This exciting and less-traveled winter adventure takes you deep into Norway's boreal territory for spectacular snowcapped scenery. The trip kicks off in Tromsø, a sophisticated little city known as the 'Paris of the North'. From here, make your way east to Kirkenes—traveling by bus—while taking advantage of unique Arctic excursions and numerous possibilities for spotting the Northern Lights.
Having more than 10 days to travel in a country as beautiful as Norway is a real luxury, allowing you to see a few different regions without having to rush. Summer travelers can choose from a number of active or relaxing fjord trips that include one or more means of transportation (rental car, fjordcruise, train, and Hurtigruten), while those visiting in cooler months can head above the Arctic Circle for dramatic islands, Northern Lights, and fewer crowds. Most trips start and end in Oslo and/or Bergen, injecting the perfect amount of urban adventure.
Nine days is a great amount of time to explore one or two regions in Norway, allowing for a few days of scenic transit without feeling too rushed. In Northern Norway, you can start the trip in cultural Tromsø, with separate multi-day excursions in the wilderness at both Trapper's Farm (inland) and the island of Senja (coastal). Or start further south Oslo and end in Bergen, traveling by train, ferry, fjordcruise, Hurtigruten, or rental car. Learn more about your options below.
With just over a week to explore Norway's incredible scenery, you can pick a region and pair it with some urban fun in the country’s best transit cities: Oslo, Bergen, and Tromsø. Summer travelers can choose from a number of active trips—often traveling by ferry, train, and bus—while those visiting in winter can stay in a luxury lodge above the Arctic Circle while searching for the Northern Lights. For more relaxation, check out the ultimate scenic road trip that includes views of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen, or 'Troll's Ladder'.
This road trip itinerary combines some of Norway's best fjords, mountains, villages, and cities. Start in Oslo where you'll have time to check out the exciting capital before taking the train and ferry to pick up your car. Then, travel at your own pace to various hiking trails, UNESCO-listed marvels, picturesque fjords, and even a national park boasting the country's highest peaks. To end the adventure, return your car and catch a fjordcruise to Bergen—a lively wharf city surrounded by seven mountains.
Check off Norway's three biggest cities while traveling by train, ferry, and fjordcruise on this 12-day adventure. Start off in the country's buzzing capital followed by several days in Bergen on the west coast, surrounded by seven mountains. From here, board the Hurtigruten—a mighty coastal steamer—stopping in the Art Nouveau city of Ålesund before sailing to Trondheim by way of the Geirangerfjord. Circle back to Oslo by train for one more night on the town.
This exciting, yet relaxing, adventure combines cultural and outdoor elements across Western Norway for the ultimate summer road trip. Start in Oslo where you'll have a day to check out the capital before traveling by train and ferry to pick up your car. From here, drive around farms, villages, and towns with opportunities to hike, bike, kayak, and river raft in the area's glorious scenery. You'll eventually drop off your car and catch a fjordcruise to Bergen's colorful wharf, loaded with restaurants.
Skip the summer crowds with this autumn-themed itinerary in Norway's far north. The adventure begins in Tromsø—'Gateway to the Arctic'—with time to explore the city and a nearby farm. From here, you'll ferry to Senja island and then cruise to the northernmost point of Europe. Continue by bus to Alta for UNESCO-listed rock carvings before returning to Tromsø. Activities depend on the snow (or lack thereof), and each night presents another opportunity to spot the Northern Lights.
If seeking relaxation and exposure to some of Norway's most spectacular fjords, this trip is for you. After arriving in Norway's 2nd largest city, begin your self-guided drive to Stavanger where you'll boat through the Lysefjord for the activity of your choosing. Then, continue to the Hardangerfjord through a series of national parks, waterfalls, mountain towns, and fjord-side villages—eventually heading north where you'll wrap around the Sognefjord to get back to Bergen for one more night on the town.
This family-friendly road trip covers a mix of popular and lesser-known destinations on Norway's stunning west coast. Start with a few days in Bergen to explore numerous cultural opportunities and easy hiking trails. Then, pick up your rental car and head north through distinct fishing communities to get to Ålesund. From here, choose your own activities as you slowly make your way to Solvorn where you'll stay at the oldest family-run hotel in the country before looping back to Bergen.
This active adventure kicks off in Oslo where you'll explore Norway's capital on your own and with a guide, followed by a train ride to the starting point for a multi-day trek. Once you reach the Aurland Valley (by foot), you'll ferry to Bergen's lively wharf surrounded by fjords and mountains. Finish with additional boat transfers to a lesser-known—and bike-friendly—archipelago, known for authentic island culture.
This slow road trip—concentrating on Norway's two longest fjords—gives travelers the opportunity to become part of local life. Starting in Bergen, you'll explore the city before renting a car and heading to the Hardanger region for hiking and mountain biking. Then make your way to Aurland and explore two spectacular arms of the Sognefjord before circling back to Bergen for one more night on the town.
This 9-day adventure starts from Oslo where you'll catch a scenic train to get to Norway's western fjords. From here, spend a day exploring art nouveau architecture in Ålesund and then take an overnight cruise to Florø—your jumping-off point for fishing islands, outdoor activities, and Viking culture. Finish with two nights in UNESCO-listed Bergen, loaded with culture and restaurants.
This 9-day itinerary combines some of Norway's prettiest cities, villages, and mountains surrounding its biggest and most famous fjord: the Sognefjord. After a few days in Oslo, you'll travel by train, ferry, and rental car through several villages boasting scenic hikes, waterfalls, and UNESCO-listed architecture. Finish with a half-day cruise to get to 16th-century Bergen, a seaside city oozing with history and charm.
This summer itinerary encompasses a mix of fun travel modes for the ultimate Nordic adventure. It begins in Oslo, where you'll explore the fastest-growing capital in Europe on your own and with a local guide. Then take a scenic train west to hike with views of the Aurlandsfjord—a spectacular branch of the Sognefjord. From here, cruise to Bergen and Ålesund where you'll have quality time in each city—and surrounding fjords—before looping back to Oslo for one more night on the town.
This active winter trip gets to the heart of Northern Norway's spectacular snow-covered scenery. Starting in Tromsø, you'll explore the 'Paris of the North' before transferring to Trapper's Farm where you'll participate in a unique, yet cozy experience involving fishing and dogsledding in the wilderness. Then bus to Norway's 2nd largest island—Senja—for whale watching and snowshoeing along the stunning Arctic coast.
This active 9-day 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. Start off exploring Europe's fastest-growing capital before taking a scenic train and ferry to the village of Balestrand. Spend a few days here kayaking and exploring nearby villages before getting on another boat—this time to the UNESCO-listed city of Bergen, surrounded by seven mountains.
This 8-day trip is the perfect mix of hiking and relaxation in three of the most beautiful areas of Southern Norway. Your first stop is in the mountain town of Geilo, situated between two national parks. From here, ride one of the steepest trains in the world to get to Aurland—your base for checking out the area's trails before ferrying to Bergen by way of Norway's longest and deepest fjord. Finish the adventure at a waterfront hotel that boasts a plethora of paths to choose from.
This stunning adventure travels to the heart of the Sunnmøre region in northwestern Norway. Start in up-and-coming Oslo and check out this exciting capital before boarding a train that runs along the emerald-green Rauma River. From Åndalsnes, begin the ultimate road trip through mountains, fishing villages, and dramatic fjords with a slew of outdoor activities, not to mention 11 hairpin turns on the 'Troll's Ladder'.
This relaxed road trip includes peaceful islands, fjord-side villages, and hiking trails in Western Norway. After exploring Bergen with a local guide, rent a car and make your way to the remote island of Værlandet and stunning branches of the Sognefjord for your choice of outdoor activities that capitalize on the views. Finish the adventure with two nights in a historic family-run hotel before looping back to Bergen.
Travel like a local on this 8-day adventure through some of Norway's most iconic and historic landscapes. Starting in Bergen, set sail for fjord-side villages, fishing towns, and remote islands where you can dive into pristine and peaceful environments. Urban and rural pursuits like hiking, birding, and cycling are also daily highlights.
This summertime adventure includes Norway's two biggest cities and its longest and deepest fjord, using various means of transportation for a true Scandinavian adventure. Kick-off in Europe's fastest-growing capital before taking a scenic train and ferry to the fjord-side village of Balestrand. Here, you'll day-trip to Fjærland for glacier views and an award-winning museum before getting on another boat—this time to Bergen, a colorful wharf city and home to a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This exciting and less-traveled winter adventure (November to April) takes you deep into Norway's boreal territory for spectacular snowcapped scenery. The tour begins in the quietly sophisticated city of Tromsø where you can sled with huskies during the day and chase the Northern Lights after dark. Continue to Alta for snowsports in the Arctic and a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of rock carvings.
With six days in a country as vast and varied as Norway, pick one general region and stick to it. Summer travelers can choose from a number of active road trips that involve hiking, whitewater rafting, and incredible scenery, while those visiting in winter can stay in an igloo above the Arctic Circle or spot wildlife in the Lofoten Islands. And pairing city tours of Oslo and Bergen, with a ride on the famed Flåm Railway in between, is great in any season.
This 6-day itinerary combines Norway's two largest cities and a stunning mountainous area between them. Begin in modern Oslo—the fastest-growing capital in Europe—before heading westward to Eidfjord and Utne, home to the stunning Hardangervidda National Park. Top it off with a cruise to charming Bergen, the historic Hanseatic city known as the gateway to the fjords.
Halfway between Norway's two largest cities—Oslo and Bergen—lies an extraordinary wilderness area situated between two national parks. This itinerary includes four days of hiking along well-marked trails (becoming more difficult each day) from Geilo to Finse. Start and end the trip with some urban culture and nightlife in the two aforementioned cities to round out this awesome adventure.
This adventure in western Norway encompasses a slew of outdoor activities for ambitious types who want to experience as much summer fun as they can fit in under a week. Starting in Bergen, you'll drive through some of the country's most spectacular scenery as you make your way towards Trolltunga, Ullensvang, and Voss for hiking, rafting, and even a night of camping in the great outdoors with a private guide.
Dramatic, snow-covered mountains and the Northern Lights are highlights of this 6-day adventure above the Arctic Circle. Starting in Bodø, you'll ferry to the stunning Lofoten Islands and drive at your own pace through some of Norway's oldest and most colorful fishing towns. Then, exchange your rental car for an overnight coastal steamer where you'll travel to Tromsø for some urban culture and dog sledding.
This epic journey loops around a key section of Norway hitting up some of the best hikes in the country. Equipped with a sturdy rental car, make your way to several peaks, fjords, waterfalls, and national parks, with stops in scenic villages, farms, and UNESCO-listed monuments. Start and end the trip in seaside Bergen with time to enjoy the city's vibrant culture—and, of course, hiking trails in the surrounding hills.
This fast-paced itinerary covers three popular destinations with plenty of local twists for a unique family adventure. Start in Oslo where you'll have a few days to explore the capital's forests and rivers. Then head west to catch trails and views around the Sognefjord as you travel by train, ferry, and rental car. Finish with a fjord cruise to Bergen and pick between many hikes within its seven surrounding mountains.
Norway's snowy landscapes above the Arctic Circle offer perfect conditions for dog sledding. With this 8-day itinerary, you'll spend half of the trip at a sustainable farm taking part in day-trips (traveling by dog sled, of course) involving trapping and fishing, while learning about local culture with an expert guide. Spend the other half of the trip in the 'Paris of the North'—a lively city called Tromsø—to round out this fun adventure.
The transition from autumn to winter draws travelers to the fjords for city hikes, skiing, and festive ambiance. Others may seek the quiet landscapes above the Arctic Circle where Polar Nights let the Aurora Borealis shine bright. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.
November is a quiet month to visit Norway’s fjords, allowing you to take advantage of the last autumn colors before the snow arrives. This is a month offering fewer crowds, early ski openings, Northern Lights, and great whale watching. This monthly guide will tell you what to do and where to go.
October is a glorious time to enjoy Norway’s fjords, with colorful fall scenery and far fewer travelers to contend with. This is when sunsets arrive earlier, temperatures begin to drop, and the Northern Lights reappear above the Arctic Circle. Find out what to do and where to go with this monthly guide.
September marks the end of high season in Norway’s fjords with lingering summer weather—perfect for road trips and enjoying outdoor activities and iconic views without the masses. This is also a great month to hike Bergen's surrounding mountains whilst taking part in its annual food festival. Read on to learn more.
August does not disappoint as one of the most popular months to visit Norway’s fjords, providing an ideal environment for outdoor adventures enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. You can skip the crowds with lesser-known attractions or join the lively festivals while summer's still here. Read this monthly guide to learn more.
It doesn’t get much better than July for experiencing Norway's fjords by land or sea. The agreeable weather is ideal for outdoor activities, fjord cruises, and loads of food and music-themed festivals taking advantage of the Midnight Sun. This monthly guide will tell you what to do and where to go.
June is ideal for travelers looking to optimize outdoor adventures in Norway's fjords. This is when days are long and nights are short; there's also reliable weather on land and sea, not to mention a slew of fun festivals to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Read this monthly guide to learn more.
May is a remarkable month for visiting Norway's fjords. Sandwiched between Easter and the Summer Solstice, this is the time to take advantage of longer days, blooming flowers, and rushing waterfalls like the Seven Sisters. You can also join locals as they celebrate Norway's biggest holiday: Constitution Day.
Spring has arrived in Norway’s fjords with melting ice, rushing waterfalls, and budding landscapes. This is a great time to get outdoors and explore trails and villages that may have bunkered down for the winter. Though tourism tends to rise for Easter, the fjords are still more affordable and peaceful than summer months. Read on to learn more.
Visiting Norway's beautiful fjords in March will bring a touch of spring thanks to the increasing daylight hours. This is a great month to explore cultural sites in walkable cities, schuss the uncrowded slopes, and catch the Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle before they hibernate for the season.
Despite the chilly, wet weather, Norway's long, dramatic coastline offers winter sports and local festivals—as well as fewer tourists and lower prices. February is also a great time for taking a fjord cruise and catching the Northern Lights before they disappear in the spring. Read on to learn more.
Norway's stunning coastline should not be skipped despite the cold and dark. The fjords in January offer milder temperatures than inland regions, as well as snowy activities, fewer crowds, and more affordable costs. 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.
This 10-day itinerary combines some of Norway's best fjords, mountains, villages, and cities. You'll kick off in Oslo with a few days to explore the up-and-coming capital before taking one of the most scenic trains in the world to Flåm. Then, ferry across the Sognefjord and begin a road trip with several days of UNESCO-listed sites, hiking trails, and boat rides to get to Bergen—a seafaring city surrounded by seven hills.
This 8-day itinerary is a great way to experience a historic side of Norway that most visitors miss. Between the 8th and 11th centuries, Vikinger was a form of adventure, drawing plunderers but also poets, scholars, and traders. Starting and ending in Bergen, you'll travel through Viking-era settlements, islands, and fjords, including the former stomping grounds of one of the most famous Vikings of all: Eric Bloodaxe.
Steer a relaxing two-week course through Norway's spectacular landscapes from Jotunheimen National Park 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.
This road trip starts and ends in two of Norway's biggest cities, with outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking and rafting along the way. Designed for active travelers, this is a perfect excursion for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of Norway's great outdoors.
This zealous (yet relaxing) and unbelievably scenic 14-day itinerary checks off Norway's three biggest cities traveling by train, ferry, and fjord cruise for a true Scandinavian adventure. Start off in Norway's buzzing capital with its new waterfront promenade before you take one of the steepest trains in the world to the village of Flåm. You'll ferry through the longest fjord in Norway and explore Bergen on your own and with a local guide. From here, board the Hurtigruten—a mighty coastal steamer—stopping in the Art Nouveau city of Ålesund for a night. Back on the Hurtigruten, you'll sail to Trondheim by way of the Geirangerfjord and then return to Oslo by train for one last night on the town.
Get to the heart of Norway's spectacular scenery via trail and watercraft with this outdoorsy 7-day itinerary. Tour Bergen and catch a boat to the beautiful Hardangerfjord. Hike to the Trolltunga overlook, with views of Lake Ringedalsvatnet, and kayak in a section of Norway's longest and deepest fjord. Finally, jump on the Flåm Railway and make your way to Oslo for a taste of the fastest-growing capital in Europe.
Accomplish a stunning variety of trails on this active 9-day itinerary while staying in some of Norway's best cities. After an expert-curated tour of Oslo, take an overnight train to Stavanger—your gateway for legendary hikes in the Lysefjord: Pulpit Rock and Kjerag. Then, ferry to Bergen where you'll explore the city by foot culminating with a cruise (and hike) to a farm in the Hardangerfjord, nicknamed 'Queen of the Fjords'.
