11 Days in Norway - 8 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Best of Western Norway

This family-friendly road trip covers a mix of popular and lesser-known destinations on Norway's stunning west coast. 

This is a great self-guided road trip for those who don’t mind skipping Oslo. Instead, you’ll start and end in Norway’s 2nd largest, situated on the west coast. Bergen is actually one of the oldest port cities in Europe and offers easy access to the sea, mountains, and fjords. You’ll have a little time to explore the area around the historic district, or perhaps take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen—one of Bergen's seven peaks—for the best views of the city. There won’t be too much time here because you’ll soon be on the road passing by remote coastal landscapes, mountains, and glaciers as you head north to Kalvåg.

Take advantage of a few days in this lesser-touristed area—the seaport environment offers old wharfside sheds, boathouses, and artist galleries, and of, course, restaurants serving fresh seafood. Since you have a car, you can also head to nearby Hornelen, the tallest sea cliff in Europe, for some hiking or even rock climbing. Next on the road trip is Ålesund, one of the prettiest and most charming cities in Scandinavia, distinguished by its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture—a result of rebuilding efforts following a devastating fire in 1904. After a night here, you’ll continue the drive along a major section of a national scenic route towards Geiranger where you'll encounter jaw-dropping fjords, mountains, strawberry farms, lush valleys, and plenty of places to stop for photos.

What makes this itinerary unique is the inclusion of a lovely place called Hjelle—an area known for stunning glaciers, idyllic lakes, scenic hikes, and panoramic views. After two nights here, it’s time to drive Solvorn on the Sognefjord, with a stay at the oldest family-run hotel in Norway. Each night at 7:30 pm, the hotel staff hosts a four-course gourmet feast with wine for all its guests. This is a great base to take advantage of hiking or kayaking before driving back to Bergen through the villages of Urnes and Flåm, respectively (both worthy of a stop). Finish the trip with one more night in Bergen where you can check out more restaurants that you might have missed at the beginning of the trip! Learn more

Itinerary #2: Lysefjord, Hardangerfjord & Sognefjord

If seeking relaxation, outdoor activity, and exposure to three of Norway's most spectacular fjords, this summer road trip is for you. 

This is another great self-guided road trip option that starts and ends in Bergen. Like the trip above, you’ll have a day to check out the city. Those interested in history will be spoilt for choice: the Bryggen area of downtown offers iconic wooden houses dating back to the 1700s (a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site). You could spend a whole day visiting additional historic sites and museums while stopping in the city’s charming local cafés and bakeries.

On Day 2, it’s time to drive to Stavanger, the gateway to the Lysefjord. This imposing and surprisingly straight-shaped fjord offers fascinating mountains that were formed during the ice age by massive glaciers that covered the earth. Keep your camera close and prepare to stop often, as there is much to see on this route along with villages offering coffee or Fiskesuppe (a seafood soup). Save some energy for Stavanger's old center, which (like Bergen) has some of the best-preserved wooden buildings in Norway. During summer months, the waterfront comes alive with outdoor concerts and festivals. The next day you’ll take a fjord adventure of your choosing. A popular option is a hike to Pulpit Rock, but you could also ferry to a roadless hamlet deep within the fjord to clamber up 4,444 steps on the longest wooden stairway in the world! 

From Stavanger, there are more scenic drives as you make your way to Norway's largest national park followed by the village of Ullensvang in the Hardangerfjord for your next leg of the trip. Located directly by the fjord, with a view of Folgefonna glacier, this is a great place to spend a few days relaxing and enjoying more hikes in the area. Then it’s time for your third fjord of the trip, Sognefjord, which also happens to be the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. Visit Flåm's railway museum and Viking-inspired brewpub (great for lunch),  based in Gaupne, you’ll take a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Urnes Stave Church followed by a hike to Molden with fjord views. Finish with a pretty drive along the north side of the Sognefjord to get back to Bergen—perhaps in time for an evening segway tour at sunset. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Nordic Self-Guided Trek & Island Tour 

This active trip has you traveling by foot, train, and boat between Oslo and Bergen for those seeking an exciting adventure to lesser-known locales. 

This trip begins with a few days in Norway's rapidly growing capital. Given its recent boom, Oslo is still considered a small city, helped by the fact that it's surrounded by mountains and sea. The city center is made for walking, providing a good warm-up to the trek you’re about to begin (more in a bit). A good place to start is the Havnepromenaden (harbor promenade)—a new five-and-a-half-mile waterfront park where you can see some of the city's best new architecture. On your free day, you can also join a local guide and walk along Akerselva River, an important waterway that passes, museums, waterfalls, passes waterfalls, swimming areas, forested areas, and wildlife.

On day 3, it’s time to start your trek! First, take the train to Haugastøl and then walk to your first trekking lodge along the Rallarvegen. where you’ll have dinner and stay overnight with other trekkers. This route is a cultural and historical monument with scenery that spans from tall mountains and glaciers to lush valleys and fjord views. In fact, Haugastøl is located in the middle of national parks and protected areas, and it's a wonderful starting point for treks and biking. The next morning, you’ll have breakfast at the lodge and then pack a lunch for the day’s trek. Follow a similar pattern for the next few days as you make your way west to the Aurland Valley, known as one of the most beautiful hiking areas in Norway.

You will have a night in Aurland to relax following your trek. For some incredible views, head up to the Stegastein Viewpoint overlooking the dramatic Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord. Then take a fjordcruise to get to Bergen where you’ll have a day to join a local guide for, perhaps, a walk up to the mountainside known as Sandviksbatteriet with spectacular views over the city. From here, the trail takes you to a small, hidden cabin rich in World War II history. The trip doesn’t end in Bergen though—the next day you’ll jump on an even more local ferry to Værlandet, a beautiful and unique archipelago and the perfect place to absorb Norway's island culture. You can rent bikes and explore the Nordsjøporten (North Sea portal), a network of six bridges connecting the area's small islands like a string of pearls. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Ultimate Winter Adventure in Norway's Arctic

This snow-themed trip encompasses a slew of unique outdoor activities between Oslo and Tromsø, Norway's northernmost city. 

This trip starts with a night in Oslo where you’ll have time to check out a few museums like the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, as well as with restaurants and cafés that stay cozy in cold weather. Then it’s time to take the train north to the village of Røros—one of Norway's most beautiful villages, which used to be a copper-mining hub. Meander around Røros’ narrow streets with wonderfully preserved 17th- and 18th-century wooden houses (about 80 in total) that make this a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the houses are neat courtyards and interesting workshops housing a great number of artists and craftsmen, as well as an impressive list of award-winning designer products. While here, you’ll be able to join a dogsledding trip in the Norwegian mountains. Your guides will provide you with equipment and complete instructions for this epic ride led by an energetic and handsome fleet of huskies followed by a hot lunch in the countryside.

Next is a train to Norway's third-largest city, Trondheim, known for it’s colorful and slightly out-of-kilter antique wooden houses. Walk across the Old Town Bridge for photographs and visit the impressive Nidarosdomen Cathedral, built over the grave of St. Olav, the King of Norway in the 11th century. The intimate city center is also great for shopping with independent boutiques, along with local cafés where you can warm up after the walk. Next is a short flight to Tromsø, the 'Gateway to the Arctic’ where you'll be picked up and transferred to Trapper's Farm, less than two hours outside of Tromsø, for a unique all-inclusive excursion in the great outdoors. Each tour offered by the farm varies slightly depending on the time of year and weather patterns, but you can expect to take part in a range of day-time trapping and ice-fishing trips as you travel through the countryside by dogsled. 

The next day you’ll return to Tromso where you can explore the compact streets and then dine at one of the town's trendy restaurants or lively pubs and then wait for the Hurtigruten—the overnight coastal steamer—to dock at the port. You'll board the ship in the late evening and begin your journey to the Lofoten Islands, with some spectacular scenery (and potential Northern Lights) along the way. Having a rental car here will give you the freedom to explore the dramatic landscapes of this incredible archipelago at your own pace. You'll also drive to another archipelago, the Vesterålen, where you’ll snorkel with orca whales while wearing a dry suit to stay warm. Another unique excursion on this trip? You can join a guide for an epic four-hour horseback adventure in the dark while hunting for the Northern Lights. Learn more 

Itinerary #5: Oslo, Bergen & Southern Norway

This relaxing journey (mostly by train) loops around Southern Norway to key summer spots for the ultimate mix of nature, history, and local culture. 

This is a wonderful summer loop for those who want to see Norway's southern coast without a rental car. The first few days allots time in Bergen where you’ll have time to see the sites and potentially hike Mt. Sandviken, one of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen, including a visit to Stoltzekliven—a local favorite consisting of 900 steps built by sherpas from Nepal. This trail is home to the steepest race in the world and features spectacular views from the top! You’ll also take a day trip and sail through the Hardangerfjord, 'queen of the fjords',  as you encounter spectacular views of steep mountains and cascading waterfalls along the route.

Next is a comfortable bus to Stavanger, where you'll see the city and the Lysefjord before taking a train to Arendal, nicknamed 'Venice of Scandinavia'. Arendal used to have a series of canals until they were turned into wide streets following a devastating fire. Nowadays, the town still oozes with historic charm, and the best place to start is in the village center where you can visit Tyholmen for its beautifully preserved 18th-century wooden houses. Many artists and craftspeople have migrated here from Oslo, taking over the wood-framed structures and restoring them to their original glory. During summer months, the town is infiltrated with domestic holidaymakers giving it a fun and lively vibe, especially around Pollen Harbor with boats bobbing in the water, outdoor restaurants, as well as a stocked calendar of festivals and open-air concerts by the water (most weekends). If quiet is more your speed, the archipelago around Arendal offers plenty of nature activities like boating, cycling, swimming, deep-sea fishing, and kayaking. For instance, you'll visit the car-free Merdø Island where you can bike to different beaches.  

From here, take a train to Oslo and see this lively capital during summer months including beautiful parks and cultural attractions. In fact, Oslo comes alive to celebrate extended daylight hours, with various festivals and celebrations happening each week. If you're looking for the trendiest local scene, head to Grünerløkka, affectionately called "Løkka." This once-run-down sector of Oslo is now the site of refurbished apartments, fashionable cafés, and hip restaurants. On day 10, you'll ride on of the steepest trains in the world to get to Flåm and then connect to the fjordcruise to Bergen, docking just in time for dinner. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Western Norway's Rivers, Islands & Fjords

Traveling by train, boat, and coastal steamer, this summertime tour covers areas of Western Norway that are often overlooked by tourists.

Before you get your fill of trains and ferries in western Norway, spend some time getting active in Oslo. Perhaps you want to take an outdoorsy tour to a beautiful island just outside the city harbor, Nordmarka, reached by tram in about 30 minutes. Choose an activity depending on the season like jogging, biking, or kayaking, or simply walk around one of the lakes while a local guide shares history. From Oslo, you’ll take an epic train journey towards the mountaineering base of Åndalsnes, a scenic town located in the Romsdalen glacial valley. You'll pass some of Norway's most dramatic landscapes along the route, including steep mountains, waterfalls, and famous bridges. Your train conductor will even slow down to give passengers the best possible view at the famous Kylling Bridge and at Trollveggen, Europe’s highest perpendicular mountain wall. If that's not enough, the beautiful, emerald-green River Rauma follows the train route for much of your trip, and you can watch it shift between gentle sections and fierce rapids.

Upon arrival in Ålesund, you will have some quality time to wander the city's beautiful streets. If you're looking to get beyond the city's typical sites, take a hike up to Sukkertoppen (Sugar Top) hill, which affords excellent views of the city, fjord, and coast. The next evening, you'll cruise overnight in the Hurtigruten to get to the coastal town of Florø. Start by walking around the charming streets and visit the Kystmuseet Museum containing boats and an exhibition about daily life on the coast. You can also check out the nearby small island of Kinn, one of the westernmost points in Norway, with the oldest church in the area—a masonry building from the 12th century. For further exploration, this off-the-beaten-path region of Norway is dominated by mountains and islands dotted with glaciers and tiny villages, with long stretches of fjords and coast that are untouched by roads. The seaport environment is well preserved, while nearby Rugsund and Smørhamn, two trading towns from the 17th century, are both signs of a time when much of life took place at sea.

Your next transfer is a ferry to Bergen, where you’ll explore the city and take a fjordcruise to Rosendal. This relaxing journey passes steep mountains dotted with a number of farms. This is a guided excursion that lets you travel back in time several hundred years to experience the traditional life of the dairy farms in Norway's highlands. On land, you'll take a mile-long walk (1.5 km) from Dinglowhile while you imagine the quiet life in the mountains. Keep an eye out for animals like goats, sheep, and cows, as well as beautiful birds. At Kjedelstøl, you will be greeted by the budeier (farm ladies) who serve fresh coffee and homebaked melkekake, a traditional baked good similar to the French crepe, before you sail back to Bergen. Learn more

Itinerary #7: Autumn in Northern Norway

Skip the summer crowds with this autumn-themed itinerary in Norway's far north between Senja and the North Cape, the northernmost point of mainland Europe. 

Certain activities on this unique trip will vary slightly depending on how early or late in the autumn you travel. Early in the season means more chances for dry weather and hiking options, while later in autumn often brings snow for winter sports and longer nights for spotting the Northern Lights (when the skies are clear).

In any case, the trip starts with three nights in Tromsø, a lively and compact little city with 65,000 inhabitants. In addition to its lovely scenery and rich history, Tromsø has a large student population and is famous for its robust music and film culture. One of its many nicknames is 'Paris of the North', so make sure to ask locals for the best places to eat. A good place to get immersed in Tromsø is taking a ride on the cable car, which runs up to a mountain ledge in just four minutes. The two gondolas, known as Seal and Polar Bear, each have a capacity of 28 passengers. From the viewing platform at the upper station, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of surrounding islands, mountains, and fjords.

After a day-trip to Trapper’s Farm, where you'll hike (or dog sled) through lush forests with a local guide, you'll transfer to Senja, Norway's 2nd largest island, by way of ferry. Your base while here is the small village of Mefjord Brygge on the island's north coast. This quaint village is a great base for travelers with activities in the area such as hiking, wildlife watching, ice climbing, and more. While here, a local expert will take you on foot through a range of stunning landscapes surrounding the village. You can also choose to join an Arctic Boat Safari where you’ll suit up in proper weather gear and enjoy the views. Senja is also a year-round paradise for photographers!

The adventure doesn't stop in Senja. Next, you’ll board a Hurtigruten cruise towards the North Cape arriving the next day to one of the northernmost points in Europe, Nordkapp, which also happens to be on the same latitude as Siberia. During late autumn months, you can expect potentially snowy and windy weather, with stark landscapes that are hauntingly beautiful. You'll have the rest of the day to explore the area's tiny fishing villages at your own pace before you transfer to your hotel in Honningsvåg for two nights. Then, take the bus to a town called Alta known for its UNESCO-listed rock art dating back 7,000 years. If there happens to be snow on the ground, you will not be able to view the rock art itself, but the museum still makes a worthwhile stop. Other outdoor options this time of year include canoeing down the Alta River or fat-tire biking on designated trails or roads. Learn more

Itinerary #8: Norway's Fjords, Farms & Mountains

This exciting yet relaxing adventure combines cultural and outdoor elements across Western Norway for the ultimate summer road trip. 

This seasonal road trip begins with a train and ferry to Leikanger, where you'll pick up your vehicle for the drive to Skjolden. This is where you'll stay a night at a peaceful farm with ancient buildings constructed using old Norwegian traditions. All meals are prepared by friendly hosts who cook with organic ingredients from the farm. Over the course of the next few days, you'll take your time and enjoy the Lusterfjord (a branch of the Sognefjord) with opportunities to kayak and hike in and around Fjærland, Solvorn, and Urnes.

On day 5, get ready for a very scenic route to Lom in Jotunheimen National Park, with breathtaking views of steep mountains as far as the eye can see (on a clear day!). As you enter Lom, your expectations will only increase as you find yourself surrounded by towering mountains; make sure to stock up on goodies for upcoming hikes from the local bakery before you head to your hotel for dinner. The area's trails and glaciers offer the opportunity to choose between a range of different destinations, from easy and family-friendly to more extreme and advanced. Jotunheimen has the largest concentration of mountains (more than 275 summits) higher than 6,000 feet in Northern Europe and offers some of the most scenic hiking on the continent ranging from short strolls to difficult treks led by a private guide (optional). While in Lom, you'll also spend a day in Skjåk, where you will be met by a local guide for a fantastic rafting experience for all levels of experience. Following daytime adventures, stop by local farms to sample and purchase fresh local products on your way back to Lom.  

The road trip then continues to the Geirangerfjord, where you can rent bikes or paddle in the UNESCO-listed fjord. The village of Geiranger is also charming, with cafés, shops, and galleries for souvenirs. You can have lunch at the Geiranger Brewery, partly located in a boathouse, so you can enjoy more of those views. Then, continue driving down the coast to Kalvåg, where you can visit the Vamråk Herring Saltery for a glimpse into the evolution of the modern fishing industry. It's then time to return to Leikanger, where your road trip originally began! This is where you'll return your car and walk to the port in time to catch a boat to Bergen. The fjord cruise takes about four hours and offers food and drink for purchase onboard, providing a relaxing experience to finish the trip. Learn more

More Great 11-Day Norway Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Norway? Check out these other 11-day Norway itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.