes its special character to a devastating fire in 1904 that razed the town, leaving 10,000 people homeless. When the city rose from the ashes, it was with an entirely new cityscape in the Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) style, making it unique in Norway. For an incomparable panorama of Ålesund and its magnificent natural surroundings, climb the 418 steps to the Aksla viewpoint, overlooking the city center.

9. Trondheim

Best blend of history and innovation

Norway’s historic Viking capital, Trondheim is a lively university town, a medieval pilgrimage destination, a science and technology hub, a culinary hotspot (it was the European Capital of Gastronomy last year), and so much more. The Nidelva River flows through the city center, lined with colorful warehouses. Rent a kayak or take a sightseeing tour by boat for the best views. Trondheim’s star attraction is Nidaros Cathedral, a medieval masterpiece built over the grave of Norway’s patron saint, King Olav II Haraldsson, while across the river, the 17th-century Kristiansten Fortress played a major defensive role during the Scandinavian wars before being occupied by the Nazis during World War II.

10. Nordland Coast

Best for wild coastal road trips

In a country where gorgeous views are everywhere, Kystriksveien , the coastal road from Steinkjær to Bodø (the European Capital of Culture for 2024 ), stands out with its seemingly infinite views of mountains rising from the sea, sandy coves, pretty fishing villages, and countless islands including the birdwatching hotspots Vega and Lovund. The whole route stretches 400 miles (650 km) and takes a minimum of four or five days to drive, with several ferry crossings and numerous worthwhile detours along the way. Kystriksveien is also a wonderful cycling destination; guided tours and luggage transport are available.

Planning tip : Ferries along the route use the Autopass system for tolling. If you don’t have a transponder, register an account in the FerryPay system to avoid a surcharge for mailed invoices. Visit www.autopassferje.no for details.

Best city for year-round outdoor activities

Located 217 miles (315 kilometers) north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is northern Norway’s largest city and unofficial capital. In summer, you can hike, kayak, sauna-hop and savor the city’s urban delights under the midnight sun, while in winter, there are excellent chances of seeing the aurora borealis casting a magical glow overhead as you ski, snowshoe, dogsled and reindeer sled across pristine wintry landscapes. Winter is also the best time for whale watching, whereas summer is the prime season to take a birdwatching cruise in search of puffins and other seabirds.

Local tip:  Since 2001 Tromsø has been twinned with Gaza City, a topic which is now being keenly discussed by locals. 

12. Svalbard

Best for remoteness and Arctic wildlife

Tromsø not far enough north for you? Then head to Svalbard , an Arctic archipelago located roughly halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, and one where Norwegian, Russian and other citizens all inhabit in a visa-free zone. During the polar summer the islands come alive with migratory species such as whales and seabirds. Polar bears and reindeer wander across the landscape year round, while seals and walrus can often be seen hauled out on ice floes or island shores. In winter, the long polar night descends over the archipelago as the only natural light comes from the moon, stars, and the brilliant auroras that frequently dance across the heavens. 

Planning tip : Despite its small size, Svalbard’s administrative center, Longyearbyen, has a surprising range of restaurants, making it a good place to sample the flavors of the Arctic.

This article was first published July 2012 and updated March 2024

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Norway Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Visit Norway!

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

So, that’s what this is.

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

And more, of course.

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Norway Travel Guide: Welcome!

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

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

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

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

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

3 Things to know about Norway before visiting

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

#1 The Cost of Things

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

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

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

#2 The Language

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 8 Best places to visit in Norway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#2 The fjords

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

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

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

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

This is also where I currently live!

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

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

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

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

Bergen Hotel Deals

#4 trondheim.

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

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

#5 Lillehammer

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

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

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

#6 Northern Norway

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

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

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

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

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

Northern Norway Hotel Deals

#7 the lofoten islands.

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

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

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

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

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

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

#8 Stavanger

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

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

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

The best fjords to visit in Norway

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

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

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

First things first.

What is a fjord?

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

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

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

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

How do I use ‘fjord’ in a sentence?

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

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

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

#1 The Lysefjord – Lysefjorden

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

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

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

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

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

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

#2 The Geiranger fjord – Geirangerfjorden

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

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

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

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

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

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

#3 The Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 4 Best Things to do in Norway

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

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

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

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

#1 Hiking in Norway

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

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

Here are two of my favourite unknown hikes in Norway!

#2 Explore the fjords by boat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#4 Norway in a Nutshell

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to see in Norway

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

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

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

The Best Time to Visit Norway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visiting Norway on a budget

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Hotels in Norway

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

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

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

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

Oslo Hotel Deals

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

Travelling in Norway – How to get around

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travelling Norway by car

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

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

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

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN NORWAY

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

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

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

Travelling Norway by bus

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

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

• VyBuss (formerly Nettbuss)
• Nor-Way Bussekspress

Travelling Norway by train

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

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

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

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

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

Tipping in Norway

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tipping in Oslo

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

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

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

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

Tipping in the rest of Norway

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Norway

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Norway Travel Tips

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

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

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

All My Norway travel guides

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PS: Planning your trip to Norway? Watch this video packed with tips!

Watch on YouTube

How to plan a trip to norway: before you go, best time to visit .

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

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

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

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

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

Handy Resources for Getting To Norway 

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

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

Where to Stay 

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

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

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

Packing for Your Norway Trip

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

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

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

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

Travel Insurance

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

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

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

Suggested Guidebooks

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

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

Norway Visitor Guide: What to Do During Your Norway Trip

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

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

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

Take the Train from Oslo to Bergen

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

Wander Through the Streets of Bergen

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

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

 See the Northern Lights from the Lofoten Islands

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

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

Visit the Gateway to Norway’s North, Tromso

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

Road Trip the Kystriksveien Coastal Route

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

Experience Extremities in Svalbard

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

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

Hike to Pulpit Rock near Stavanger

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

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

Take a Ferry Along Geirangerfjord

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

Spend Time in Lively Trondheim

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

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

Suggested Norway Trip Itineraries 

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

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

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

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

How to See the Best of Norway for Free 

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

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

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

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

Dishes to Try in Norway 

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

Top Drinks in Norway 

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

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

Tips for travelling to norway.

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

Tipping In Norway

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

Interesting Facts 

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

Handy Phrases for Travelling to Norway

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

Takk – Thank You

Hallo – Hello

Ha det – Goodbye

Vær så snill – Please

Hvor er…? – Where is…?

En billet til… – One ticket to…

Jernbanestasjon – Train station

Busstasjon – Bus ststaion

Flypass – Airport

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

Time Zones 

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

Electricity + Adapters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check flights on Skyscanner

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

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

Costs and Budgeting for a Norway Trip

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

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

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

Read More Norway Travel Guides

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

• A Snowy Sami Reindeer Experience in Tromso, Norway
• Norway in Winter: Why It’s Worth Visiting
• Best Time and Places to See the Northern Lights in Norway
• A Food-Lover’s Guide to the Lofoten Islands: A Culinary Adventure in Norway’s Arctic Circle

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

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

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Norway Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 13, 2023

To top it all off, Norwegians are wonderful people, almost everyone speaks fluent English so it’s easy to navigate, and the scenic fjords are never far from sight.

And, since Norwegians love nature, there are a lot of free outdoor activities that can fill your days without emptying your wallet. Wild camping is also free here as well, making it the perfect destination for outdoorsy travelers.

I’ve loved all my visits to Norway. I am always blown away by the landscape, architecture, and friendly people. It’s definitely not a country to be missed, even if you are on a budget.

Use this travel guide to Norway to plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to this beautiful nation!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Norway

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in norway.

1. Check out the fjords

Surrounded by high cliffs, the fjords of Norway are world renowned and breathtakingly beautiful. Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord near Bergen are two of the most popular. Other fjords worth seeing include Aurlandsfjord (near Flåm), Lysefjord (near Stavanger), and Trollfjord (near Tromsø). There are tons of ways to experience Norway’s natural beauty whatever your style is, from doing a fjord cruise , a kayaking tour, or going on a scenic hike to fully take in the unique landscapes.

2. Explore Oslo

Oslo is a beautiful small city of just under 700,000 people. Here you can browse the National Gallery, explore the Akerhus fortress, check out the Viking Ship Museum, see the Royal Palace, spend an afternoon strolling the Aker Brygge wharf, or sail around the city on a boat tour . Don’t miss Vigeland Sculpture Park either, with its 200 unique statues. The city is also surrounded by wilderness, offering plenty of places to hike, bike, swim, and camp (and, of course, cross-country ski in the winter).

3. Visit Bergen

Bergen is home to tons of hiking trails as well as some of the most scenic fjords in the country. Check out the fish market, stroll through the historic Gamle Bergen, climb the medieval Rosenkrantz Tower, or hike up Mount Fløyen to get a picturesque view of the city below. Just two hours outside Bergen, you can enjoy the guided walks (suitable for all levels) on the Folgefonna Glaciers and marvel at the colors of the spectacular “blue-ice” hike. Folgefonna National Park, home to the massive golden eagle, is accessible by public transportation too.

4. See Lofoten

Lofoten is a picturesque scenic area in the far north well worth the effort (and cost) to get to. There are beautiful fjords to cruise , mountains, wildlife, and a slower pace of life that makes this place seem magical. Plus, there’s no shortage of activities to take advantage of, from excellent fishing and plenty of opportunities for kayaking, photo tours, sailing trips, horseback riding, and more. This is also one of several spots to see the Northern Lights mirrored in the water of this unique archipelago. It’s one of the most sought-after photography destinations in the world.

5. Tour Trondheim

Known for its bright and colorful buildings, Trondheim is a laid-back city filled with students. Located in the middle of the country, it’s a fun destination to party and enjoy late nights out. Be sure to take a stroll through the Bakklandet neighborhood, see the Old Town Bridge, and visit the spectacular medieval Nidaros cathedral that has attracted pilgrims from Oslo for the last 400 years. The Rockheim culture center is a tribute to the history of Nordic rock music from 1950 to the present with interesting interactive exhibits and displays. If you visit in winter, don’t miss the Ice Domes (an ice hotel that you can visit on a tour or stay at overnight — for a hefty price!).

Other Things to See and Do in Norway

1. take a free walking tour.

One of the best things you can do when you arrive in a new city is to take a walking tour. It’s a great way to get the lay of the land and learn about the culture, people, and history of the destination. You can find free walking tours in Oslo and Bergen — tours that give you much more insight than any guidebook. Just be sure to tip your guides at the end!

2. Hike to the Preacher’s Pulpit

Preikestolen (Preacher’s Pulpit or Preacher’s Chair) is one of the most famous landmarks in Norway (you’ve probably seen it on Instagram). An unusually flat and wide surface located atop a cliff, the iconic Preikestolen is only reachable by hiking a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) trail. With around 200,000 visitors per year, you’ll want to make sure you arrive early in order to take some photos without all the crowds. The hike is free and relatively easy though you’ll need to pay 250 NOK to park your car. June-September is the best time to go. Guided hikes of Preacher’s Pulpit (with transportation) start at 990 NOK.

3. See the stunning national parks

Norway is host to some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the world. With 47 national parks (and over 3,000 protected areas), Norway offers everything from waterfalls and glaciers to reindeer, lynx, and wolves — and much more! You can also enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities, from caving and canyoning to rafting and ziplining. Consider a visit to Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to the largest glacier in continental Europe; Blåfjella-Skjækerfjella National Park, which has tons of hiking and also lots of wild reindeer; or Jotunheimen National Park, which is home to over 200 mountains you can hike and climb. The national parks are all free to enter (though there are fees for parking).

4. Journey to the North Cape

The northernmost tip of Europe, Norway’s North Cape is great for hiking, trekking, road trips, and more. Located almost 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) from Oslo, here you can explore the jagged coastline of Finnmark county, which includes six national parks. In the summer, the midnight sun shines for 2-3 months straight (May-July), while in the winter there are 2-3 months of complete darkness (November-January). You don’t get more remote than this!

5. Explore Tromsø

Perfect for a 24-hour party, Tromsø in the summer is a city that doesn’t sleep because the sun is up 24/7! Located in the Arctic Circle over 1,700 kilometers (1,056 miles) north of Olso, tourists come here to experience unbroken sunlight amidst the city’s many pubs. Or, if you happen to visit in the dark and cold of winter, you can catch the vibrant northern lights . It’s also a world-famous fishing destination and home to incredible, postcard-perfect fjords. Like Lofoten, this is one of the best destinations in the country for photography.

6. Enjoy some winter sports

Norway is one of the top ski destinations in the world. Rauland, Geilo, Skeikampen, and Hemsedal are all great options for snowboarding, telemark skiing (which mixes Alpine skiing and Nordic skiing), and 2,600 kilometers (1,615 miles) of cross-country skiing paths — and they’re all just a few hours from Oslo. Lift tickets range from 300-450 NOK per adult. Expect to pay more on the weekends (the slopes are busier on the weekends too).

7. Eat at the Bergen Fish Market

Open daily, this market offers more than just fish. Come here for a glimpse into the local culture and history of the city (this market dates all the way back to 1200 CE). Explore the many stalls, snap some pictures, and check out the waterfront. It’s just a short walking distance from many museums and galleries too (the Art Museum, the Hanseatic Museum, and the Leprosy Museum are all nearby). If you have access to a kitchen, grab some fish to take back for dinner. It’s one of the more affordable places to buy fresh fish in the city.

8. See the Vigeland Sculptures

If you are in Oslo, don’t miss these sculptures. Located in Frogner Park, this unique collection is the world’s largest display of sculptures created by a single artist. Gustav Vigeland created all 212 statues in this 80-acre open-air “gallery.” It’s one of the most popular places in the summer to have a picnic, relax, people-watch, and enjoy the fleeting summer sun. It’s free too.

9. Stroll around Gamle Stavanger

One of the oldest parts of Stavanger, this area is composed of narrow cobblestone streets lined with old wooden homes built during the 18th century. Taking a walk down here is like stepping back in time. After World War II, all of the city’s wooden buildings were replaced with concrete and stone buildings — except for this section. Be sure to check out the various paintings, pottery, and other artisanal works by local artists in the area.

10. Check out the Royal Palace

Built during the first half of the 19th century, the Royal Palace in Oslo was the creation of King Charles III who ruled both Norway and Sweden at that time. Today, it’s the official residence of the monarch (Norway is one of a dozen countries in Europe that still has a monarch). Be sure to see the changing of the guards at 1:30pm each day (it lasts around 40 minutes) and spend some time relaxing in the 54-acre park that surrounds the palace. The palace is open during the summer for guided tours (self-guided tours are not permitted) which cost 175 NOK. (Currently closed for guided tours until June 2023).

11. Wander the Ringve Music Museum & Botanical Garden

Located in Trondheim, this unassuming museum has an awesome collection of unique musical instruments from all around the world (there are over 2,000 in the collection). The museum is in the botanical gardens so there are 32 acres of plants and trees to see as you stroll around. The museum also has rotating exhibits from time to time so check the website to see if anything is on during your visit. Admission is 140 NOK and children under 15 enter free. Closed Mondays.

12. Visit the Norwegian Folk Museum

There are many museums throughout Oslo showcasing Norwegian history and Viking tales, but this is the most interesting. Home to over 150 buildings, this open-air museum lets you immerse yourself in the history of the country. The biggest attraction is the Gol Stave Church, which dates to 1200 CE. Other incredible sights to see are the 14th-century farmhouses and the 18th-century tenement buildings. This is a fun activity that blends entertainment and education, so it’s a great choice for anyone traveling with children. Admission is 180 NOK in summer and 140 NOK in winter.

13. Attend Stavanger’s jazz festival

Held every May, MaiJazz is a weekend-long festival featuring some of the most well-known jazz artists in the world. The city gets bustling and crowded so be sure to book your accommodation well in advance. The weather might be balmy as well so make sure you bring a coat too. Ticket prices vary for each performance (you pay per performance, not for a festival ticket). Most are between 450-750 NOK.

14. Hike Trolltunga

Located 4 hours from Bergen, this is one of Norway’s most famous hikes. Trolltunga (which means “troll’s tongue” in Norwegian) is a 12-hour hike that takes you to a long outcropping of narrow stone that towers over the landscape (the rock looks like an outstretched tongue, hence the name). The journey is challenging but the reward is one of the most scenic views in the entire country. You can only access the hike from June-September without a guide (you need a guide for the other times of the year). Parking is 600 NOK per vehicle but be aware there are also toll roads en route.

  For more information on specific cities in Norway, check out these guides:

• Bergen Travel Guide
• Oslo Travel Guide

Norway Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation (much like everything in Norway) is not cheap. Hostels start around 300 NOK per night for an 8-person dorm. Private rooms start at 700 NOK. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have lockers and self-catering facilities if you want to cook your own food.

Most hostels charge a 50 NOK surcharge for linens, as is the custom in Scandinavia. You can bring your own but you cannot use a sleeping bag instead.

Budget hotels begin at around 700-900 NOK for a basic double room, however, budget hotels are also rare. Mid-range hotels (think 3-star hotels) are much more common, with prices starting around 800 NOK. For a hotel with a pool, expect to pay at least 1,200 NOK per night.

Private rooms on Airbnb can be found around 500 NOK per night while a whole apartment or house costs at least 750 NOK per night. Be sure to book early, otherwise prices can double (or even triple).

Wild camping is a budget-friendly option as it is legal (and free) to camp almost anywhere in the country. Norway has ‘Freedom to Roam’ laws (called “Allemannsretten”) that allow anyone to camp anywhere for up to two nights as long as it’s not on cultivated land. You’ll need to make sure you are not camping near someone’s house, that you take all trash with you when you leave, and that you aren’t in a farmer’s field or garden. But other than that, you can pretty much pitch your tent anywhere!

If wild camping is not your thing, campgrounds are also common though many require a Camping Key Europe card. You can purchase it for around 200 NOK. Most campsites have modern facilities, including toilets and showers. Expect most plots for two people without electricity to cost 150-350 NOK per night.

Food – Norwegian cuisine focuses heavily on seafood. Smoked salmon is a local favorite and one of the country’s staples. Cod is also super popular, as are prawns and crab (locals host “crab parties” when they are in season). Lamb is the most popular meat, and open-faced sandwiches are the go-to choice for both breakfast and lunch (usually composed of dark bread, cheese, and either meat, seafood, or vegetable topping).

Overall, the food is expensive here. A lot of food has to be imported so anything that isn’t grown here is going to be pricey. Street food like hot dogs cost 45 NOK and you can usually find “cheap” meals for under 200 NOK at inexpensive restaurants. For a multi-course meal with table service, expect to pay double that.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 120 NOK for a combo meal while Chinese food starts at 150 NOK per main dish. A basic large pizza starts at 110 NOK (140 NOK for one with more toppings).

Beer at the bar costs around 95 NOK though you can get it for less than half that price if you buy it at the store. Lattes/cappuccinos cost around 45 NOK while bottled water is 30 NOK.

Grocery shopping here is the cheapest way to get by on a budget. Expect a week’s worth of groceries to cost around 725 NOK. This includes basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Norway Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 600 NOK per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, take public transportation to get around, limit your drinking, and do free activities like swimming and hiking. If you plan on drinking, add 50-150 NOK per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of 1,500 NOK per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out for some meals, take the occasional taxi to get around, enjoy a couple of drinks, and do paid activities like museum visits or opera performances.

On a “luxury” budget of 2,600 NOK or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do more paid activities and guided tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in NOK.

Norway Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Norway is expensive. There’s no two ways about it. It’s one of the most expensive countries in the world and you will be hard pressed to save money if you aren’t cooking all your meals or camping. Ultra-budget is not impossible, just difficult. Here are some tips to help you save money in Norway:

• Cook your own food – Food is very expensive in Norway so the best thing you can do is cook your own meals. Go grocery shopping and stick to cheap local staples. Avoid eating out!
• Eat cheap – If you do decide to eat out, your cheapest options are shawarma and pizza. They can be found all around the country.
• Couchsurf – Use Couchsurfing to connect with locals and get free accommodation. It’s the best way to save money and make new friends who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Camp – Free public camping laws allow you to wild camp in the parks and public lands for free. You can generally stay 1-2 nights in an area as long as you are quiet and respectful. Make sure to leave the area as you found it!
• Get a tourism card – The best way to afford all the attractions in a city is to get a city tourism card. Oslo and Bergen both have tourism cards that can save you money if you plan on seeing a lot (they include free public transportation too).
• Book in advance – If you can plan your transportation in advance, you can save up to 50% off the cost of your train or bus tickets. Buying last-minute tickets means it’s going to be more than any budget traveler can afford, especially if you want to visit a number of destinations in Norway. Book in advance and save money!
• Stay sober – At 100 NOK per drink (or more!), going out for drinks destroys your budget. While Norwegians love to go out and have a good time, if you are on a tight budget, skip the booze!
• Buy your drinks at the store – If you do plan on drinking, buy your drinks at the Vinmonopolet (the state-run chain of stores that sell alcohol). You’ll save 50% or more doing this!
• Travel with friends – If you rent a car (which is the best way to get around) try to find people to join you to share costs. You can use the Couchsurfing platform or just ask around in hostels to find people. This will help you save money on gas and rental prices — which can eat into your budget quickly!
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Norway is super clean, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and lower your plastic usage. LifeStraw makes a bottle with a built-in filter so you can always ensure your water is clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Norway

Hostels are not all that plentiful across Norway (they’re usually just in the larger cities) so be sure to plan accordingly. Here are my suggested places to stay while you’re in Norway:

• Anker Hostel (Oslo)
• Cochs Pensjonat (Oslo)
• HI Bergen Hostel Montana (Bergen)
• Lillehammer Hostell (Lillehammer)
• Tromsø Activities Hostel (Tromsø)

How to Get Around Norway

Public transportation – Public transportation in Norway is modern, clean, and reliable. Buses and trams are common in each city; only Oslo has a metro system. Single tickets cost around 39 NOK and are usually valid for one hour. You can get a 24-hour pass in Oslo for 117 NOK and a 7-day pass for 323 NOK.

You are able to get on most buses and trams without showing a ticket, however, patrols are common and the fines are heavy if you get caught without a ticket. Don’t risk it — always buy a ticket!

Bus – Buses are a cheap way to get around the country, though they are slow and rather limited since the distances between cities can be large. For example, the 8-hour journey from Oslo to Stavanger costs around 115-450 NOK each way while the bus from Oslo to Trondheim takes around 9 hours and costs around 780 NOK. Prices can double when not booked in advance.

Vy Buss is the most common bus company, though you can also find deals with Nor-Way Bussekspress and Flixbus .

Train – Trains are the best way to get around Norway (unless you’re on a road trip). They are often faster than buses without costing much more — and they are much more comfortable. The 7-hour trip from Oslo to Trondheim costs as little as 360 NOK while the 6.5-hour trip to Bergen from Oslo can cost as little as 290 NOK. The trip from Oslo to Gothenburg, Sweden takes under 4 hours and can be done for less than 250 NOK.

Reservations should be made in advance as you can often find great deals that way. Last-minute tickets can be double what I quoted above!

Flying – Flying around Norway isn’t super cheap, but it’s also not that expensive. From Oslo, you can reach most destinations in the country (as well as destinations in Sweden) for as little as 500 NOK (one way) if you book early and are flexible. Norwegian Air is the main domestic carrier, though SAS also flies several major routes.

Car Rental – Renting a car is the best way to explore the country, however, it’s not cheap if you’re a solo traveler. Expect to pay 470-900 NOK per day for a vehicle if you rent for at least a week. Most rental vehicles are manuals as well, so keep that in mind when renting (you usually have to pay more for an automatic). If you don’t have someone to travel with to keep costs low, check at the local hostels or on Couchsurfing to find people to travel with so you can split costs.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Norway

The ideal time to visit Norway is from June to August when the weather is warm and the days are long. The country is at its liveliest during this time and locals take advantage of the good weather at every opportunity. The parks are always full, and there are usually fun events happening on the weekends. Temperatures are often in the 20s°C (60s and 70s°F) during the summer. Not too hot, but warm enough to swim, hike, and lounge about.

The downside to visiting then is that, since Norway has a very short summer, the cities can get busy so be sure to book your accommodation in advance. That being said, “busy” in Norway is a far cry from “busy” in cities like Paris or London.

The shoulder season (May-June and August-September) makes for a good time to visit as well, with temperatures ranging from 4-10°C (40-50°F). May typically has decent weather with occasional rain, while September gives you cooler temperatures and changing leaves. You’ll beat the crowds and still be able to explore on foot without the weather getting in your way (too much).

Attractions begin to close around September/October (including some hiking trails). The days get dark early in October and temperatures start dropping around this time too. However, prices also decrease and you’re likely to find cheaper airfares and accommodations during this time. Be sure to pack layers (and rain gear) if you plan on visiting during this time of year as it can be quite cool — even during the day.

The winter is very cold and sees a lot of snow and darkness. Temperatures plummet below freezing. The plus side of traveling during the winter is that accommodation is cheaper and fees for certain attractions are lower. This is also the prime time to see the northern lights or go skiing, so there is still plenty to do if you plan on visiting during the winter.

How to Stay Safe in Norway

Norway is one of the safest countries in the world. In fact, it ranks 17th on the ranking of the world’s safest countries! However, in cities like Oslo, it’s still good to keep an eye out for pickpockets, especially around the train station and on public transportation. Incidents are very rare, but it never hurts to be aware of your surroundings.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.) but it’s unlikely anything will occur. Check out one of the solo female travel blogs on the web for more specific information on safety.

If you go hiking, always bring water and sunscreen. Be sure to check the weather before you go as well.

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. While break-ins are rare, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Scams here are rare here but you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for police, 110 for fire, and 113 for ambulance services.

At the end of the day, always trust your gut instinct.Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID as well. It never hurts to be prepared!

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Norway Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Norway Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Norway travel and continue planning your trip:

How to Spend 48 Hours in Oslo

The 22 Best Things to Do in Oslo

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bergen, Norway

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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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My Top 30 Norway Itineraries – Two Days to Two Weeks in Norway

April 20, 2023 by Silvia 49 Comments

I’ve made so many trips around Norway in the past six years I’ve been living here, so I thought it could be helpful for me to gather all of my itineraries in one place. I also find that I often get questions from people trying to organize their Norway trips that I’ve already answered in past itineraries, so I wanted to make it easier to find all the information in one place.

Okay, so here’s a collection of all my top Norway itineraries, organized in order of length.

I’ve started with weekend trips, where I’m just giving suggestions for single places to visit, but if you scroll farther down I’ve linked my longer one and two week+ itineraries later in the post.

And of course if you have lots of time you can mix and match these destinations and itineraries to fit your schedule! Just keep in mind that Norway is really big. Like I think people way underestimate its size because we’re only five million people here.

I can’t tell you how many people have come to me saying they have five days in Norway and will start in Oslo, then get the train over to Bergen and then drive up to Tromsø to see the Northern Lights. Um, Bergen is an overnight train journey from Oslo, and driving from Bergen to Tromsø will take you 28 hours  without stops .

And no, sadly Norway’s train line does not go all the way up to Tromsø – it ends in Bodø.

If you want more in depth advice, I’ve also gathered all my best tips for planning an incredible trip through southern Norway (from the far south up to Trondheim) in a 93-page ebook that covers my top recommendations for places to visit (both on and off the beaten path), the best times of year to visit, how long to visit for, the best accommodation choices, transportation, what to eat, what to pack, and a sample itinerary that covers my personal favorite route through the south. You can purchase The Southern Norway Travel Guide here .

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

If you want to ensure you have the best northern lights trip possible, you can purchase the ebook here .   

Table of Contents

Norway Weekend Itineraries

If you’re coming to Norway for just a weekend I’d really recommend sticking to one place. Norway is a big country, public transport doesn’t run that often and can have delays, and moving around to a bunch of places in a short time frame can get expensive.

That said, you could also consider renting a car and exploring a bit of the area if you can, as the best part of Norway is getting out of the cities and towns and seeing some of the beautiful nature here. Norway is also an easy country to drive in, as there is so little traffic here.

Though if you get motion sickness definitely bring some tablets or Sea Bands , as the winding roads here can do a number on your stomach! I’ve written a more detailed guide to things to know when planning a road trip in Norway here .

Sometimes I feel guilty when I’m in Oslo because it’s such a fun city, but I am always telling visitors to Norway to skip it, or at least cut their time there short.

Oslo is fun for locals and the only city in Norway that actually feels like a big city, but there are a lot of other cities in Europe that do what Oslo does best even better. In other words, Oslo is a great city  for Norway , but I wouldn’t necessarily consider it one of Europe’s great cities.

And that’s totally fine, because Norway isn’t really about cities.

Okay, maybe I’m being harsh, and maybe it’s because I’ve received too many messages from people telling me how disappointed by Oslo’s “fjord.” Yes Oslo is technically on a fjord, but if you’re looking for those famous mountainous fjords you’re going to need to head west or north.

But if you do have your heart set on Oslo, it does have some great shopping,  amazing restaurants, sort of okay nightlife (lol), and lots of museums. You won’t be bored. I’ve written about things to do in Oslo here , the Oslo Christmas markets here , and a guide to finding the best Oslo accommodation for your budget here .

If you’ve found a cheap flight to Oslo for a weekend trip but now I’ve scared you off spending all your time there, consider spending a night or two in Rjukan! You can book a bus to Rjukan here , but I’d really recommend renting a car if you can, as the drive to Rjukan via Gaustatoppen is truly spectacular.

Rjukan is a quirky mountain town with an important World War II history. It’s also listed as a UNESCO Industrial Heritage Site and it’s really cool to see the old factories and worker accommodation.

But I also love that it’s at the foot of both Gaustatoppen, one of Norway’s most beautiful mountains, and Hardangervidda, Northern Europe’s largest high mountain plateau (which is also home to Norway’s largest herd of wild reindeer).

I used to live half an hour from Rjukan so I visited the town many times (and even briefly considered moving there), and I’ve written a guide to things to do and where to stay in Rjukan here .

This would be an especially great place to visit with kids, with lots of fun sites like the Krossobanen cable car, the Gaustabanen funicular, and the Vemork WWII museum.

Bergen is probably the most popular destination for a weekend trip to Norway – and for good reason. The city is gorgeous (sorry Oslo, but Bergen is way prettier), and there are loads of international flights here.

This is also an easy base from which to take a day trip out to the fjords, and as it’s a big tourist hub there are lots of activities and tours organized out of Bergen. I’ve written a complete guide to Bergen here and a guide to planning a road trip from Bergen here . 

This is also where you can take the famous Norway in a Nutshell tour, which goes up the Flåm Railway and through the gorgeous Aurlandsfjord. But! Before you book the tour, read this to find out how you can save tons of money on Norway in a Nutshell. 

If you want any easy weekend destination in Norway, Bergen is perfect. You’ll get a very Norwegian experience and everything is set up perfect for tourists, from all the lovely hotels here to the unique activities and adventure tours offered here.

Hardangerfjord

If you fly into Bergen, you could also rent a car and drive down to Hardangerfjord to spend a night or two.

Hardangerfjord is beautiful and so peaceful, especially in the spring when the orchards are in bloom. I’ve written more about driving through Hardangerfjord here .

And if you do spend the night here, I can recommend staying at Utne Hotel, which dates back to 1722 and is perfect for anyone who enjoys unique, historical accommodation.  Check current rates and availability here

Or if you want something a bit cheaper but equally lovely, stay at Ullensvang Gjesteheim, which is in the prettiest part of Hardangerfjord. Check current rates and availability here

A lot of people head here to hike Trolltunga, or the famous Troll’s Tongue that you’ve probably seen all over Instagram and Facebook. Just be aware that it’s an advanced level hike and extremely popular – these days you’ll usually find a long line of people waiting to take photos on the rock. You can read more about hiking Trolltunga here .

Whenever someone asks me where they should go in Norway if they only have a few days, I tell them to go to Ålesund or Lofoten.

Ålesund really gives the best introduction to Norway, because you get to experience a Norwegian city and then you can drive up to Trollstigen for those amazing mountain views, and then over to Geirangerfjord to see Norway’s most beautiful fjord!

Ålesund is such a beautiful city, and the surrounding nature is seriously stunning. Like, I definitely think this is one of the prettiest corners of Norway, and I’m always shocked that most tourists choose to visit Oslo and Bergen instead. I’ll never understand.

But that’s also good news for you if you like to get off the beaten path a bit!

Ideally I would recommend spending a night or two in Ålesund and then renting a car and spending a night or two in a quieter area on the fjords. I’ve written a guide to things to do and where to stay in Ålesund here , and where to stay around Geirangerfjord here .

Another great weekend destination in Norway is Trondheim – my old home!

Trondheim has a rich history and in fact at over 1,000 years old Trondheim is the oldest of Norway’s major cities. It was the religious center of Northern Europe during the Middle ages and has a beautiful old town and Norway’s most impressive cathedral, Nidaros Cathedral.

It’s a really walkable city and the airport is just a short bus or train journey away, so it’s definitely one of the easiest places to spend a weekend in Norway.

Trondheim is a big foodie city with several award-winning restaurants, so if you like to go out to eat, Trondheim is perfect.

It’s also a university city so there’s a great young vibe here and lively night life. And then of course the old town area Bakklandet is one of the prettiest corners of Norway.

I’ve written a guide for things to do in Trondheim here , and where to stay in Trondheim here .

Trondheim – Oppdal

I’d say the only thing missing with a weekend trip to Trondheim is that you don’t really get to experience Norway’s beautiful landscapes. I mean, the city is on the coast and there is a lovely park area to go hiking in above the city, but it’s not the sort of dramatic landscape that Norway is so famous for.

But if you wanted you could spend a night or two in Trondheim (I’d say one full day in Trondheim is plenty to see the main sights) and then rent a car and drive down to Oppdal. I spent a weekend here while living in Trondheim and it’s one of my favorite memories from my time there.

The drive is beautiful and the scenery there is amazing as you climb up into the mountains. This is the perfect place to experience Norwegian cabin life, just relaxing inside at night and hiking or skiing during the day, and there are lots of cabins available on Airbnb, like this big cabin and this traditional Norwegian cabin .

This is the ultimate Norwegian experience, because this is how Norwegians spend their free time in Norway – in their cabins!

Trondheim – Røros

Another great combination with Trondheim would be to take the train down to Røros. This old copper mining town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and truly like nowhere else in Norway. It’s especially beautiful in the winter, as it gets lots of snow and is even known as Norway’s “Christmas town,” but I visited in late spring and loved it then too.

I’ve written more about visiting Røros here , including where to stay and eat.

Like I already said, when someone says they only have time to visit one place in Norway, Lofoten is one of my top choices.

I mean, Lofoten sort of has it all. Okay, it doesn’t have any big cities, but Svolvær is quite a large town with a lot going on, and then you’ll find mountains, beaches, fjords – you’ll even find people surfing here!

It also has a historical significance as a center for fishing, which is why the islands are covered in those iconic red fisherman cabins. You’ll get a great sense of Norway’s fishing history here, as well as the Viking history here.

But mostly, the Lofoten Islands are just really, really beautiful. In fact probably most Norwegians would say Lofoten is the most beautiful place in Norway, and I wouldn’t argue.

Lofoten has also grown in popularity in the past few years, and they’ve done a good job of keeping up with the increase in tourism by establishing more unique accommodation options and tour activities. There’s seriously so much to do here, and so many cool places to stay.

You could either fly into Bodø, rent a car there and take the ferry over to Lofoten, or fly into Svolvær and rent a car from there. It is possible to explore Lofoten by public transport, but you will be limited by bus schedules and will end up missing out on a few of the more off the beaten path areas.

I’ve written a guide to planning a Lofoten road trip here , a sea eagle RIB safari and Northern Lights chasing here , and horseback riding here . And here are 11 things to know before visiting the Lofoten Islands .

Helgeland Coast

I love the Helgeland coast and while you would need more than a weekend to properly explore it, you could very easily visit just one of the islands.

The Helgeland coast has the same dramatic landscape and fisherman cabins of Lofoten, without all the tourists. This is seriously such a hidden gem in Norway. I’ve also heard people say that the friendliest people in all of Norway are on the Helgeland coast. You will be warmly welcomed here!

You can fly or take the train to Bodø, and then from Bodø get the express ferry to Støtt. I’ve written more about Støtt, how to get there, and where to stay here .

Or you could get the express ferry to Lovund, another beautiful island on the coast. I’ve written more about Lovund, Norway here . Or if you have some extra time visit both Støtt and Lovund!

This would be a really unique weekend trip to Norway, as not many foreign tourists plan trips here. So if you like to get off the beaten path and discover the local culture, and if you love beautiful landscapes, definitely consider spending a weekend on one (or a couple) of these islands.

Tromsø, Senja & Dyrøy

After Bergen Tromsø might just be the second most popular weekend destination for tourists coming to Norway – at least in the winter during the Northern Lights season!

I’ve written more about things to do in Tromsø and where to stay here . To be honest I didn’t super click with Tromsø when I visited last summer and this past December, and I’ve heard so many locals complain that now it’s getting way too full of tourists. Then again I know a lot of people who absolutely adore Tromsø, so you might love it.

Update: it’s funny that I wrote that, because I’ve actually just moved to Tromsø!

But what I really loved was flying into Tromsø and then driving down to Senja and Dyrøy. The drive is beautiful and both islands are so magical.

You’ll probably only have time to go to one unless you take a long weekend (we had four nights so we flew into Tromsø and then spent two nights on Senja and two on Dyrøy). Senja has more dramatic scenery and famous hikes, while Dyrøy is the loveliest quiet escape into nature.

I’d say Senja will give you those big bucket list experiences with its Instagram famous hikes, whereas Dyrøy would give you a really authentic, off the beaten path local experience in Norway. I’ve written about visiting Senja here and visiting Dyrøy here .

There are lots of other nice places to spend a weekend in Norway as well, but these are the main ones I’d recommend, especially if you’re new to the country and want to see a highlight. I do include other spots in my longer itineraries for when you have more time to spend in Norway.

So I’m sorry if I missed out on your favorite spot – don’t be mad at me!

Five Days to One Week in Norway Itineraries

Bodø – helgeland – lofoten – vesterålen.

If you only have a week in Norway, I really recommend sticking to the north and skipping Oslo and Bergen altogether.

Okay, you might think I’m biased because I live in the north, but actually I chose to move to the north largely because it’s the most beautiful part of Norway and is the region I’m most excited to write about and photograph. I love the open spaces here, there are fewer people (and tourists), and the landscape is much more dramatic than in the south.

If you want to cover a lot of ground, this Bodø – Helgeland – Lofoten – Vesterålen itinerary will show you the best of Northern Norway. It’s a busy schedule, but if you want to see as much as you possible can in one week, this is for you! I did this in the winter, but it would be equally amazing in other seasons as well.

You’ll spend a couple of nights on a quiet island on the Helgeland coast, a day or two experiencing city life in Norway, you’ll get to explore the famous Lofoten islands with their mountains and fjords, and then go up to quieter Vesterålen to see reindeer and whales. So you’ll really get to see all of the highlights of Norway within one week.

Tromsø – Senja – Dyrøy

If you want to head even farther north,  I also loved my Tromsø – Senja – Dyrøy  trip.

My friends and I flew into Tromsø and then drove straight to Senja, where we spent two nights, and then we headed to the island of Dyrøy for another two nights. We left Dyrøy early so that we’d have the morning in Tromsø before our flight, but if you have a full week you could spend a night or two in Tromsø as well.

I wouldn’t spend more than two days in Tromsø, as there’s not a great deal to do there. The city center is small and there are a few nice restaurants and cafés but that’s sort of it. It’s also a big tourist destination for Northern Lights tours, so downtown is full of tour offices, so if you want to get away from tourist crowds I’d recommend getting out of the city. But the surrounding nature is breathtaking!

Again, I did this trip in the winter, but Senja is a great hiking destination in the summer, plus in the summer you could stop by Sommarøy to see the amazing beaches there.

If you want a less hectic itinerary without so much driving, just spend a week on Lofoten !

The first time I visited Lofoten I stayed one week, and even after returning several times over the past few years I still feel like I have so much left to see on Lofoten. So you definitely won’t get bored.

This way you’ll be able to really explore the island, go on hikes, and get into the nature. I’d actually love to spend a full month on Lofoten one day, as there really is so much to explore there.

Narvik – Kiruna – Vesterålen – Lofoten

If you’re looking for those big Arctic bucket list experiences, this Narvik – Kiruna – Vesterålen – Lofoten itinerary  is for you. You’ll get to see reindeer, huskies, and whales, and in the summer the midnight sun and in the winter the Northern Lights, and you’ll even get to sleep in an Arctic Dome – one of the best experiences I’ve had in Norway.

When my friend who hates the cold came to visit me in Norway in January, this was the itinerary I made to win her over – and it did!

Bodø – Helgeland Coast

The Helgeland coast is so dreamy, and still relatively undiscovered, especially amongst foreign tourists. Plus the people here are so, so friendly. It’s a totally different experience than visiting the super crowded and touristy areas of southern Norway (where the locals don’t always love all the tourists).

I still have so much of the Helgeland coast left to explore, so I’ll definitely be updating this with a couple of itineraries once I make some more trips here this spring and summer.

But for now I would suggest flying or taking a train to Bodø and spending a day there, and then getting the express boat to Støtt and a few of the other small islands along the coast. If you stick to the small islands you won’t need to rent a car, as you can get around them by foot or by renting a bicycle.

Plus the small islands are so special. You’ll get an immediate sense of Norway’s culture and history here, and the locals really are so friendly.

You can get the   Travel Pass Nordland  for 990 NOK, which gives you access to all of the buses and express boats (not the ferries) in Nordland for one week, so you can island hop as much as you want.

Alternatively you could get the train or fly to Mosjøen and then rent a car there and explore the coast by car.

I’m going to try to do this trip both with and without a car and report back this summer!

Mosjøen – Helgeland Coast

Like I said, I still have a lot more of the Helgeland Coast to explore, but I did recently take a trip from my home in Mosjøen out to the islands of Dønna and Herøy , which many locals had told me were two of the prettiest islands along the coast here. And they weren’t wrong!

I drove from Mosjøen to Sandnessjøen and then caught a ferry to Dønna from there, but you could also fly directly to Sandnessjøen and then you wouldn’t even necessarily need to rent a car, because the islands are so small. Or it would be really fun to rent a bicycle in Sandnessjøen to explore the islands by bike!

Tromsø – Lyngen – Alta – Kokelv – North Cape

This Tromsø – Lyngen – Alta – Kokelv – North Cape itinerary is one of my favorite northern lights itineraries, as it includes some of Norway’s best northern lights hotels .

Kiruna – Hammerfest – Hamningberg – Kirkenes – Rovaniemi

This is one of the most recent one week trips I’ve taken, and it was one of my all time favorites! And as a bonus, this will also take you through Sweden and Finland, so you get three countries in one trip.

This Kiruna – Hammerfest – Hamningberg – Kirkenes – Rovaniemi itinerary will take you to the very top of Europe, the border of Russia, and through some of the most beautiful spots in the Arctic. I did this trip in the summer under the midnight sun, but you would have an equally amazing trip in the winter under the Northern Lights.

Okay so while I personally prefer northern Norway, I know a lot of people want to see the iconic destinations of the south like Oslo, Bergen, and the most famous Pulpit Rock and Trolltunga hikes.

And the most famous of Norway’s fjords are in southern Norway, so it’s not like the north has  all the looks.

So don’t worry, I’ve made some itineraries for southern Norway too!

Bergen – Aurland – Jotunheimen – Fjærland – Balestrand – Bergen

If you want to see the best of fjord Norway, this is the trip for you. 

Spend one night at  Hotel Aurlandsfjord in Aurland, then take both the Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route and Sognefjellet Scenic Route and drive up to Jotunheimen National Park and spend a night at  Leirvassbu Fjellstue . Add an extra night here if you want to take a day to hike in Jotunheimen.

Then drive down to Fjærland for a night at  Fjærland Fjordstue . Then take the Gaularfjellet Scenic Route and loop back to Balestrand for a night at Kviknes Hotel . Then drive back to Bergen the next day. 

Read more details about this itinerary here . 

Oslo – Rjukan – Odda – Hardangerfjord – Bergen

If you want to do the traditional Oslo – Bergen – fjord loop but add in some special stops along the way, this Oslo – Rjukan – Odda – Hardangerfjord – Bergen itinerary is probably my favorite one week itinerary for southern Norway.  This is the first itinerary listed in the blog post. 

You’ll start in Oslo, then spend a night in the lovely town of Rjukan, drive along Hardangerfjord, and get to see Bergen. This is a busy itinerary with quite a bit of driving, but I think you will love it!

Oslo – Kristiansand – Stavanger – Bergen – Hardangervidda

If you want to do the famous hikes like Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten (the rock stuck between two cliffs), then this  Oslo – Kristiansand – Bergen – Hardangervidda itinerary  is for you!  This is the second itinerary listed in the blog post.

You’ll take a train from Oslo to Kristiansand, which is known as Norway’s “riviera,” and then you’ll head through some amazing mountain and coastal scenery through Stavanger towards Bergen. Then from Bergen you’ll drive over Hardangervidda, Northern Europe’s largest high mountain plateau, and through Telemark back down towards Kristiansand. You’ll see a huge variety of landscapes, as well as both villages and cities, so it makes for a great introduction to Norway.

Oslo – Røros – Trondheim – Kristiansund – Alesund by public transport

Most of the itineraries I’ve mentioned require you to rent a car, partly because I always love a good road trip, and partly because a lot of areas of Norway don’t have frequent public transport. But this  Oslo – Røros – Trondheim – Kristiansund – Alesund itinerary  uses only public transport, with a combination of trains, ferries, and buses.  This is the third itinerary listed in the blog post. 

So usually when people want to see Norway by public transport they do the famous Oslo – Bergen Norway in a Nutshell route. But there’s a reason I’m not recommending that itinerary here.

I mean, if you really want to do it you can read more about how to plan Norway in a Nutshell here , but to be honest I really don’t think that route shows off the best of Norway, or the most beautiful sites. It’s a good route if you want something really easy, because you’ll basically be following the same route as everyone else on the buses, trains, and ferries, so you can just follow the crowd.

But if you’re a little more independent and want to get off the beaten path a bit and see even more impressive views, do this itinerary instead. It’s so much better, I promise!

You’ll get to see Røros, a really beautiful historic town, Trondheim and Ålesund, which are my top two favorite cities in Norway, and you’ll see some of the most stunning landscapes in southern Norway.

Ten Days to Two Weeks in Norway Itineraries

All of the one week itineraries I mentioned above could easily be stretched out longer. In fact the  Odda – Hardangerfjord – Bergen itinerary mentions an optional extension by adding Ålesund and the Atlantic Ocean Road .

But otherwise I recommend one of the itineraries below!

Bergen – Aurland – Balestrand – Fjærland – Jotunheimen – Geiranger – Trollstigen – Ålesund – Hjørundfjord – Stryn – Bergen 

Spend one night at  Hotel Aurlandsfjord  in Aurland, then take the Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route and drive to Balestrand for a night at  Kviknes Hotel . From Balestrand take the Gaularfjellet Scenic Route and then drive to Fjærland for a night at   Fjærland Fjordstue . Then take the Sognefjellet Scenic Route and drive into Jotunheimen National Park. Spend a night or two at   Leirvassbu Fjellstue . 

Then drive to Geiranger and spend a night at Hotel Union Geiranger . Then take the Geiranger – Trollstigen Scenic Route to Åndalsnes and spend a night at   G rand Hotel . Then drive to  Ålesund and spend a night or two at   Hotel 1904 . Then drive along  Hjørundfjorden  to Sæbø and stay at  Sagafjord Hotel . Then drive to Stryn and spend a night at Hjelle Hotel . Then either drive all the way back to Bergen, or split up the drive with a night at ThonPartner Hotel Førde . 

Røros – Trondheim – Kristiansund – Atlantic Ocean Road – Molde – Romsdalsfjord – Hotel Union Øye – Hjørundfjord – Hoddevik – Stryn – Hitra – Golden Detour

This is one of my all time favorite Norway itineraries, but you’ll need at least two weeks for this – it will be even better with three weeks. This fjord and culture itinerary takes you through Norway’s most beautiful fjords as well as some Norwegian cultural heritage sites.

Oslo – Bodø – Helgeland – Narvik – Tromsø – Lyngen – Alta – Lofoten

I absolutely loved this Oslo – Bodø – Helgeland – Narvik – Tromsø – Lyngen – Alta – Lofoten itinerary . You’ll get to see a huge portion of the country on the train ride up from Oslo to Bodø, and all of the stops on the way are some of my favorite places in Norway.

And if you have any longer, I would definitely consider adding a detour to Senja and even Dyrøy to your itinerary when you’re driving from Narvik up to Tromsø. You could also stop for a day in Oslo and Trondheim on your way up north.

And then if you have even more time, drive all the way up to the North Cape from Alta. It’s an extra 3 and a half hours of driving, but since you’ve made it this far north in Norway you might as well go as north as you can get!

Narvik – Kiruna – Vesterålen – Lofoten – Bodø – Mosjøen – Trondheim

If you want to check off a bunch of arctic bucket list experiences like husky sledding, staying with reindeer, overnighting in an Arctic dome, and whale watching, take a look at this  Narvik – Kiruna – Vesterålen – Lofoten – Bodø – Mosjøen – Trondheim itinerary .

Plus you’ll get to go to Sweden as well!

This is the full trip that my friend Danielle and I did when she visited me in Norway, so if you’re wondering what I personally recommend to my friends coming to Norway for the first time, this is it!

I wanted to include Narvik for a stay in an Arctic Dome, which is Norway’s answer to the glass igloo, and then Kiruna has both the husky and reindeer Airbnbs which I love so much.

And then Vesterålen is amazing for whales, reindeer, and nature views, and Lofoten is one of the most beautiful places in Norway. The train ride from Bodø to Mosjøen is the most beautiful train ride in all of Norway, and you’ll end up in Trondheim to see big city life in Norway.

In Trondheim we went to a bunch of fancy restaurants and quirky cafés, and then Danielle flew straight out of Trondheim Airport instead of having to go back down to Oslo.

Trondheim – Mosjøen – Vega – Lovund – Lofoten

When my two travel blogger friends Sam and Sher came to visit I knew I had to put together an epic itinerary for us, and I think I succeeded with this Trondheim – Mosjøen – Vega – Lovund – Lofoten itinerary .

This trip covers the best of Norway, in my opinion, with one of Norway’s most beautiful big cities, Trondheim, gorgeous islands along the Helgeland coast, and then the iconic Lofoten islands.

Tromsø – Storslett – Kokelv – Hammerfest – Sørøya – Porsangerfjord – Vardø – Tana – Karasjok – Kautokeino – Alta – Lyngen – Tromsø (pet friendly!)

Okay this is a long one, but I actually did do it in two weeks and didn’t feel rushed. This Arctic itinerary includes stops in all of my favorite spots in the far north of Norway, including Lyngen, Hammerfest, and Vardø. It also takes you deep into Sami country in eastern Finnmark, to learn more about local Sami culture. Oh and this itinerary is totally pet friendly, as I did it with a dog!

Getting to Norway

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

And if you’re on a budget you’re in luck – Norwegian is a budget airline with some of the cheapest connections between the US and Europe.

I fly Norwegian all the time, but just remember that it is a budget airline so you’ll have to pay extra for checked luggage, meals on board, and even water during your flight. I always bring several sandwiches and lots of snacks and a big water bottle that I refill at the airport (after security of course!) to tide me over.

But the planes are really nice with big windows, lots of overhead space, and they’ve designed the lighting to help combat jet lag (not really sure how or if it really works, but I like to think that it does!). There’s also an option to fly their premium class, which I believe comes with meals and maybe checked luggage – I’ve never flown premium on Norwegian though so I can’t say if it’s worth it or not. I do know that it’s not as fancy as business class on other airlines.

Oh and be sure not to exceed the carry on luggage limit if you don’t pay for checked luggage with Norwegian, because they are super strict. My friend recently flew Norwegian to visit me in Norway and she had to pay $200 to check her bag at the airport, which was about how much her flight had cost! I mean, at least her flight had been super cheap to start with, but it was still a bit of a blow.

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

I’ve also flown Icelandair directly out of Trondheim, though they’re also a budget airline and super strict with luggage – a flight attendant once really yelled at me for having two bags with me, even though my second bag fit under the seat in front of me and my larger bag was a backpack that was smaller than most of the suitcases other people had brought on as carry ons. I definitely hadn’t broken any rules but she was so mean about it anyway, and clearly I’m still feeling very bitter about the whole experience, haha.

So yeah, try to find a flight with a non-budget airline if you don’t want the added stress.

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

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

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

Pro tip #2:  Don’t get the Flytoget, or Airport Express Train, into Oslo from the Airport. It’s only three minutes faster than the regional train and costs twice as much!

Again, it’s only ever tourists who get the express (“express”) train while all Norwegians get the Vy train. You’ll see the Vy (formerly NSB) ticket machines on your right once you exit customs and you can buy your tickets there. You can also check the train schedule at vy.no .

What to Pack for Norway

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

Oh and you’ll definitely want waterproof shoes here, whether that’s hiking boots in the summer or winter boots in the winter.

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

It’s also a good idea to buy travel insurance for your trip to Norway, as storms can often cause delays and if you’ll be hiking or doing outdoor activities you want to be covered in case of an accident. Plus Norway isn’t exactly a cheap destination, so you don’t want to end up losing money due to weather delays or unforeseen events.

I always get travel insurance wherever I travel, as several incidents in the past have taught me that it’s always worth it.

I personally use World Nomads because that’s what I used as a backpacker and I’ve had to file claims twice with them now and they paid me promptly, no additional questions asked. They also helped get me to a hospital in Beijing when I was too overwhelmed/dying to find one on my own, so I am forever grateful to those guys.

You can find a quote on World Nomads here .

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Riley - Riley's Roves says

March 1, 2019 at 5:51 am

SERIOUSLY cannot wait to get to Norway one day. Thanks for posting these! It’ll help me plan when the time comes.

Silvia says

March 1, 2019 at 5:01 pm

I hope you love it as much as I do when you do come!

Alberto says

March 3, 2019 at 10:07 pm

Hi Silvia Hope this note finds you well

I have been reading your blog and I have to say that is really great, I love it, honestly speaking I am writing to you as even though your blog has plenty of information about different routes and places to visit taking into account the amount of time that a person will be spending in Norway, my case is a bit special as I am traveling:

For a whole week, from Saturday 8th to Saturday 15th of June (we are arriving in Oslo around 10am on the 8th, and we will be leaving around 12pm on the 15th) With my girlfriend and our son, who is nearly three years old He doesn’t do long car trips very well He does not do bus journeys very well either… He likes trains and planes though I would personally like combining the southwest with the north, if possible Basically our idea is to see Oslo (we’ll be there for a day), Bergen (I guess we should…), some fjords (obviously :)), and maybe go to the north (fly to Tromso…)

Bearing in mind those facts, what route – option would you recommend me? I don’t mind taking trains and flights (especially I prefer taking flights, if possible…)

Please let me know, and apologies for bothering you as I am sure you are busy with your blog and answering lots of questions from different people

Thanks very much in advance Alberto P.S.: By the way I also wrote to you an email just in case you would not read this comment… 🙂

March 5, 2019 at 2:02 am

These look great and are very helpful! I am heading to Norway solo for the second time in April. I decided to mix it up a little by spending 4 days in Bergen and then taking public transportation to Odda for three days. I didn’t want to stress my time too thin and travel too much by public transit, plus I wasn’t sure of all of the options, but it looks like you really can get around with your Oslo – Røros etc. route.

Francesco Trebbi says

March 17, 2019 at 2:38 pm

Absolutely great posting. I actually happy when i done this topic. I am excited world have a excellent author. Always i am waiting for next reading. Thanks a lot for great posting share.

Kym Channell says

March 23, 2019 at 9:19 pm

Thanks for all this info – it’s a fantastic blog! I’ve just booked for 11 days total in Norway, including flying in and out days in June and will be definitely taking into consideration some of the itineraries you have discussed. Wasn’t sure about booking to go there initially as only considered it when cheaper flights to Iceland got booked out, but after reading your blogs starting to feel super excited about it! Your efforts in doing the blog are much appreciated – thanks!

March 24, 2019 at 1:22 pm

I’m so happy to hear that – I personally prefer Norway over Iceland 🙂

May 14, 2019 at 6:41 pm

So I’m seeing mixed reviews. Is it bad to travel in mid May? I will be there from May 17-June 3 and after reviewing these itineraries I’m starting to get a bit nervous. I picked Norway because it was on the best travel destinations for May. If anyone knows anything please help me ease my mind.

May 15, 2019 at 6:17 am

I think that’s a perfect time to come! Just bring layers in case it’s still cold. It will be beautiful though, and far less crowded.

June 17, 2019 at 1:07 pm

Incredible pictures on this post! I have been to about half of these places, but totally inspired to go to the others. I wonder if you have a favorite.

Florencia Coldman says

June 20, 2019 at 12:19 am

Hello, how are you? We are a party of six, we where planning on going from Tromso to Senja and then Lofoten around Christmas. Do you think it’s too dangerous that Rout in late December taking into consideration that we would be driving a Car for six passengers? We would really appreciate your take on this matter Kind Regards Florencia

Amber Hill says

June 20, 2019 at 1:57 pm

Hi Silvia, your blog is amazing! I am sitting here at 10pm with many hours of reading ahead of me!! I am struggling to put together an itinerary for Norway so all your blog posts will be a great help. I am especially excited by all the ‘off the tourist trail’ information. This is what I am looking forward to exploring. We are a family of 4. Kids are great little travellers. We are looking at September (2020) as I want to avoid the crowds over June/July (when our winter school hol’s are). The Lonely Planet says that many places close down in September? Do you agree? Or will we be ok to find accommodation?? We are coming from Melbourne – it’s a long way!! Many thanks, Amber

Tamara D says

July 28, 2019 at 4:39 pm

Hi Silvia!!! Your blog is amazing!!!!! Thank you for taking the time to give so many details and tips! My friends and I plan to take a girls trip March 28-April 4, 2020. What towns do you recommend seeing with that time frame during that time of year?

August 3, 2019 at 9:13 am

Silvia, really great post with all details, pictures and very helpful to plan our tour to Norway. Thank you for such a wonderful article!

Anoushka Sivaraman says

January 22, 2020 at 6:34 pm

Really enjoyed reading your blog. I’m travelling in April and flying into Oslo. Can you please suggest a 5 day itinerary which would include public transport? Is it reasonable to do Oslo Bergen and Alesund in that time? Do let me know!

January 23, 2020 at 12:00 pm

Ålesund is quite far from Bergen so it would be hard to fit it in, unless you fly. Best 5-day public transport itinerary would probably be a diy Norway in a nutshell: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/nutshell-tour-diy-review/

Suzie S Russell says

February 4, 2020 at 11:09 pm

Hi Silvia, I am so jealous that you have gotten to travel all these places you’ve been. My daughter and I are hoping to come to Norway either this fall (early November) or next March. The things we want to see and do are 2-3 of the southwestern fjords, Sognefjord, Lysefjord, Hardangerfjord. I don’t know how far apart they are but is it possible to take a ferry to view these wonders? Is it possible to do just a day trip? Also, we want to do a husky sled ride , reindeer encounter/contact and possible sledge ride, spend one night in the arctic dome in Narvik, visit Lofoten with an overnight stay and head to Senja/Trosmo and if we have time maybe head to Kiruna, Sweden and maybe see the ice hotel. We have about 9 days and we’d like to fly in and out of Bergen. We are having a hard time coming up with a suitable itinerary because the distances are so vast and everything is super expensive. Could you help us?

February 9, 2020 at 1:17 pm

First of all I would map out how you are going to get between all of these places, as the distances are quite large – you might want to cut out a couple of places so you’re not super rushed. If I were you I might actually cut out the southwestern fjords altogether and just stick to Northern Norway/Sweden. You could fly into Svolvær in Lofoten, or Narvik, or Tromsø. Plus that way you’ll have more of a chance to see the northern lights!

Suzy Zid says

February 11, 2020 at 2:49 am

Thank you for the wonderful posts, what an amazing blog! I have a question; I saw a few times in different posts on your blog that if you’d have to choose between southwestern Norway and northern Norway, you’d prefer the northern part. However, I am curious because if I were to google the attractions in Norway, there are not much in the north compared to in the southwest – which has plenty!

I also read a lot on sites like TripAdvisor that locals would recommend a longer time in the north, but wouldn’t really go into specifics. The places that the locals actually mentioned are Lofoten, Senja, and maybe Vesteralen. Tromsø, Alta and Narvik are said to be meh, and nobody really suggested Bodø.

So the thing is, I want to believe the locals saying the northern part is better than the southwestern, because my friends and I are splitting our 17 day-roadtrip in Norway into these two parts and I want to convince my travel mates that we should spend more time in north than the other, but google searches are not really helping!

What ratio of days would you suggest we do? I was thinking 7 in southwest and 10 in north, but maybe you have a better advise. Also could you elaborate a little bit as to why you’d choose the northern part rather than southwestern part? Thank you so much if you decided to reply to my comment!

February 12, 2020 at 1:43 pm

Travel in Norway isn’t really about attractions. At least I find that the best experiences here are ones with nature, and honestly the entire country is beautiful. You can find a beautiful hike anywhere here, so the famous ones actually end up being the least appealing, because they’re filled with lots of tourists and souvenir shops. I think it depends a bit on what time of year you are visiting, but I think your plan to spend 7 days in the south and 10 in the north is perfect. I mean personally I would prefer spending all the time in the north, but the south is a bit different so it would be worth experiencing as well if you have the time. The landscape in the north is more dramatic – the mountains are more jagged and the beaches clearer – there tend to be fewer tourists, and then we also have more reindeer here. And if you come in the summer you can experience the midnight sun, and in the winter the northern lights – neither of which you can experience in southern Norway (unless you’re very lucky with the northern lights). Senja and Vesterålen are beautiful, as well as the whole Helgeland region. I also love the Lyngen Alps and Finnmark – you can find my posts from all of those places here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/life-travel-norway/ Hope that helps and have a great trip!

September 7, 2021 at 7:18 pm

Silvia, Thanks for maintaining this sight. Very informative. In 2022 summer I will be traveling Norway from USA for 2 weeks. This will be my first visit to the country and like to cover the key scenic spots along with hiking to the major picturesque rocks. Main purpose of the trip is nature photography. Mostly I like to drive (wherever possible) to explore the areas at my own pace. Can you pls suggest a feasible itinerary? Thanks

Suzanne says

July 6, 2022 at 12:06 am

Hello, I hope you trip goes great! I am traveling there for the 1st time in Oct. Did Silvia answer you? I would love to know if she did and share the info. Where are all the places you will see?

Bao Nguyen says

December 29, 2021 at 8:28 pm

Hi, I’m traveling to Norway 2022 for the End of Jan- early Feb. The Aurora Borealis is my main attraction so I’ll Be landing in Tromso, but wish to visit places like Sommaroy, Lofoten, and Bodo.

You filled this blog with so many insightful details! I was wondering if you a car was necessary for all these places or if the public transportation would suffice?

Lisa Rubin says

February 22, 2022 at 5:32 pm

Hi Silvia, I am planning a trip with my husband and two grown daughters. We would like to try and combine Fiords and Lofoten and possibly hike Kjeragbolten. This would be about a two week road trip. Do you have an itinerary you would recommend? Also, trying to decide between early July or mid August ? We want to see the best scenery, but in a less touristy way if possible. I would appreciate any advice. Thanks ! Lisa

Stamatis says

May 14, 2022 at 2:26 pm

Hello Silvia, I just bought your Southern Norway Travel Guide, which is very helpful, but now I’m torn between two itineraries, so I thought that you might be able to help. I arrive at Oslo and I will be using public transportation.

1) A version of your public transportation itinerary for 11 days.

Day 1: Oslo – Roros Day 2: Roros – Trondheim Day 3: Trondheim – Kristiansund Day 4: Kristiansund – Alesund Day 5: Alesund (Hjorundfjord Cruise) Day 6: Alesund  Day 7: Alesund – Geiranger – Andaslnes Day 8: Andaslnes (Hike Trollstigen) Day 9: Andaslnes – Oslo Day 10-11: Oslo

2) My original idea Day 1: Oslo – Andaslnes Day 2: Andaslnes (Hike Trollstigen) Day 3: Andaslnes – Geiranger – Alesund Day 4: Alesund (Hjorundfjord Cruise) Day 5: Alesund Day 6: Alesund – Stryn Day 7: Stryn (Glacier Hike) Day 8: Stryn – Lom (or Lillehammer) Day 9: Lom (or Lillehammer) – Oslo Day 10-11: Oslo

As you can see my two main goals are to visit Alesund and Trollstigen! The first itinerary allows me to visit Trondheim and Kristiansund (and the Atlantic Road) but the second is a little more relaxed and allows me to enjoy more of Norway’s nature. On day 9 I’ve added a stop to one of these two towns because I don’t want to travel for 8 hours straight and I’ve heard that they are charming. What’s your suggestion? 

P.S. I understand, having read your blog thoroughly, that Northern Norway is better but I have the impression that moving around in the north using public transportation is more difficult and that’s why I chose to visit the south. At least I took your advice and focused on your favourite fjords…

Thanks in advance and keep up the good work Stamatis

May 16, 2022 at 1:19 pm

You’ll see more with the first itinerary (I especially do love Røros) but if you would prefer a more relaxed itinerary I would definitely go with the second one! And you’re right, southern Norway has much better public transportation connections, so that’s a good choice for you.

May 16, 2022 at 7:25 pm

Thanks for the reply!

I think I’ll go for the second idea and try to be a little more relaxed, you can’t see everything in one trip after all. After my research, and reading your blog, I started planning a Helgeland road trip, I just need to persuade some friends to follow the plan, and Trondheim (and Roros) would be a great starting point for that…

May 28, 2022 at 2:47 pm

Hi Silvia! Have been reading most of your articles on Norway road trips (& I really want to thank you cause they are amazing and very informative!). You inspired me to organize a road trip at the end of June. I’m also planning to purchase your Southern Norway Travel Guide, but I’d first like to define a topline tour (cause I’m indecisive between the below and planning something around Lofoten). For now I’m planning: Day 1- visit Bergen Day 2 – drive to Hardangerfjord (& explore) Day 3 – Trolltunga Hike Day 4 – Drive until Stegastein (& sleep somewhere in the area) Day 5 – Drive to Geirangerfjord Day 6 – Explore from Geiranderfjord to Trolltunga (morning) & then drive to Ålesund (in the afternoon) Day 7 – Explore Ålesund Day 8 – not sure, potentially drive north until the Atlantic Ocean Road, or take a fjords cruise from Ålesund (though I’m not a fan of crowded cruises) Day 9 – Way back to Bergen (do you recommend taking the 7hours drive from Ålesund to Bergen? Any must-see spots that you’d suggest to stop by?)

Do you think this is a feasible plan? Any must-see spots that I have missed? Especially the last 2 days are not very clear how to best use the time.

Would love to hear your thoughts, it would help a lot! Thank you in advance, Ceci

Bhagya says

June 2, 2022 at 4:03 pm

Hi Sylvia, First off, Congratulations on this very extensive and eminently readable blog. Wish you many more journeys! I am thinking of spending twelve days in Norway, between the 30th of August and 12th of September. We are 3 of us, myself (57), my husband (62) and son (23) from India. We were wanting to do the Fjords and the natural wonders and the Great Atlantic Road in a car after visiting the Myskoxcentrum in Harjadalen. I will go through your blog for details and suggestions. There is one bit of information, I would be very grateful to have from you. I am recovering from a knee injury and so long hikes and walks to view points are not going to be possible. In this context can you tell me the places that need a lot of walking that we should or can avoid. This will help greatly in framing our itinerary. Many thanks

June 2, 2022 at 4:22 pm

You should be fine with your itinerary – the views will be beautiful from the road as well!

Nilesh says

March 22, 2024 at 5:57 pm

Can u send me ur Norway itnery for route this August I am planning for three weeks. Thanks in advance 🙏

July 4, 2022 at 8:23 am

Hey! Thanks for all this info! I’m trying to gauge the cost of a 10 day/2 week road trip in Norway. I haven’t planned any details yet, but I’d probably follow one of the itineraries posted above. Do you have any approximation for how much gas would cost? (Or around how many miles such a road trip would cover) thanks!

Nicole Wahlgren says

August 25, 2022 at 5:29 pm

Hello, I have been reading your blogs for three months now because I am going to Norway for two weeks in October. I want to see both some of the south and some of the north. Is it reasonable to cover Bergen, Alesund, Trondheim, Bodo, Lofoton, etc. all in two weeks? I am solo traveling, so my schedule is very flexible. Also, I am currently trying to find my family who lives in Norway via family contacts & ancestory. I know we had some family outside of Trondheim for awhile, but it would be cool to meet them if I get a chance. They were originally from the Namsos area. Just curious what your thoughts are because I want to see a lot of the country, but also not be overwhelmed by my schedule.

October 1, 2022 at 8:31 am

I just stumbled across your page and it is great to see you are not focused on the normal touristy things and more about seeing the “real” country. Which is the way I prefer to travel.

I have spent the last several hours trawling through your page and will no doubt spend a lot more time. But I wanted to ask: Can you recommend a place to do a horse trek or even just several days of riding.

I will be travelling in either May or June of next year, I am thinking I will stick to public transport and will more than likely be in the Southern region (as it is my first trip to Norway and treating this as a taster, because will be going back in winter at some stage to do Northern.

Ideally somewhere where I can ride to experience the beauty of Norway.

Also interested to hear what you think it would be like travelling solo in Norway.

Marlene LeGates says

November 22, 2022 at 8:22 pm

Your web site is awesome but now I’m totally bewildered as to where to go for our 3-week trip to Norway in June.We like to trave leisurely, so we don’t want to drive (rental car) more than 3 hrs per day (and hpefully many days with no driving at all) and we liike to do gentle hikes and perhaps some kayaking. Fly in and out of Bergen and stick to the south? Fly in and out of Narvik and stick to the north? It doesn’t seem reasonable to try to co a combo. (We are coming from Canada but it’s much cheaper to fly into the UK and then pick up Norwegian Air, kgives us more flexibility as well). Most itineraries are much too rushed. So, some specific questions: I guess you would rate the northern scenery as even more spectacular than int he south, right? I’ve heard that the Lofoten Islands are very poular now with long fery waits; is that true? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

November 25, 2022 at 1:43 pm

If this is your first trip to Norway I would recommend flying in and out of Bergen and sticking to the south. That way you can explore Norway’s most beautiful fjords, and you won’t have as long distances to cover as in the north. Have fun!

nwa-non says

March 20, 2023 at 9:14 pm

First of all, a wonderful blog and a fantastic resource for visitors to Norway!! Thank you!

I’m planning for an 8-day trip to Norway in August. Flying in and out of Oslo. Mainly want to visit Northern part (but realize that Tromso/Lofoton Islands will not be possible).

Here is my tentative itinerary. Will be renting a car and driving around everywhere.

Day 1 – Fly in to OSL, stay the night at Oslo Day 2 – Start for Lillehammer. Spend night at Oppdal. Day 3 – Start for Trondheim, spend night Day 4 – Start for Ålesund, spend night Day 5 – Visit Geirangerfjord. Spend night at Ålesund Day 6 – Start for Flåm, spend night Day 7 – Start for Oslo, spend night Day 8 – Fly out of OSL

Do you think this is doable without being overwhelmed? If I rent an EV, are chargers readily available? I’m used to driving long distances so that’s not a concern.

March 21, 2023 at 2:39 pm

Hm I think it would make a lot more sense to fly from Oslo to Bergen and rent a car there, but if you really I want to leave from Oslo I think the trip is doable. I would skip Trondheim and head straight to Ålesund instead. And it doesn’t really make sense to drive back to Ålesund after Geirangerfjord, so I would stay somewhere along the fjord instead (here are my suggestions: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/best-geirangerfjord-hotels/ ). Or you could stay somewhere along Hjørundfjord instead ( https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/hjorundfjord-norway-beautiful-fjord/ ). Instead of staying in Flåm I might consider the Kviknes Hotel in Balestrand or Fjærland Hotel, depending on if you like a big grand hotel (Kviknes) or smaller cute hotel (Fjaerland) as they’re both a lot nicer than Flåm. I’ve written about both here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/best-sognefjord-accommodation/ and here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/aurlandsfjellet-sognefjellet-bergen-road-trip/

April 3, 2023 at 4:44 pm

Thanks for your response!! I’ll look into your recommendations.

Aljoša Gabor says

April 27, 2023 at 10:52 pm

Hi! I tried to purchase your Southern Norway tour guide, but for some reason Gumroad does not want to accept my credit card. Is there any other way to purchase the guide?

Fisher Ahsan says

May 16, 2023 at 9:44 pm

Last year i visited Lofoten . a really lovely place

Holly Taylor says

July 29, 2023 at 5:53 pm

Hello thank you for this amazing blog!! I’m curious if we have 5 nights and are going to Norway on Nov 10 this year. I’ve read a lot about staying south due to the weather and shorter daylight. Would you have recommendations for 5 days in Nov? I want to be sure we plan where we can see the most. My husband & I are traveling with our 22 year old son and we are more interested in seeing all of the beautiful scenery and fjords etc. We will be coming from 7 days in Iceland.

July 31, 2023 at 11:44 am

If you want to see the fjords I would recommend flying to Ålesund and basing yourself there: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/alesund-travel-guide/ You could rent a car and explore Hjørundfjord: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/hjorundfjord-norway-beautiful-fjord/ . Or if you want a chance to see the northern lights, you could go to Lofoten: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/lofoten-road-trip/ or Vesterålen: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/vesteralen-whales-reindeer/ or Tromsø + Lyngenfjord: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/lyngen-alps-blaisvatnet-fjord-cabins/

November 12, 2023 at 5:02 pm

Hello Silvia! I appreciate all of information you’ve provided! My friends and I are in the early stages of planning a six-day trip to Northern Norway in February. We’re specifically interested in itineraries that rely solely on public transportation. Here are a couple of options we’re considering:

Option 1: Fly to Trondheim Take the Nordland line from Trondheim to Bodø Board the express boat Nordlandsekspressen (NEX1) from Bodø towards Sandnessjøen Explore various islands along the way Eventually reach Sandnessjøen for hiking and exploration Fly back to Oslo from Sandnessjøen

Option 2: Take a bus from Bodø to Hamarøy Continue by bus from Hamarøy to Narvik Travel by bus from Narvik to Tromsø Conclude the trip by flying back from Tromsø

Option 3: Start in Bodø Take a Hurtigruten ship to Tromsø Participate in organized trips/excursions from Tromsø

Considering our status as students and budget constraints, which option would you recommend? Your insights would be immensely helpful. Thank you!

November 14, 2023 at 8:58 am

Six days is such a short time, I think I wouldn’t try to do quite as much. I would maybe fly into Bodø, take the express boat down to Træna, Støtt, etc. Then return to Bodø and fly back to Oslo. If you really wanted to see another area as well you could take the ferry to Lofoten.

December 1, 2023 at 5:00 am

Hello! I am going to be visiting Norway for the first time in late April. I want to work from North to South with the end destination being Copenhagen. How difficult would it be during this time to take public transport from Trondheim to Oslo and see all the southern fjords along the way? Oslo to Copenhagen via ferry would be the final move.

December 1, 2023 at 10:18 pm

The most direct public transport from Trondheim to Oslo would be by train, but then you’d miss all the fjords. You could instead take the express boat to Kristiansund and then take buses and/or ferries down to Bergen, and then the train from Bergen to Oslo. Buses in Norway are a bit of a pain and expensive, but certainly doable!

January 21, 2024 at 5:45 pm

Hello Silvia, Thank you for all the useful information on your blog. I would appreciate some advice on journey times to get to Tromsø. I’m visiting Norway with my family this August for 19 days, including returning to Hoek Van Holland. We are driving our campervan from the UK (via Harwich / Hoek van Holland overnight ferry), and want to head straight to Tromsø, with some time for stopping to sleep/eat on the way. We’ll spend a few days there and then head back, stopping to camp, explore the countryside and also possibly visit Bergen/Oslo/beaches. Would it be best to head up to Tromsø via Sweden, then back down through Norway with more time to explore? Can you recommend some route ideas with rough travel times/good places to stop on the way? Thank you 🙂

January 24, 2024 at 12:05 pm

Driving up through Sweden will be quicker, and much less scenic, so I think driving back down through Norway is a great idea. Spend some time on the Helgeland Coast ( https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/helgeland-coast-road-trip/ ) and then you can drive down the west coast through Ålesund ( https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/alesund-travel-guide/ ) and Bergen ( https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/top-29-things-to-do-in-bergen-norway/ ) as well. From Tromsø to Bergen, via Ålesund, is about 30 hours of driving. You can follow this road trip plan for the west coast, except in reverse (ending in Bergen instead of beginning in Bergen): https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/aurlandsfjellet-sognefjellet-bergen-road-trip/

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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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Quiet for a thousand years since the marauding days of the Vikings, Norway often seems remote to outsiders, even mysterious – remarkable given its geographical position close to the heart of Europe. Beyond Oslo and the famous fjords , the rest of the country might as well be blank on the map for many visitors. Yet it’s out of the cities and off the major roadways that you’ll experience Norway at its most magical: vast stretches of serene, postcard-perfect landscapes where it is at times possible to travel for hours without seeing a single soul. There is nothing tame – and precious little tamed – in this wilderness where everything is on a grand scale, from the deep, blue-black fjords and rearing snowy peaks to jagged forested hills and seemingly limitless expanse of Arctic tundra.

Where to go in Norway

New norwegian cuisine.

Norway stretches north in a long, slender band from the Skagerrak, the choppy channel that separates the country from Denmark, its coastline battered and buffeted by the Atlantic as it juts up towards the Arctic Sea. Behind this rough and rocky coast are spectacular mountain ranges, harsh upland plateaux, plunging river valleys, rippling glaciers, deep forests and mighty fjords of unsurmounted beauty – an exhilarating landscape begging to be explored by car, boat or bike, on skis or even husky-drawn sled. Perhaps inevitably, the fjords are the apple of the tourist industry’s eye – with the infrastructure to prove it – though when well-heeled English and German gentlemen travellers arrived here in the late nineteenth century on the hunt for the Scandinavian exotic, Norwegians were so poor that you could hire a gillie or two for next to nothing. It is this stark contrast – between a severely impoverished past and an astoundingly wealthy present – that, for locals at least, remains a salient characteristic of life up here. Since the country happened upon vast oil and gas reserves under the Norwegian Sea in the 1960s, Norway has managed to assemble one of the most civilized, educated and tolerant societies in the world – one that its population maintains a deep loyalty for and pride in.

Norway may have a clutch of attractive, cosmopolitan cities , appealing destinations in their own right, but where the country really shines is not in its urban culture, but rather in the low-key, amiable small-town feel that pervades throughout its settlements. This is not to say that Norway suffers from provincialism – Munch, Ibsen, Grieg and Amundsen, to name but four, were all Norwegians of international importance, to say nothing of the many millions of Norwegian descent today successfully making their way somewhere off in the greater world. But one thing is for certain: every Norwegian you will ever meet will at some point make their way back to this remarkable country, put on a pair of old hiking shoes and head off on foot for yonder mountain, reminding themselves how lucky they are to have one of the world’s most ravishing landscapes right at their back door.

Though for the most part its people live in small towns and villages, Norway’s five largest cities are the obvious – and the most popular – initial targets for a visit. They begin with urbane, vivacious Oslo, one of the world’s most prettily sited capitals, with a flourishing café scene and a clutch of outstanding museums. Beyond Oslo, in roughly descending order of interest, are Trondheim, with its superb cathedral and charming, antique centre; the beguiling port of Bergen, gateway to the western fjords; gritty, bustling Stavanger in the southwest; and northern Tromsø. All are likeable, walkable cities worthy of time in themselves, as well as being within comfortable reach of some startlingly handsome scenery. Indeed, each can serve as a starting point for further explorations or as a weekend destination in their own right. And wherever you arrive, the trains, buses and ferries of Norway’s finely tuned public transport system will take you almost anywhere you want to go, although services are curtailed in winter.

Outside of the cities, the perennial draw remains the western fjords – a must, and every bit as scenically stunning as the publicity suggests. Dip into the region from Bergen or Ålesund, both accessible by public transport from Oslo, or take more time to appreciate the subtle charms of the tiny, fjordside villages, among which Balestrand, Lofthus, Loen, Flåm, Ulvik and Mundal are especially appealing. This is great hiking country too, with a network of cairned trails and lodges (maintained by the nationwide hiking association DNT) threading along the valleys and over the hills. However, many of the country’s finest hikes are to be had further inland, within the confines of a trio of marvellous national parks: the Hardangervidda, a vast mountain plateau of lunar-like appearance; the Rondane, with its bulging mountains; and the Jotunheimen, famous for its jagged peaks. Nudging the Skagerrak, the south coast is different again. The climate is more hospitable, the landscape gentler and the coast is sprinkled with hundreds of little islands. Every summer, holidaying Norwegians sail down here to explore every nautical nook and cranny, popping into a string of pretty, pint-sized ports, the most inviting being Arendal and Mandal, the latter the proud possessor of the country’s finest sandy beach.

Hiking remains the most popular summer pastime in Norway, but there are alternatives galore, from whitewater rafting – for example at Voss – sea-kayaking at Flåm, and guided glacier walks on the Jostedalsbreen. In winter, it’s all change when the Norwegians take to cross-country skiing in their droves, shooting off across the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, for example, from Finse, though some prefer Alpine skiing and snowboarding at specialist ski resorts like Geilo and Oslo’s Holmenkollen.

Away to the north, beyond Trondheim, Norway grows increasingly wild and austere – two traits that make it perfect for off-the-beaten-track adventurers – as it humps and lumps across the Arctic Circle on the way to the modern, workaday port of Bodø. From here, ferries shuttle over to the rugged Lofoten islands, which hold some of the most ravishing scenery in the whole of Europe – tiny fishing villages of ochre- and red-painted houses tucked in between the swell of the deep blue sea and the severest of grey-green mountains. Back on the mainland, it’s a long haul north from Bodø to the iron-ore town of Narvik, and on to Tromsø, a delightful little city huddled on an island and with plenty of Arctic charm. These towns are, however, merely the froth of a vast wilderness that extends up to Nordkapp (North Cape), one of the northernmost points of mainland Europe, and the spot where the principal tourist trail peters out. Yet Norway continues east for several hundred kilometres, round to remote Kirkenes near the Russian border, while inland stretches an immense and hostile upland plateau, the Finnmarksvidda, one of the last haunts of the Sámi reindeer-herders. And finally, a short flight away, there is the wondrous chill of Svalbard, rising remote in the Arctic seas, islands of rolling glaciers and ice-glazed mountains where the snowmobile or Zodiac is more useful than a car.

Top image © Mumemories/Shutterstock

Discover more places in Norway

• Bergen and the western fjords Travel Guide
• Central Norway Travel Guide

• Norway’s population numbers just under 5 million, of whom 600,000 or so live in Oslo, the capital. Bergen, Norway’s second city, clocks up about 250,000 residents, while around 40,000 indigenous Sámi (Lapps) live mostly in the north of the country.

• Norway has a surface area of 386,000 square kilometres, of which half is mountain and a further third forest, lake and river.

• Norway is a constitutional monarchy and the present king, Harald V, came to the throne in 1991. The parliament – the Storting – sits in Oslo, but many functions are devolved to a complex network of local authorities.

• Forget the seafood – frozen pizza can lay claim to being Norway’s national dish: Norwegians eat over 20 million of them each year.

• Norway is not a member of the EU , but has signed up to the EEA (European Economic Agreement) free-trade deal.

• The Lutheran Church of Norway is the official state church and over eighty percent of the population belong to it, however nominally. Lutheran jokes are legion: one shipwrecked sailor to another “Don’t worry: I make 50,000kr a week and I tithe; my Lutheran Pastor will find us.”

Upon tasting a piece of Norwegian flatbread, a Parisian woman in the mid-1800s described it as having “the shape and size of a plate, and the same consistency”. With images of dried mutton, potato dumplings, cabbage stew and lutefisk , Nordic food has rarely been anything to write home about. That all changed in 2010, when Copenhagen’s Noma was named the world’s top restaurant by a panel of 800 chefs and critics, sending the foodie world into shock and turning tastebuds towards Scandinavian kitchens.

Even before this time, though, Norway had begun to reinvent its culinary identity, with new foodie movements, celebrity chefs and a series of government initiatives, such as the Arctic Menu Scheme and Taste of the Coast–aimed at supporting local food producers , preserving local farming traditions and championing the rich heritage of Norwegian ingredients. The country is now in the middle of a kitchen renaissance, returning to its long-standing local food traditions; once again, Norwegians are consulting their grandmothers’ recipe books.

Given nearly 25,000 kilometres of rugged coastline, 150,000 lakes and some of the world’s best angling rivers, it is no surprise that a huge variety of locally caught fish and seafood predominate in Norwegian kitchens. Norway’s diverse landscape also provides habitat to a range of sheep, elk, reindeer and woodland fowl that graze on some of the greenest, most unpolluted grasses in the world, lending their meat a rich, succulent taste. And the country’s temperate summers allow plants to ripen at a slower pace than elsewhere, infusing fruits and vegetables with a supple flavour that you can taste the instant they hit your tastebuds.

Travel advice for Norway

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Norway

• Eating and drinking in Norway
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Norway
• Shopping tips for Norway
• How to get to Norway
• Getting around Norway: Transportation Tips
• Travel Tips Norway for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Norway

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 26.04.2021

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Ultimate Norway Travel Guide with 20 Essential Norway Travel Tips for 2024

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: February 20, 2024

Categories Europe

Oh hello! Me again!!! I know, too soon but what can I say, I like to write, especially when it comes to a super-savvy Norway travel guide filled with uber useful Norway travel tips that you’re gonna love!

Because right now, the cosmos are telling me that you’re trying to plan the perfect Norway itinerary (furiously waving hands mystically so I look like a psychic).

Well, Fab! Because t rust me, you’re gonna love it. And you don’t need to go broke when you travel to Norway either, contrary to popular belief.

But, let’s keep it real. Because whenever you visit a new country, you make mistakes. It’s inevitable. You have no idea how traveling to Norway works and will have some epic, “whoopsie” moments in the process.

Which is good. Because I mean who wants to vacation in a place that is exactly like home? Well, maybe some people but not this chick right here. I like to take chances, make mistakes, and let things happen (a la the Magic School Bus).

And although some mistakes are cute and totally innocent, some are Grand Canyon level problems that will needlessly stress you out as you travel through Norway.

And in good old, Girl with the Passport fashion…I made a ton of Norway travel mistakes and stressed out about them for you (Hello anxiety, we meet again).  Shocking… to no one ever since I attract catastrophe like cheese attracts a mouse.

Actually, wait. That’s a lie. Mice don’t actually like cheese but whatev. You know what I’m throwin’ down. I digress though.

Basically ,  I’m about to get down and dirty and reveal my biggest travel blunders while I was destroying, I mean touring, the insanely beautiful, safe, and friendly Scandinavian country of…Norway (insert drum roll here).

So onwards and upwards, to some Norway travel tips that don’t suck! And, a warm welcome to the whimsical world of Norway travel. Because there are so many beautiful places in Norway that it’s kind of hard to know where to start when planning a trip to Norway.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my  disclosure  for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

1. Underestimating the Sheer Size of Norway

With a population of just 5.3 million people, it’s easy to think that Norway is a tiny country that is super easy to get around.

But that assumption would be totally wrong! Yeah, that’s a total lie, as you can clearly see in the detailed Norway map above.

In reality, all those gorgeous Norwegian fjords and mountains, that make for exquisite Instagram selfies (kidding), are the same geographic boundaries that impede all of your attempts to travel Norway.

Therefore, when planning a trip to Norway, a lways give yourself plenty of time to get from one Norwe gian town to the next. I mean, between ferry rides across fjords and epic train journeys, you may spend your entire vacation actively traveling in Norway and not actually seeing anything.

And as much I love traveling, sleeping on a train for the duration of my vacation is not my idea of a good time.

I mean, did you know that the distance between Oslo and the Northernmost portions of Norwegian Lapland, is the same as the distance between Oslo and  Rome Italy ?

Yeah, I didn’t know that either!! So, the moral of the story? Give yourself plenty of time to travel Norway and plan accordingly.

Fun Little Factoid: Just in case you’re not in the know, Norway is a country in Scandanavia (A sub-region of Europe that includes Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. It’s also sometimes defined more broadly to include Finland and Iceland too) and has a population of around 5.2 million people – a place that is routinely named one of the top countries to visit/live in the world.

2. Assuming Everything in Norway is Insanely Expensive

When reading a Norway travel guide and planning a trip to Norway, the first thing that people wonder is, “ Is Norway expensive to travel to ?”

And while I don’t consider Norway to be cheap, which is why you’ll definitely need this guide to Oslo on a budget , I also wasn’t dumpster diving just to find my next meal.

So what’s the truth? Is Norway expensive? Well no, if you use common sense and these money-saving tips.

So instead of taking a taxi, use public transportation. Instead of eating out for lunch, buy something at the supermarket Instead of renting a hotel room, try and book an overnight train trip. Instead of buying water, bring a water bottle.

Get the Idea?

In fairness though, I may be a bit bias since I live in New York and everything there is like Richie Rich level expensive.

However ,  I was able to find a hotel room for $70 a night, at one of the best hotels in Bergen Norway (Augustin hotel) so clearly, a soda doesn’t always cost $10 a can.

Full disclosure though? That was at the end of April which is still considered the offseason. So things are probably very different during the high season when Bergen is flooded with four cruise ships daily.

Pro Tip: Eating out in Norway can get expensive fast! Therefore, one of my top Norway travel tips is to do like the locals do and get some meals from the local grocery store.

Unlike many other European countries, Norway doesn’t have a culture where they go out to eat ALL THE TIME. Also watch out when buying those souvenirs from Norway . They can be pricey.

3. Buying Food at a Convenience Store or Gas Station when Roadtripping Norway

No, no, a thousand times no. This is honestly one of my biggest Norway travel tips.

Whatever you do, back away from the store, unless you need some gas. Then buy away,

But Seriously. The prices of food and drinks at these places are not convenient in any way, shape, or form. And by no means are they helping you travel Norway cheap.

Therefore, when traveling through Norway, Stock up on goodies at the supermarket so that you can avoid the insanely inflated prices that these places offer.

Unless of course,  you’re Mr. Monopoly and have money to burn when planning a trip to Norway. Then my friend, stay classy and rock on.

4. Not Wearing Sunscreen

I feel like most people assume that when you’re in Nordic countries, the sun doesn’t really exist. It’s almost like you believe that the sun won’t hurt you because you are at such a high latitude.

Sorry, wrong answer. That’s why my general rule is that if you can see the sun, then it can burn you. At least, that’s true for me. Although, I’m so pale that I’m practically see-through. So I may be an exception.

But in general, It’s always a good idea to wear sunscreen when you’re out in the sun all day, even if it’s cloudy because yes, you can get burned through the clouds (been there, done that. It’s a talent really).

I mean, you don’t have to bathe in sunscreen but a little extra never hurts. And if you hate sunscreen (the fewer liquids I travel with the better), you can always rock a super awesome hat like this.

5. Not Considering Winter Closures

Between the roads and attractions, a lot of things can be shut down during the winter.

And it makes sense. Because if you have 3 hours of sunlight and 12 feet of snow outside then chances are, no one is gonna risk life and limb just to hang out at a local museum.

But, this general Norway travel tip applies to off-season too! Because technically speaking, high season runs from the beginning of May through the end of September.

Therefore, travel through Norway during high season and you can expect large crowds, although everything will be open.

However, If you’re like me and visit in April, even if the weather is nice, most attractions will be closed or running on a more limited, winter schedule.

This means that while the crowds will be light and the hotel prices will be cheap, you won’t get to see as much. But a much better scenario than the soul-crushing hordes of tourists that descend, like locusts, upon Bergen in the summer.

That’s why for me, t he best time to travel to Norway is in the off-season (October – April) because yes, I am an anti-social, recluse of sorts. Not Howard Highs bad, but on that spectrum.

Another added perk is that depending on where you go, you might even be able to see the northern lights while travelling in Norway.

6. Assuming You’ll Only Eat Fish

Okay, so while Norway is known for its love of fish , especially the dried and salted variety, Norwegian cuisine has come a long way since the days of old.

Yes, my friends.If you are a vegan or a vegetarian or just hate eating fish, you’re in luck (dollar, dollar bills y’all) because there are still a ton of things for you to eat.

Why? Most restaurants have hopped on the pop-culture bandwagon and embrace current dietary trends. That’s why many restaurants now offer at least a veggie burger of sorts on their menu.

Me? I’m the vegetarian weirdo who travels to Norway and tries Ethiopian food for the first time.

No regrets though. I loved eating with my hands and yes, the food was amazing (nom, nom, nom). So head to the Horn of Africa (in Bergen) because it’s worth it (dare I say finger-licking good?).

Pro Tip: Although I personally am not into the fishy goodness, Norway is known for having the BEST salmon and actually introduced the food to the Japanese in the 1980s. Therefore, be sure to try some quality salmon as you travel through Norway. Sure, it’s not cheap. But it’s delicious and will be a truly authentic Norwegian meal.

7. Taking Your Bag Into a Museum With You

Yeah no. This is a total party foul. In Norway, you do NOT take your backpack with you, into a museum.

Nope! Instead, you place your bag in a locker and walk around the museum empty-handed.

Why? No idea. I bet it has something to do with not damaging priceless artifacts around you. Just heed this Norway travel advice and don’t be like me and go all the way to the basement to pee, come back up to the entrance, to just to go right back down to the basement because you forgot to put your belongings in a locker.

Some other sage advice when planning a trip to Norway? In most hotels, the electricity will only go on when you place your keycard in the designated keycard holder.

Seriously. I don’t know how many times I almost broke my toe while frantically feeling my way to the door. Yeah, crashing into door frames and sporting black eyes at breakfast is not the way you want to start your trip to Norway.

Therefore, don’t scramble around trying to, go towards the light (LoL. Terrible but I had to). Just place your keycard in the holder and all will be right with the world.

8. Not Considering How Long (or short) the Days Are

Now, this all depends on how far north you go, but no matter where you are in Norway, the days are probably way shorter, or longer than you’re used to.

Yup, t ypically in the winter, the sun will rise around 10 am and set around 3 pm. Therefore, this natural occurrence can really cramp your style if you’re doing a bunch of outdoor activities.

Therefore, use this list of Norway travel tips to help you plan accordingly and do anything outdoors during daylight hours.

Also, remember that some people’s moods can be affected by the lack of light. Me? Not so much.

Truth be told though, I think I’d have a harder time in the summer, trying to sleep when the sun was still up.

Asa result, just be aware of it and you should be totally fine. It just really throws off your sense of time and you generally feel like it’s way earlier or later than it actually is.

9. Not Booking Hotels or Train Tickets in Advance

When I was booking my tickets planning a trip to Norway, I was shocked at how quickly everything filled up.

I mean sure, this would be no surprise during the busy summer months, but I was going in the offseason!

Well, guess what?  A lot of other people think this way too. As a result, train tickets and hotel rooms can book up fast.

That’s why, one of my Norway travel tips is to try and book your train tickets/hotel rooms at least 90 days in advance, just to be safe.

Plus, if you do this, you’ll score cheaper train tickets since you’re planning so far in advance. Actually, you can really only buy train tickets up to 90 days in advance but whatever.

Just remember that the quicker you book things, the better.

10. Not Cleaning Up After Yourself

So I feel like, in Norway, there is more social consciousness. People just seem to be more aware of their actions and how they affect society as a whole.

The result? Lights will only turn on when someone is in the room, people at buffets are encouraged not to waste food, and people actually clean up food they drop on public transportation.

Crazy Right? Maybe I’m just used to the inability of New Yorkers to take care of communal spaces, but I was stunned to see some dude actually picking up bits of his sandwich that fell on the tram floor.

Legit, I felt like I was on another planet where total slobs are shamed into appreciating and yes, even caring for public spaces (Not a bad thing to conform to).

Seriously, New Yorkers need to step up their game because we’re disgusting. Instead of cleanliness, we have rats the size of cats just chillin’ in our subway stations like, “Yo ma, pass me that pizza would ya?”

That’s why, if you’re travelling in Norway, be prepared to clean up after yourself.

11. Cash Is Optional

I’ve noticed this before, but you really don’t need cash in Norway, at least not in the populated areas where I was.

A Debit card? You betcha since some transactions require a pin number. But in general, I didn’t exchange any cash because I didn’t need to. I mean, even the public transportation ticket machines take cards. So yeah, I kind of felt like, “Ehh…what’s the point?”

Therefore, no need to exchange cash you’ll never need again (I know you’ll really miss those insanely high fees for transferring from one currency to the next).

Instead, embrace this ever-growing no cash trend and feel the financial freedom (I sound like a cheesy credit card commercial).

In truth though, there was one locker that required change, but I borrowed a coin from the museum admission desk and it was totally fine.

Pro Tip: Just in case you’re not sure, Norway does NOT use the Euro as its currency since they are a part of the EEA or European Economic Area. Therefore, don’t try to pay for things in Euros. Instead, use the local currency of the Norwegian Kroner (NDK). But as I said, you can use a card to pay for just about everything.

12. Trying to See Fjords and the Northern Lights in Oslo

Yeah, I hate to burst your bubble, but the Northern Lights won’t be dancing around the entirety of Norway in the winter.

One of those Norway travel tips that is sad but totally true. Especially since not only do you need clear skies, but you also need to be near the Arctic Circle in places like Tromso to see the Northern Lights , at least if you want to see them at their most vibrant.

But just know that even if you are near the Arctic Circle, this still doesn’t guarantee that you will see these natural beauties.

I mean, sure, I was personally above the Arctic Circle. But,the Northern Lights I saw were kind of crappy. Nothing like the advertisements that leave you in awe of all the vibrant colors and lights magically swirling through the sky (we call this photo editing).

Similarly, you also won’t be seeing any jaw-droppingly beautiful fjords in Oslo either.

Sorry but fjords and the stunning topography that they create are only found on the Western coast of Norway (Bergen is a great place to see them).

Therefore, when planning a trip to Norway, you can’t just fly into Oslo and witness a stunning array of fjords that stretch out as far as the eye can see. Sorry but I just don’t want you to be totally disappointed when you get to Oslo and find no fjords insight.

13. Trolls are Everywhere!

Between the playgrounds, street art, statues, and souvenir shops, you will literally find a troll around every corner.

And they are super creepy! Trust me these aren’t the cute, 90s troll dolls with jewels in their belly that you could rub and make a wish.

Nope. They must be found in some traditional, Norwegian folklore because they are everywhere.

Sure ,  I find them totally weird, but clearly, other people do not. Plus, people generally consider most of what I do pretty odd so who am I to judge?

 14. Say No to Tipping

Norwegians are so nice that I literally had a waiter return the tip I left him.

Shocking but true!

And then when I tried to convince him to take it, he just smiled and told me that if people do tip, it’s only 5%.

But, he quickly reiterated to me that no tip was necessary and graciously thanked me for my patronage.

Yeah, talk about being a world away from waiters in New York City who will practically spit on you if you leave them anything less than 20%. But lesson learned.

15. Not Spending Enough Time in Nature

Look, Norway is known for a plethora of things, but its magnificent cities aren’t one of them.

Don’t get me wrong! I’m not knocking the cities in Norway. They have their own distinctive charm and appeal. But if they were totally chaotic mega centers of urban life then Norway would lose some of its natural appeal.

No, on the whole, Norway is known for its stunning natural beauty, which is why you should definitely do a Norway in a Nutshell tour while you are in the region.

Between the fjords, majestic rivers, and snow-capped mountains, this country is truly a playground for any and all outdoor enthusiasts.

Therefore, get out of the city and experience all of the best hikes in Norway ! Because no matter what you like, there is something for you in this stunning landscape.

I mean, you name it and they have it since you can go zip-lining, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, not so strenuous hiking (for this chick right here), river cruising, and so much more.

And trust me, if this city slicker can find a way to enjoy nature then anyone can!

You’ll also love the fact that most national parks and outdoor locations are totally free for visitors to use since Norwegians believe that all people should have free access to public lands.

Yup, three solid cheers for Norway. Hip, hip, hooray!

Pro Tip: Because of the very Norwegian idea of  “Allemannsretten”, or the fundamental right of every person to public access, you can pretty much pitch a tent just about anywhere you want in Norway – unless a sign explicitly says not to. So, one of my many Norway travel tips would be to live it up, go wild camping and embrace the Norwegian love of the great outdoors. Just be respectful, clean up after yourself, and leave no trace behind.

16. Polar Bears Will NOT Be Wandering With You Through the Streets

Umm, I feel like this is one of those Norway travel tips that didn’t need to be explicitly stated. But I guess I do since I’ve had more than one person ask me if they will meet any polar bears as they frolic through the streets of Norway.

So yeah, obviously I need to clarify a few things when planning a trip to Norway. Actually, I don’t need to clarify much since there’s a pretty short answer to the above question.

And that answer is no. In fact, there aren’t any wild polar bears on the mainland of Norway at all! Yeah, if you actually want to see some polar bears in their natural habitat, then you’ll need to fly all the way to Svalbard, a super cool archipelago that sits smack dab in between mainland Norway and the North Pole.

Because in this place? Well, there are actually more polar bears than people. That being said though, polar bears still like to steer clear of people, and incidents of polar bears actually mauling people is super rare.

17. Assuming Nobody Speaks English

Although English may not be widely spoken in many other parts of the world, it’s definitely spoken just about everywhere in Norway.

Therefore, when planning a trip to Norway, don’t feel like you HAVE to know Norwegian to chat with the locals.

Is it nice to know a few phrases and to show respect for people’s culture? Absolutely. So one of my many Norway travel tips would be to learn at least a few common Norwegian phrases before traveling to Norway.

But don’t feel intimidated and like you can’t chat with people if you don’t know Norwegian because the vast majority of Norwegians know English.

They may be a little shy about chatting with you in their non-native language, but most locals can probably understand you and help you with any questions you might have.

18. Don’t Be Scared! Norway is Super Safe!

Like most of the countries in Scandinavia, Norway is super safe. In fact, Norway is known for being one of the safest countries in the world since crime rates are exceptionally low – even in major urban centers like Bergan, Oslo, and Stavanger.

Does that mean you should wander around flashing large wads of cash and throw caution to the wind? No. Still take all the usual precautions when visiting a major urban area.

But, you definitely don’t need to gird your loins and freak out if you have to walk alone down the street in the middle of the night. Yeah, the vast majority of crimes in Norway are non-violent burglaries, so no need to worry, especially if you are traveling alone.

Pro Tip: Like in most major European cities, when planning a trip to Norway, watch out for pickpockets when traveling to large, touristy areas throughout the summer months. It’s still safe but it’s not unheard of for people to get pickpocketed.

19. Don’t Get A Taxi If You Are On A Budget

In Norway locals will very rarely take a taxi and with good reason. Before you ask, it isn’t because the taxis are not safe. Quite the contrary. Taxis in Norway are safe and clean. They are also easily accessible from the airports. The problem however is the cost associated with the taxi. 

A short drive could run up a tab of over 50 euros and in some cases that could even cross 150 euros. Now if you don’t mind the splurge that’s fine but for many locals, they prefer not to. Another reason why Norwegians don’t bother with the cabs is because the public transport is excellent and so much cheaper!

20. Be Flexible When Planning Your Itinerary

No matter whether you plan your itinerary during the peak season or during the shoulder season (or even off season) you will find that the weather in Norway is rather unpredictable. You may have checked the forecast the day before and have woken up to pouring rain. Obviously outdoor activities in this kind of weather would not really be fun.

Given how unpredictable the weather is, it is always good to have a backup plan. Museums and indoor activities are always a good bet. Another good tip is to add an extra day or two to your itinerary in a place that you really want to do something. That way if it does rain, you know you still have time to catch your bucket list item the next day.

This is also very true when it comes to spotting the Northern lights. You can’t always be certain you will see them, so give yourself a few days so that you don’t miss the view of a lifetime!

Must-See Attractions in Norway

1. vikingskipshuset.

Located in Oslo, this amazing museum showcases three Viking ships that were hauled ashore 1,100 years ago and used in elaborate burial riituals.

These ceremonial burial sites were the final resting place of the vessels and a trove of worldly possessions meant to serve the deceased in the afterlife.

So, items found at the site include food, clothes, furniture, chariots, weapons, and even dogs for companionship.

Excavated in the region of Oslofjord during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these artifacts, along with the ships, were meticulously conserved.

They sit inside this gorgeous museum and stand as a poignant window into the world of the Vikings.

Among the trio of ships, each named for their discovery sites—Oseberg, Gokstad, and Tune—the Oseberg ship is the most grand since is home to a ton of cool Viking-age artifacts.

The Gokstad measures 24 meters in length and was crafted around 890. It is well-preserved and is the quintessential model of a Viking longship.

Then there’s the smaller Tune ship, with only fragments remaining.

So, be sure to visit when you are in Oslo and use a complimentary audio guide to get the most out of your visit. Just know that the museum isn’t set to reopen until 2026.

2. Trollstigen

Another one of the most beautiful places in Norway is Trollstigen. Meaning “Troll’s ladder” in English, this iconic road is a marvel of engineering that zigzags dramatically through 11 switchbacks with a steep 1:12 incline.

Opened in 1936 and built over eight years, it traverses the mountainside, offering motorists a thrilling drive—especially when rain transforms the cliffs into a veil of waterfalls.

Traffic often narrows to a single lane, adding to the appeal of this journey for adrenaline junkies who are looking for the most scenic drives in Norway.

At its peak, architectural wonders of rusted steel and concrete have been erected, providing a stark contrast to the wild terrain.

Visitors can even stand on one of the seemingly floating platforms that sit along the road and enjoy sweeping views of the area.

Spanning a distance of about 38km, the drive connects Valldal to Andalsnes and meanders through Reinheimen National Park.

This park is another must-see place in Norway since wild reindeer roam throughout the area. Just know that the road is only open seasonally from late May through mid-October, depending on the snow.

3. Magdalenefjord

The stunning bay of Magdalenefjord in Nordvest Spitsbergen is encircled by a series of majestic peaks and gorgeous glaciers that make it a great place to stop along the western coast of Spitsbergen in Svalbard.

Visit on a day when the sun shines bright, or during the onset of storm clouds, and you might just feel like you’re in Arctic heaven.

Most of the time, the area is visited during extended cruise excursions. After all, visitors love learning about Magdalenefjord’s links to the Dutch whaling industry in the 17th century.

In fact, remnants of old blubber-boiling stations can still be seen at Graveneset, near the fjord’s entrance. You can also marvel at the well-preserved graves of whalers that are dotted around the area.

4. Nidaros Domkirke

Stop by Trondheim and experience the awesome beauty of Nidaros Domkirke.

It is the most extensive medieval structure in Scandinavia and represents the northernmost extension of Gothic architecture in Europe.

The cathedral’s external west wall is a marvel of ornamentation, featuring Biblical statues depicting scripture alongside notable Norwegian bishops and monarchs.

Many of these are recreations of original medieval works, now preserved in a nearby museum.

A notable element of the church is the colorful stained glass adorning the rose window on the cathedral’s western side.

Central to the cathedral is the altar, marking the burial site of St. Olav, the former Viking ruler who introduced Christianity to largely pagan Norwegians.

The initial stone cathedral dates back to 1153, with the existing crossing and chapter house being completed between 1130 and 1180.

Below, the crypt there are an array of medieval gravestones, with most restored from fragments.

Visitors are free to explore, with guided tours offered from early June through August. I suggest doing one since it will allow you to better appreciate the historical significance of this magical place.

If you can, visit during an organ recital so that you can enjoy some beautiful music. Afterward, climb the tower’s 172 steps (open from mid-June through mid-August) for excellent views of Trondheim.

5. Atlanterhavsveien

The Atlantic Ocean Road, a short stretch of highway that is barely 8km long. It marries engineering prowess with natural grandeur while connecting 17 islets via bridges above the churning sea below.

The route features sweeping views that are only enhanced by vibrant fall foliage during the autumn season. You can also see whales and seals just off-shore if you visit at the right time of year

So, whether you start from Molde, and go through the town of Bud, or start from the north, and go through Kristiansund via a subsea tunnel, it’s one of the most beautiful drives in Norway.

Plus, the route is dotted with elegant viewpoints at Eldhusøya’s walkable island and Askevågen’s glass-fronted platform.

However, the real highlight of any visit is the Storseisund Bridge since it contorts elegantly across a dramatic stretch of road from Eide to Averøy.

Expert Tip: If you don’t want to drive along the road then you can use Eide Auto buses to visit. They run all year long and connect Molde with Kristiansund all year long.

Five buses operate daily from Monday to Friday, with two on Saturday, and one on Sunday. The trip will take a little over two hours.

Norway Travel Guide FAQs

What is the best month to go to norway.

The best months to go to Norway are June, July, and August. This is when most roads and hiking trails are open for the summer.

Plus, the days are longer and the temperatures are warm, allowing you to head outside and enjoy the stunning landscape all around you.

How Many Days in Norway is Enough?

If you’re planning a Norway itinerary try to spend at least 5 days in the country. This way you can enjoy some of the best things to do in Norway without feeling overwhelmed and rushed.

Is Norway Friendly to Americans?

Yes, Norway is friendly to Americans. Americans are more than welcome and most people in Norway speak fluent English.

Plus, most locals are happy to help you if you get a little lost or have a question about something.

Is Norway Expensive to Visit?

Yes, Norway is a very expensive place to visit. However, you can save money by doing a lot of hiking or by enjoying some of the free things in Norway.

You could also rent a campervan and save money on hotels that way.

Well cool kids, that just about wraps up this epic Norway travel guide and my 18 super sweet Norway travel tips.

I hope you now have everything you need for planning a trip to norway and feel like you’re ready to travel through norway like a total pro.   , and if you found this post even a little bit useful, feel free to pin this now so that you can read it again later.

Jonny Gridseth

Monday 3rd of May 2021

A well written article. I´m Norwegian, from outskirt of Aalesund. Now retired in Portugal. It´s a good idea to book hotel or Airbnb in advance. When covid-19 is over everyting, probably full booked. As you say, avoid food from gas stations. Very expencive and bad. If you are on the road, buy food at supermakets with discount. You find a listing of them on internet. Enjoy Norway without ruin yourself

girlwiththepassport

Thank you so much Jonny! Such great advice and I always love visiting Norway! I hope I can visit again some day soon!

Benzini Campers

Saturday 20th of February 2021

Finally different and unique content about travelling Norway! Thank you for sharing your tips. I think I´m gonna share it further since everybody should know this before visiting.

Tuesday 23rd of February 2021

Thanks so much for reading.

Tuesday 30th of June 2020

Thanks! Hoping to travel there for the first time this year.

Also sorry that some people think it’s ok to be so ridiculously rude to you when all you’re doing is trying to help people have a good trip.

Thanks again for your help!

Thursday 2nd of July 2020

Aww, thanks Ness. That is so nice to hear. And I hope you have an amazing trip. I absolutely loved Norway. And yeah, I don't really get it since it's free and if they don't like it they 100% do not have to read my blog. Hope your trip works out and stay safe!

Ilnorme Phillips

Saturday 15th of February 2020

Beautiful Country

Sunday 16th of February 2020

totally agree!

AnotherSoloFemaleTravelerButWhoCares

Sunday 19th of January 2020

I mean, sure, you do like to travel and give tips but man, those things are on Captain Obvious level. I am sure you can do better than "Oh btw you need to plan in advance" and that you should find supermarkets for lower prices. Who could have guessed that they could save money by not eating out every day? And who goes to a country without looking at the map to determine the best route and how much would it take to get around? If you go there to see the Northern Lights, the first thing you google is "where to see Northern Lights" in case you've missed your 3rd grade Geography classes, so unless you have no common sense whatsoever, you know they don't have fjords and NL in Oslo. Most of the things are valid for the majority of the European countries, so it would be a good tip to clean-up after yourself no matter where you are, you know - good ol' manners and shite. And really - you are giving tips on how not be broke after Norway and don't even mention Airbnb and Couchsurfing? If you want to be useful you don't write vague BS, you include specific details. Even describing how to open Google Street View to check the route between your drop off point and your place to stay would have been more useful.

Sunday 12th of June 2022

@AnotherSoloFemaleTravelerButWhoCares, Wow! Why are you so rude? I've travelled all over the world for years and still found useful info in this blog.

Sunday 3rd of January 2021

Hi... have you ever heard the golden rule.. do unto others as you have them do to you”? Offhand, I would say no since the way you responded to the authors work.

I have read MANY articles that give suggestions on touring Norway. I have a friend there who has helped a lot as well. Yet the author of this article mentioned MANY things I wasn’t yet aware of. The article was therefore helpful and written in a great informal style. I have made a few changes to my upcoming trip because of her article.

Friday 10th of July 2020

You're upset because a free blog post didn't cover everything you personally think it should have? That's a pretty high horse you're on. I know that some things seem self-explanatory, but not everyone has the benefit of the same education level, or life experiences as you, so these tips are great for everyone.

Wednesday 8th of July 2020

Obviously you do care, leaving a 10000 words comment.

And not everyone is good at planing or maybe they are more of spontaneous and think everything will be fine, while tips like this actually makes your holiday fine. You get to know what is expected and how to fix the situation without go into panic.

Novice in Norway ??

Saturday 7th of March 2020

Wowza! That was really awful “Solo traveler”. If it didn’t help you that’s really ok and nothing to be hateful about. ? You didn’t pay her to plan your trip. You are welcome to start your own blog.

Thanks for sharing Passport. I forgot that many museums don’t allow back packs and I’m traveling with a 4 & 5 yo so any reminder that helps avoid extra trips up the stairs/on the elevator is welcomed! I love Ethiopian food so will look into that restaurant.

? Looking forward to my April trip to Bergen/Oslo.

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The 16 best fjords in Norway

Norway is the undisputed king of fjords, with more than 1,100 of the things dotted along its massive coastline.

The fjords are Norway’s most visited region – and rightly so.

With steep snow-capped mountains plunging into deep blue waters and pretty waterside villages surrounded by fields and woodlands, it really is a unique landscape.

Not only that, but the fjords provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking , kayaking and white-river rafting . 

And if you’re planning a trip, there’s good news: it’s actually quite tricky to visit Norway without seeing at least one of these beautiful geological features for yourself.

You’ll find fjords pretty much wherever you go – from Lindesnes in the very south to Cape Nordkinn in the far North – but a handful of them are extra special, and certainly worth seeking out if you have the time to spare.

So, where are the most beautiful fjords in Norway and how do you visit them?

To save you lots of legwork and get you straight to the prime photo spots, we’ve picked 16 of Norway’s best and most dramatic fjords.

Geirangerfjord Romsdalsfjord Hjørundfjord Sognefjord Nærøyfjord Aurlandsfjord Hardangerfjord Nordfjord Vistenfjord Lysefjord Trollfjord Lyngenfjord Trondheimsfjord Oslofjord Vestfjorden Isfjord

This map shows you where they are in relation to big cities like Oslo.

1. Geirangerfjord

Geirangerfjord is, without doubt, Norway’s most famous fjord. Appearing in the Norwegian movie The Wave and Disney’s Frozen has certainly helped, and Geirangerfjord is among the country’s most visited tourist attractions.

Along with  Nærøyfjord, some 120km away, it forms part of a  Unesco World Heritage Site. Make no mistake, this is classic fjord scenery!

The fjord is located in the district of Møre og Romsdal, two and a half hours from Ålesund.

Wherever you stop near the fjord, you’ll be treated to stunning views of steep mountaintops rising quickly out of the water.

There are several impressive waterfalls here too, including the jaw-dropping Seven Sisters (which, unbelievably, doesn’t even make the top 40 in the list of the highest Norwegian waterfalls).

However, all of this stunning scenery is actually under threat.

A huge chunk of a nearby mountain called  Åknesfjället is slowly breaking free, and is expected to plunge into the fjord in the not-too-distant future, causing a huge tsunami that is likely to wipe out the small village of Geiranger.

In 1934, a similar landslide at  Tafjorden (around 20km to the northeast), caused a series of vast waves that killed 40 people.

The mountain at Geirangerfjord is monitored closely, though, and experts expect to be able to give plenty of warning so that locals can evacuate.

Our advice is to go soon, before the fjord changes forever!

Getting there

Geirangerfjord is best visited in the summertime. You can get there by cruise from Ålesund , or by road, approaching via a nerve-wracking series of hairpin turns called Trollstigen (see below).

Where to stay

The Grande Fjord Hotel is just over a mile from the village of Geiranger and has smart, clean rooms, some with balconies overlooking the fjord. Alternatively,  Geirangerfjorden Feriesenter offers compact self-catering units with exceptional views.

2. Romsdalsfjord

Norway’s ninth longest fjord, the Romsdalsfjord is surrounded by towering snow-clad mountains in winter and fields of wildflowers in spring.

Unusually for Norwegian fjords, it’s home to several islands and its clean waters are rich in marine fjord, so popular for fishing.

At the Romsdalsfjord’s eastern tip lies the pretty village of Isfjorden, while the larger town of Åndalsnes sits on its southern shores. 

Åndalsnes makes a great base from where to take a trip along the exhilarating Trollstigen, Norway’s most dramatic mountain road with 11 hairpin bends. 

If you don’t fancy driving it yourself – and we don’t blame you, it’s pretty hairy! – you can take this guided tour , where experienced drivers do the scary bit for you!

The best way to get to Åndalsnes is by train, on the scenic Rauma line from Dombas, which has regular connections to Oslo and Trondheim.

There are also regular buses to Molde and Ålesund.

Right in the centre of Åndalsnes, the Grand Hotel is the smartest place to stay, with stunning views of the lake and mountains.

A cheaper option is the Romsdalseggen Camping in the nearby village of Isfjorden.

3. Hjørundfjord

Deep and narrow, the 35km long Hjørundfjord is one of the less-visited fjords, its blue-black waters overlooked by glowering mountains that plunge straight into the fjord.

A branch of the Storfjord, it lies south of Ålesund and is surrounded by the stunning forested Sunnmøre Alps, some of whose peaks reach some 1,500 metres above the water.

There are few settlements along the shores of the fjord, as the steep mountainsides make building difficult, and people tend to come here for its brooding tranquillity and beautiful walks in the surrounding mountains.

The hike from the pretty village of Øye up Mount Slogen is challenging but rewards you with great views over the fjord.

From Ålesund, it takes around two-and-a-half hours to drive to Sæbø, on the western shores of the fjord, via the Solavågen-Festøya car ferry across the Storfjord.

Alternatively, Hurtigruten boats call in to the Hjørundfjord (s ee here for the low-down on travelling on the Hurtigruten ).

The comfortable and smart Sagafjord Hotel in Sæbø sits right on the waterfront, or splash out on the historic – and supposedly haunted – Hotel Union in the remote village of Øye.

4. Sognefjord

Sognefjord is the longest fjord in Norway, and also the deepest.

Located in the district of Sogn og Fjordane in western Norway, it stretches out in shades of brilliant blue and emerald green for more than 200km, and is more than 1.3km deep in parts.

This is more of a region than an attraction that you’d just go and look at, so it requires a bit more effort to really get to grips with.

You can spend time driving between idyllic mountain villages, hiking (try the  Jotunheimen National Park at the fjord’s eastern end), or checking out the beautiful wooden stave church in Kaupanger.  

Jostedalsbreen – mainland Europe’s largest glacier – is worth a stop if you want to try hiking on the ice.

There’s lots to see in the Sognefjord region and journeys can be surprisingly slow.

Fortunately there are plenty of places where you can enjoy a cosy overnight stop, usually with the bonus of great views to wake up to.

From Bergen , the Sognefjord region is best reached by car (it takes around four hours to get to Sogndal).

Lavik Fjord Hotell is pricey but some of the modern rooms offer great views. There are also some excellent hiking trails nearby.  Botnen Camping has cheaper bunk rooms and simple cottages.

5. Nærøyfjord

Nærøyfjord is actually a part of Sognefjord. Along with Geirangerfjord (see above) Nærøy makes up part of a World Heritage Site.

It’s 17 km long but in places can be extremely narrow – just a couple of hundred metres across at its thinnest point.

The fjord is surrounded by mountains that soar more than a kilometre above the waterline, making this one of the most dramatic places to visit in all of western Norway.

Even if it rains (and it probably will) this is a spectacular place to take photos, have a picnic, or simply stare in awe.

It’s also a great place to go kayaking – this full-day guided kayak trip from Voss gives you the best vantage point to see the fjord, its waterfalls and mountains. 

Nærøyfjord is a popular stop on tours that start from Oslo and Bergen. This trip from Bergen includes a ride on the fantastic Flam railway and a boat trip on the Nærøyfjord . 

You can also get there independently by rental car from Bergen – it’s a drive of about two hours and fifteen minutes from Bergen to Gudvangen at Nærøyfjord’s southern tip.

The Gudvangen Fjordtell is a comfortable, upmarket option in  in the village of Gudvangen right at the southern tip of the Nærøyfjord. Alternatively, there’s the simpler good-value  Gudvangen Budget Hotel .

6. Aurlandsfjord

One of Norway’s narrowest, deepest and most beautiful fjords, the Aurlandsfjord is actually an offshoot of the Sognefjord, along with its western neighbour the Nærøyfjord.

Jutting out some 650 metres above the fjord, the Stegastein viewpoint is the best place to get dramatic views over the water and along the fjord.

At the fjord’s southern end sits the village of Flam, best known as the terminus of one of Norway’s – and indeed the world’s! – most picturesque railway trips.

The most fun way to reach the Aurlandsfjord is to take the Flamsbana railway to the village of Flam, at the fjord’s southern tip. For more on the journey, read our guide on the Bergen to Flam railway .

This day-trip from Bergen includes a ride on the Flam railway plus a boat trip on the Aurlandsfjord. 

Alternatively, you can take a ferry cruise all the way from Bergen to Flam, which runs along the Aurlandsfjord . 

The Flåm Hostel has good-value rooms in the village close to the waterfront, or there’s the pricier Flåmsbrygga Hotel near the train station and overlooking the fjord.

Alternatively, the comfortable Heimly Pensjonat has pretty gardens and views over the fjord.

7. Hardangerfjord

Hardangerfjord is Norway’s second longest fjord. From its mouth, which opens up to the North Sea some 80km south of Bergen, Hardangerfjord stretches inland towards the Hardangervidda National Park.

This region is home to the picturesque village of Odda, situated at the very end of the fjord, which serves as a beautiful base for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

More famously, it’s also home to the rock formation called Trolltunga (the ‘troll tongue’) which attracts tens of thousands of hikers every summer and should be on any serious fjord fan’s bucket list.

From Odda, there are some very good guided tours that take in Trolltunga and the fjord. For more on Odda, see our guide to What to see and do in Odda .

The drive to Odda takes around four hours from Stavanger, three hours from Bergen or two hours from Haugesund. You can also get there directly by express bus from Oslo, Bergen, and Haugesund.

The rooms at Trolltunga Camping are functional and fairly cheap (by Norwegian standards, anyway), while the Trolltunga Hotel has simple but comfortable rooms in Odda, some overlooking a lake.

8. Nordfjord

Nordfjord is another gorgeous slice of scenery in the Sogn og Fjordane region of western Norway.

Apart from the great views, it’s also near the Jostedalsbreen glacier (see above) and the Loen Skylift at Innvikfjord (a branch of Nordfjord), which brings you to the top of the 1km-high Mt. Hoven in just five minutes.

The village of Nordfjordeid, at the eastern end of the fjord, is the best place to stay near the fjord. It’s a three-hour drive from Ålesund.

However, you can also reach Nordfjordeid by  express bus from Oslo, and by express boat from Bergen.

The upmarket Nordfjord Hotel in Nordfjordeid has reasonable rooms, along with a pool and a spa, or there’s the cheaper Sentrum Hotel , with basic, clean rooms.

9. Vistenfjord

Due to their dramatic scenery and picturesque villages, some of the southern fjords are hugely popular – and rightly so – and can get very busy in peak times.  

So if you’re looking for more wild and rugged landscapes, the 22km-long Vistenfjord is a quieter hidden gem. 

Also known as “the unknown fjord”, it’s tucked away between the Vega Islands and the Seven Sisters mountain and extends into the wild and remote Lomsdal-Visten National Park.

Great for hikes and kayaking, it’s a peaceful fjord, surrounded by mountains and ancient farming communities, and is known for its biodiversity. 

Daily express boats from Tjøtta or Forvik run along the Innervisten to Aursletta and Bønå at the head of Vistfjorden.

This pretty cottage in Vevelstad , with views over the water makes a great base for exploring the Vistenfjord.

10. Lysefjord

Lysefjord is home to the 604m-high  Preikestolen, or ‘ Pulpit Rock’. This (admittedly rather big) wedge of rock attracts an incredible 300,000 visitors a year – even Tom Cruise has stopped by to film scenes for Mission Impossible 6 .

If you want to have your own Tom Cruise moment, this tour includes transport from Stavanger , plus an experienced guide to take you on the 4-6 hour trek up to the top of the dramatic summit.

The rock isn’t the only reason for you to check out the area around Lysefjord.

The area offers plenty of hiking trails, for example, and is also home to the longest wooden staircase in the world, Flørli 4444 (with, you guessed it, 4444 steps).

There’s also Kjerag, a huge boulder that’s suspended high up between two sheer rock faces.

This guided tour takes you up to the Kjerag rock , where you can get the obligatory shot standing on the boulder – if you’re brave enough!

The picturesque village of Lysebotn, at the end of the fjord, is a good place to spend a few days.

The best way to explore the Lysefjord is from the water itself:  this guided kayak trip is a gentle paddle round the beautiful fjord, past waterfalls and into caves.

Lysebotn is only reachable by ferry in winter (or, in summer, via 27 hairpin turns on the road called Lysebotnvegen).

Lysefjord itself is around an hour from Stavanger by boat. Fjord sightseeing tours are available , and you can jump on a bus tour to the starting point of the Pulpit Rock trail.

If you’re driving, you can take the car ferry to Lysebotn, jumping off point for the hike up to the Kjerag boulder, or you can get here from Stavanger on a guided trip which includes all transport plus the option to add on a fjord cruise.

In summer (May–Oct),  Lysefjorden Turisthytte offers simple lodging and is in a handy spot for touring the local area.

Alternatively, there’s the Flørli 4444 Hostel , which sits at the bottom of the Flørli steps and can only be reached by boat.

It has a variety of accommodation options including apartments on the shores of the fjord, dorm beds and camping.

11. Trollfjord

Up in the Arctic, Trollfjord (yep, trolls again) is one of northern Norway’s best-kept secrets.

Located between the Vesterålen and Lofoten islands, Trollfjord is only a 2km-long fjord but its shape, with a narrow channel opening up into a large oval bay, makes it feel even more hidden.

The fjord is also surrounded by steep mountainsides, which seem to spend much of the year in black and white, thanks to the dark colour of the rocks and the thick snow that clings to them. 

The frigid water in the fjord looks like dark and inky, and you’ll sometimes see eagles circling overhead, adding to the edge-of-the-world feel.

The tallest mountain here, Mt Trolltind, reaches 1084m above sea level.

Trollfjord can be visited either by Hurtigruten cruise (see our guide for more on travelling on the Hurtigruten ) or on a boat trip from Svolvær in the Lofoten Islands.

Plenty of tours leave from Svolvær, including  this eco-friendly Trollfjord cruise on a sailing yacht .

The fjord is also a good place for wildlife trips, such as this RIB tour from Svolvær that heads out into the fjord in search of a variety of birds and wildlife, including seals and eagles.

This is a wild part of Norway and the only accommodation nearby is this simple hut , run by the Norwegian tourist authority.

For something a little more comfortable, base yourself in Svolvær at the Scandic Svolvær Hotel , on a tiny island in the middle of the harbour.

12. Lyngenfjord

Lyngenfjord is another fjord in the north of Norway, located in the Lyngen Alps near Tromsø.

At 82km long it’s absolutely huge, and it stretches through a region that’s popular with people looking to see the northern lights.

The high peaks of the Lyngen Alps create a bit of a rain shadow, which means clear skies are more likely here than in many other parts of the country.

There’s more on seeing the northern lights in Norway in this guide .

On the edge of the Lyngenfjord, the village of Lyngseidet is home to the world’s northernmost whisky distillery, where you can do a tour and tasting session with views of the fjord .

From Tromsø, you can get to the village of Lyngseidet by car or bus ( timetables here ).

The friendly Magic Mountain Lodge in Lyngseidet has doubles rooms with views of the fjord and a dorm, plus a communal kitchen and sauna.

13. Trondheimsfjord

Trondheimsfjord is one of the more accessible fjords in Norway, as it’s situated right by the city of Trondheim.

The fjord stretches from the Norwegian Sea all the way to the town of Levanger, around 50km to the northeast.

Why should you visit? Well, there’s the big skies, the birdlife, the rolling countryside, the open expanses of glittering blue water… need we go on?

The fjord runs right past Trondheim so if you’re visiting that city, you’re already by the water.

There are several ferries and boat tours (in summer only) that take you out onto the fjord. For example, you can travel to the island of Ytterøy or to visit the former prison island and fortress at Munkholmen.

Trondheim has a few cheap bed and breakfasts and apartments, plus dozens of hotels .

The Trondheim Vandrerhjem , with dorms and twin rooms, is a good bet if you’re on a budget.

14. Oslofjord

If you’re only in Norway for a couple of days but would like to see at least one fjord, don’t worry! Oslo has got you covered.

The Oslofjord might not be as spectacular as the fjords of western Norway but it still offers plenty of nice islands (and beaches!) for a summer visit.

It’s also one of the easiest fjords to visit on a guided tour .

This hybrid electric boat trip is a good eco-friendly option, and includes brunch and a glass of bubbly while sailing silently through the fjord.

Or, you can explore the fortress island Oscarsborg, the old monastery on the island Hovedøya, or the Bygdøy Peninsular, which has some great museums.

There’s more on exploring the Oslofjord in this guide .

Several ferries and boat trips leave the harbour at Aker Brygge daily, or you can travel through the Oslofjord and Skagerrak/Kattegat on one of the ferries connecting Norway with Denmark.

There’s more on getting around the Oslofjord on a budget here .

Hotels in Oslo are expensive! Try one of these great hostels if you’d rather avoid paying for a hotel (most offer private rooms), or one of these co ol Airbnbs .

15. Vestfjorden

If you want to visit an off-the-beaten-path fjord for a more tranquil experience, the Vestfjorden, whose name means “West fjord”, is a good bet.

Almost a hundred miles long, it runs between the Lofoten Islands and the northwest coast of mainland Norway.

At its southern end where it meets the sea, it’s about 50 miles wide, so is one of the largest fjords.

But several smaller fjords run off it, such as the Ofotfjorden and the Tysefjorden at its northern end, and the tiny Nusfjord, to the west.

This fun fishing and foraging trip takes you out onto the Vestfjorden to catch your lunch of haddock, mackerel or cod, which you will then cook and eat, before docking on the pretty island of Skrova for a walk to secluded white sand beach.

The northern end of the fjord is most easily accessed from the city of Narvik. 

Home to Norway’s northernmost train station, Narvik is served by the Ofotbanen, also known as the Arctic Railway , from Kiruna in Sweden.

If you fancy riding a stretch of this scenic route, buy tickets here .

Or, for something cheaper, the Bogen Hostel has simple rooms and a caravan looking out over the Ofotfjorden.

16. Isfjord

Now we’re really getting off the beaten track. More than 800km north of the Norwegian mainland, the wild and icy Svalbard archipelago lies high up in the Arctic Circle.

Its main island, Spitsbergen, is wrapped around the dramatic Isfjord, some 100km long.

Fed by many side fjords which freeze over most winters, the Isfjord itself is usually ice-free due to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream.

With two national parks along its shores, it’s home to an extraordinary variety of birdlife and is a fantastic place for wildlife-spotting.

Species regularly seen here include Arctic foxes, reindeer and polar bears on land, with whales, seals and walruses in the water.

It’s also a great place to see spectacular northern lights displays.

The island capital, Longyearbyen sits on the fjord’s southern side, and plenty of tours head out from here to explore the Isfjord and the surrounding wilderness.

Click here for more on things to do on Svalbard, such as this tour of a historic coal mine .

By far the easiest way to get to Svalbard is to fly with Norwegian from Oslo.

Most of Svalbards’ accommodation is in Longyearbyen : Gjestehuset 102 hostel  has simple good-value rooms, while the Svalbard Hotell Polfareren offers pricier boutique-style comfort.

Where are the best fjords in Norway?

Since the fjords are often quite hard to get to, it would take a long trip if you wanted to visit all 16 of our favourite fjords.

So, if we had to pick just one area to visit, we would choose the region around Bergen.

From Norway’s second city, you can visit get two of our favourite fjords on a day trip by boat – the Sognefjord and the Aurlansfjord –  or you can take the ferry there and get Norway’s most dramatic mountain railway back again. 

You can also get to two more of our favourite fjords – Nærøyfjord and Hardangerfjord – in a scenic drive of not much more than two hours from Bergen.

Why does Norway have so many fjords?

The fjords are u-shaped valleys that were created by glaciers over millions of years.

The glaciation took place below sea level and since Norway has a long coastline and a cold climate, hundreds of fjord developed along its coast.

Are fjords only in Norway?

The simple answer is no – New Zealand, Chile, Canada and Greenland all have fjords.

The reason we associate them primarily with Norway is that fjord is a Norwegian word (of Viking origin) that has been adopted throughout the world to describe the dramatic glacial indents.

How deep are Norway’s fjords?

The depth of the fjords varies, but generally speaking they are stretch down a pretty long way! Sognefjord is Norway’s deepest fjord – up to 1.3km at its deepest point.

When is the best time to visit the Norwegian fjords?

Summer is peak season in the fjords. From June to early September, you’ll get long hours of daylight, mild temperatures and a good chance of some sunshine.

It’s also the best time for outdoor activities, such as hiking, white water rafting and kayaking . 

However, it’s also when the fjords are at their most crowded and accommodation is at its priciest. To avoid the crowds, it’s worth considering a visit in autumn or winter.

Seeing the fjords in autumn can be beautiful, when the leaves are turning beautiful orange, brown and gold colours.

And winter, of course, can be spectacular, with the mountains clad in snow and ice, and the popular sights are much quieter. 

You can even do some some outdoor activities such as this winter snowshoe hike from Odda , and you’ve got a good chance of seeing the spectacular northern lights.

If you are planning a winter trip, however, you’ll need to check the road conditions before travelling as some passes and road will be impassable due to snow.

Don’t forget insurance – even if your trip has already started!

It’s no good visiting Norway’s beautiful fjords if you don’t have adequate travel insurance.

Even though travelling in Norway is safe, we strongly recommend getting a decent policy for your trip.

It really can make a world of difference if you lose your valuables or get involved in an accident.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Map of the best fjords in Norway

See also: Where to stay to visit the fjords Cool eco-friendly places to stay in Norway The best places to stay in Norway

Visiting Bergen on a budget

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