Norway Travel Insights

Dramatic hairpin turns on the Trollstigen Road.

Norway's Ultimate Scenic Road Trip - 14 Days

Starting and ending in Oslo, this wide loop covers a staggering variety of landscapes where'll you drive through three of Norway's official scenic routes. First, make your way to a former Olympic village and two national parks loaded with wildlife, then head west for hiking and boating in the fjords. Stay two nights in the art nouveau city of Ålesund before you swing back around towards Jotunheimen National Park. Finish in the alpine village of Lom with one of the best restaurants and bakeries in Norway.

What to Eat in Norway (And Where to Eat It)

You’ve probably heard of New Nordic cuisine, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Norway has been at the forefront of ethically farmed, locally sourced cooking for generations, and there’s never been a better time to get a taste of the country’s best delicacies.

Hiking in Northern Norway and Finland - 10 Days

This 10-day itinerary will take you on a variety of hiking trails in northern Norway and parts of Finland, traversing lush valleys and craggy mountain peaks, wide expanses of tundra and clear glacial rivers. Tackle 5 to 12 miles a day off the beaten path, and immerse yourself in the crisp natural landscapes of the Land of the Midnight Sun.

Spend a good portion of this trip exploring the Lofoten Islands.

Norway's Winter Wonderland Tour - 14 Days

Expect uninterrupted white vistas and Northern Lights sightings when you travel by train, coastal steamer, and rental car on this two-week winter adventure in Norway's Arctic. The trip starts in Tromsø, 'Paris of the North' — your base for several snow activities. Then set sail on the Hurtigruten to explore the Lofoten Islands before continuing (by sea) towards the city of Trondheim, a UNESCO-listed village called Røros, and finally a night in Oslo — Europe's fastest-growing capital.

Look for waterfalls as you sail through the Geirangerfjord on the Hurtigruten.

Norway's Summer Fjord Tour - 14 Days

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 summer activities like hiking, biking, swimming, and sea kayaking. You'll also get a chance to explore tiny fjord-side villages along the way, not to mention Oslo, Bergen, Ålesund, and Trondheim — cities loaded with cultural (and culinary!) options.

A Northern Lights display from the Lofoten Islands.

Ultimate Winter Adventure in Norway's Arctic - 10 Days

Not for the faint of heart, this epic 10-day trip through Norway's wintry north includes a dizzying array of destinations, travel modes, and activities that are highly unique to the Arctic. Each day presents another opportunity for glorious views and local culture, and lots of animals like huskies, reindeer, and whales. Did we mention all the chances to see the Northern Lights including by horseback? Tepid travelers need not apply.

Drive through the village of Loen on the Nordfjord at the end of this trip.

Nordic Self-Guided Trek & Road Trip - 10 Days

You'll be at the helm of this unique Norwegian adventure, as you make your way through some of Scandinavia's most spectacular natural landscapes with stops in the country's two biggest cities. It starts with a train ride from Oslo that connects to a three-day trek in the Aurlandsdalen Valley, or what is known as the Grand Canyon of Norway, where you'll stay in cozy mountain lodges with fellow trekkers. From here, ferry to Bergen via the Sognefjord and grab a rental car as you make your way to coastal villages and mountain towns on your way back to Oslo.

A rushing river in the town of Lom — gateway to Jotunheimen National Park.

Norway's Outdoor Adventure: Oslo to Trondheim - 10 Days

Hiking enthusiasts will love this 10-day summer adventure in Central Norway's great outdoors. You'll climb several of the best summits with a guide, and take memorable drives through mountains, fjord-side villages, and working farms. There's also time to hit the water with a kayak in the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord and take a rafting trip in the Driva River. Plus, with overnight stops in Oslo and Trondheim, you'll experience just the right dose of urban fun.

Ålesund is considered Norway's prettiest city, and rightfully so.

Discover Norway's Cities - 10 Days

This zealous, yet relaxing — and unbelievably scenic — 10-day summer itinerary checks off Norway's three biggest cities (Oslo, Bergen & Trondheim) traveling by train, ferry, and fjord cruise for a true Scandinavian adventure. An added bonus: there's even a night the Art Nouveau city of Ålesund. You'll experience these clean pedestrian-friendly hubs like a local, exploring cultural sites and cool neighborhoods with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding along the way.

Hiking opportunities galore in this remote part of the world.

Wild Islands in Norway's Arctic - 8 Days

Wilder, greener, and more remote than the Lofoten Islands (though you'll have an overnight here, too), those who come to Vesterålen will have access to hiking trails and farmland, peaceful beaches, rock formations, and seaside teeming with whales, not to mention extended daylight hours to soak it in by land and sea. Adding to this weeklong summer adventure, you'll travel by coastal steamer, starting and ending in Tromsø — a culinary city nicknamed 'Gateway to the Arctic'.

Northern Norway's Lyngenfjord Trek - 8 Days

Lace up your boots and let a private guide show you this lesser-visited region of Northern Norway. With the stunning Lyngen Alps at your doorstep and extended daylight (summer) hours, you'll take part in six days of trekking with the village of Lyngseidet as your base. Highlights include the Steindalsbreen Glacier, the Gorsabrua Gorge, a trail created by WWII prisoners, a free day for biking or boating, and finally a night in Tromsø — dubbed the 'Paris of the North'.

Take in Norway's stunning coastline from the water.

Southern Norway's Fjord Coast - 8 Days

Trace the impact of the sea and the country's maritime heritage across Norway's fjord coast on this weeklong journey. From charming Bergen, set sail for modern-day fishing villages and remote islands where you can not only sample the day's catch, but also dive into pristine environments now home to diverse aquatic wildlife and numerous seabirds. Urban and rural outdoor pursuits from hiking to cycling to kayaking are daily highlights of this active trip.

One of many small villages on the Sognefjord.

Norway Slow Travel: Oslo, Aurland & Bergen - 7 Days

This relaxing weeklong journey starts in the capital city of Oslo before heading west, via the steepest train in Norway (Flåm Railway). From here, embrace the slow-paced local culture of Aurland while staying two nights at a secluded and upscale lodge that serves organic cuisine. Take part in some light hiking and paddling and then cruise the Sognefjord by ferry, finishing the adventure in scenic Bergen — Norway's UNESCO-listed second largest city surrounded by seven mountains.

A view of Aurora Borealis near Tromsø, Norway.

Norway's Northern Lights Road Trip - 7 Days

This scenic winter adventure traverses the Norwegian Arctic and checks off a number of natural and cultural sites starting in the city of Tromsø, nicknamed 'Paris of the North'. From here, hit the road and see rock art in Alta, learn about the indigenous Sami people in Karasjok, and visit a hotel made of snow along the Finnish/Russian border. Each day ends with another opportunity to view the Northern Lights in this beautiful and remote part of the world.

Oslo Like a Local

Oslo, Norway's capital, is one of the fastest-changing cities around. The population — and a diverse one at that — is booming, but its humble, Scandinavian roots remain strong. With new restaurants popping up every month, an artistic movement experiencing a renaissance, and a history that's steps from downtown, the only way to do Oslo is like a local.

A pretty sunset near the village of Arendal.

Explore Southern Norway by Bicycle - 5 Days

Pack light for this summertime biking adventure that takes you through charming towns in Southern Norway, sometimes referred to as the Norwegian Riviera. You'll start in Oslo and then spend the next three days pumping at your own pace through places like Tvedestrand, Arendal, Fevikkilen, and Lillesand, which are known for their narrow streets, white wooden houses, and warm weather vibes. Enjoy stops along the way for sunbathing on rock formations, visiting historic lighthouses, and taking day-trips to nearby islands.

Hike up to these views overlooking Lake Ringedalsvatnet and stay overnight.

Nordic Adventure for Outdoor Lovers - 5 Days

This epic jaunt through Western Norway encompasses a slew of outdoor activities — like hiking, biking, and camping — for travelers who want to experience as much summer fun as they can fit in five days. After a night in Bergen, you'll drive through some of Norway's most spectacular scenery as you make your way to Trolltunga, Aurland, Myrdal, and Flåm. Squeeze in a speedboat ride through a UNESCO-protected fjord before heading to the airport for your flight home.

Scenic trails meander through this mountainous route in central Norway.

Ultimate Guided Trollheimen Trek - 5 Days

Surrounded by dramatic mountains, lush forests, and pristine lakes, Trollheimen ('Home of the Trolls') is one of Scandinavia's most beloved trekking destinations. This five-day adventure takes you through central Norway's spectacular views from well-maintained trails (by day) while staying in comfortable lodges (by night). To round it out, fly through Oslo and soak up the history and culture of Europe's fastest growing capital.

Ferry through the Sognefjord to reach the city of Bergen.

Norway's Cities, Mountains & Fjords - 5 Days

This Nordic adventure covers several key highlights in a short amount of time, starting in Europe's fastest growing capital. Next, hike in Norway's mountainous interior before taking the scenic Flåm Railway towards the western coast. Finish with a ferry ride through Norway's longest and deepest fjord (Sognefjord) to get to Bergen — a colorful waterfront city surrounded by seven mountains.

Drive your way through Norway's Lofoten Islands

Northern Norway's Arctic Adventure - 5 Days

In less than a week, experience snow-covered scenery and the Northern Lights with this photogenic road-trip through the Lofoten Islands. The trip begins with a car ferry from Bodø, where you'll drive across the coastline at your own pace and explore some of Norway's oldest and most colorful fishing towns hugging the shore with traditional red 'rorbu' (fishermen's huts). Conclude the adventure with an overnight coastal steamer to Tromsø for a slice of Northern Norway's biggest city.

An aerial view of Bergen from Mt. Fløyen

Bergen Like a Local

How many cities can you name that sit along a fjord, in the mountains, surrounded by islands? If you've been to Bergen, your answer is probably one. It's a microcosm of all Norway's best scenery with a dash of both traditional and contemporary culture. The city, though world-class, has humble, unpretentious roots — and the only way to do it is like a local.

Take in magnificent Sognefjord views from your kayak.

Norwegian Highlights: Oslo, Bergen & the Sognefjord - 8 Days

This active summer tour covers Norway's two biggest cities, as well as its longest and deepest fjord, using various means of transportation for a true Scandinavian adventure. After exploring Oslo, you'll take a train ride to Flåm — one of the most scenic in the world — followed by several ferries to fjord-side villages like Balestrand and Fjærland. There's also a guided kayaking trip and a longer ferry to Bergen, where you'll spend your last full day with a local who will show you the best of this charming city and its surrounding mountains.

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

Norway's Ultimate Fjord Road Trip – 10 Days

Experience the best of Norway's spectacular fjords on this active self-drive tour. The trip starts in Norway's second-largest city (Bergen), where you'll pick up a rental car and spend several days exploring charming fjord-side villages and stopping for outdoorsy activities, like hiking, summer skiing, and kayaking. Finish the adventure traveling along Norway's longest and deepest fjord towards Jotunheimen National Park — with more than 250 peaks — to see some glaciers.

How to Tour Norway

Norway is big enough to have something for every kind of traveler: fjords and mountains, glittering coastline, cities packed with culture. How best to see it all is up to you. Whether you’re joining a group or going solo, hiring a guide for some or all of the trip, here’s how to tour Norway, your way.

A train ride along Norway's peaceful River Rauma.

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

Discover magnificent areas of Western Norway in an exciting 10-day summertime itinerary. Your adventure starts in the capital city of Oslo, followed by a train ride along the emerald-green River Rauma, to the breathtaking city of Ålesund, known for its Art Nouveau architecture. Continue the journey to coastal islands and narrow fjords towards Bergen, before ending your trip back in Oslo for one last night of Scandinavian fun.

Goats outnumber residents in the village of Undredal.

Norwegian City, Mountain & Fjord Adventure - 8 Days

This itinerary hits Norway's key summer spots and activities using various means of transportation for a true Nordic experience. Start off in Oslo where you'll tour the capital before taking a train to the mountain village of Geilo. From there, take another train ride—one of the most scenic in the world—to Aurland, a speedboat to Skjerdal for spectacular fjord views, and a ferry towards Bergen to finish the trip in Norway's second largest city.

Oslo, Bergen & Southern Norway - 10 Days

Welcome to the Scandinavian coast. This popular journey loops around Southern Norway, visiting key summertime attractions. For the ultimate mix of scenery, outdoor adventure, and history, you can't do much better than this relaxing 10-day itinerary.

Sustainable Travel in Norway

Norwegians have always been stewards of the environment, and as a country, they have pioneered modes of sustainability that took other nations generations to implement. Simply put: Norway knows that their land is their greatest asset, and they want to make sure everyone enjoys, respects, and protects it as much as they do. Here’s where to go and what to do to travel responsibly and sustainably in Norway.

The pretty port city of Ålesund shines at dusk.

Western Norway Fjord Road Trip - 8 Days

Get ready to hit the open road on this self-drive adventure down Norway's stunning west coast. Starting in Bergen, you'll hike, bike, and take one of the world's steepest train rides through the country's villages, mountains, and fjords. Top off your well-rounded trip in charming Ålesund, a fairytale city renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture.

Ultimate Guide to Multi-Day Hiking in Norway

Phone off, out-of-office reply on. When it comes to long-distance hikes, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better country than Norway. With cozy, for-public-use cabins dotting the hills and a landscape that just won't quit, this could be the excuse you've been waiting for.

Top 8 Boutique Hotels in Norway

No one travels just for the hotels, right? Perhaps, but your choice of lodging can make or break your travel experience. A good hotel will forever be ingrained in your memory, elevating your trip from good to great - or in the case of these fabulous boutique hotels, from great to once-in-a-lifetime.

Northern Lights in the Alta Region: How to Beat the Crowds

There's a wrong way to see the Northern Lights: hopping on a giant tour bus with cameras flashing and a cacophony of "oohs" and "ahhs" interrupting your moment with Mother Nature. Ditch the crowds and have a memorable experience viewing the auroras in peace — it just takes a little research and know-how.

The historic Bryggen district along Bergen's picturesque wharf.

Oslo to Bergen Fjord Adventure - 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 off in Europe's fastest growing capital before taking a scenic train and ferry to the fjord-side village of Balestrand. Continue north to Fjærland for glacier views and an award-winning museum before getting on another boat -- this time to Bergen, a historic wharf city and home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend your last day with a local guide who will show you the best of Bergen and its seven surrounding mountains.

A small harbor in the village of Solvorn.

Western Norway's Hidden Gems Road Trip - 5 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. Start off 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 explore 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.

The Sognefjord, nicknamed King of the Fjords.

Explore Bergen, Fjords & Waterfalls - 5 Days

This picturesque five-day itinerary hits key summer spots using various means of transportation for a true Nordic adventure. You'll start off in your home base of Bergen, the country's 2nd largest city (complete with a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and explore the streets and surrounding mountains on your own and with a local guide. From here, take two day-trips involving a scenic train ride, a ferry through the longest fjord in Norway, and a fjord cruise to nearby waterfalls — all while returning to Bergen each night to enjoy its restaurants and nightlife.

Ultimate Guide to Kayaking & Rafting in Norway

Zipping over bubbling rapids, deftly navigating narrow inlets, skirting the edge of awe-inspiring gorges, and doing it all at warp speed: these are the thrills that draw kayakers and rafters to some of Norway’s most picturesque, challenging rivers and coasts. Here’s where to go for an unforgettable experience on the water.

Kilpisjärvi village (one of the best places to see the northern lights)

Great Northern Lights Tour in Norway - 6 Days

Pack your warmest winter clothes and head to the far north to experience the beauty and mystery of the Northern Lights and the snowy communities that bear them witness. Spend your days frolicking in the snow and your nights hunting the aurora borealis from towns and fjords.

Where to Hike in Norway: 4 Regions To Know

A guide to hiking in Norway is akin to swimming in the Pacific — where do you even begin to explore? What ground you decide to cover will depend on your endurance level, the season, and how much time you have. Stunning views are around every corner; here, nature is left at its most pristine. Hiking is one of Norway's most beloved pastimes, and this is why.

Ultimate Guide to Biking in Norway

Even from behind windows and on four wheels, Norway is already jaw-dropping. But from two wheels, feeling the warm sunlight on your skin and rush of cool air? Unbelievable. Cycling across Norway is slowly catching on, and there are routes to be conquered and explored all across the country - read on for some of the best.

Planning Your Honeymoon in Norway

Stunning vistas, monumental peaks, pristine coastline: for outdoorsy couples who want a week of post-nuptial bliss involving more than lying on a beach, Norway is the perfect honeymoon destination. Here are a few suggestions for you and your soulmate to explore this truly magical country.

Ultimate Guide to Photography in Norway

So, you came to Norway to see the fjords, ski the snowy peaks, and gaze over the edges of cliffs at the stunning vistas below? Sure you did, but let’s be honest: you're really here to take photos of it all. Read on for tips on when, where, and how to take swoon-worthy snapshots of your next trip to Norway.

Top 7 Lapland and Northern Norway Summer Experiences

As the rest of the world slowly discovers the beauty of Norway, its northern reaches - all the way into Lapland - still offer off-the-radar adventures. With 24 hours of sunlight for well over two months come summer, you've got nothing but time to cram your itinerary with a lifetime's worth of experiences.

How to Spend 10 Days in Norway

With nearly 60,000 miles of coastline (including the islands), Norway is the longest country in Europe — and one of the most beautiful. The list of ways you could spend your time here is as long as your imagination, so get inspired with one of these incredible ten-day itinerary ideas.

Luxury Travel in Norway

It’s already a luxury to be in a country this beautiful, but if you’re looking to take your trip from merely memorable to truly lavish, there are plenty of private tours, personalized experiences and high-end lodging options that will really up the wow factor.

How to Spend Two Weeks in Norway

You could spend a whole year in Norway and barely scratch the surface of its expansive beauty. Try one of these comprehensive seasonal itineraries instead — you'll get acquainted with the country's nature, culture, and history in just two summer or winter weeks.

How to Spend One Week in Norway

Norway is a dream destination — unbelievably scenic, packed with cultural experiences, and big enough to spend a lifetime exploring. But what if you only have a week to spend? Try one of these expertly crafted itineraries to maximize your exploration while getting intimately familiar with the region that's right for you.

Top Lapland and Northern Norway Winter Experiences

Only those looking for true adventure are suited for a trip to Northern Norway and (just across the border) Finnish Lapland in winter. The Arctic Circle admits few through its snowy doors, but if your name is on the list, you'll be escorted into another world. A world of surprises, a world of adrenaline, and a world of stories to tell.

Discover the stunning landscapes of Northern Norway

Guided Day Hiking in Northern Norway: 5 Days

Explore the famous Lyngenfjord region during the enchanting Arctic summer. From glaciers and stunning waterfalls to walks along the Arctic Sea, each scene is more breathtakingly beautiful than the next. And no need to worry about making it back home before dark: at this latitude, the summer sun never sets.

Would you stand here? The Kjerag boulder hanging 960 meters / 3150 feet above sea level!

The Stavanger & Lysefjord Adventure: 4 Days

Venture out among two of the most amazing and wild mountain formations in Norway, Pulpit Rock and the Kjerag Boulder. Take in breathtaking views, climb to heart-pounding heights, and speedboat through the stunning Lysefjord all in just four days. Spend your evenings exploring vibrant Stavanger with lively shopping and restaurants just steps from your hotel.

How to Experience Kjerag, Pulpit Rock, and Trolltunga Like a Local

The three most photogenic rock formations in Norway are drawing more in-the-know travelers than ever, and with good reason. Fantastic hiking, beautiful photo ops, and proximity to a charming harbor town make this trifecta a worthy (and crowded) destination - but with some planning, you can still have an experience all your own.