Personalized trips to Norway
for independent travelers

How it works
Chat with specialist icon Step 1
Tell us what kind of trip you want
Complete our quick travel quiz
Chat icons Step 2
Chat with a local travel specialist
Work out the details together
Credit card icon Step 3
Securely book your trip
100% satisfaction guaranteed

Travelers love kimkim

- ., traveled to in

Introducing Norway

Similar in size to California, but with only five million people, Norway has plenty of open space to explore. Its unique fjords, mountains, and picturesque villages give this outdoor adventure paradise a unique character. 

When is the best time to visit?
Norway's latitude, with part of the country located north of the Arctic Circle, creates pronounced seasonal differences. Hike and cycle the Scandinavian landscapes, and experience the midnight sun during summer; go dogsledding, skiing, snowmobiling, and see the northern lights in winter. Learn more

Where to go in Norway?
The go-to destinations for many travelers are Bergen, the charming villages along the world-famous Sognefjord like Aurland and Balestrand, and the scenic Lofoten Islands. A cultural must-visit is the city of Oslo with its many museums and rich history, while Tromsø and Alta are ideal destinations to chase the Aurora Borealis in winter and the Midnight Sun in summer. There are also plenty of ways to experience Norway off the beaten path, with dramatic landscapes and rich culture around every corner.

How many days do I need?
Some visitors breeze through Norway in three days, and while you can quickly tour the country and get a feel for its natural scenery, we recommend planning a week or more to really take in all that it has to offer.

Getting Around Norway
It's common to use multiple modes of transport when exploring Norway. The "best way" to go depends on the region you're in and how far you're going. Ferries are great for witnessing the powerful fjords, while many of the national parks lend themselves well to road trips—and if you're heading all the way to the Arctic Circle, domestic flights are usually the way to go. Learn more

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days · 21 days

Norway Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
The pretty port city of Ålesund shines at dusk.
Map of Western Norway Fjord Road Trip - 8 Days
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.

The Sognefjord, nicknamed King of the Fjords.
Map of Explore Bergen, Fjords & Waterfalls - 5 Days
Explore Bergen, Fjords & Waterfalls - 5 Days

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.

Climb to Preikestolen, or 'Pulpit Rock' – a steep cliff above Lysefjorden
Map of Ultimate Norwegian Fjord Road Trip - 10 Days
Ultimate Norwegian 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.

A view of the "aurora borealis" near Tromsø, Norway.
Map of Norway Northern Lights Road Trip - 7 Days
Norway 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 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.

The historic Bryggen district along Bergen's picturesque wharf.
Map of Oslo to Bergen Fjord Adventure - 5 Days
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 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.

Ålesund is considered Norway's prettiest city, and rightfully so.
Map of Discover Norway by Train & Boat - 10 Days
Discover Norway by Train & Boat - 10 Days

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.

Make the Most of Your Time in Norway

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Explore the Lofoten Islands in Norway's north
How Many Days to Spend in Norway

With such a wide range of options to explore, Norway can easily keep most travelers occupied for weeks, if not months. That said, an epic itinerary can be covered in less time;...

Deep dive into Viking heritage with a tour that focuses on the seafaring people
Map of 1 Week in Norway - 7 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Norway - 7 Unique Itinerary Ideas

From down in the fjords up to the mountain peaks, Norway is full of sweeping vistas and stirring Viking tales. How to capture it all in a week? Hone in on your favorite region...

Norway Travel Essentials

All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip
Stunning Geirangerfjord
Best Time of Year To Visit Norway

Despite its northerly location, Norway is a fantastic destination any time of year. Summer brings the endless daylight of the midnight sun and warmer temperatures, making June...

Getting Off-the-Beaten-Path in Norway
Getting Off-the-Beaten-Path in Norway

Looking to get off-the-beaten-path in Norway? Here are a number of great ways to experience Norway like a local, from lesser-known coastal regions to scenic train routes to...

Norway Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Besseggen, Norway
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...

Ultimate Guide to Photography in Norway
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...

Norway Destination Guides

Detailed travel guides for the main regions of the country
Aerial view into the Geirangerfjord
Ultimate Guide to Norway's Fjords

There is perhaps no place on Earth that can rival the beauty of Norway's fjords—as if Odin himself carved out mountains, splattered waterfalls on his canvas, and then flooded...

Bergen's colorful architecture
24 Hours 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...

Norway Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Oslo
Amerikalinjen
4.9
(26)
· Luxury
Opened in 2019, this luxurious yet trendy boutique hotel pays homage to the ship that transported thousands of Norwegian immigrants to their new home in America during the 19th century—and that's just a nibble of the story that plays a larger part of the brand. Rooms have parquet floors and...
Balestrand
Dragsvik Fjordhotell
5.0
(16)
· Upscale
Dragsvik Fjordhotell is a seasonal, family-run property that sits on the idyllic shores of a narrow peninsula. This charming retreat offers guests fjord views in two directions as well as surrounding mountain views while being a short drive from Balestrand, close to the scenic Gaularfjellet...
Photo courtesy of Opus XVI
Bergen
Opus XVI
5.0
(14)
· Luxury
The polished 65-room Opus XVI boutique hotel is housed in a former bank from 1876, one of Bergen’s most famous historic buildings. After an extensive renovation was completed in 2018, there are sophisticated rooms that have warm tones and luxe amenities, with nods to the owners’ relative,...

Best Experiences in Norway

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Photo courtesy of Fjord Sauna
Flåm
Private Floating Sauna Experience
4.9
(29)
1.5 hours
·
Private
Indulge in a private floating sauna session, where you'll be greeted by a sauna master who will ensure your comfort and safety. Relax in the lux sauna floating atop the cold waters of the Aurlandsfjord, taking in the views via the panoramic windows. Alternate between the steamy 175°F (79°C) sauna...
Photo courtesy of Fjord Tours
kimkim gem
Balestrand
Cider Tasting with Food Pairing
5.0
(13)
1.5 hours
·
Small group
Immerse yourself in the world of cider with a guided 90-minute tasting and lunch at an organic orchard overlooking the Sognefjord, Norway's oldest fruit-growing region. You'll walk amid the family-run orchard with your host, learning about apple cultivation and cider-making traditions that date...
Bergen
Past & Present City Walk
4.9
(21)
2 hours
·
Group tour
Explore Bergen on a guided walk that takes a deep dive into the city's history and culture. Starting at the Rosenkrantz Tower inside the Bergenhus fortress, you'll delve into the city's royal and political past before exploring Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander narrow alleys in...

Our Latest Norway Content

Stay at a family-run fishing lodge-turned-boutique farmstay near Aurland (photo courtesy of 29|2 Aurland)
Map of Luxury Norwegian Fjords, Farms & Cities - 10 Days
Luxury Norwegian Fjords, Farms & Cities - 10 Days

This luxurious 10-day itinerary takes you west from Oslo to Bergen, checking off glassy fjords, verdant valleys, and some of the country's finest boutique hotels in between. After island hopping around the Norwegian capital, a wildly scenic journey on the Flåm Railway leads to the fjordside towns of Aurland and Balestrand, where you'll hike to hidden waterfalls, learn to fly fish in the pristine Aurland River, unwind in a floating sauna, and sip cider on the shores of the Sognefjord.

Wearing layers when you go out of doors, like to explore Norway's Lofoten islands, is key
How to Dress for Winter Activities in Norway

Winter in Norway is as beautiful as it is varied. Along the coast, salty winds meet misty rain and mild temperatures; inland, snow blankets deep forests and mountain valleys; and above the Arctic Circle, crisp nights reveal the northern lights dancing across the sky. With weather that can shift from drizzle to deep freeze in a single day, layering is your best strategy for comfort and warmth. Read on to learn how to dress for a wintry itinerary in Norway.

Check out panoramic views of Aurlandsfjord from Stegastein Viewpoint
Map of Discover Norway's Natural Wonders from West to North - 13 Days
Discover Norway's Natural Wonders from West to North - 13 Days

This 13-day road trip explores western and northern Norway's picturesque fjords, vibrant cities, and sparkling glaciers. Kick off in Bergen to stroll the historic waterfront and explore the seven mountains. From there, take another hike to Trolltunga and drive to Aurland for a forest trek and photos at the Stegastein viewpoint. Next is Fjærland, where you'll walk on the Haugabreen Glacier before flying to the Lofoten Islands. Finish the adventure with a self-guided tour of Tromsø, gateway to the Arctic.

Norway Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 5 Days in Norway  - 8 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Norway - 8 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 7 Days in Norway - 7 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Norway - 7 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 10 Days in Norway - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Norway - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Norway
Travel specialist Moonika Apart
active 2 mins ago

Moonika Apart

I’m originally from Tallinn, Estonia but I lived in Australia for 7 years, which was also the time when I travelled the world and visited over 50 countries. I LOVE travelling and it plays a big...

read more...
Travel specialist Linda Veråsdal
active 39 mins ago

Linda Veråsdal

I live part time in Norway and Gambia, and in-between I travel. The passion for exploring new places at the same time as doing it in a good and honest way, led me to the role I have to day....

read more...
Travel specialist Mathia Pacenti
active 13 mins ago

Mathia Pacenti

I am a passionate traveler who, after years of exploring our incredible planet, has fallen in love with Norway’s majestic landscapes. With experience as both a hotel receptionist and a guide, I...

read more...
Travel specialist Mar Quiñones
active 32 mins ago

Mar Quiñones

Hi! 
I'm Mar, a Mexican who loves to travel, explore the world, and see its incredible diversity. I deeply fell in love with Norway, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, whether in...

read more...

Related Destinations

Travelers who visit Norway also visit these destinations

Trip Reviews for Norway

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Great 9 Days in Norway for First Timers
Norway | Jul 12 - Jul 20, 2026

C
Chris M.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Aug 01, 2026
Everything was great and stress free. Would absolutely work with Mathia again if we come back to Norway in the future, which we intend to do. Accommodations were good, transportation was easy. Could not have gone better. Read more

Everything was great and stress free. Would absolutely work with Mathia again if we come back to Norway in the future, which we intend to do. Accommodations were good, transportation was easy. Could not have gone better.

Hotel Reviews
Heimen Hotel
Bergen
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kviknes Hotel
Balestrand
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vestlia Resort
Geilo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Thon Hotel Terminus
Oslo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Bergen Walking Tour With a Local Guide
Bergen Walking Tour With a Local Guide
Bergen
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Finnabotn RIB Tour
Finnabotn RIB Tour
Balestrand
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Train to Flåm -> Ferry to Balestrand
Train to Flåm -> Ferry to Balestrand
Norway
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Mathia Pacenti
Mathia
Mathia Pacenti
Local specialist in Vesterålen, Norway | Replied on Aug 01, 2026
Dear Chris,
Thank you very much for your wonderful review. It truly means a lot to know that your journey through Norway was smooth, stress-free, and lived up to your expectations.
It was a real pleasure helping you plan your adventure, and I'm delighted that the accommodations, transportation, and every part of the itinerary came together so well.
I’m especially happy to hear that you’re already thinking about returning to Norway. There is still so much more to discover, and I would be...
Read more

Dear Chris,
Thank you very much for your wonderful review. It truly means a lot to know that your journey through Norway was smooth, stress-free, and lived up to your expectations.
It was a real pleasure helping you plan your adventure, and I'm delighted that the accommodations, transportation, and every part of the itinerary came together so well.
I’m especially happy to hear that you’re already thinking about returning to Norway. There is still so much more to discover, and I would be honored to help you plan your next adventure whenever the time comes.
I wish you and your family all the best. :)
Mathia

Knowledgeable, quick to respond, and invaluable in a jam
Norway | Jul 19 - Jul 27, 2026

Anne
Anne K.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jul 28, 2026
Mathia was a huge help in planning my two weeks in Norway. First he helped me book just the exact right cruise out of Bergen on Havila when I was struggling to figure out how to do only part of the coastal route. When only an interior cabin was available, he monitored the bookings and secured a newly available cabin with window with no prompting from me. Then he re-routed our rental car pickup in Lofoten to be there when we disembarked, saving us from expensive taxi rides. And finally,... Read more

Mathia was a huge help in planning my two weeks in Norway. First he helped me book just the exact right cruise out of Bergen on Havila when I was struggling to figure out how to do only part of the coastal route. When only an interior cabin was available, he monitored the bookings and secured a newly available cabin with window with no prompting from me.

Then he re-routed our rental car pickup in Lofoten to be there when we disembarked, saving us from expensive taxi rides.

And finally, he showed us around his home island of Vesterhålen when we realized how close we were. It was a treat to meet him after so much electronic correspondence, and even better to get a personal guide for a bit.

I would recommend Mathia to anyone planning a trip to Norway!

Local specialist: Mathia Pacenti
Mathia
Mathia Pacenti
Local specialist in Vesterålen, Norway | Replied on Jul 29, 2026
Dear Anne and Lars,
Thank you very much for your incredibly kind words.
It was truly a pleasure helping you plan your journey through Norway. I'm especially happy we managed to secure the cabin with a window and make the rental car arrangements work smoothly. Sometimes it's those little details behind the scenes that make a real difference to the travel experience.
Meeting you both in person on Hadseløya was a real highlight for me. Sharing a small part of my home in Vesterålen with you made...
Read more

Dear Anne and Lars,
Thank you very much for your incredibly kind words.
It was truly a pleasure helping you plan your journey through Norway. I'm especially happy we managed to secure the cabin with a window and make the rental car arrangements work smoothly. Sometimes it's those little details behind the scenes that make a real difference to the travel experience.
Meeting you both in person on Hadseløya was a real highlight for me. Sharing a small part of my home in Vesterålen with you made the experience even more special, and I'm delighted you enjoyed exploring the island together.
I wish you many wonderful travel memories, and I hope Norway will welcome you back again one day. :)
Mathia

Norway Adventure: Ålesund, Bergen, & Oslo
Norway | Jul 4 - Jul 12, 2026

V
Victoria L.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jul 27, 2026
Everything was wonderful! We especially loved the guides - Katrina and Kristina. They were so nice and knowledgeable. Katrina (in Bergen) had a great list of restaurants, and we really loved the lunch spot, but the one we checked out for dinner sort of "shooed" us away. Maybe they were having a private event. It was a Norwegian restaurant with a hunting vibe. I don't remember the name of the restaurant. The hotel in Bergen was so worth it! We hung out in the great lobby, and the... Read more

Everything was wonderful! We especially loved the guides - Katrina and Kristina. They were so nice and knowledgeable. Katrina (in Bergen) had a great list of restaurants, and we really loved the lunch spot, but the one we checked out for dinner sort of "shooed" us away. Maybe they were having a private event. It was a Norwegian restaurant with a hunting vibe. I don't remember the name of the restaurant.

The hotel in Bergen was so worth it! We hung out in the great lobby, and the bartender, Anders, was so friendly! We even checked out the sauna in the basement - my girls have never checked out the sauna.

The towns we visited were wonderful! Ålesund was beautiful and we enjoyed their art museum. The Art Nouveau buildings were fantastic! Thanks to your local contact here, we arranged to stay an extra day because we missed the Fjord boat - poor planning on our part. Geirangerfjord was so worth it - even though we had to buy another trip and another hotel night. Loved every minute of it!

I could probably have done without the giant Jet ski ride - would rather have kayaked. The guide though was a good driver and very friendly. I would add that the tourists in Alesund along with the locals did stare a lot at my daughter - she's from New York and an alternative dresser! - but I did read on Reddit that the smaller towns have a "staring problem", haha.

Oslo was a great city - enjoyed the Munch museum so much! (Nobody stared either) I think it is my new favorite museum! Kristina steered us to a less-traveled part of the main drag, and we found an amazing Italian restaurant. It was fun being there during the World Cup as well! We captured some amazing photos - both my daughters are wonderful photographers. I'll try to send you a link to my album!

Thanks for everything, Taylor! You did a fantastic job!

Local specialist: Taylor Hook

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan
Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.