Western Norway's Rivers, Islands & Fjords - 10 Days

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo, Explore the Norwegian Capital

Welcome to Oslo, Norway's rapidly growing capital! This buzzing small city is set on the seaside and surrounded by mountains, combining the best of nature and urban life in one place. The charismatic downtown is made for walking, and its charming outlying neighborhoods are easily accessible by public transportation. Use this afternoon to explore Oslo's treasures by foot, tram, train, or bus and get your first taste of Norwegian culture and people. 

Awarded the prestigious title of European Green Capital in 2019, Oslo is a green city with more than half of the municipality covered by forests and parks. The fjord extends all the way to the increasingly car-free city center, so nature is always around you. You could visit the Vigeland Sculpture Park, a green lung in the middle of the city home to 200 larger-than-life sculptures, or choose a cozy museum to explore. Oslo is also a culinary destination where you can jump from distinguished Michelin restaurants to trendy food halls and hip food trucks.

Day 2: Quayside Sauna, Scandinavian Drink Tasting

No trip would be complete without a Norwegian sauna experience. This morning you'll immerse yourself in the cozy warmth of a private hot sauna nestled by the tranquil quay. Outside, the breathtaking beauty of nature stretches before your eyes. When the heat becomes overwhelming, do as the locals do and step outside for a cool dip in the invigorating waters. The exhilarating contrast will make you feel alive!

Later today, enter Destilleriveien 11, a Nordic wine and spirits company and the largest producer of aquavit in the world. Here you'll tour the distillery, where famous Norwegian and Danish aquavits are distilled, plus snaps, gin, and Norwegian whisky, and learn about the history of aquavit. A local expert will lead you through the warehouse where more than 8,000 aquavit barrels are aging. You'll see the spice chamber and explore the distillery, where you'll witness the whole process from potato to finished bottle. After, sit down to taste classic barrel-aged aquavits.

Day 3: Train to Åndalsnes, Bus to Ålesund

Today, you'll take an epic train journey northwest of Oslo toward the mountaineering base of Åndalsnes, a scenic town located in the Romsdalen glacial valley. You'll pass some of Norway's most dramatic landscapes. First, board a four-hour train ride through Lillehammer to Dombås before switching to a 70-minute service to Åndalsnes. In this section, the train offers photo stops at the famous Kylling Bridge and at Trollveggen, Europe's highest perpendicular mountain wall. The emerald-green River Rauma, teeming with rapids, follows the route for much of this trip.

The final stretch is a two-hour bus to Ålesund, one of the most charming cities in Scandinavia. Perched on the Atlantic Ocean, the city filled with Art Nouveau architecture due to rebuilding after a devastating fire in 1904. At the region's cultural center, you'll find an array of museums, a sea park, a lighthouse (Alnes), and charming streets to explore on foot. When it's time for dinner, consider Café Lyspunktet for a hearty and authentic Norwegian meal. Sometimes the café has live music and local art exhibitions too.

Day 4: Art Nouveau Kayaking in Ålesund, Overnight Ferry to Florø

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, set out to explore beautiful Ålesund from the sea. Today's unique guided tour will introduce you to the Art Nouveau city with a paddle. Step into a kayak and venture out on the water. Your guide will share interesting stories about the area, and explain Ålesund's distinctive Jugend-style architecture. During the kayaking trip expect plenty of photo stops, so keep your camera close.

This afternoon, you could venture beyond the city with a hike up Ålesund's Sukkertoppen (Sugar Top) hill, which affords excellent views of the city, fjord, and coast. Plan at least 2.5 hours for this excursion. Later, you'll board the ferry for the overnight journey to Florø. Relax, kick back, and prepare to wake up somewhere new.

Day 5: Arrive in Florø, Explore

Enjoy breakfast onboard the ferry before you arrive in the charming coastal town of Florø. From here, you'll have the rest of the day to explore the area on your own. Start by walking around the charming streets, then visit the Kystmuseet Museum to view boats and an exhibition about daily life on the coast. 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.

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. Bordering Nordfjord and Sunnfjord, fishing and fish breeding are major contributors to the local economy. 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. Enjoy a relaxed day in this remote and picturesque area.

Day 6: Ferry to Kalvåg, Sauna Knutholmen

This morning, you'll board a short 25-minute ferry ride toward the village of Kalvåg. This is one of the best-preserved fishing village milieus in Vestlandet, where tiny houses stand close together around the small bay to create a charming setting. Here you can spend the day hiking, biking, or kayaking. You might like to visit the Vamråk Herring Saltery to see how the fishing industry has evolved from the 1800s to today, or visit a handful of local galleries in this artist community, such as Galleri Frøya. 

Later today, get cozy at Sauna Knutholmen. Relax in this steaming hot sauna that's floating on the water, and take an icy dip in the water from time to time if you dare. From its stunning location, you can admire rowboats, fishing boats, and dizzying birdlife including the sea eagle. There's no service in the sauna, so you're welcome to bring your own refreshments.

Day 7: Return to Florø, Boat to Bergen, Bryggen Harbor

Today, you'll take the short ferry back to Florø to connect with the three-hour express boat to Bergen, Norway's second-largest city. Situated on Norway's west coast, this small wharf city is surrounded by ocean, mountains, and fjords, including Sognefjord, the country's longest and deepest.

Later, discover the rich history and distinct charm of Bryggen, Bergen's historic harbor district. Explore the well-preserved Hanseatic wharf that has stood for over 400 years, witnessing the rise and dominance of the Hanseatic League. Marvel at the distinct architecture and discover the bustling workshops, museums, and delightful dining options that now grace this UNESCO World Heritage site. Finish the day at Altona Vinbar & Kjøkken, Bergen's oldest known tavern, or Restaurant 1887, a modern eatery in Bergen's old meat market.

Day 9: Ferry to Flåm, Train to Oslo

After an early breakfast, you'll begin a scenic journey to Oslo by boat and then train. Start with a five-hour ferry ride to the charming village of Flåm by way of the Sognefjord—Norway's longest and deepest fjord. When you arrive, sit back and have lunch at a local café. Suggestions for dining include the Aegir Brewery & Pub for authentic Viking culture. Also, the Flåm Marina and Apartment Café offers a peaceful atmosphere and lighter fare. 

Go for a stroll through the charming town before boarding the Flåm Railway, regarded as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. Your one-hour vintage train climbs from sea level to Myrdal mountain station at 2,845 feet (867 m), pausing for a photo stop at the beautiful Kjosfossen waterfall. After changing trains in Myrdal, you'll continue to Oslo, a four or five-hour journey. When you arrive at your hotel, take advantage of your last night in the capital and head for any restaurant or neighborhood that you missed at the beginning of the trip! 

Day 10: Depart Oslo

It's time to say farewell to Norway! Enjoy your last few hours walking around Oslo's neighborhoods, relaxing in a café, or visiting local boutiques for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. If you have the time, stroll along the Havnepromenaden Harbor Promenade)—a modern 5.5-mile (9 km) waterfront park that combines sightseeing, history, art, architecture, and a little adventure.

Then, when the time is right, you'll transfer to the airport and catch your departing flight onward or home. Safe travels!

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