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 indoor and outdoor child-oriented activities. 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 five 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 you'll 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 toward 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 5-12 miles a day off the beaten path, and immerse yourself in the crisp natural landscapes of the Land of the midnight sun.
Expect uninterrupted snowscapes and northern lights sightings on this Arctic adventure. The trip starts in Tromsø, the "Paris of the North," and your base for several snow activities. Then set sail on the Hurtigruten to the Lofoten Islands before heading to Trondheim, the UNESCO-listed village called Røros, and finally a night in cosmopolitan Oslo.
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 activities like hiking, biking, and sea kayaking. You'll explore everything from tiny fjord-side villages to diverse cities like Oslo, Bergen, Ålesund, and Trondheim.
This fast-paced winter trip through Norway's icy north features a stack of unique Arctic activities and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Each day presents another opportunity for unreal snowy views and a connection with local culture. Snorkel with orcas, dogsled with a team of huskies, stay overnight in an Indigenous Sámi tent, and best of all, get multiple chances to see the northern lights—including on horseback.
Make your way through some of Scandinavia's most spectacular landscapes and connect with Norwegian culture in the two biggest cities on this 10-day trip. It starts with a train ride from Oslo that connects you to a three-day trek in the brilliant Aurlandsdalen Valley. From here, ride a scenic ferry to Bergen via the famous Sognefjord, then grab a rental car to make your way to coastal villages and mountain towns on your way back to the capital.
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 relaxing summer itinerary checks off Norway's three biggest cities, traveling by train, ferry, and fjord cruise for a true Scandinavian adventure. Spend a night in the Art Nouveau city of Ålesund, explore cultural sites and cool neighborhoods with a guide, and take advantage of great hiking, biking, and stand-up paddleboarding along the way.
Wilder, greener, and more remote than the Lofoten Islands (though you'll have a night here, too), those who come to the Vesterålen archipelago will have access to hiking trails, peaceful beaches, rock formations, and seaside teeming with whales, not to mention extended daylight hours to soak it in by land and sea. Finish with an overnight coastal steamer to Tromsø —a lively city nicknamed 'Paris of the North'.
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 (the 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 Sámi 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 of 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 and 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 with this action-packed 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 city of Ålesund, famous for its Art Nouveau architecture. Continue the journey to coastal islands and narrow fjords toward 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.
This popular 10-day trip loops around southern Norway, mixing scenery, outdoor adventure, and history. Starting in Bergen, you'll hop on a bus to the pretty port of Stavanger, then ride a ferry through the Lysefjord to hike the longest wooden stairway in the world. Continuing east, visit charming island towns along the southern coast, then board a train to Oslo, Europe's fastest-growing capital. End the adventure with a ride on the Flåm Railway and boat across Norway's longest and deepest fjord.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 in Oslo before taking a scenic train and ferry to the fjord-side village of Balestrand. Continue north to Fjærland before getting on another boat—this time to Bergen, a historic wharf city and home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This self-drive trip through western Norway offers history, amazing scenery, and even guided hikes—all while staying in some of Norway's best family-run hotels. Start with a local tour of Bergen, and then drive north to explore Norway's two biggest fjords. Finish the adventure with a ferry ride across the Lusterfjord to a UNESCO-listed stave church built in the 12th century.
This five-day itinerary hits key summer spots using various means of transportation for a true Nordic adventure. You'll start off in Bergen, the country's second largest city, 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.
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.
Pack your warmest winter clothes and head to the far north to experience the beauty and mystery of the Northern Lights and the peaceful communities that bear them witness. Spend your days frolicking in the snow and your nights hunting the aurora borealis from towns and fjords. Start and end the trip in Tromsø, a lively city known for its culture and restaurants.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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