10 Days in Norway - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Norway in 10 Days

Like any well-informed traveler, you're probably after a combination of what Norway's most famous for: adventure, views, history, culture, and the best seafood on the planet. While this hardly narrows it down, here are seven sample itineraries that will get you started planning an unbeatable excursion, whatever your tastes. For more trip ideas, see all of our 10-day Norway tours and itineraries. 

Itinerary #1: Ultimate Fjord Road Trip

Active types who like to take the wheel should check out this itinerary, which allows you to experience the best of Norway's spectacular fjords. 

You'll start in the harbor city of Stavanger, which will also serve as your base for a hike up the famous Pulpit Rock, considered one of the most beautiful trails in the world. Once you've made it to the summit, you'll drive off to the seafaring historic city of Bergen, where you can explore museums, the historic wharf, the funicular, and more, both independently and with expert guides.

Head deeper into the fjords from there, starting in the mountain town of Voss, seated between the fabled fjords of Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, and then further with the help of the cozy fjord-side village of Aurland. Take a cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nærøyfjord, ride the famous Flåm Railway, the world's steepest and potentially most scenic train route, and take in views from the Stegastein viewpoint before you head back to city life in Oslo to wrap up your trip. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Arctic Norway Summer Road Trip

Make your way around the craggy coasts and scenic trails of northern Norway at your own pace with this itinerary.

Your road trip starts in Tromsø, where scenery, history, and a lively student population combine to make northern Norway's largest city an engaging destination. Explore with a guided history walk, hike, or kayak, or ride the cable car up to take in the city from above before you head out to Senja, Norway's second-largest island. Senja's dramatic landscapes are ideal to explore via hikes, scenic drives, and an Arctic sea safari where, if you're lucky, you may spot some whales or seals.

Next, head to the archipelago of Vesterålen, just north of the more-touristy Lofoten islands. Hike along the Dronningruta, also known as the Queen’s Route, and explore the islands before you head off to a fjord cruise in Narvik's Rombaksfjord. Eventually you'll return to Tromsø, but sneak in one last hike, this time in the company of some enthusiastic sled dogs, before you leave. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Western Norway's Rivers, Islands, & Fjords

This 10-day itinerary allows you to fully experience some of Western Norway's lesser-known scenery during the warmer summer months where daylight hours extend far into the evening. That means there's much for travelers to discover, from the rapidly growing capital city of Oslo to picturesque fjords, snow-capped peaks, and emerald-green rivers. 

Skip the peak season crowds and take a train ride along the emerald-green River Rauma toward the breathtaking city of Ålesund, known for its Art Nouveau architecture. Continue the journey through interesting coastal islands where artists reside and eat your share of fresh-from-the-boat seafood.

From here, you'll head towards the lively wharf city of Bergen. Climb one of the seven surrounding mountains with a local guide before ending your trip back in Oslo (by way of ferry through the Sognefjord) for one last night of Scandinavian fun. Check out the city's hip neighborhood of Grünerløkka and keep an eye out for summer festivals that often fall during weekends. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Summer in Southern Norway

For first-timers, Norway's summer weather and long hours of daylight are ideal for maximizing exploration time. This relaxing itinerary creates a nice loop through Southern Norway: fjords, cities, islands, and the famed Flåm Railway await.

Start off exploring Bergen on your own and with a local guide. This is the country's second-largest city, known for its fish market, Hanseatic League history, and stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, you'll hop on a bus to the pretty port town of Stavanger, then ride a ferry through the Lysefjord to hike the longest wooden stairway in the world.

Continuing east, you'll stop in charming island towns along Southern Norway's popular coast like Arendal — the "Venice of Scandinavia," which used to have a series of canals until they were turned into wide streets. You'll also ferry to Merdø Island and explore the car-free culture by sunbathing on a couple of small sandy beaches or climbing rocks and boulders.

Next, board a train to Oslo and soak up the pleasures of Europe's fastest-growing capital with a new waterfront promenade, hip cafés, and summer festivals. You'll finish the adventure on the steep Flåm Railway and ferry through Norway's longest and deepest fjord to get back to Bergen for one last night in this beautiful city surrounded by seven hills. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Winter Adventure in Norway's Arctic

Norway's cities are somehow more magical in winter, a Christmas fairytale come to life. Try this winter season trip—you'll start in Oslo and travel north by train, stopping in fairytale villages, dogsledding, and (with some luck) watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky. 

Arrive in Oslo and immerse yourself in the opera houses, fortresses, and Michelin-worthy dinners this capital city is known for. On day two, it's off to Røros by train (about five hours), where you'll step off the platform and into narrow cobblestone streets, wandering between old courtyards. The entire town is a UNESCO site—its wooden structures have seen more history than any textbook could cover—and yet you'll be in good hands with plenty of restaurants, shops, and things to do.

After getting acquainted with a group of frisky huskies on a dogsledding adventure, it's off to Trondheim for a flight to Tromsø on day four. You'll sled with reindeer, sleep in a Sami tent, and (hopefully!) watch the auroras dancing above. Don't get too comfy lounging on your reindeer skin, though, as you've got a ticket on the Hurtigruten for a trip to the Lofoten Islands. You'll see Reine (the most famous of the cities, if not but visually), explore Andenes, and swim with a pod of Orcas. When 9 pm hits, jump on your horse to ride off into the Norwegian auroras, the perfect grand finale to your trip. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Aurland Valley Trek and Fjord Road Trip

This itinerary is a good taste of southern and central Norway. You'll get adequate time in both Bergen and Oslo (Norway's most populous cities), and still have plenty of reasons to keep your camera on landscape mode.  

After spending your first day in Oslo, you'll take the train to Finse—the highest stop on the Bergen Railway—which takes around 4 1/2 hours, leaving you enveloped in the magnificent Aurland Valley. You'll hike through the valley (there will be cozy cabins all along your way) all the way to the Aurlandsfjord, where a boat will be waiting for you. On day five, you'll board the ferry for a fjord cruise—a destination in itself—to Bergen, Norway's second-largest city.

After exploring the former capital, you'll visit Kalvåg, an old fishing village as beautiful as it is historic. Spend time kayaking the port, or take another hike up to the top of Hornelen, the tallest sea cliff in Europe (not quite 3,000 feet). Before heading back to Oslo, stop in Otta for a hike around the fjords or take a detour to Jotunheimen or Rondane National Parks—the options are many. Then it's back in Oslo for a taste of city life before heading home. Learn more