Oslo, Bergen & Balestrand: Best Itinerary Ideas

How many days do you need in Oslo, Bergen & Balestrand?

• Most travelers spend 5-7 days in Oslo, Bergen, and Balestrand combined
• Visiting Oslo, Bergen, and Balestrand in 4 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
• With 8 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
• The most common extensions are Flåm, Aurland, and Svolvær

How Many Days to Spend in Norway

Recommended Itineraries for Oslo, Bergen & Balestrand

Recommended Itinerary for 5 Days

This five-day jaunt covers a great deal of Nordic ground, visiting the country's two largest cities and its longest and deepest fjord. Start in Oslo before taking a scenic train and ferry to the fjord-side village of Balestrand. Continue north to Fjærland before getting on another boat—this time to Bergen, a historic wharf city and home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 6 Days

Sample some of Norway's infinite charms on this short 6-day jaunt through the country's biggest cities and most dramatic landscapes. Sail through fjords, ride one of the world's most scenic railways, and discover the modern architecture and innovative Nordic cuisine of Europe's fastest-growing city. Starting in the historic port of Bergen, you'll travel east through deep fjords and towering mountains to visit the picturesque towns of Balestrand, Fjærland, and Flåm before ending your journey in the effortlessly cool capital of Oslo. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 1 Week

Experience jaw-dropping scenery and cool Scandinavian culture on this seven-day Norwegian itinerary. Start in Oslo, where you'll have two days to revel in the rich history, trendy cafés, and summer festivals of Europe's fastest-growing capital. Next, you'll head west on the famous Flåm Railway to explore Balestrand and its majestic mountains. From here, take advantage of the warmer weather with a kayaking tour of dramatic fjords. Finish the adventure in Bergen with a wander around its colorful wooden houses and a trip up Fløyen Mountain for panoramic views of the city. Read more

Extended Itineraries

8-Day Itinerary Including Aurland

After arriving, you can explore the cobblestoned wharf city of Bergen, hike to the top of Mount Fløyen for views over the city, and enjoy a fjord cruise to Balestrand. You'll then take a ferry, with fjord views, to Flåm, where you'll spend two nights in a Riverside Farm Lodge in the Norwegian countryside before enjoying a Nærøyfjord cruise. You'll then take the steep and scenic Flåm Railway to Oslo, with a stop in Myrdal, and spend your final two nights in Oslo. Read more

2-Week Itinerary Including Ålesund, Stavanger, Hurtigruten & Trondheim

There are nearly 1,200 fjords along Norway's western coast, and this trip covers the cream of the crop — Lysefjord, Sognefjord, and Geirangerfjord — using a mix of fun travel modes to amp up the adventure factor. These majestic gems provide the setting for activities like hiking, biking, and sea kayaking. You'll explore everything from tiny fjord-side villages to diverse cities like Oslo, Bergen, Ålesund, and Trondheim. Read more

How to travel between Oslo, Bergen & Balestrand

How to get from Oslo to Bergen
Traveling 288 miles (464 km) from Oslo to Bergen is very straightforward. Oslo and Bergen are the biggest cities in Norway, and traveling between the two destinations is quick and easy by plane. The flight is less than an hour. Going by train or taking a road trip is considerably longer—six to seven hours without stops—but this is a scenic journey that travelers should consider if time isn't a limiting factor. Read more

How to get from Bergen to Balestrand
There are a few different travel options between Bergen and Balestrand. Renting a car and then taking the express ferry is the fastest way to get to Balestrand from Bergen, about 128 miles (206 km) going this route. There are only two different sail times each day, but this is the best option for anyone looking to get Balestrand efficiently. Pairing ferry and bus travel is an option for anyone not interested in making the drive themselves. If you skip taking the ferry altogether, you can drive the whole way—a journey that takes about nine hours. Read more