Norway Travel Insights

Autumn Road Trip in Norway's Arctic - 7 Days

This relaxed road trip explores an area of Norway's Arctic rarely visited by tourists. The autumn-themed adventure starts and ends in fjord-side Alta with great restaurants and an outdoor UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here, drive inland for indigenous culture while staying in a cozy wilderness lodge that raises Huskies for dog sledding. You'll then make your way towards the northernmost tip of the continent for hiking trails, colorful villages, and breathtaking views. If that's not enough, spend each night looking for early glimpses of the Northern Lights (they usually start in October).

A summer evening in the village of Reine

Summer Road Trip: Norway's West Coast - 7 Days

This lightly-trafficked, summertime road trip is a great way to experience Northern Norway's stunning coastline from late May to early September. The adventure starts with a half-day in Tromsø—"Paris of the North"—before you continue to Sommarøy, the first of many islands. You'll then take car ferries to Senja island and Andoya island to enjoy remote nature where fewer travelers venture. Finish the adventure in Lofoten's stunning, and yes, more popular, islands for hiking and kayaking while based in the charming village of Reine.

Stay a night along the Geirangerfjord between Bergen and Trondheim

Summer Road Trip: Oslo, Bergen & Trondheim - 12 Days

This journey highlights Norway's three biggest cities with scenic detours along the way. Start off in sophisticated Oslo before traveling by train and ferry to UNESCO-listed Bergen. From here, drive through fjord-side villages to Ålesund, known for its art nouveau architecture, and Kristiansund. Finish off in Trondheim with colorful wooden homes, café culture, and tree-lined streets for cycling.

A pretty snowfall in the historic waterfront city of Bergen

Norway in December

December attracts Christmas and New Year travelers looking to spend the holidays in Norway's festive villages and cities—or perhaps the snowy north, where you can search for the Northern Lights, hit the slopes, or take a reindeer safari. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.

Fall colors and crisp air in Norway's capital

Norway in November

Take advantage of the last autumn colors in November, a month offering fewer crowds, Northern Lights, great whale watching, and the cozy feeling of 'kos'—the Norwegian version of the Danish 'hygge'. There's even a culinary festival featuring a favorite local delicacy. Read on to learn more about visiting November in Norway.

Norway in October

October is an ideal time of year to enjoy Norway's colorful fall scenery in peace and quiet, as travelers are few and far between. This is also when days get shorter, temperatures drop, and the Northern Lights begin to reappear above the Arctic Circle. Find out what to do and where to go with this monthly guide.

September means crowd-free beaches north of the Arctic Circle

Norway in September

September marks the end of the high season, with mild temperatures perfect for enjoying outdoor activities and iconic scenery without the crowds. This is also a great month to visit Bergen for its annual food festival. Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in Norway this month.

Take a guided kayaking tour in the western fjords

Norway in August

Get here while it's still hot—August is the last full month of Norway's busy and expensive high season. With that comes spectacular weather, a sporty vibe from tourists and locals who spend as much time outdoors as possible, and loads of fun events like Bergen's Beer Festival and Oslo's Jazz Festival. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Pulpit Rock is a popular hike during summer months with incredible fjord views

Norway in July

July is high season for Norway. Expect long days of gorgeous summer weather, a lively vibe not only from tourists but locals who spend as much time outside as possible, and loads of fun events like Scandinavia's largest food festival. This monthly guide will tell you what to do and where to go (and how to beat the inevitable crowds).

This is as close to a sunset as it gets in the Lofoten Islands during June

Norway in June

It's called the Land of the Midnight Sun for a reason, and June is the month that celebrates the longest day of the year—a time when the sun barely sets in southern Norway (and doesn't at all above the Arctic Circle). Thus begins, arguably, the best season of the year to experience Norway. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Norway's many waterfalls are rushing during this time of year

Norway in May

May is the best time to visit Norway if you want to feel like a local. A month ahead of the summer crowds, you can enjoy relaxed sightseeing, long days of bright-green scenery, and rushing waterfalls in the fjords from snow melting in the mountains. This is also the month of Norway's biggest holiday, Constitution Day, with celebrations all over the country.

Norway in April

Norway's first month of spring brings warming temperatures, melting snow, and budding blossoms. This is a great time to get outdoors and hit the open road as the entire country comes of out hibernation for Easter tourism—yet it's still more affordable and less crowded than summer. Find out what to do and where to go with this April guide.

Sunset from above in the art nouveau city of Ålesund

Norway in March

Out of the dark and into the light: Travelers to Norway in March will catch the earliest glimpses of spring, and with that, longer daylight hours. This is a great month to hit the uncrowded slopes and festivals, explore the cities, and catch the Northern Lights before they hibernate 'til October.

Norway in February

Norway's last full month of winter is a spectacular, snow-laden paradise with fun outdoor activities and local festivals—as well as fewer tourists and lower prices. February is also a great time for catching the Northern Lights before they disappear in the spring. Read on to learn more.

Catch the Northern Lights in Norway's Arctic region

Norway in January

January in Norway is a bona fide winter wonderland with snowy activities, fewer crowds, and lower costs than other times of the year. This is also one of the best months for viewing the Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.

7 National Parks to Visit in Norway

Norway has no less than 40 national parks spread across the mainland and the islands of Svalbard. Don't know where to begin? Get started with this list—you'll get to choose between Ice Age glaciers, verdant marshland, extinct volcanoes, and Norway's tallest peaks.

The Nordfjord between Ålesund and Bergen.

Western Norway's Rivers, Islands & Fjords - 11 Days

Traveling by train, boat, and coastal steamer, this summertime tour covers areas of Western Norway that are often overlooked by tourists. Start with a local tour of Oslo before boating along the River Rauma to Ålesund, known for its Art Nouveau architecture. From there, bike and hike on coastal islands, explore bustling Bergen, and ferry through the dramatic Sognefjord.

Tromsø Winter Adventure - 6 Days

This exciting and less-traveled itinerary takes you into Norway's boreal territory for spectacular snowcapped scenery in the Arctic region. Base yourself in the quietly sophisticated city of Tromsø (Northern Norway's largest), where you can sled with huskies and reindeer during the day and chase the Northern Lights after dark. At the end of the adventure, you'll spend a memorable night in a traditional 'lavvu' tent and learn about the Sami indigenous culture before returning to 'Paris of the North' for one more night on the town.

Multi-Day Dogsledding Adventure from Tromsø - 7 Days

This arctic itinerary starts in the city of Tromsø before five days of adventure in Northern Norway, Finland, and Sweden. With the help of your private guide, get to know your team of huskies by name, drive your own sled, and enjoy traditional meals around the campfire. Fall asleep each night in traditional Sami tents—or stay up to look for the Northern Lights.

Picturesque villages in the Lofoten Islands

Ultimate Winter Adventure in Norway's Arctic - 12 Days

This epic trip through Norway's wintry north is all about the travel modes and activities unique to the Arctic. Begin in Oslo and take a train to the UNESCO-listed village of Røros. Dogsled in the mountains, stroll through Trondheim, and stay overnight in an indigenous Sami tent near Tromsø. Cap it off with a coastal steamer ride to the Lofoten Islands, where you'll snorkel with whales and see the Northern Lights by horseback.

View of the Nordfjord from a small village in Norway.

Western Norway's Hidden Gems Road Trip - 6 Days

History buffs and nature lovers can check off two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, peaceful villages, and dramatic vistas on this self-drive tour through Western Norway. You'll start the adventure with a local tour of Bergen, a former Hanseatic League trading post with colorful wooden houses on the old wharf. From here, drive north and visit charming villages on Norway's two biggest fjords: Nordfjord and Sognefjord. Finish the adventure with a ferry ride across the Lusterfjord to a UNESCO-listed stave church built in the 12th century. History aside, this trip offers plenty of amazing scenery, a world-class glacier museum, and even guided hikes—all while staying in some of Norway's best family-run hotels.

A Northern Lights display from the Lofoten Islands.

Ultimate Winter Adventure in Norway's Arctic - 11 Days

Ready for a wintry Northern Norway adventure? On this 11-day trip, you'll dogsled in the mountains, visit Røros and Trondheim, and stay overnight among reindeer in a traditional Sami tent. Then, take a coastal steamer to the Lofoten Islands where you'll snorkel with whales (yes, even in winter) and see the Northern Lights by horseback.

Ferry through the Sognefjord to reach the city of Bergen

Norway's Cities, Mountains & Fjords - 6 Days

This fast-paced adventure covers several Nordic highlights in just six days. Start off in Europe's fastest growing capital and hit the ground running as you explore hip neighborhoods and cafés. Next, take a train to the mountain village of Geilo—near two national parks—and choose between a range of hiking trails. Continue on train to Myrdal where you'll connect to the scenic Flåm Railway before exploring the jaw-dropping Aurlandsfjord. Finish with a ferry ride through Norway's longest fjord (Sognefjord) to get to Bergen—a lively city surrounded by seven mountains with a waterfront UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Get behind the wheel for stunning vistas, where driving is part of the adventure

Norway's Mountains & Fjords Road Trip - 8 Days

Steer a relaxing weeklong course through the highs and lows of Norway's spectacular landscapes: from the dizzying zig-zag heights of the Trollstigen (Troll's Ladder) to the depths of Sognefjord, the country's deepest fjord. You'll enjoy the freedom of setting your own pace when visiting museums and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, not to mention plenty of opportunities to get out in nature and explore the wonders around you. Buckle up and pack your camera—this is going to be one gorgeous drive!

Take in the vistas of the Hardangerfjord, near Eidfjord

Oslo to Bergen Scenic Road Trip - 6 Days

Perfect for families, this summer adventure combines exploration of Norway's two largest cities with a natural getaway, including a visit to Vøringsfossen Falls and its dramatic 600-foot drop. Begin in modern Oslo before driving westward to Eidfjord, home to the stunning Hardangervidda National Park. Top it off with a visit to charming Bergen, the historic Hanseatic city known as the gateway to the fjords.

Climb to Preikestolen, or 'Pulpit Rock'—a steep cliff above the Lysefjorden

Norway's Ultimate Fjord Road Trip - 11 Days

This active itinerary visits the best of Norway's fjords with plenty of chances to work up a sweat. See Bergen like a local before driving to Stavanger and beyond for endless scenery, hiking, and waterfall photo ops. Stop at villages along the Sognefjord—Norway's longest and deepest fjord—before visiting the glaciers of Jotunheimen National Park.

You'll have three days to get to know your own team of huskies

Norway's Dogsledding Adventure - 6 Days

For dog lovers, this unique, hands-on experience in Norway's Finnmark County can't be beaten. You'll start off with two days in Alta for a chance to explore this small coastal city and take part in wintry activities before heading out for three days in the Arctic wilderness. With the help of your private guide, you'll get to know the Huskies by name, drive your own sleigh, and enjoy traditional meals (some served over a campfire). In the evenings, participate in taking care of the dogs before you fall to sleep in cozy cabins while searching for the Northern Lights.

Winter wonderland scenery in Northern Norway

Norway's Arctic Experience in Alta - 6 Days

Located in the northernmost county of Norway (Finnmark), the city of Alta lies in an area with a relatively mild climate. With this winter-themed adventure, you'll meet huskies and reindeer, see UNESCO-protected rock carvings, experience Sami culture, and enjoy snow activities. Easily reachable by plane, the area offers forests, mountain plateaus, and coastal landscapes bathed in a brilliant blue light that is distinctive to this part of Norway—perfect for star gazing and searching for the Northern Lights.

The historic Bryggen district in picturesque Bergen.

Oslo, Bergen & Southern Norway - 11 Days

This relaxing journey loops around Southern Norway to key summer spots for the ultimate mix of nature, history, and culture. Take a local tour of Bergen, visit the charming towns and islands along Southern Norway's coast, get to know Oslo, and take a scenic ride on the famous Flåm Railway. End your trip with a memorable ferry ride through Norway's longest and deepest fjord.

How kimkim Trips Work in Norway

When it comes to visiting Norway's fjords, cities, and hiking trails, one size does not fit all. In fact, it's the perfect destination for an adventure customized to your interests and tastes. Here’s some insight into how kimkim accomplishes that and helps you plan and book your dream trip.

Scenery on the banks of the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord

Multi-Fjord Adventure in Norway - 7 Days

This week-long adventure checks off several fjords and two cities using a variety of travel modes. Start with a day in Bergen on the Sognefjord before driving to the heart of the Hardangerfjord. Enjoy free time for kayaking and hiking to waterfalls, and then ferry through the Nærøyfjord to Aurlandsfjord. Finish the trip with a scenic train ride to Europe's fastest growing capital for cultural sites and sophisticated dining options.

Take a day-trip to the Vøringfossen waterfall while staying in Eidfjord

Oslo, Bergen & the Hardangerfjord - 8 Days

Check out spectacular Norwegian scenery via the nation's efficient network of ferries, trains, and buses. Start off with a day in Oslo before making your way to Eidfjord, a village right on the Hardangerfjord. Ferry to Utne (another town on the fjord) and finish the week ferrying to seaside Bergen—a UNESCO-listed city known for its seven mountains.

Preparing the sled in the Norwegian wilderness

Norway Dogsledding Adventure - 5 Days

This wintry experience in Norway's Finnmark region starts with a night in Alta before three days of dogsledding in the Arctic wilderness. With the help of a private guide, you'll get to know the huskies by name and drive your own sleigh before falling asleep in cozy cabins—or staying up to search for the Northern Lights.

A sunset ferry cruises the Hardangerfjord

Bergen, Fläm & the Hardangerfjord - 5 Days

This five-day jaunt highlights Bergen, where you'll explore hilly streets, UNESCO-listed architecture, and surrounding mountains on your own and with a local guide. Take a day-trip through the Hardangerfjord to a manor in Rosendal, ride the scenic Flåm Railway, and ferry through the longest fjord in Norway—all while returning to the city each night to enjoy a lively restaurant scene.

Norway's Arctic Experience in Alta - 7 Days

Located in the northernmost county of Norway (Finnmark), the city of Alta lies in an area with a relatively mild climate. With this winter-themed adventure, you'll meet huskies and reindeer, see UNESCO-protected rock carvings, experience Sami culture, and enjoy snow activities. Easily reachable by plane, the area offers forests, mountain plateaus, and coastal landscapes bathed in distinctive blue light—perfect for star gazing and searching for the Northern Lights.

Best Family-Friendly Lodging in Lapland & Northern Norway

With activities like dog sledding, whale safaris, and hunting for the Northern Lights, the Lapland and Northern Norway region is a natural destination for travelers with kids. Most area lodging readily caters to groups and families—here are 4 of the best options, from Tromsø hotels to traditional tents in the wilderness.

6 Best Cafés in Bergen

Laid back, charming, and full of students, Bergen is a great city for hanging out over a cup of coffee. You can expect an unpretentious café scene with a clientele to match. This list of Bergen's best includes both trendy newcomers and historic establishments—a perfect excuse to check out more than one.

Polar Bears, Puffins, and More: Tips for Viewing Wildlife in Norway

Norway is home to untamed wilderness, and its animal inhabitants—from reindeer to humpback whales—are some of the country's star attractions. It can take a little planning to come face-to-face with them, and usually lots of patience, but encountering these rare species is a great reward. Here’s your ultimate guide to spotting Norwegian wildlife.

Woman kayaking near Jostedalsbreen glacier

Getting Off the Beaten Path in the Fjordkysten & Nordfjord Region

Fjordkysten & Nordfjord, just north of Bergen, is where Fjord Norway still hangs onto its roots. This region is where mountains and glaciers scratch the sky and locals are counted in the tens of thousands—in other words, the perfect place to get off the beaten path.

Tips for Visiting Southern Norway: The Norwegian Riviera

Southern Norway is a nature lover’s paradise, and the region's nickname—the "Norwegian Riviera"—is perfectly suited to the waterfront towns that dot Norway's southernmost stretch of coast. Here are some tips for making the most of your stay.

8 Best Cafés in Oslo

Oslo residents have a knack for making their indoor spaces cozy and welcoming—just as you'd expect from a country where chilly weather dominates for much of the year. These warm interiors extend to the city's chic cafés, and no matter where you are in Norway's capital, great coffee in a sleek setting is always just a few minutes away.

5 Family Friendly Hotels in Oslo

You'd be hard-pressed to find a European capital more suitable for families and kids than Oslo. A number of hotels cater to parents of both small children and teens — with the right lodging, you'll feel right at home in this booming heart of Scandinavia.

Flam Railway and Sognefjord in the Off-Season

Most travelers head to Norway in the summer, but this Nordic country is a year-round destination, and winter holds its own adventurous charm. If you'd like to experience the famous fjords when crowds are thinner and the peaks are coated white, here are some tips for making the most of Flam Railway and Sognefjord in the off-season.

Off-Season Highlights of the Lofoten Islands

The word is out on the Lofoten Islands, especially in summer. Traveling in the off-season is an ideal option to bypass the crowds—and luckily, it's easy to go at any time of year. Here's what you can expect to find September through May.

Drive along some of Scandinavia's most beautiful roads.

Nordic Road Trip for Nature Lovers - 14 Days

Take the wheel on this relaxed self-guided road trip as you travel through five of Norway's official scenic routes. Over two weeks you'll encounter a number of stunning fjords, national parks, cool mountain towns, farm stands, and varying landscapes with mile-long views. Finish the adventure with some urban culture in Norway's second largest city (Bergen) with its great restaurant scene and wharfside UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5 Books to Read Before Your Trip to Norway

Before you set foot in the Land of the Midnight Sun, get acquainted with the location and its people by cracking open a good book. Here's a list of 5 favorite biographies, acclaimed novels, and page-turners that feature Norway as a lead character.

The Perfect Day in Bergen

It may still be the little sister city to more grown-up Oslo, but Bergen has come a long way in the last decade. Ringed by mountains and unfolding gracefully toward glistening fjords, Norway's second city is gorgeous—and also happens to be one of the friendliest, most relaxed spots in Scandinavia. Follow this itinerary for the best of Bergen in one perfect day.

Ultimate Norway Packing List

In Norway they say there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing. Norwegians have made an art out of hacking through any type of terrain, in any kind of weather, at any time of year, but that often means giving up fashion for function. So leave your high heels and fancy frocks at home, and follow this list to make the most of the space in your suitcase.

Family Friendly Hotels in Bergen

Bergen is an incredibly family-friendly destination, with no shortage of child-oriented activities—both indoor and outdoor. After long days spent exploring the scenic Norwegian coastal city, you'll want to be sure you have a comfortable place to relax and recharge. Here are 5 of Bergen's best family-oriented hotels.

5 Movies to Watch Before Your Trip to Norway

Everything about Norway is visually stunning—cosmopolitan cities, charming Arctic towns, primeval landscapes—and before heading out on your journey, you'll want a sneak preview. Feast your eyes ahead of time with this list of 7 stirring and entertaining Norwegian films.