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.
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.
This unique, hands-on 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, drive your own sleigh, and help take care of the dogs before falling asleep in cozy cabins—or staying up to search for the Northern Lights.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Far too many travelers think of Oslo as a stopover on their journeys west or north, but the picturesque port city is more than a transit point. Take a few days to explore and you’ll find it’s the perfect mix of traditional and trendy, old-fashioned and hip. Who knows? You may even find yourself falling in love with Norway’s capital. Follow these tips to experience the best of Oslo in one perfect day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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'.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.