16 Days in Norway - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Southern Norway Summer Highlights: Road Trip from Oslo to Stavanger

This 16-day southern highlights itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors to Norway eager to explore the country's dramatic fjords and Viking history. A mix of guided and independent explorations allows you to enjoy nature to its fullest, while scenic drives, cruises, and leisurely days in small villages offer time to rejuvenate. Highlights include a kayak excursion on Lake Årdalsvatnet, treks in Jotunheimen National Park and Husedalen Valley, and dinner at the scenic Cornelius Seafood Restaurant.

Welcome to Norway! Your adventure begins with two idyllic days in Oslo, where you'll cruise Oslofjord aboard a wooden sailing ship and visit nearby Tønsberg's Viking ruins. Next, collect a rental car and settle in for a scenic drive to Øvre Årdal. Here, a delightful kayaking excursion on Lake Årdalsvatnet greets your arrival, followed by a guide-led hike through the lush valleys of Jotunheimen National Park. Continuing on your road trip, a journey along the National Tourist Road brings you to Flåm, and during your two-day stay here, you'll explore the Aurlandsfjord's landscapes by train, bike, zipline, and boat.

Your next destination, Bergen, sits on the majestic Sognefjord, and after spending your first afternoon here exploring its historic wharf, you'll take a cable car up Mount Ulriken for a hike of your choice. Then, continue to Ullensvang and challenge yourself with a trek amid the dramatic scenery of Husedalen Valley before driving to Stavanger, your final destination. Here, you'll spend four days checking out its historic and natural sites. Admire the Viking monument of Sverd i fjell, climb up to the striking Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), and stroll the lovely gardens of Flor & Fjære before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Northern Lights Adventures in Northern Norway: Road Trip to Senja, Svolvær & Tromsø

Experience the dramatic yet incredibly serene landscapes of northern Norway on this epic winter experience. Ideal for active travelers with a fondness for unique outdoor activities, you'll spend days snowmobiling, kayaking, dogsledding, and skiing through pristine forests and alongside stunning fjords. Then, come evening, bundle up and join expert guides to chase the awe-inspiring northern lights across the icy landscapes.

Upon arrival in Tromsø, you'll immediately be introduced to northern Norway's winter wonderland through a wildlife-watching cruise and a ski day at Tromsø Alpinpark. Next, collect a rental car and hit the road to Senja Island, where you'll test your luck at spotting the northern lights while dining at the Aurora Borealis Observatory and horseback riding. Afterward, settle in for a drive to Svolvær—a scenic town deemed the gateway to the Lofoten Islands. Here, over a four-night stay, you'll explore the rugged archipelago on foot, through a scenic boat tour, by kayak, and alongside an expert northern lights guide. 

The second leg of your journey starts with an overnight in the Lofoten peaks-tucked village of Reine, where you can hike, bike, or ski at your leisure. Next, board an overnight ferry bound for Tromsø, and on arrival, kickstart your five-day stay with a snowshoeing tour. Then, over the following days, experience the thrill of reindeer sledding, spend the night in a traditional Sámi tent, and embark on a scenic snowmobile tour. In addition, spend an afternoon dogsledding in the highlands of Kvaløy, search for humpback whales, and ride the Tromsø Cable Car before bidding farewell. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Active Adventure in Southern Norway

Crafted for hiking enthusiasts, this active outdoor adventure features the rugged landscapes of southern Norway. Throughout, you'll trek through national parks around Geilo, up to the famous Trolltunga rock formation, and alongside waterfalls to a goat farm. In addition, pause in Voss to tackle a multiday canoe, mountain biking, and kayaking excursion, and rest weary legs through scenic train and boat journeys.

Your trip begins with a free day in Oslo, and thanks to its pedestrian-friendly city center, you can easily wander between museums and charming cafés. Then, following a train ride to Geilo, don your outdoor gear for a superb hike and horseback ride, both within Hardangervidda National Park. More adventures lie ahead in Flåm, and over a three-day stay, you'll have time to cycle along Aurlandsfjord, embark on a boat and hiking excursion to Leim Dairy Farm, and explore by speedboat. Afterward, transfer to Aurland, where you'll hike up to the Stegastein Viewpoint before boarding a bus bound for Voss.

Deemed Norway's "adrenaline capital," it only makes sense to fill your stay in Voss with thrilling activities, including a squeal-inducing whitewater rafting trip and an epic two-day adventure that combines canoeing, mountain biking, and kayaking. Next, train to Bergen and take the afternoon to explore as you please, as the following day, you're off to Odda. This historic city is an ideal gateway to Folgefonna National Park, and during your stay, you'll conquer a challenging hike to the Trolltunga viewpoint. Then, cruise the Hardangerfjord back to Bergen and overnight before returning to Olso by train. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Discover Norway's Southern Fjords & Northern Islands

Combine the iconic beauty of Norway's southern fjords with the remote Lofoten Islands on this far-reaching self-drive itinerary. Ideal for those seeking a fast-paced trip filled with nature-based excursions, you'll kayak in Flåm, fish in Balestrand, and hike the Waterfall Way in Geiranger. Then, fly to far northern Norway, where you'll cruise in search of wildlife and horseback ride while splitting your time between Reine and Svolvær.

Your adventure gets rolling in Bergen, where you'll collect a rental car and spend the afternoon checking out city sites before hitting the road to Flåm. Here, a two-day stay promises ample time to ride the famous Flåm Railway and kayak through the spectacular Aurlandsfjord. Then, drive to the picturesque town of Balestrand and immerse yourself in its awe-inducing fjord landscapes while fishing and sipping locally brewed cider. Continuing south, you'll pause next in Solvorn to explore amid the glacier landscapes of Urnes Stave Church and in Loen to ride the Loen Skylift to the top of Mount Hoven. 

With two more days based in southern Norway, split your time between the tiny hamlet of Geiranger and the beautiful city of Ålesund. In these destinations, you'll tackle the impressive Waterfall Walk, cruise Geirangerfjord, and head up to the Mount Aksla Lookout. Then, on the morning of Day 11, set your sights on the famous Lofoten Islands. While using the dreamy village of Reine and the city of Svolvær as your bases, you'll pack in numerous activities, including a Reinefjord kayak tour, a wildlife sightseeing cruise, and a horseback ride before returning to Oslo. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Summer Road Trip in Northern Norway: Tromsø, Senja & Lofoten

Take the wheel and explore the untamed beauty of northern Norway on this scenic summer road trip. Perfect for those seeking a robust itinerary filled with outdoor excursions, you'll conquer hikes in Tromsø, Ånderdalen National Park, the Lofoten Islands, and on the remote Moskenesøya Island. Additionally, delight in a Viking feast, take an overnight journey on the Hurtigruten ferry, and seek out wildlife during a serene Senja Arctic Boat Safari.

Your adventure begins in Tromsø, where, alongside husky puppies, you'll embark on a gentle hike through the countryside. Then, collect a rental car the following morning and drive to the beautiful Senja Island. Three days here gives you plenty of time to conquer treks up Husfjell and in Ånderdalen National Park, as well as join the Arctic Boat Safari in search of wildlife. Next, drive to Svolvær, the gateway to the gorgeous Lofoten Islands, and celebrate your arrival with a midnight sun kayaking adventure followed by a relaxing day sailing amid the dramatic Trollfjord. 

While in Svolvær, you'll also tackle the challenging climb up Mount Tjellbergtinden and spend a day exploring nearby villages at your leisure. Afterward, hit the road to the picturesque village of Reine and check into a refurbished fisherman's cabin for a three-night stay. Here, you'll take in your beautiful fjord surroundings while cruising, kayaking, and exploring the rugged island of Moskenesøya. From Reine, return to Tromsø via a drive to Svolvær and an overnight ferry, and wrap up your adventure with a remarkable hike amid the nearby Lyngen Alps. Learn more

More Great 16-Day Norway Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Norway? Check out these other 16-day Norway itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.