Highlights
- Island hop across the Oslofjord with a day of scenic ferry rides and short hikes
- Dine on seasonal, farm-to-table meals at a boutique farmstay in Aurland
- Sip handpressed ciders at a family-run Balestrand orchard
- Kayak across the glassy waters of the Sognefjord
- Climb to the top of Mount Fløyen, one of Bergen's seven peaks
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Oslo, Norway's Fjordside Capital | Oslo |
| Day 2 | Oslofjord Island Hopping, Visit Oslo's Museums | Oslo |
| Day 3 | Scenic Train to Flåm, Transfer to Aurland | Aurland |
| Day 4 | Waterfall Hike & Picnic, Floating Sauna Session | Aurland |
| Day 5 | Fly Fishing Experience, Outdoor Hot Tub Session | Aurland |
| Day 6 | Ferry to Balestrand, Cider Tasting Experience | Balestrand |
| Day 7 | Day Trip to Fjærland & Bøyabreen Glacier or Sognefjord Kayaking | Balestrand |
| Day 8 | Ferry to Bergen, Norway's "City of Seven Mountains" | Bergen |
| Day 9 | Bryggen Wharf Tour, Hike to Mount Fløyen | Bergen |
| Day 10 | Depart Bergen |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Oslo, Norway's Fjordside Capital
Welcome to Norway! You're going to see more than a few of this Nordic country's highlights over the next 10 days, and it all starts in the dynamic capital of Oslo. Located on the shimmering waters of the Oslofjord, this city is all Scandi style, modern and progressive yet steeped in tradition and a Viking history dating back thousands of years.
Your driver will meet you at the airport for the ride into the city and The Thief. Not a criminal—rather, this luxury waterfront hotel is where you'll be staying. It features spacious guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and rainshower baths. There's also a spa on site where you can take the edge off the flight with a massage, facial, hammam, or other treatment. And regarding stars, The Thief is second to none—British newspaper The Independent has rated it as Norway's first 6-star hotel.
Day 2: Oslofjord Island Hopping, Visit Oslo's Museums
Discover a different side of Oslo today with a guided island-hopping adventure across the Oslofjord. Traveling aboard the city's all-electric public ferries, you'll check out two distinctive islands as you cruise through calm waters past forested shorelines and colorful cabins. Explore Gressholmen, home to a nature reserve abundant in plant life and nature trails, then continue to either Lindøya or Nakholmen, where charming wooden cottages dot flower-lined paths. Weather permitting, there'll be time to enjoy a picnic and swim in the Oslofjord before you head back into the city.
The excursion culminates back at Oslo's waterfront, where you can spend the afternoon exploring some of the capital's excellent museums; don't miss the harborside MUNCH, devoted to Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, and the National Museum, where you'll find the country's largest collection of art, architecture, and design. When dinnertime rolls around, try some traditional Norwegian staples like gravlaks (cured salmon) or skrei (Norwegian cod).
Day 3: Scenic Train to Flåm, Transfer to Aurland
Rise and shine! This morning, you'll leave the city for the UNESCO-recognized beauty of the Norwegian countryside. Transfer to the terminal after breakfast and embark on a six-hour ride on the famous Flåm Railway, considered the world's most beautiful train journey. Your destination is the Aurlandsfjord, an offshoot of the Sognefjord—Norway's longest and deepest fjord. After pulling into Flåm, a driver will be waiting to transfer you just 15 minutes to neighboring Aurland, where you'll settle into your lodgings at 29|2 Aurland.
Nestled in the green meadows of the Aurlandsdalen, this historic country property began life as a fishing lodge for a British lord. Today, it's a family-run boutique hotel with a friendly staff that includes a private chef and artist-in-residence. The owners will happily arrange outdoor activities during your stay, and each night, a gourmet dinner of organic ingredients is served in the former smokehouse.
Day 4: Waterfall Hike & Picnic, Floating Sauna Session
After an indulgent, farm-fresh breakfast, head out and explore the gorgeous fjordlands on a private nature hike. This half-day excursion begins when you embark on a hike right from town to Turlidfossen, a nearby waterfall. As you explore the nature trails, your private local guide will reveal fascinating insights into the Norse myths and folklore that define the region. A major highlight is when you arrive at a secluded spot at the top of a hill, where you'll break for a picnic lunch overlooking the Aurlandsfjord.
After hiking back to the hotel, you'll have the rest of the day to explore on your own. You can also arrange other activities through the hotel, like a relaxing paddle along the fjord in a traditional wooden rowboat, a cooking class using produce from the on-site garden, or a guided walk around the property to learn about regenerative farming practices. For a true local experience, head down to the water's edge for a session in the town's floating sauna, cooling off afterward with a dip in the fjord.
Day 5: Fly Fishing Experience, Outdoor Hot Tub Session
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Your hotel has arranged quite the activity, as today you'll enjoy the time-honored tradition of fly fishing. It's a short drive to the Aurland River, ranked as one of the best trout-fishing rivers in all of Europe. Once here, you'll cast a line and see if you can catch-and-release some of these prized fish. Don't worry about the crowds, as you and your private guide will have an entire section of the river to yourselves.
Later, you'll return to Aurland and enjoy a nice long soak in the hotel's Scandinavian bath. These traditional outdoor hot tubs are not only made of wood but also heated by a wood-burning stove. So kick back, relax, and let the hot tub work its magic. Complimenting the experience are the panoramic views of the fjord and surrounding wilderness.
Day 6: Ferry to Balestrand, Cider Tasting Experience
You're on the move again today as you board a ferry for a one-hour cruise across the fjord to Balestrand. Travelers have been flocking to this idyllic village on the Sognefjord since at least the 19th century. It's so dazzling that even some famous Norwegian artists have permanently relocated here. You'll stay at the Kviknes Hotel, a 4-star "Jewel of the Sognefjord." Dating to the 19th century, an entire wing of the hotel preserves its history, with an impressive first floor decorated with original art and antiques. Guests have access to a scenic dining room with a well-stocked wine list, or room service (a rarity in the fjords).
After dropping off your bags, you'll head into town to discover the fruits of Balestrand—literally. Norway's oldest fruit-growing region has been using traditional farming methods since the 12th century and is well known for its delicious cider. Your first stop on this tasty tour is an organic orchard on the banks of the Sognefjord. There, your guide will take you through the basics of apple growing, showing you how trees are carefully selected and nurtured to produce the best cider. Then, visit the cider house, where an expert will lead you through a tasting of the best ciders produced on the property.
Day 7: Day Trip to Fjærland & Bøyabreen Glacier or Sognefjord Kayaking
Today you can take your pick of activities. If you're keen to see farther afield, board a scenic fjord cruise to the charming village of Fjærland. Glide through the Sognefjord and into the narrow Fjærlandsfjord, where you'll have time to explore the remote fjordside village and check out an interactive glacier museum. End the day trip with a visit—with plenty of photo ops—to the impressive Bøyabreen glacier before cruising back to Balestrand in the afternoon.
For something closer to home, grab a paddle and hop into a kayak for a three-hour exploration of the Sognefjord. As you glide across the water, your private guide will reveal fascinating tidbits about local lore as you enjoy the surrounding mountain views. You'll also pass cascading waterfalls and colorful waterfront villages before looping back to shore and returning to the hotel.
Day 8: Ferry to Bergen, Norway's "City of Seven Mountains"
Time to say goodbye to Balestrand! In the morning, you'll board a ferry for the four-hour cruise south to Bergen. This charming port city (one of the oldest in Europe) offers a spectacular setting surrounded by ocean, mountains, and fjords. Its crown jewel is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bryggen, where historic wooden buildings line Vågen, the harbor's northern edge. You'll stay in the heart of this area at the Bergen Børs Hotel.
Located in the former stock exchange building across from the harbor, this 4-star hotel is one of the few luxury options in town, featuring modern rooms with high ceilings, arched windows, and herringbone floors. The impressive dining options include a "seafood cathedral" adorned with restored frescoes and a Michelin-starred Nordic restaurant that serves a seasonal menu. Take it easy this afternoon with some self-guided sightseeing, perhaps trying some fresh seafood at the Market House or strolling over the 12th-century stone fortress of Bergenhus.
Day 9: Bryggen Wharf Tour, Hike to Mount Fløyen
Kick off your last full day in Norway with a private walking tour of the most famous neighborhood in the country: the Bryggen waterfront. As you stroll the cobbled streets along the wharf, you'll pass historic wooden buildings with gabled facades and overhanging eaves. These date to the 18th century and reflect Bergen's medieval origins as a prominent trading hub in the Hanseatic League. To learn more about this history, visit one of the area's museums afterward. One fine option is the Schøtstuene, which features exhibits detailing how Hanseatic merchants lived and traded in Bergen for 400 years.
Later on, strike out into Bergen's natural surroundings on a relaxed hike to the iconic Mount Fløyen. Follow scenic forest paths with your guide as you gradually make your way uphill, enjoying fresh mountain air and sweeping views over the city and harbor along the way. At the summit, take time to soak in the panoramic views before descending on the famous Fløibanen funicular—a classic Bergen experience.
Day 10: Depart Bergen
Your 10 days in Norway draw to a close today, and it's time to pack up and head home. At the appropriate time, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to the airport in Bergen, where you'll catch your connecting flight home. Safe travels!
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