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Ultimate Norway Travel Guide with 20 Essential Norway Travel Tips for 2024

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: February 20, 2024

Categories Europe

Oh hello! Me again!!! I know, too soon but what can I say, I like to write, especially when it comes to a super-savvy Norway travel guide filled with uber useful Norway travel tips that you’re gonna love!

Because right now, the cosmos are telling me that you’re trying to plan the perfect Norway itinerary (furiously waving hands mystically so I look like a psychic).

Well, Fab! Because t rust me, you’re gonna love it. And you don’t need to go broke when you travel to Norway either, contrary to popular belief.

But, let’s keep it real. Because whenever you visit a new country, you make mistakes. It’s inevitable. You have no idea how traveling to Norway works and will have some epic, “whoopsie” moments in the process.

Which is good. Because I mean who wants to vacation in a place that is exactly like home? Well, maybe some people but not this chick right here. I like to take chances, make mistakes, and let things happen (a la the Magic School Bus).

And although some mistakes are cute and totally innocent, some are Grand Canyon level problems that will needlessly stress you out as you travel through Norway.

And in good old, Girl with the Passport fashion…I made a ton of Norway travel mistakes and stressed out about them for you (Hello anxiety, we meet again).  Shocking… to no one ever since I attract catastrophe like cheese attracts a mouse.

Actually, wait. That’s a lie. Mice don’t actually like cheese but whatev. You know what I’m throwin’ down. I digress though.

Basically ,  I’m about to get down and dirty and reveal my biggest travel blunders while I was destroying, I mean touring, the insanely beautiful, safe, and friendly Scandinavian country of…Norway (insert drum roll here).

So onwards and upwards, to some Norway travel tips that don’t suck! And, a warm welcome to the whimsical world of Norway travel. Because there are so many beautiful places in Norway that it’s kind of hard to know where to start when planning a trip to Norway.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my  disclosure  for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

1. Underestimating the Sheer Size of Norway

With a population of just 5.3 million people, it’s easy to think that Norway is a tiny country that is super easy to get around.

But that assumption would be totally wrong! Yeah, that’s a total lie, as you can clearly see in the detailed Norway map above.

In reality, all those gorgeous Norwegian fjords and mountains, that make for exquisite Instagram selfies (kidding), are the same geographic boundaries that impede all of your attempts to travel Norway.

Therefore, when planning a trip to Norway, a lways give yourself plenty of time to get from one Norwe gian town to the next. I mean, between ferry rides across fjords and epic train journeys, you may spend your entire vacation actively traveling in Norway and not actually seeing anything.

And as much I love traveling, sleeping on a train for the duration of my vacation is not my idea of a good time.

I mean, did you know that the distance between Oslo and the Northernmost portions of Norwegian Lapland, is the same as the distance between Oslo and  Rome Italy ?

Yeah, I didn’t know that either!! So, the moral of the story? Give yourself plenty of time to travel Norway and plan accordingly.

Fun Little Factoid: Just in case you’re not in the know, Norway is a country in Scandanavia (A sub-region of Europe that includes Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. It’s also sometimes defined more broadly to include Finland and Iceland too) and has a population of around 5.2 million people – a place that is routinely named one of the top countries to visit/live in the world.

2. Assuming Everything in Norway is Insanely Expensive

When reading a Norway travel guide and planning a trip to Norway, the first thing that people wonder is, “ Is Norway expensive to travel to ?”

And while I don’t consider Norway to be cheap, which is why you’ll definitely need this guide to Oslo on a budget , I also wasn’t dumpster diving just to find my next meal.

So what’s the truth? Is Norway expensive? Well no, if you use common sense and these money-saving tips.

So instead of taking a taxi, use public transportation. Instead of eating out for lunch, buy something at the supermarket Instead of renting a hotel room, try and book an overnight train trip. Instead of buying water, bring a water bottle.

Get the Idea?

In fairness though, I may be a bit bias since I live in New York and everything there is like Richie Rich level expensive.

However ,  I was able to find a hotel room for $70 a night, at one of the best hotels in Bergen Norway (Augustin hotel) so clearly, a soda doesn’t always cost $10 a can.

Full disclosure though? That was at the end of April which is still considered the offseason. So things are probably very different during the high season when Bergen is flooded with four cruise ships daily.

Pro Tip: Eating out in Norway can get expensive fast! Therefore, one of my top Norway travel tips is to do like the locals do and get some meals from the local grocery store.

Unlike many other European countries, Norway doesn’t have a culture where they go out to eat ALL THE TIME. Also watch out when buying those souvenirs from Norway . They can be pricey.

3. Buying Food at a Convenience Store or Gas Station when Roadtripping Norway

No, no, a thousand times no. This is honestly one of my biggest Norway travel tips.

Whatever you do, back away from the store, unless you need some gas. Then buy away,

But Seriously. The prices of food and drinks at these places are not convenient in any way, shape, or form. And by no means are they helping you travel Norway cheap.

Therefore, when traveling through Norway, Stock up on goodies at the supermarket so that you can avoid the insanely inflated prices that these places offer.

Unless of course,  you’re Mr. Monopoly and have money to burn when planning a trip to Norway. Then my friend, stay classy and rock on.

4. Not Wearing Sunscreen

I feel like most people assume that when you’re in Nordic countries, the sun doesn’t really exist. It’s almost like you believe that the sun won’t hurt you because you are at such a high latitude.

Sorry, wrong answer. That’s why my general rule is that if you can see the sun, then it can burn you. At least, that’s true for me. Although, I’m so pale that I’m practically see-through. So I may be an exception.

But in general, It’s always a good idea to wear sunscreen when you’re out in the sun all day, even if it’s cloudy because yes, you can get burned through the clouds (been there, done that. It’s a talent really).

I mean, you don’t have to bathe in sunscreen but a little extra never hurts. And if you hate sunscreen (the fewer liquids I travel with the better), you can always rock a super awesome hat like this.

5. Not Considering Winter Closures

Between the roads and attractions, a lot of things can be shut down during the winter.

And it makes sense. Because if you have 3 hours of sunlight and 12 feet of snow outside then chances are, no one is gonna risk life and limb just to hang out at a local museum.

But, this general Norway travel tip applies to off-season too! Because technically speaking, high season runs from the beginning of May through the end of September.

Therefore, travel through Norway during high season and you can expect large crowds, although everything will be open.

However, If you’re like me and visit in April, even if the weather is nice, most attractions will be closed or running on a more limited, winter schedule.

This means that while the crowds will be light and the hotel prices will be cheap, you won’t get to see as much. But a much better scenario than the soul-crushing hordes of tourists that descend, like locusts, upon Bergen in the summer.

That’s why for me, t he best time to travel to Norway is in the off-season (October – April) because yes, I am an anti-social, recluse of sorts. Not Howard Highs bad, but on that spectrum.

Another added perk is that depending on where you go, you might even be able to see the northern lights while travelling in Norway.

6. Assuming You’ll Only Eat Fish

Okay, so while Norway is known for its love of fish , especially the dried and salted variety, Norwegian cuisine has come a long way since the days of old.

Yes, my friends.If you are a vegan or a vegetarian or just hate eating fish, you’re in luck (dollar, dollar bills y’all) because there are still a ton of things for you to eat.

Why? Most restaurants have hopped on the pop-culture bandwagon and embrace current dietary trends. That’s why many restaurants now offer at least a veggie burger of sorts on their menu.

Me? I’m the vegetarian weirdo who travels to Norway and tries Ethiopian food for the first time.

No regrets though. I loved eating with my hands and yes, the food was amazing (nom, nom, nom). So head to the Horn of Africa (in Bergen) because it’s worth it (dare I say finger-licking good?).

Pro Tip: Although I personally am not into the fishy goodness, Norway is known for having the BEST salmon and actually introduced the food to the Japanese in the 1980s. Therefore, be sure to try some quality salmon as you travel through Norway. Sure, it’s not cheap. But it’s delicious and will be a truly authentic Norwegian meal.

7. Taking Your Bag Into a Museum With You

Yeah no. This is a total party foul. In Norway, you do NOT take your backpack with you, into a museum.

Nope! Instead, you place your bag in a locker and walk around the museum empty-handed.

Why? No idea. I bet it has something to do with not damaging priceless artifacts around you. Just heed this Norway travel advice and don’t be like me and go all the way to the basement to pee, come back up to the entrance, to just to go right back down to the basement because you forgot to put your belongings in a locker.

Some other sage advice when planning a trip to Norway? In most hotels, the electricity will only go on when you place your keycard in the designated keycard holder.

Seriously. I don’t know how many times I almost broke my toe while frantically feeling my way to the door. Yeah, crashing into door frames and sporting black eyes at breakfast is not the way you want to start your trip to Norway.

Therefore, don’t scramble around trying to, go towards the light (LoL. Terrible but I had to). Just place your keycard in the holder and all will be right with the world.

8. Not Considering How Long (or short) the Days Are

Now, this all depends on how far north you go, but no matter where you are in Norway, the days are probably way shorter, or longer than you’re used to.

Yup, t ypically in the winter, the sun will rise around 10 am and set around 3 pm. Therefore, this natural occurrence can really cramp your style if you’re doing a bunch of outdoor activities.

Therefore, use this list of Norway travel tips to help you plan accordingly and do anything outdoors during daylight hours.

Also, remember that some people’s moods can be affected by the lack of light. Me? Not so much.

Truth be told though, I think I’d have a harder time in the summer, trying to sleep when the sun was still up.

Asa result, just be aware of it and you should be totally fine. It just really throws off your sense of time and you generally feel like it’s way earlier or later than it actually is.

9. Not Booking Hotels or Train Tickets in Advance

When I was booking my tickets planning a trip to Norway, I was shocked at how quickly everything filled up.

I mean sure, this would be no surprise during the busy summer months, but I was going in the offseason!

Well, guess what?  A lot of other people think this way too. As a result, train tickets and hotel rooms can book up fast.

That’s why, one of my Norway travel tips is to try and book your train tickets/hotel rooms at least 90 days in advance, just to be safe.

Plus, if you do this, you’ll score cheaper train tickets since you’re planning so far in advance. Actually, you can really only buy train tickets up to 90 days in advance but whatever.

Just remember that the quicker you book things, the better.

10. Not Cleaning Up After Yourself

So I feel like, in Norway, there is more social consciousness. People just seem to be more aware of their actions and how they affect society as a whole.

The result? Lights will only turn on when someone is in the room, people at buffets are encouraged not to waste food, and people actually clean up food they drop on public transportation.

Crazy Right? Maybe I’m just used to the inability of New Yorkers to take care of communal spaces, but I was stunned to see some dude actually picking up bits of his sandwich that fell on the tram floor.

Legit, I felt like I was on another planet where total slobs are shamed into appreciating and yes, even caring for public spaces (Not a bad thing to conform to).

Seriously, New Yorkers need to step up their game because we’re disgusting. Instead of cleanliness, we have rats the size of cats just chillin’ in our subway stations like, “Yo ma, pass me that pizza would ya?”

That’s why, if you’re travelling in Norway, be prepared to clean up after yourself.

11. Cash Is Optional

I’ve noticed this before, but you really don’t need cash in Norway, at least not in the populated areas where I was.

A Debit card? You betcha since some transactions require a pin number. But in general, I didn’t exchange any cash because I didn’t need to. I mean, even the public transportation ticket machines take cards. So yeah, I kind of felt like, “Ehh…what’s the point?”

Therefore, no need to exchange cash you’ll never need again (I know you’ll really miss those insanely high fees for transferring from one currency to the next).

Instead, embrace this ever-growing no cash trend and feel the financial freedom (I sound like a cheesy credit card commercial).

In truth though, there was one locker that required change, but I borrowed a coin from the museum admission desk and it was totally fine.

Pro Tip: Just in case you’re not sure, Norway does NOT use the Euro as its currency since they are a part of the EEA or European Economic Area. Therefore, don’t try to pay for things in Euros. Instead, use the local currency of the Norwegian Kroner (NDK). But as I said, you can use a card to pay for just about everything.

12. Trying to See Fjords and the Northern Lights in Oslo

Yeah, I hate to burst your bubble, but the Northern Lights won’t be dancing around the entirety of Norway in the winter.

One of those Norway travel tips that is sad but totally true. Especially since not only do you need clear skies, but you also need to be near the Arctic Circle in places like Tromso to see the Northern Lights , at least if you want to see them at their most vibrant.

But just know that even if you are near the Arctic Circle, this still doesn’t guarantee that you will see these natural beauties.

I mean, sure, I was personally above the Arctic Circle. But,the Northern Lights I saw were kind of crappy. Nothing like the advertisements that leave you in awe of all the vibrant colors and lights magically swirling through the sky (we call this photo editing).

Similarly, you also won’t be seeing any jaw-droppingly beautiful fjords in Oslo either.

Sorry but fjords and the stunning topography that they create are only found on the Western coast of Norway (Bergen is a great place to see them).

Therefore, when planning a trip to Norway, you can’t just fly into Oslo and witness a stunning array of fjords that stretch out as far as the eye can see. Sorry but I just don’t want you to be totally disappointed when you get to Oslo and find no fjords insight.

13. Trolls are Everywhere!

Between the playgrounds, street art, statues, and souvenir shops, you will literally find a troll around every corner.

And they are super creepy! Trust me these aren’t the cute, 90s troll dolls with jewels in their belly that you could rub and make a wish.

Nope. They must be found in some traditional, Norwegian folklore because they are everywhere.

Sure ,  I find them totally weird, but clearly, other people do not. Plus, people generally consider most of what I do pretty odd so who am I to judge?

 14. Say No to Tipping

Norwegians are so nice that I literally had a waiter return the tip I left him.

Shocking but true!

And then when I tried to convince him to take it, he just smiled and told me that if people do tip, it’s only 5%.

But, he quickly reiterated to me that no tip was necessary and graciously thanked me for my patronage.

Yeah, talk about being a world away from waiters in New York City who will practically spit on you if you leave them anything less than 20%. But lesson learned.

15. Not Spending Enough Time in Nature

Look, Norway is known for a plethora of things, but its magnificent cities aren’t one of them.

Don’t get me wrong! I’m not knocking the cities in Norway. They have their own distinctive charm and appeal. But if they were totally chaotic mega centers of urban life then Norway would lose some of its natural appeal.

No, on the whole, Norway is known for its stunning natural beauty, which is why you should definitely do a Norway in a Nutshell tour while you are in the region.

Between the fjords, majestic rivers, and snow-capped mountains, this country is truly a playground for any and all outdoor enthusiasts.

Therefore, get out of the city and experience all of the best hikes in Norway ! Because no matter what you like, there is something for you in this stunning landscape.

I mean, you name it and they have it since you can go zip-lining, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, not so strenuous hiking (for this chick right here), river cruising, and so much more.

And trust me, if this city slicker can find a way to enjoy nature then anyone can!

You’ll also love the fact that most national parks and outdoor locations are totally free for visitors to use since Norwegians believe that all people should have free access to public lands.

Yup, three solid cheers for Norway. Hip, hip, hooray!

Pro Tip: Because of the very Norwegian idea of  “Allemannsretten”, or the fundamental right of every person to public access, you can pretty much pitch a tent just about anywhere you want in Norway – unless a sign explicitly says not to. So, one of my many Norway travel tips would be to live it up, go wild camping and embrace the Norwegian love of the great outdoors. Just be respectful, clean up after yourself, and leave no trace behind.

16. Polar Bears Will NOT Be Wandering With You Through the Streets

Umm, I feel like this is one of those Norway travel tips that didn’t need to be explicitly stated. But I guess I do since I’ve had more than one person ask me if they will meet any polar bears as they frolic through the streets of Norway.

So yeah, obviously I need to clarify a few things when planning a trip to Norway. Actually, I don’t need to clarify much since there’s a pretty short answer to the above question.

And that answer is no. In fact, there aren’t any wild polar bears on the mainland of Norway at all! Yeah, if you actually want to see some polar bears in their natural habitat, then you’ll need to fly all the way to Svalbard, a super cool archipelago that sits smack dab in between mainland Norway and the North Pole.

Because in this place? Well, there are actually more polar bears than people. That being said though, polar bears still like to steer clear of people, and incidents of polar bears actually mauling people is super rare.

17. Assuming Nobody Speaks English

Although English may not be widely spoken in many other parts of the world, it’s definitely spoken just about everywhere in Norway.

Therefore, when planning a trip to Norway, don’t feel like you HAVE to know Norwegian to chat with the locals.

Is it nice to know a few phrases and to show respect for people’s culture? Absolutely. So one of my many Norway travel tips would be to learn at least a few common Norwegian phrases before traveling to Norway.

But don’t feel intimidated and like you can’t chat with people if you don’t know Norwegian because the vast majority of Norwegians know English.

They may be a little shy about chatting with you in their non-native language, but most locals can probably understand you and help you with any questions you might have.

18. Don’t Be Scared! Norway is Super Safe!

Like most of the countries in Scandinavia, Norway is super safe. In fact, Norway is known for being one of the safest countries in the world since crime rates are exceptionally low – even in major urban centers like Bergan, Oslo, and Stavanger.

Does that mean you should wander around flashing large wads of cash and throw caution to the wind? No. Still take all the usual precautions when visiting a major urban area.

But, you definitely don’t need to gird your loins and freak out if you have to walk alone down the street in the middle of the night. Yeah, the vast majority of crimes in Norway are non-violent burglaries, so no need to worry, especially if you are traveling alone.

Pro Tip: Like in most major European cities, when planning a trip to Norway, watch out for pickpockets when traveling to large, touristy areas throughout the summer months. It’s still safe but it’s not unheard of for people to get pickpocketed.

19. Don’t Get A Taxi If You Are On A Budget

In Norway locals will very rarely take a taxi and with good reason. Before you ask, it isn’t because the taxis are not safe. Quite the contrary. Taxis in Norway are safe and clean. They are also easily accessible from the airports. The problem however is the cost associated with the taxi. 

A short drive could run up a tab of over 50 euros and in some cases that could even cross 150 euros. Now if you don’t mind the splurge that’s fine but for many locals, they prefer not to. Another reason why Norwegians don’t bother with the cabs is because the public transport is excellent and so much cheaper!

20. Be Flexible When Planning Your Itinerary

No matter whether you plan your itinerary during the peak season or during the shoulder season (or even off season) you will find that the weather in Norway is rather unpredictable. You may have checked the forecast the day before and have woken up to pouring rain. Obviously outdoor activities in this kind of weather would not really be fun.

Given how unpredictable the weather is, it is always good to have a backup plan. Museums and indoor activities are always a good bet. Another good tip is to add an extra day or two to your itinerary in a place that you really want to do something. That way if it does rain, you know you still have time to catch your bucket list item the next day.

This is also very true when it comes to spotting the Northern lights. You can’t always be certain you will see them, so give yourself a few days so that you don’t miss the view of a lifetime!

Must-See Attractions in Norway

1. vikingskipshuset.

Located in Oslo, this amazing museum showcases three Viking ships that were hauled ashore 1,100 years ago and used in elaborate burial riituals.

These ceremonial burial sites were the final resting place of the vessels and a trove of worldly possessions meant to serve the deceased in the afterlife.

So, items found at the site include food, clothes, furniture, chariots, weapons, and even dogs for companionship.

Excavated in the region of Oslofjord during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these artifacts, along with the ships, were meticulously conserved.

They sit inside this gorgeous museum and stand as a poignant window into the world of the Vikings.

Among the trio of ships, each named for their discovery sites—Oseberg, Gokstad, and Tune—the Oseberg ship is the most grand since is home to a ton of cool Viking-age artifacts.

The Gokstad measures 24 meters in length and was crafted around 890. It is well-preserved and is the quintessential model of a Viking longship.

Then there’s the smaller Tune ship, with only fragments remaining.

So, be sure to visit when you are in Oslo and use a complimentary audio guide to get the most out of your visit. Just know that the museum isn’t set to reopen until 2026.

2. Trollstigen

Another one of the most beautiful places in Norway is Trollstigen. Meaning “Troll’s ladder” in English, this iconic road is a marvel of engineering that zigzags dramatically through 11 switchbacks with a steep 1:12 incline.

Opened in 1936 and built over eight years, it traverses the mountainside, offering motorists a thrilling drive—especially when rain transforms the cliffs into a veil of waterfalls.

Traffic often narrows to a single lane, adding to the appeal of this journey for adrenaline junkies who are looking for the most scenic drives in Norway.

At its peak, architectural wonders of rusted steel and concrete have been erected, providing a stark contrast to the wild terrain.

Visitors can even stand on one of the seemingly floating platforms that sit along the road and enjoy sweeping views of the area.

Spanning a distance of about 38km, the drive connects Valldal to Andalsnes and meanders through Reinheimen National Park.

This park is another must-see place in Norway since wild reindeer roam throughout the area. Just know that the road is only open seasonally from late May through mid-October, depending on the snow.

3. Magdalenefjord

The stunning bay of Magdalenefjord in Nordvest Spitsbergen is encircled by a series of majestic peaks and gorgeous glaciers that make it a great place to stop along the western coast of Spitsbergen in Svalbard.

Visit on a day when the sun shines bright, or during the onset of storm clouds, and you might just feel like you’re in Arctic heaven.

Most of the time, the area is visited during extended cruise excursions. After all, visitors love learning about Magdalenefjord’s links to the Dutch whaling industry in the 17th century.

In fact, remnants of old blubber-boiling stations can still be seen at Graveneset, near the fjord’s entrance. You can also marvel at the well-preserved graves of whalers that are dotted around the area.

4. Nidaros Domkirke

Stop by Trondheim and experience the awesome beauty of Nidaros Domkirke.

It is the most extensive medieval structure in Scandinavia and represents the northernmost extension of Gothic architecture in Europe.

The cathedral’s external west wall is a marvel of ornamentation, featuring Biblical statues depicting scripture alongside notable Norwegian bishops and monarchs.

Many of these are recreations of original medieval works, now preserved in a nearby museum.

A notable element of the church is the colorful stained glass adorning the rose window on the cathedral’s western side.

Central to the cathedral is the altar, marking the burial site of St. Olav, the former Viking ruler who introduced Christianity to largely pagan Norwegians.

The initial stone cathedral dates back to 1153, with the existing crossing and chapter house being completed between 1130 and 1180.

Below, the crypt there are an array of medieval gravestones, with most restored from fragments.

Visitors are free to explore, with guided tours offered from early June through August. I suggest doing one since it will allow you to better appreciate the historical significance of this magical place.

If you can, visit during an organ recital so that you can enjoy some beautiful music. Afterward, climb the tower’s 172 steps (open from mid-June through mid-August) for excellent views of Trondheim.

5. Atlanterhavsveien

The Atlantic Ocean Road, a short stretch of highway that is barely 8km long. It marries engineering prowess with natural grandeur while connecting 17 islets via bridges above the churning sea below.

The route features sweeping views that are only enhanced by vibrant fall foliage during the autumn season. You can also see whales and seals just off-shore if you visit at the right time of year

So, whether you start from Molde, and go through the town of Bud, or start from the north, and go through Kristiansund via a subsea tunnel, it’s one of the most beautiful drives in Norway.

Plus, the route is dotted with elegant viewpoints at Eldhusøya’s walkable island and Askevågen’s glass-fronted platform.

However, the real highlight of any visit is the Storseisund Bridge since it contorts elegantly across a dramatic stretch of road from Eide to Averøy.

Expert Tip: If you don’t want to drive along the road then you can use Eide Auto buses to visit. They run all year long and connect Molde with Kristiansund all year long.

Five buses operate daily from Monday to Friday, with two on Saturday, and one on Sunday. The trip will take a little over two hours.

Norway Travel Guide FAQs

What is the best month to go to norway.

The best months to go to Norway are June, July, and August. This is when most roads and hiking trails are open for the summer.

Plus, the days are longer and the temperatures are warm, allowing you to head outside and enjoy the stunning landscape all around you.

How Many Days in Norway is Enough?

If you’re planning a Norway itinerary try to spend at least 5 days in the country. This way you can enjoy some of the best things to do in Norway without feeling overwhelmed and rushed.

Is Norway Friendly to Americans?

Yes, Norway is friendly to Americans. Americans are more than welcome and most people in Norway speak fluent English.

Plus, most locals are happy to help you if you get a little lost or have a question about something.

Is Norway Expensive to Visit?

Yes, Norway is a very expensive place to visit. However, you can save money by doing a lot of hiking or by enjoying some of the free things in Norway.

You could also rent a campervan and save money on hotels that way.

Well cool kids, that just about wraps up this epic Norway travel guide and my 18 super sweet Norway travel tips.

I hope you now have everything you need for planning a trip to norway and feel like you’re ready to travel through norway like a total pro.   , and if you found this post even a little bit useful, feel free to pin this now so that you can read it again later.

Jonny Gridseth

Monday 3rd of May 2021

A well written article. I´m Norwegian, from outskirt of Aalesund. Now retired in Portugal. It´s a good idea to book hotel or Airbnb in advance. When covid-19 is over everyting, probably full booked. As you say, avoid food from gas stations. Very expencive and bad. If you are on the road, buy food at supermakets with discount. You find a listing of them on internet. Enjoy Norway without ruin yourself

girlwiththepassport

Thank you so much Jonny! Such great advice and I always love visiting Norway! I hope I can visit again some day soon!

Benzini Campers

Saturday 20th of February 2021

Finally different and unique content about travelling Norway! Thank you for sharing your tips. I think I´m gonna share it further since everybody should know this before visiting.

Tuesday 23rd of February 2021

Thanks so much for reading.

Tuesday 30th of June 2020

Thanks! Hoping to travel there for the first time this year.

Also sorry that some people think it’s ok to be so ridiculously rude to you when all you’re doing is trying to help people have a good trip.

Thanks again for your help!

Thursday 2nd of July 2020

Aww, thanks Ness. That is so nice to hear. And I hope you have an amazing trip. I absolutely loved Norway. And yeah, I don't really get it since it's free and if they don't like it they 100% do not have to read my blog. Hope your trip works out and stay safe!

Ilnorme Phillips

Saturday 15th of February 2020

Beautiful Country

Sunday 16th of February 2020

totally agree!

AnotherSoloFemaleTravelerButWhoCares

Sunday 19th of January 2020

I mean, sure, you do like to travel and give tips but man, those things are on Captain Obvious level. I am sure you can do better than "Oh btw you need to plan in advance" and that you should find supermarkets for lower prices. Who could have guessed that they could save money by not eating out every day? And who goes to a country without looking at the map to determine the best route and how much would it take to get around? If you go there to see the Northern Lights, the first thing you google is "where to see Northern Lights" in case you've missed your 3rd grade Geography classes, so unless you have no common sense whatsoever, you know they don't have fjords and NL in Oslo. Most of the things are valid for the majority of the European countries, so it would be a good tip to clean-up after yourself no matter where you are, you know - good ol' manners and shite. And really - you are giving tips on how not be broke after Norway and don't even mention Airbnb and Couchsurfing? If you want to be useful you don't write vague BS, you include specific details. Even describing how to open Google Street View to check the route between your drop off point and your place to stay would have been more useful.

Sunday 12th of June 2022

@AnotherSoloFemaleTravelerButWhoCares, Wow! Why are you so rude? I've travelled all over the world for years and still found useful info in this blog.

Sunday 3rd of January 2021

Hi... have you ever heard the golden rule.. do unto others as you have them do to you”? Offhand, I would say no since the way you responded to the authors work.

I have read MANY articles that give suggestions on touring Norway. I have a friend there who has helped a lot as well. Yet the author of this article mentioned MANY things I wasn’t yet aware of. The article was therefore helpful and written in a great informal style. I have made a few changes to my upcoming trip because of her article.

Friday 10th of July 2020

You're upset because a free blog post didn't cover everything you personally think it should have? That's a pretty high horse you're on. I know that some things seem self-explanatory, but not everyone has the benefit of the same education level, or life experiences as you, so these tips are great for everyone.

Wednesday 8th of July 2020

Obviously you do care, leaving a 10000 words comment.

And not everyone is good at planing or maybe they are more of spontaneous and think everything will be fine, while tips like this actually makes your holiday fine. You get to know what is expected and how to fix the situation without go into panic.

Novice in Norway ??

Saturday 7th of March 2020

Wowza! That was really awful “Solo traveler”. If it didn’t help you that’s really ok and nothing to be hateful about. ? You didn’t pay her to plan your trip. You are welcome to start your own blog.

Thanks for sharing Passport. I forgot that many museums don’t allow back packs and I’m traveling with a 4 & 5 yo so any reminder that helps avoid extra trips up the stairs/on the elevator is welcomed! I love Ethiopian food so will look into that restaurant.

? Looking forward to my April trip to Bergen/Oslo.

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17 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Norway

• 1. Norway is a Scandinavian Country

2. Polar Bears do not Walk in the Streets

3. the norwegian currency is nok (norwegian krone), 4. most norwegians speak english, 5. norway is a safe country to visit, 6. winter, spring, summer, fall, 7. always bring an extra layer of clothes, 8. wild camping is allowed in mostly all of norway, 9. national parks and most outdoor locations are free to use, 10. norway has the best salmon, 11. traveling in norway can be expensive if you only eat out.

• 12. Northern lights aren't visible everywhere
• 13. Norway is a Long Country
• 14. There aren't Many Dangers in the Wild

15. Norwegians eat a lot of Taco

16. the difference between southern norway and northern norway is huge.

• 17. The Midnight Sun Isn't a Different Sun

Are you dreaming of visiting Norway one day? Perhaps you've already booked a flight and have begun planning the trip. Regardless of where you are in the process, here are 17 things you should know before visiting Norway:

1. Norway is a Scandinavian Country 

We Norwegians tend to believe that Norway is the center of the earth and everyone knows who we are. The truth is that Norway isn't as large as we want to believe and everyone doesn't even know that Norway even is a country. 

Norway is a Scandinavian country with approximately 5.2 million people and has numerous times been named one of the best places to live and/or visit. 

(For those who don't know: Scandinavia consists of Norway, Sweden and Denmark; 3 nordic countries located in Europe)

A common misconception is that Polar Bears walk the streets in Norway. This is, fortunately, not the case. In fact, there are no wild Polar Bears on mainland Norway. 

Norway is actually a really civilized country and you would be surprised to see how modern it is. We even have cars driving in the streets...!

Svalbard, however, is a Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole where there are more Polar Bears than people. Still, it's rare that there are any incidents between the inhabitants and Polar Bears.

The currency we use in Norway is the Norwegian Krone. So, if you're traveling with only Euro you won't come far. The Norwegian Krone was recently weakened which means that if you're traveling to Norway in the near future it will be cheaper than what it was only one year ago. 

It should be mentioned that Norway is using less and less cash. You can mostly anything with a credit card, even taxis and hot dogs! That means that it's not a crisis if you forgot to bring cash.

Don't know Norwegian? No problem! The majority of Norwegians speaks English. Even though some are a bit shy to have a full conversation, they are able to understand most and to help you with any questions you might have. 

So, don't be afraid of saying hi to a stranger! 

Norway is known to be one of the safest countries in the world. Crime rates are extremely low even in major cities such as Oslo , Bergen , Trondheim , and Stavanger . 

As with any other urban areas, you should take certain precautions but there's not much to be afraid of. Even walking alone during the night is relatively safe and the chances are small that you'll become the victim of a crime.

Most crimes in Norway are related to home and office burglaries. There are some groups of pickpocketers traveling around the most touristic areas during summer so keep an extra eye on your wallet when you're in a crowd (still, the possibilities of anything happening is low).  

There are 4 seasons in Norway: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Be sure to take this into consideration when you're planning to visit Norway . Some attractions are only open during a specific season and certain hikes are unreachable during winter. If your main purpose is to visit one specific location figure out what season is optimal for that. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that the weather changes a lot between seasons. Make sure that you always bring enough clothes when traveling to Norway as it does get cold! Keeping an eye on the weather forecast  is always a good idea.

The weather, as mentioned above, changes a lot between seasons in Norway so you always want to bring enough clothes. Most importantly, if you're planning to go on some hikes during your visit, you need to bring an extra layer of clothes. Even during summer, it's wise to bring a rain jacket and a fleece in your backpack in case the weather changes or the temperatures drop when you reach a higher altitude. 

Due to " Allemannsretten " (every man or woman's right of public access), you can pitch a tent wherever you want in Norway (unless anything else is stated at a specific area). The outdoors is very important for us Norwegians and we do our best to maintain the right of using the outdoors freely. So, make sure that you leave no traces behind and don't do any damage to nature.

There are also several campsites all over Norway that are cheap to stay at. At these sites, you often have the possibility to take a warm shower, clean your clothes and charge any batteries.

Also, due to "Allemannsretten", all public lands are free to access. This means that you don't have to pay an entrance fee for a national park and you're free to go mostly wherever you want. All we ask is that you treat nature with respect and do your best not to leave any traces behind.

It's true, Norway has the best salmon. In fact, it was Norwegians who introduced the Japanese to Salmon Sushi in the 1980's. That's how good our salmon is. 

While salmon isn't cheap, make sure that you have at least one proper salmon meal in Norway even if you're traveling on a budget.

It's no secret that Norway is an expensive country to visit. Even though it's less expensive now that the Norwegian Krone is weak, it's not cheap. One way to avoid spending too much money during your travels in Norway is to eat less at restaurants. Purchasing your own food at a supermarket is much cheaper than going out every day. Unlike many other countries, Norway doesn't have a culture of going out to eat. 

If you are traveling on a budget make sure that you read through our Norway on a Budget Guide .

12. Northern lights aren't visible everywhere

Are you dreaming of seeing the northern lights? Well, Norway is the right place to do it!

There's something magical about watching the sky turn into a green and purple formation dancing all over. I still remember the first time I saw it for myself, it was a moment that changed my life...

Many tourists come to Norway with the intent to see the northern lights . However, the northern lights (or Aurora Borealis) isn't visible all over Norway.

Since Norway is a long country you're normally only able to see the lady in green in the northern parts of Norway. The further south you go, the fewer lights you will see. Places such as Lofoten, Bodø and Tromsø are popular areas to watch the northern lights .

You should also remember that the northern lights won't be visible during the summer as it is too bright during that season. Typically, you've got the best chance of seeing some activity between October and April.

13. Norway is a Long Country 

Another large misconception about Norway is that it's a small country which is easy to travel around. This isn't the case. Even though only 5 million people live here, it’s a large country by area (148 718 square miles) that stretches from 57° to 81° North. This means that you're not able to spend a couple of days in Norway and see both the west coast, capital and northern parts. In fact, driving from Kristiansand in southern Norway to Nordkapp in Northern Norway takes about 38 hours non-stop.

Therefore, you should plan your trip carefully and look at the distances between the places you want to go. If you want to see places in all regions I strongly suggest you spend some days extra or plan more than one trip. 

• Press here for self-drive itineraries in Norway
• Press here for self-drive tours in Norway

14. There aren't Many Dangers in the Wild

Besides the Polar Bears on Svalbard, there are no dangerous animals waiting to attack you in the Norwegian wild. Either you're in the woods, on a mountain or on a glacier, you have nothing to fear. 

There are animals that you want to avoid but they will typically run away before you even see them. You can read more about wildlife and animals in Norway here . 

If you visit a Norwegian family on a Friday evening the possibility is high that they are having Tacos for dinner. As a joke, it's said that Tex-Mex is Norway's national food. Yes, it really is that popular - even my grandma makes Tacos on Fridays!

(Ok, you might not have  needed  to know this but it's a fun fact that might work as an awkward icebreaker!)

Since Norway is such a long country it goes without saying that the differences are quite significant. In the southern Norway, you have beautiful coasts and warm (not tropical!) weather, the East has large areas of woods and the capital, the West has the fjords and mountains while the north has the arctic landscapes. 

You might also notice that the dialects spoken throughout Norway are quite different and if you're just learning to speak some Norwegian it might be a bit confusing. 

17. The Midnight Sun Isn't a Different Sun

During winter, northern Norway has polar nights; a period where the sun never rises above the horizon and you have 24 hours of dark. During summer, however, it's the exact opposite; the sun never sets. 

You might have heard of the  Midnight Sun  before. Unlike what a few tend to believe, the midnight sun is actually not a different sun...it's just the same sun as during the rest of the year but it doesn't go down; meaning 24 hours of daylight. 

• Press here for things to do in Oslo
• Press here for things to do in Lofoten
• Press here for things to do in Tromsø

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The Perfect 7 to 10 Days in Norway Itinerary

Last Updated on February 22, 2024

by Emily Marty

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Mapping out the ideal 7 to 10 days in Norway itinerary is a bit overwhelming when you consider just how much there is to see in this incredible country. From the hustle and bustle of Oslo to the fjords outside of Bergen to the incredible scenery in the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway, there is no way you can see it all in such a short amount of time.

However, if you’re in the process of planning your first trip to this Nordic nation and want a good mix of cities and nature, then you’re in for a treat. While you’re not going to be able to visit every corner of the country in a week to 10 days, there is a lot to see of Norway in this period of time.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Norway?

Norway may be a historic, unique, and jaw-droppingly beautiful country, but it’s also relatively compact.

Its cities are on the smaller side and are generally fairly walkable, so if you’re primarily planning on exploring Norway’s metropolitan areas during your stay there, you can easily get a great feel for the place spending no more than 7 days in Norway.

This amount of time allows you to spend a couple of days each in a few of Norway’s larger cities, including its capital, Oslo, and Bergen , which is easily one of the most distinct and charming destinations in perhaps all of Scandinavia.

Because, as mentioned above, these cities aren’t huge, a 7-day trip will give you ample time to explore them without feeling rushed. 

With that being said, if you can, staying for 10 days or even longer is advisable if you want to explore some of the country’s wilder, more remote areas, or its national parks.

It’s common for these areas to be located at least a few hours’ drive from the nearest city; the nature of the Norwegian landscape, being crisscrossed by mighty fjords, waterfalls, mountains, and bodies of water, also means it often takes far longer to reach your destination than it would to travel there as the crow flies.

Getting To & Around Norway

The easiest point of entry is generally in the capital city of Oslo.

Oslo is serviced by a number of airports, with the two most accessible being Gardermoen and Torp. Gardermoen is also the larger of the two and offers access to a larger number of international flight routes and providers, while Torp, which is closer to the coastal city of Sandefjord and about an hour away from downtown Oslo, is a popular destination for budget airlines in particular. You can also  book airport transfers here .

Alternatively, if you’re travelling to Norway from the south of Sweden , then you may want to consider taking the bus to Oslo, instead; a number of providers offer very affordable coach transfers from Gothenburg to Oslo, with a standard journey time of around 3-4 hours.

You can also arrive into Oslo via ferry from Copenhagen if you prefer to travel this way.  You can browse schedules here .

As far as travelling from Oslo to Bergen, flying is one option, taking a little over an hour – Bergen’s Flesland Airport is also a quick transfer away from the city’s downtown area via public transit or taxi.

However, if you don’t mind a longer journey, we highly recommend taking the Bergensbanen train, known as the Bergen Line in English, from Oslo to Bergen, instead. Regarded as one of the most scenic train routes in the world, the Bergen Line takes you right up into the mountains, through over 180 tunnels, and along a number of lakes, plateaus, and fjords.

Trains in Norway (and public transportation in general) are remarkably comfortable, clean, and well-maintained, and the carriages generally have ample room for luggage storage in the form of overhead racks. 

Reaching Stavanger from Bergen is fairly straightforward, too; travellers have the option of either flying or taking the NW400 Kytsbussen bus service. The direct service takes around 5 and a half hours and travels along a generous stretch of Norway’s beautiful western coast – so, you’ll more than likely find yourself glued to the window for the entire journey. 

While it’s not necessary, renting a car in Norway for part of your trip will absolutely give you more freedom in terms of travelling around and exploring the countryside, though it won’t be of much use getting from city to city.

Having a rental car can be convenient to get off the beaten path or to some more far-flung natural areas that aren’t as quick or easy to access.

A true Norway road trip itinerary should give you more time to get from point A to point B to account for the long drives between the different cities. If you’ve decided that a car rental is the right option for you, then you can browse options on Rentalcars.com

7 to 10-Day Norway Itinerary 

Below is our sample itinerary for a trip that will allow you to see some of the highlights of Norway, including Oslo, Bergen, and some of the highlights of western’s Norway’s natural landscapes. We’ve also outlined some ideas for a trip to Stavanger and Southern Norway, if you’re planning on staying in the country for 10 days, instead. 

Day 1 – Oslo

We recommend that you start your trip off in Oslo , the Norwegian capital. 

Once you’ve arrived and settled in, you might want to head out for a walk to explore Oslo Sentrum. If you want to learn more about the history of the city, you can consider  booking a walking tour  or  going on a bike tour .

Visit the Oslo Domkirke, stroll along the harbour at Bjørvika, visit the striking Opera House, and enjoy the view of the Oslofjord from the fortress of Akershus Festning.

If the weather is good, you may want to check out the sculptures at Frogner Park and Norway’s Royal Palace at Slottsparken, too.

If you can, finding accommodation to spend the night in Oslo’s downtown will help you see the most of the city. Those planning on staying in an Airbnb will likely have better luck in the neighbourhoods of Grünerløkka, Gamle Oslo, or the outskirts of the city.

Where to Stay in Oslo

Hotell Bondeheimen – This hotel located in the centre of Oslo is perfect for mid-range visitors to the city. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms to choose from along with a great location for exploring all the city has to offer.

Clarion Hotel Oslo – This luxury hotel is perfect for those who want a bit of the high life while in the Norwegian capital. They have a number of hip and modern rooms to choose from along with plenty of plush amenities for guests to use.

Frogner House Apartments – These apartments are perfect for those after a private, self-catering option while visiting Oslo. They have a number of different flats to choose from and all come equipped with everything you may need.

K7 Hotel Oslo – Budget and solo travellers will love this cool, centrally-located hotel in Oslo. Offering both dorm beds and private rooms, they have good common areas perfect for meeting other travellers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Oslo hotels!

Day 2 – Oslo

Your first full day in Oslo is the perfect time to really explore and sink your teeth into some of the city’s museums and galleries. You can visit the National Museum and National Gallery, or, if you’re a Munch fan, pay the Munch Museum – which is dedicated to his work – a visit. 

Another option would be to head out to the island of Bygdøy for a day of museum hopping. It’s easily accessed via public transit and is home to the Norsk Folkemuseum, Fram Museum, Kon-Tiki Museum, and Viking Ship Museum, which are all incredible and well worth visiting in their own right.

The Norsk Folkemuseum is also home to the Gol Stavechurch, which is a real highlight of Norwegian church architecture. 

Day 3 – Oslo

For your second full day in Oslo, we recommend exploring some of the fantastic nature spots just outside of the city.

The collective name for these areas is Oslomarka, and Oslomarka offers access to a number of lovely hikes and walks, many of which are easily reached from downtown Oslo via public transport. 

You might like to head out to the lake of Sognsvann, which also makes for a fantastic place for a picnic in the warmer months. Alternatively, you can walk up to the viewpoint at Vettakollen for a fantastic view of the city of Oslo, as well as the Oslofjord and surrounding forest.

Note that most of the walks you’ll find in the Oslomarka are fairly leisurely, featuring minimal elevation gain or rough terrain.

Day 4 – Oslo to Bergen

Today, you’ll be travelling from Oslo to Bergen, the second-largest city in Norway and a fantastic hub for exploring the country’s spectacular west coast. Flying from Oslo to Bergen is one option, taking a little over an hour – Bergen’s Flesland Airport is also a quick transfer away from the city’s downtown area.

Otherwise, you can take the Bergen Line train from Oslo Central Station, a stunning journey which usually lasts between 5-6 hours. 

If you’ve flown into Bergen, depending on what time you left Oslo, you’ll likely have at least half a day to explore the city. You might want to check out some of the art galleries in the city centre; the Kode complex is home to four separate, but equally interesting, museums with some fantastic works spanning a range of styles and periods. 

On the other hand, if you’re planning on taking the train from Oslo to Bergen, then you may want to spend the rest of the day relaxing once you’ve arrived.

One option for a low-key, relaxed thing to do on your first day in the city is taking a stroll through Bergen’s Sentrum area and along the iconic Bryggen wharves – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can do this independently or take a guided walking tour .

Staying in Bergen Sentrum is also advised if possible, though the city is fairly small and the downtown can easily be reached from other neighbourhoods via public transport. 

Where to Stay in Bergen

Hotel Park Bergen – This cosy, 3-star hotel is perfect for those visiting Norway on a mid-range budget, Located in the centre of Bergen, they have a number of bright rooms to choose from along with a great breakfast on offer in the mornings.

Opus 16 – This hotel is perfect for those with a bit more cash to play around with or who are looking for luxury in Bergen. Located conveniently for exploring the city, they have a range of great rooms long with an on-site restaurant and other amenities.

Fosswinckel Apartments – These apartments are perfect for those who’d like to have their own flat while visiting Bergen. They have a range of fully-furnished flats to choose from and a fantastic location for exploring all this lovely little city has to offer.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Bergen hotels!

Day 5 – Bergen

The fifth day of your Norway itinerary will be your first full day in Bergen . You can use day 5 to get your feet wet and explore the city’s historic Bryggen district if you haven’t already, as well as the medieval fortress of Bergenshus Festning. 

If you’re interested, you can also take the tram out to the neighbourhood of Fana, where you’ll find Fantoft Stavkirke. This is a replica of an ancient stave church, that was tragically burnt down by an arsonist in the 1990s; unfortunately, the culprit was never found. 

Alternatively, you can head out to the Grieg Museum, which is also a short trip away from downtown Bergen on public transport.

There, you can explore the renowned Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg’s former home, as well as its beautiful grounds. There is also a museum dedicated to his life and work onsite. 

Day 6 – Hardangervidda National Park or Flåm

On day 6, you have a couple of options for day trips from the city. Hiking enthusiasts will likely want to use this day to visit the legendary Hardangervidda National Park, which is Norway’s largest. 

We recommend taking the train from Bergen to Finse – the journey is about 2 hours and 30 minutes one way, and the township of Finse is actually located on the Northern edge of the Hardangervidda plateau. South of Finse is the glacier Hardangerjøkulen, and to the northwest is the boundary of another national park called Hallingskarvet. 

If you’ve decided to rent a car for this part of your journey, then the drive from Bergen to Hardangervidda will, naturally, give you far more freedom in terms of what you can see on this day of the itinerary. The park is a fantastic place for hiking, cycling, climbing, fishing, and more, so go nuts!

On the other hand, if you’d prefer to explore more of western Norway’s system of fjords, then you can use this day to make a day trip out to the village of Flåm, which lies on the banks of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord.

This incredibly picturesque village takes just under 3 hours to reach via train from Bergen and is home to a charming railway museum, as well as some fantastic hiking and walking trails in its vicinity. You can take an organised day trip .

Day 7 – Bergen

For day 7, we highly recommend exploring some of the nature spots within Bergen itself – namely, its two most famous mountains, Ulriken and Fløyen. If you have time, one thing that’s especially worth doing is the Vidden hike, which will take you from Fløyen’s viewpoint and across a number of plateaus before arriving at Ulriken. 

If you won’t be spending more than a week in Norway, however, then you’ll be transferring back to Oslo today before flying out of the country. in this case, we recommend that you stick to hiking on and around Fløyen, rather than venturing further afield to Ulriken. 

Accessing Fløyen from downtown Bergen is actually very straightforward; you can simply take the funicular from its station in Bergen Sentrum to the viewpoint near the mountain’s summit, which generally takes somewhere between 5-8 minutes.

While there is a cable car that can take you to and from the top of Ulriken, it’s not quite as accessible and, therefore, probably not the best choice if you’re going to be strapped for time. 

Frankly, ticking at least one of these mountains off your list is a must if you’ll be seeing Norway in 7 days and is one of the best things to do in Norway. So, just heading up to the viewpoint on Fløyen is worth it to take in the vista it offers of Bergen, as well as the surrounding landscape.

If this isn’t the end of your journey, though, then we’ll see you in Stavanger! 

Day 8 – Bergen to Stavanger

Are you planning on staying longer than a week in Norway? If so, then we recommend travelling from Bergen to Stavanger on this day of your Norway trip. Adding another city to your itinerary will allow you to see much more of Norway in 10 days.

As mentioned previously, the NW400 Kystbussen service will take you from one city to another, departing from Bergen’s bus terminal and arriving in Stavanger roughly 5 to 6 hours later. 

Once you’ve arrived in Stavanger, you’ll likely be a little tired from your journey. We recommend taking a relaxed stroll along the waterfront or through downtown Stavanger to get yourself acquainted with the city.

Staying somewhere central in Stavanger is ideal, if possible, but the city is fairly compact and easily traversed using public transport. 

Where to Stay in Stavanger

Hotel Victoria – If you’re looking for a cosy, central and comfortable place to rest your head in Stavanger, then this hotel is a great choice. They have a number of lovely rooms available along with an on-site restaurant/bar and breakfast available in the mornings.

Sea Story by Frogner House – These apartments are an excellent option for those looking for a self-catering place to stay in Stavanger. Centrally located and equipped with everything you may need, they have one, two and three-bedroom flats to choose from.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Stavanger hotels!

Day 9 – Stavanger

For your first full day in Stavanger , we recommend checking out some of the city’s museums. The Norwegian Petroleum Museum and Norwegian Canning Museum might sound a bit, well, boring, but both actually feature pretty fascinating displays and collections of artefacts, in addition to offering visitors into two key areas of Norwegian industry. 

Make sure to visit Gamle Stavanger, too, the city’s old town – with charming, cobbled streets and architecture typical of this part of Norway, it pretty much feels like a window straight into another era entirely. 

Day 10 – Stavanger

For the last of your 10 days in Norway, we suggest that you head out to Sverd i fjell – easily Stavanger’s most famous landmark, the monument consists of three freestanding bronze swords, which commemorate the historic Battle of Hafrsfjord of 872. 

Also highly recommended is one of the fjord cruises that depart from downtown Stavanger. These cruises such as this 2-hour boat ride will allow you to take in the mighty Lysefjord, as guides will typically be onboard to explain some of the local folklore, history, and culture along the way. 

Have More Time?

If you’re looking to spend more time in Norway, then there’s plenty more to do and see! Why not head further north and explore the cities of Trondheim or Tromsø ?

The Lofoten islands , in the country’s extreme north, are also very much worth visiting for their starkly beautiful arctic scenery — especially during the winter if you want to see the Northern Lights.

And, if you’ve rented or otherwise have access to a car, you can check out the famous hikes to Preikestolen — or Pulpit Rock — (which is near Stavanger) and Trolltunga (near Odda in the Vestland region), which are easily two of the country’s most striking, unique landmarks. 

Planning a trip to Norway can be challenging; after all, the country has so much to offer visitors, that many people find it difficult to know where to go and what to see when we only have a finite amount of time to spend there.

Nevertheless, we hope that this sample itinerary is helpful for your travel planning and that you have an amazing trip to Norway!

Are you planning to visit Norway? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Bergen Itinerary

Oslo or Bergen: Which Norwegian City to Visit?

The Perfect 2, 3 or 4 Days in Tromso Itinerary

About Emily Marty

Emily is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, she is currently based in the UK. She enjoys exploring Northern & Western Europe and Southeast Asia and has a bit of a thing for islands in particular.

we are traveling to Norway in late September. we are flying into Bergen – want to spend a day in Bergen – then take a day trip to Flam stopping at Sognefjory . Do the Flam Railway to Myrdal and see the Kjostosseum waterfalls and then back to Bergen on the third day we wanted to head north to Alesund (don’t want to spend the whole day driving so wanted to see what options we had) we were looking at taking the overnight ferry but it doesn’t run the day that we wanted to take it. We wanted to spend time in Alesund and then head north to Kristiansund to drive the Atlantic Coast or skip going north and from Alesund take the car ferry from Geiranger to Heillesylt – spend the day there and then fly out of either Molde or Orsta to Oslo and spend one day in Oslo – is this too much to do? how do we navigate from Bergen up to Alesund to make sense?

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Norway Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Visit Norway!

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Being born and raised by the beautiful Norwegian fjords, I often get asked to share my best travel tips for Norway . Through my years as a travel blogger I have written several helpful guides to visiting Norway, but I realised I’ve never actually created one, massive resource for travelling to Norway – kind of like an ultimate Norway travel guide!

So, that’s what this is.

In this post, I aim to share EVERYTHING you need to know before your trip to Norway, including the best places to visit in Norway, when to visit Norway, and what the expectations are when it comes to tipping in Norway.

And more, of course.

I’ll also link to all my best Norway resources and articles where they are relevant, which you can also find by heading to the Norway travel category where I have collected all posts about travelling to Norway. 

Don’t forget to join my Norway Travel Tips Facebook group to connect with others who are currently planning their trips, discover new Norway travel hacks and share inspiration to make the most of your travel plans!

Since this post turned out to be massive, feel free to use th table of contents to navigate ! Just click the little button on the right of it to expand and click your way through my guide!

Table of Contents

Norway Travel Guide: Welcome!

The photo above is the view from my house. I’m serious. This is what Norway looks like, and it’s no wonder publications and travellers alike call Norway one of the most beautiful countries in the world .

I grew up by the fjords, and not just any fjord. The Aurlandsfjord, with Flåm at its end and the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Nærøyfjord as one of its ‘arms’, is one of the most popular fjords in Norway.

This means that my little municipality of 1700 people (my village has around 600 inhabitants) is visited by over 1,5 million tourists a year.

Side note: having grown up where I have, I also run a blog dedicated to Flåm and the area – head this way to read!

It wasn’t until I moved to Wales at 17, followed by London and Florida that I started realising just how beautiful and special Norway is, and now I love sharing my Norway travel tips and guides with visitors from all over the world.

3 Things to know about Norway before visiting

In order to cover all the best places to visit in Norway, I’d first like to point out that there are a few things you should know before you book a trip to Norway. 

#1 The Cost of Things

One of those things is that Norway is expensive as hell .

There’s no denying it, and you’ll be better off by knowing this in advance. By saving and budgeting, your trip to Norway will go a lot smoother, and being prepared for high prices will save you any frustration during your trip.

Especially in the more touristy areas you’ll find that the prices are quite high.

#2 The Language

Another thing to know about Norway is that the Norwegian language can come across as quite rude . This is not to say that Norwegians are rude, but a result of the lack of ‘polite filler words’ in our day-to-day language.

By this, I mean that we don’t add ‘please’ to the end of a sentence when ordering food or asking for something, we very rarely say ‘excuse me’ if interrupting someone, and the language generally lacks the politeness of English.

You may come across exceptions to this rule, but it’s still worth being aware of so you don’t get offended when someone bumps into you on the street without apologising.

It’s not that we are being rude, it is just our culture and the way of our language.

One last thing worth knowing before you visit Norway is that in general, Norwegians speak and understand English very well .

This is something we are aware of and are proud of, and I believe it is a result of all English/American TV shows and movies aired in Norway simply being subtitled, and not dubbed.

This means that a Norwegian might get offended or annoyed if you speak English as if we don’t understand you, by over- pronouncing or speaking extremely slowly.

I have personally gotten slightly defensive when a tourist once was extremely surprised by the fact that I speak English.

So ask us politely and normally if we speak English, don’t act surprised when we say ‘of course’. If you comment on how Norwegians speak very good English in general, make sure to do just so. Don’t say it in a surprised tone on how one specific person speaks it so well.

There you have some of the things I think you should know before visiting Norway. Now, let’s get down to business!

The 8 Best places to visit in Norway

Norway is quite a large country, in spite of only having a little over 5 million inhabitants.

Out of all the great places to visit in Norway , you’ll find that some are more popular than others.

Most travellers, unless they are on a cruise, will arrive by plane into one of the two main airports in the country; Oslo or Bergen.

From there, they’ll either have a packed itinerary taking them through all the best places to visit in Norway or play it by ear.

Those visiting by cruise will often dock in destinations such as Flåm , Olden or Geiranger.

In this section, I have tried to break down the most popular places to visit in Norway. In no particular order.

Naturally, Oslo is one of the top places to visit in Norway.

The capital of Norway has a variety of fun attractions, and you’ll find that there are a plethora of fun things to do and see. You can enjoy a boat ride or go swimming in the Oslo fjord, take a stroll through one of the city’s many parks, or rent a bike and explore Oslo on a budget.

The Akerselva River runs through the city, and the path alongside it makes for a lovely stroll.

Head this way to read the ultimate guide to things to do in Oslo . You’ll need more than a day to get through all the 30+ activities on the list!

#2 The fjords

Obviously, I couldn’t write a list of the best places to visit in Norway and not include the famous fjords.

However, they are in need of their very own section, as there are several of them worth visiting. Norway is actually the country in the world with the highest density of fjords ! Considering that the word itself is Norwegian, I’m not surprised.

I have covered the fjords in a separate section below, as well as this post about the best fjords in Norway .

The second largest city in Norway is a very popular destination for travellers to Norway due to its proximity to the famous fjords.

This is also where I currently live!

Bergen is famous for the wooden houses along the docks of the city; Bryggen , great local restaurants , and some incredible hikes overlooking the city.

Many tours to the fjords start in Bergen, and it is the perfect starting point for a Norwegian holiday.

Bergen is not only one of Norway’s major cities, but it is also the largest cruise port in the country. So if you are visiting Norway on a cruise you are very likely to be dropping by Bergen.

When you are visiting Bergen, don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in the city , this overview of some great Bergen tours , or even these Bergen fjord cruises (to help you make the most of your trip)!

Bergen Hotel Deals

#4 trondheim.

Trondheim is known amongst Norwegians for their killer student community, and amongst visitors for the beautiful Nidaros Cathedral.

This is the perfect city for a stroll, and both the main square and the pathways along the Nidelva River are beautiful areas to visit.

#5 Lillehammer

Lillehammer gets an honourable mention on this list of places to visit in Norway thanks to the hilarious Netflix show Lilyhammer .

Lillehammer was also the host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, which many Norwegians still remember and remind people that they hosted.

Most travellers will visit Lillehammer as a day trip from Oslo.

#6 Northern Norway

I’m sorry to put this as one item on the list, as I know that there are many beautiful places to visit in Northern Norway.

Alta , Bodø, Tromsø and Lofoten are amongst popular destinations in Northern Norway, and visitors from all over the world travel to Norway to head up North in the winter in order to see the Northern Lights, as well as experience incredible activities such as dog sledding, learning about Sami culture and sleeping in an igloo hotel .

Northern Norway is actually where you’ll find several of the world’s best places to see the Northern lights .

Personally, I think Alta might be one of my favourite destinations in Norway! Just make sure to pack well .

Heading up north? Don’t miss my guide to shooting the Northern lights with a GoPro !

Northern Norway Hotel Deals

#7 the lofoten islands.

The Lofoten Islands (or just Lofoten) is an archipelago of islands located in Nordland county in Northern Norway.

It is an incredibly popular destination for photography enthusiasts, and with good reason. These islands boast of incredible nature with steep, alp-like mountains, stunning white-sand beaches, and even some killer waves for anyone who’s into surfing.

I couldn’t possibly write a Norway travel guide without mentioning this place (even though I have a separate section for Northern Norway right above it).

I didn’t visit Lofoten until I was 28, and I couldn’t believe I had taken that long to explore the place. Absolutely stunning, is the only way to describe it.

Curious about visiting Lofoten? Here are 23 reasons you need to visit Lofoten now!

In my collection of itineraries, I have now added self-drive Lofoten itineraries (it is a place where a rental car is a must)! Head this way to find them!

#8 Stavanger

Stavanger is an incredibly pretty city, and one I didn’t actually visit until I was in my twenties. I wish I had sooner because it really took my breath away!

From the pretty Fargegaten (the coloured street pictured below) to walking through the Old Town, Stavanger has plenty of reasons to visit.

Head this way to read my favourite things to do in Stavanger !

The best fjords to visit in Norway

Below is an overview of which fjords to visit in Norway, but you can also head this way to read my extensive guide to the 5 best fjords to visit in Norway!

I told you the fjords deserved their own section in this post. Basically, most people who travel to Norway come to experience the Norwegian fjords, and with good reason.

The fjords offer breathtaking scenery, majestic mountains and a landscape that will stay in your memory forever.

First things first.

What is a fjord?

You’ll be surprised with the amount of people who arrive in Norway with no clue what a fjord actually is.

Some think it’s a lake, others think it’s the name for Norwegian mountains. We have had people ask us if we drain the fjords in the winter (?) or if we turn off the waterfalls at all (??).

My friend once got asked if we built the visiting cruise ship on the fjord in order to get it there , because apparently , it was too hard to believe that it had sailed its way there.

A fjord is a body of water that fills a deep and narrow valley created by a glacier, often with steep, dramatic mountains surrounding it. As it is connected to the ocean, it is not a lake. As it is not flowing anywhere, it is not a river. It is a fjord.

How do I use ‘fjord’ in a sentence?

I wanted to mention this briefly as I have heard (and read) too many fun variations of sentences including the fjords. Here’s my low-down of how to use the fjords in a s entence;

• You are by the fjords, not at the fjords when you are in the area surrounding it, such as in my village Aurland.
• You are only on the fjord if you are on a boat, on the fjord . If you are going for a swim, you are in the fjord.
• The mountains are not fjords, so you cannot ‘ hike a fjord ‘. You can hike by or near a fjord. However, you can hike in the fjord landscape.
• The fjords as a plural is used to describe several of the fjords in Norway, which are mainly found in the west. Thus, the term ‘the fjords’ could also just mean ‘the area in Western Norway spreading across the Lysefjord, the Sognefjord and the Geirangerfjord. Don’t ever call it the fjords (plural) if you are only talking about one of them.

Now that we’ve got the technical stuff covered, let me share the best fjords in Norway with you. There are only 3 you need to know, in my opinion.

#1 The Lysefjord – Lysefjorden

Lysefjorden is a small fjord near Stavanger, and it is the location of the famous Pulpit Rock and Kjerag/Kjeragbolden. These two popular hikes have incredible views of the fjord below and are both worth a try if you are in the area. 

The Lysefjord ends in Lysebotn, a small village at the bottom of the mountain and at the end of the fjord.

The fjord can be explored by ferry, and there are also car ferries running there in the summertime, allowing you to bring your own car on the fjord adventure.

Along the Lysefjord you’ll also find Flørli, which is the last ferry stop before Lysebotn. Here you can hike the famous Flørli 4444, which is the world’s longest wooden stairs.

They consist of (you guessed it) 4444 wooden steps going up the mountainside along the old water pipes.  The pipes are reminders of Flørli’s rich hydro energy history.

Please note that there are limited schedules for the ferries on Lysefjorden in the winter, and so I advise you to do your research before heading to the pier for pickup.

#2 The Geiranger fjord – Geirangerfjorden

One of the busiest little villages in Norway, mainly thanks to the cruise traffic visiting this fjord, is Geiranger.

This quaint little place is neatly nestled at the bottom of a mountain, and looks tiny when pictured with the majestic fjord landscape surrounding it.

The Geiranger fjord is one of two fjords in Norway (the other one is next) that have been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The area surrounding Geiranger boasts some incredible viewpoints, such as Dalsnibba and Ørneredet (the Eagle’s Nest). A popular hike overlooking the fjord goes to Westerås Farm, where you can even spend the night if you book in advance.

Going on a fjord cruise in Geiranger is a must if you want to see the famous waterfalls ‘De Syv Søstre’ (the Seven Sisters) or ‘Friaren’ (the Suitor).

These waterfalls face each other along the fjord, and have a pretty interesting backstory , which I’ll tell you if you ask!

#3 The Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord

These two fjords, the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord, are actually ‘fjord arms’ of the Sognefjord, which is the largest fjord in Norway.

A fjord arm is simply a smaller fjord connected to the main fjord, which is connected to the ocean. I really should be a teacher with these amazing explanations.

The Aurlandsfjord is the name of the fjord where you’ll find my village, Aurland, as well as the famous neighbouring village Flåm.

Flåm is one of Norway’s largest cruise ports, after Stavanger, Bergen and Geiranger. You can imagine how busy it gets in a village of 300 inhabitants when 5000 cruise passengers embark.

One of the best activities in the area is the newly opened Flåm Zipline, which is Scandinavia’s longest (and fastest)! Read my review (and watch my video) here !

Flåm is home to the famous Flåm Railway, one of the world’s most scenic railways. Aurland is home to the impressive Stegastein Viewpoint , a viewing platform built 650 metres above sea level and offering panoramic views of the fjord below. It’s with good reason that I love this area.

The Nærøyfjord is a fjord arm of the Aurlandsfjord, and has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status along with the Geiranger fjord (above). This is where the Sognefjord is at its narrowest, which provides for some impressive sceneries.

Before heading to the Aurlandsfjord area, don’t miss the travel guide I have written about it! It’s a 30+ page eBook , and I am so excited to have finally published it!

The 4 Best Things to do in Norway

Now that we have covered the different places to visit in Norway (and I’m sure I’ve missed a few), it’s time to cover another important topic; what is there to do in Norway?

Naturally, each of the places above will have their own distinct activities and things to do, and some are very location specific.

However, there are some experiences in Norway that are more popular than others, and they are worth knowing about before visiting Norway.

I also have separate posts on what to do in Oslo , Bergen , Stavanger , Lofoten , Flåm and Olden specifically.

#1 Hiking in Norway

There are many popular hikes in Norway, and you’ll see photos of them everywhere and anywhere you turn online.

The most famous ones are Pulpit Rock, and the dreaded 10-hour hike Trolltunga (which some tourists still manage to complete in sandals and jeans), but there are loads of great lesser known hikes in Norway too!

Here are two of my favourite unknown hikes in Norway!

#2 Explore the fjords by boat

As mentioned above, the fjords are some of the main reasons people visit Norway. Naturally, heading out on the fjords by boat is a must during your trip to Norway, and luckily there are several ways to cross this on your list!

On all three of the fjords I’ve listed in this post you can go on a fjord cruise which will take you through the fjords so you can enjoy the scenery.

Most of the companies have classic car ferries covering the routes, but if you go on a fjord cruise in the Nærøyfjord from Flåm to Gudvangen or back) you can travel on fully electric vessels, which is an experience on its own.

Another fun way to explore the fjords is to go out on a FjordSafari, which is in a smaller boat allowing you to get much closer to nature. These tours are popular in Flåm and Geiranger.

If you prefer a more active approach, kayaking on the fjords is always an option, and you can choose between renting your own or joining a kayaking tour.

There are even tours that include an overnight stay along the fjord, giving you a fjord experience to remember for life.

#3 The Flam Railway – Flåmsbana (and other train journeys)

Named one of the most scenic train rides in the world, this is at the top of many people’s Norway bucket list. The Flåm Railway runs between Myrdal and Flåm, and takes approximately one hour each way.

This is the #1 attraction in Flåm, and tickets sell out extremely fast, so do make sure to book early.

Originally, the Flåm Railway was constructed with the purpose of connecting the Oslo-Bergen Railway with the boats coming into the Sognefjord (Flåm is literally at the end of it), but today its main job is transporting almost 10’000 tourists a day to the top of the Flåm Valley and back down to the fjord.

If you are one of those travellers, do read this sarcastic mini guide by yours truly on how to be a tourist in Norway.   Remember that offence is taken, not given.

#4 Norway in a Nutshell

This isn’t technically a ‘thing to do in Norway’, but more like a way to explore Norway. Norway in a Nutshell is a popular non-guided tour, starting in either Oslo or Bergen.

Basically, it takes you from either city via train, connecting you to the famous Flåm Railway at Myrdal. On the train to Myrdal you will have already seen some of Norway’s beautiful nature, and experienced the impressively poor w ifi they advertise on the NSB trains.

From Myrdal to Flåm you not only get no wifi at all, you also won’t have any phone signal. So grab your camera and enjoy the stunning views of the Flåm Valley.

One of the most impressive things about the Flåm Railway, in my opinion, is the fact that in one of the tunnels the train turns almost 180 degrees, and you’ll exit the tunnel with the view you had on one side of the train on the opposite side. That’s all happening inside a mountain, guys!

The next step of the classic Norway in a Nutshell itinerary is to get on a fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen. On this cruise you’ll sail through the Nærøyfjord, and get to cross off the UNESCO listed area from your list. From Gudvangen you continue on to Voss by bus, where you will jump on a train back to either Oslo or Bergen.

Do note that this is mainly the classic Norway in a Nutshell itinerary, and that there are many variations of it, for example allowing you to end in a different city from where you started.

Here’s my guide to booking the Norway in a Nutshell tour on your own (saving you quite a bit of $$$)!

What to see in Norway

Okay, I understand that some of these could have been included on the ‘things to do’ list, but as they are more on the scenic side,  it made sense to add them in their own category. Naturally, the Norwegian nature is a big reason many people come to visit, and so naturally, these things are mostly natural phenomenon, with a few buildings sprinkled in.

In no particular order, these are the things people come to see in Norway:

• The fjords, mainly the Nærøyfjord, the Geiranger fjord and the Lysefjord
• The Northern Lights
• Famous mountains such as Trolltunga, Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten
• Snow (seriously)
• Impressive structures such as the Opera House in Oslo and the Stegastein Viewpoint
• Historic buildings such as Bryggen in Bergen and the ships at the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo

The Best Time to Visit Norway

This is another question I get a lot; when is the best time to visit Norway? I have dedicated an entire blog post to it here , but you can also keep reading for an overview.

Side note : if you are planning your trip to Norway around the Aurora Borealis/northern lights, read my post covering the best times to see the Northern Lights in Norway !

Naturally, every season has its charms, and there are pros and cons for visiting Norway at any time of year. Visiting Norway in the summer is naturally the most popular time to visit Norway.

This is when it is warmest, and many would say the country is at its prettiest in the summer. Summer is high season for tourism in Norway, and this also means that there are more people. Everywhere.

Visiting Norway in the winter is becoming increasingly popular, as people want to venture away from everyone else and experience something unique.

Norway in the winter is cold, dark and quiet, and that’s exactly what many people are looking for. I have also written a complete guide to visiting the fjords in the winter , which I update yearly to ensure that all the latest info is there.

Don’t miss this complete packing list for visiting Norway in winter!

Onto spring, which is when many locals will advise you to visit Norway. April is still considered to be shoulder season in Norway, but more and more tour companies and providers are offering high season opening hours and schedules.

It is a little colder than summer, so you’ll have to dress well if you visit in the spring (seriously, we sometimes have snow in May!). but it’s worth it to beat the crowds.

The same can be said for visiting in the autumn, which is personally my favourite season. If you visit in September you’ll enjoy similar opening hours as August, and still catch the end of summer beauty of the country.

Unfortunately, there is no right answer to the question of when to visit Norway, and it is a decision that has to be made by each traveller.

If your priority is to have the most off-the-beaten-track experience of Norway, I would say autumn, while if it’s really important to you to have the green grass and good weather, you may have to brave the crowds of July. Either way, I hope you’ll have an amazing time in Norway!

Visiting Norway on a budget

Now onto something else completely. Is it possible to visit Norway on a budget? Well, it depends on how you define budget.

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Norway on a backpacker budget, simply because you won’t get the real experience of the country if you can’t afford to join any of the activities on offer and have to spend half your trip trying to hitch-hike a ride and finding a spot to set up your tent.

Visiting Norway on a budget in the sense that you can be smart about your money and not break the bank completely, however, is completely doable!

Here’s how you can visit Oslo on a budget , with tips that are valid for any of the Norwegian cities .

It’s all about doing your research in advance, checking for price increases and asking locals for tips. For example, in both Bergen and Oslo you can skip the expensive airport express and go by local transportation, paying less than half the price.

Instead of joining the Norway in a Nutshell tour, why not set it up on your own? As you saw above from my outline of the itinerary, it’s pretty straight forward, and completely doable to book separately. Here’s exactly how to do it on your own !

The Best Hotels in Norway

There are lots of great places to stay in Norway, from the ultimate luxury hotels to budget-friendly Bed & Breakfasts. You’ll find that there are many historic hotels across the country, offering unique experiences and fun stories to share with their visitors.

These are often members of De Historiske , which is a collection of historic hotels, and an affiliate of Historic Hotels of Europe.

Some of my favourite hotels in Norway are hotels that have a story to tell, whether they are part of De Historiske or not. Such as Amerikalinjen in Oslo, Vangsgaarden in Aurland, Hotel Union in Geiranger and Hotel Norge in Bergen.

Here are some of my favourite hotels in Oslo , specifically.

Oslo Hotel Deals

Below you will find some specific hotel deals for Oslo – courtesy of Booking.com! Hotels in Norway (and especially Oslo) fill up fast, so as soon as you have your travel dates I highly recommend booking your stay.

Travelling in Norway – How to get around

When visiting Norway you’ll want to get around in the most efficient (and budget friendly) way.

There are three main modes of transport in Norway , in addition to each city having their own system.

If you are visiting Oslo, the public transport system is called #Ruter ( yes, with the hashtag ), and in Bergen it’s called Skyss.

Both companies have apps where you can check schedules, plan your trip and buy your tickets, so I suggest downloading these before you leave. Just search for their names in your respective App store.

Want specifics? Here’s how to travel from Bergen to Flåm (and back) , and here’s how to get from Oslo to the fjords !

Note that in Spring 2019, NSB (the national rail company) and Nettbuss (my favourite bus company) announced that they were joining forces and rebranding as Vy .

Nettbuss was already owned by NSB, so by “joining forces”, I mainly mean that they are to be seen as one company publicly.

This has been a long process, and now you can book bus and train transportation (schedules, prices and tickets) on their websites; Vy and VyBuss .

Ideally, they want to merge their websites, so that you can book both bus and train tickets in the same spot – but so far it hasn’t been working greatly. So my advice is to use the separate websites for now.

Travelling Norway by car

Many people decide to rent a car in Norway and getting around that way. Renting your own car is a great way to explore the country, as it will allow you to take things at your own pace and set your own itinerary.

There are also so many great places to stop on a road trip in Norway .

Most car rentals are found near the major airports, and so it’s quite common to rent your car where you first arrive in Norway.

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN NORWAY

I’m sorry to have to caps lock that heading, but this is important. If you are renting a car in Norway and driving yourself, please read my advice very carefully.

• Do not use the emergency blinkers for anything other an emergency.  In Norway drivers are legally required to stop for vehicles with their emergency lights on, and you can only imagine the amount of times I’ve stopped and worriedly ask someone of they are okay, only to have them smile and hold up their camera and tell me that “they were only taking photos”. The emergency light does not allow you to stop in the middle of the road or in someone’s driveway. Please drive safely and keep this in mind.
• Do not drive slower than 10km/h below the speed limit. It fucking kills to be stuck behind an idiot who is too busy taking photos of the mountain to look at the road. Now before you call me insensitive, I’ve been there and I know how it feels to be insecure of the roads and not comfortable to drive faster. But that’s when I pull over and let other cars past. So please, if you are not comfortable following the speed limits, or you want to take in the scenery as you drive, please pull over whenever you can to let people past . Too many accidents are caused by a mix of insecure tourists and impatient locals.
• Calculate for extra time , no matter where you are going. The Norwegian roads, especially by the fjords, are narrow, windy, and often end in a ferry port to get you to the other side of the fjord. On our more popular tourist routes, such as the Snow Road (Aurlandsvegen) to the Stegastein Viewpoint, there are several hairpin turns to get through before you’re at the top, and most areas of the road only have space for one car at the time. Then think of the hundreds of other drivers you’ll be meeting on these narrow roads and plan accordingly. 
• Don’t overestimate yourself  or be cocky. i’m sure you’re the man and have a big car back home, but these roads can be insane. It’s not uncommon for locals to to have to get out of their cars in order to help visitors reverse theirs.

Excuse my French above, but I’ve seen too many near-accidents (and actually fatal accidents) caused by people who don’t follow these tips.

Travelling Norway by bus

There are several major bus companies with routes crossing Norway in this or that direction. Personally, I prefer travelling by bus over train, and love to get comfortable in my seat and watching the houses and farms fly by outside the window. 

The major bus companies to note in Norway, and to check if you are planning on travelling by bus in Norway are;

• VyBuss (formerly Nettbuss)
• Nor-Way Bussekspress

Travelling Norway by train

This one doesn’t require a lot of explaining, because there is only one major train company in Norway; Vy. It’s government funded, and so it is basically the national rail company. Super simple. All train tickets in Norway can be booked on their website , with few exceptions.

One of those exceptions is that SJ, a Swedish company, is currently operating certain train lines in eastern Norway. However, tickets are still sold by Vy on their website, so as a visitor you won’t really notice the difference.

As mentioned above, NSB and Nettbuss announced in early 2019 that they will be rebranding into a new company called Vy (and old Norwegian word for ‘view’). So, if you see either names or logos anywhere when traveling, you’ll know why.

Some train routes are owned by private companies, mainly when the purpose of the train is tourism and it’s considered a ‘tour’, and not simply transportation.

The Flåm Railway is a perfect example of this, all though Vy does own a percentage of it and will sell one way tickets to the Flåm Railway on their website.

Tipping in Norway

Out of all the Norway travel tips I’m ask ed to share, how tipping in Norway works is a big one.

Tipping in Oslo is a little different from tipping in Norway generally, so I’ve split them up below in order to make it easier for you.

This is mainly because Oslo is a major city with more international influences than the rest of the country. Bear in mind, however, that some of the Oslo tipping guidelines can be used in most of the other major cities in Norway as well, such as Bergen, Trondheim or Stavanger.

It’s worth noting that Norwegians generally do not tip when they are out in Norway , but with the influx of tourism the country has had in the past few  years it has become more and more common to expect a tip from visitors.

Especially if you are American, as Norwegians are well aware of the American tipping culture. Sorry about that, but at least you’re warned.

Please note that these are guidelines only , and that you should always tip what you are comfortable with. However, I hope this little tipping in Norway guide makes it a little easier for you to decide.

Tipping in Oslo

As mentioned, tipping is not very common practice for Norwegians, other than rounding up the bill to not have to carry change. As a tourist, however, it is more common to round up the bill at restaurants in Oslo to the nearest 100 NOK. This is about the extent of the tipping practices in Oslo.

Norway is a very expensive country, and so the wages of employees are quite high to match, including waiters and bartenders. So don’t feel responsible for paying their ways, as they are more than fine on their own.

But, like I said above, due to the many tourists visiting Oslo, tipping in restaurants has become more common practice. Simply round up to the nearest 100 NOK if the meal is more than 500 NOK (or the nearest 50 NOK if it’s below).

It is not common to tip taxi drivers or hotel staff when it comes to tipping in Norway. The exception is private drivers or tour guides that you have hired yourself.

Tipping in the rest of Norway

It’s not necessary to tip, and in many places they’ll follow you to let you know that you forgot your change. If you got outstanding service, feel free to leave a tip, as it will be appreciated. It’s just not necessary.

Personally, I worked as a waitress for a couple of summers by the fjords, and was incredibly glad when customers were happy enough to tip me, all though the 50 kroner they left wasn’t even a third of my hourly pay.

But still, I saved all my tip money and bought return tickets to New York at the end of summer! Score.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Norway

Still have questions about Norway? Well, keep reading. I have answered some commonly asked questions about Norway and travelling to Norway below. If you have a question that’s missing; leave it in the comments!

Surprisingly enough, this is quite a common question and shows up rather often on the list of Googled questions about Norway. If you are one of the people who made it to this post by searching ‘Where is Norway?’, then you’ll want to read this. Norway is a country located in Northern Europe, and borders Sweden along most of its borders, and Finland and Russia in the North. It is surrounded by water on 3 sides, and (you guessed it) Sweden on the 4th. If you are looking at a map of Europe and want to find Norway, just go as far North as you can on the map. If you hit Svalbard or Greenland, you’ve gone too far (all though Svalbard is actually a part of Norway, so you wouldn’t be wrong). Heading to Finland or stopping over in Helsinki? Don’t miss my guide to one day in Helsinki !

The largest city in Norway is the capital, Oslo. The second largest city in Norway is Bergen, which also used to be the capital, back when it had its original name; Bjørgvin. Heading to Oslo? Don’t miss this guide!

This has been answered in detail earlier on in the post, but if you’ve simply scrolled down to the FAQ, I’ll give you a brief answer. Each of the seasons have their charm, and I believe there is no right or wrong time to visit Norway. Personally, however, I think the best time to visit Norway is the autumn, due to the beautiful colours, and the fact that there are less people in the shoulder season. I am also an advocate for visiting Norway in the winter. Head this way for a month by month breakdown of the best time to visit Norway.

The highest mountain in Norway is Galdhøpiggen. Fun fact : it is not only the highest mountain in Norway, but also in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, with its 2469 metres above sea level. You’ll find it in the mountain range Jotunheimen, which has inspired many a song and fairytale. You may remember the ‘Jotuns’ that Thor and Loki fought in one of the Thor movies? They are the troll creatures said to inhabit Jotunheimen.

I am loving these questions! And well done for wanting to figure this out before your trip. You have no idea the amount of people that come to the fjord wondering what the hell they are there for. Norway is famous for its stunning nature, which is quite unique due to its fjord landscape. A fjord is a narrow inlet of water deep into the country, often with steep mountains surrounding it. The word ‘fjord’ is Norwegian, and used in the English language as well. If you scroll up to one of the earlier sections of this post, you’ll find a nifty little guide to how you can use the word in a sentence. Norway is also known for its expensive beer, beautiful people and for winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009. We also hosted the Winter Olympics in 1994. But, as mentioned, its the breathtaking nature of Norway that draws the most people, and is what Norway is famous for. Oh, and the Northern Lights.

Final Norway Travel Tips

You’ve almost made it to the end, my friend! Now that you have finished the guide, I hope you are feeling better equipped to visit Norway! It’s such a beautiful country, and one that should be on your list.

My final, and most important, tip for anyone travelling to Norway is make sure to stop and take it all in as often as you can during your trip.

The fjords are incredible, and the Northern Lights are nothing short of spectacular. On your trip to Norway you’ll see nature like you’ve never seen before, so please don’t miss it.

All My Norway travel guides

Below you will find every single post, guide and article I have written on visiting Norway! I add to this list every time I publish a new post, and hope you will find it helpful.

• eBook: Flåm and the fjords – Travel guide written by yours truly!
• Easy-to-follow Norway Itineraries (for Oslo, Bergen, the fjords, Lofoten and more)
• How to get from Bergen Airport to the city centre
• 18 Things you’ll only understand if you grew up in Norway
• The Ultimate Norway Winter Packing List
• 23 reasons (with photo proof) you need to visit Lofoten (in winter)
• The best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway
• How to photograph the Northern Lights using a GoPro
• 30+ fun things to do in Oslo
• Things to do in Stavanger + List of Stavanger restaurants
• Guide to spending a weekend by the fjords
• The best hikes in Norway
• Visiting Oslo on a budget
• Visiting the fjords in the Winter
• The best hotels in Oslo
• A guide to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, Oslo
• Things to consider when visiting Norway
• Visiting the Norwegian Palace in Oslo
• How to be a tourist in Norway
• A free Oslo activity: The Akerselva walk
• Hilarious Norwegian Christmas Traditions & How we Celebrate Christmas in Norway
• How to travel from Bergen to Flåm
• How to travel from Oslo to Flåm
• How to book the Norway in a Nutshell tour on your own
• A complete list of hotels in Flåm (and nearby)
• The 13 Most Beautiful Places in Norway , as told by travellers who have been there
• Fun and sustainable experiences in Aurland, Norway
• 8 great Bergen tours (including self-guided, Segway tours, and trips to the fjords!)
• 44 Things to do in Bergen
• 10 ridiculous questions asked by tourists in Norway
• Where to stop on a road trip in Norway
• A guide to the famous Flåm Zipline (+ video)
• A guide to visiting Stegastein Viewpoint, Aurland
• 25 Nordic Sweaters You’ll Love (for your trip to Scandinavia)!
• How to plan a trip to Norway (Step-by-step guide)
• The ultimate guide to hiking Pulpit Rock
• Guide to hiking Ulriken, Bergen
• The best time to visit Norway (month-by-month breakdown)
• A guide to the 5 best fjords in Norway
• The Perfect 10 Day Norway Itinerary
• The Best Restaurants in Bergen
• 17 Great things to do in Olden, Norway
• What is Norway famous for?
• Epic Things to do in Alta, Norway
• The 5 Best Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø
• 21 Unique Things to do in Tromsø
• The 5 Best Fjord Cruises from Bergen
• The 10 best cafes in Bergen
• The 5 Best Dog Sledding Tours in Tromsø
• The Best Beaches in Norway
• Nordic Symbols and their meanings

Thank you so much for reading my Norway travel guide! Was anything missing? Do you still have questions about visiting Norway? Leave them in the comments so I can answer you and add it to the blog post for the future!

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Norway Road Trip: 10 Days Itinerary for Norway

If you’re planning a Norway road trip, then let me suggest in this 10-day itinerary for Norway, that will get your money’s worth. 

If you’re planning a Norway road trip, then let me first tell you that you’re about to be amazed by this beautiful country. Every corner of it is simply stunning, and even if you get lost or choose a different route than what I suggest in this 10-day itinerary for Norway, you will get your money’s worth. 

After spending more than a month in Norway , if I were to go again for the first time (impossible, but using my knowledge), this is the exact road trip itinerary for Norway I would choose!

What to know about your Norwegian road trip

What do you need to know about your road trip in Norway? Norway is not CHEAP! 

That’s probably why you’ll not find a lot of recommendations when you search for “Norway road trip on a budget” – because you simply can’t go to Norway on a budget. At least, not in 2024. 

This is an important aspect of your road trip in Norway, as this is a big country and everything you’ll want to visit is as at least a 5-hour drive away from any other point on your road trip. 

What will be your biggest costs during your road trip in Norway?

• Car rental 
• Accommodation

Needless to say, a road trip in Norway implies driving to Norway (this is what I did) or renting a car . As with everything you will lay your hand on in this beautiful country, renting will no be cheap, but it will be your only option if you’re coming from outside Europe.

And even if you want to drive to Norway, it will take you a few days to get there – which might be an issue if you have a limited holiday. 

In most cases, renting a car in Norway will still be one of the best options to see as much as possible during your stay.

Accommodation in Norway

Considering you’ve sorted out the transportation, you need now to start thinking about accommodation. There are three ways to do this – hotels, camping, and hybrid. 

Check out on Booking.com some of the best accommodations in Norway .

Camping in Norway

You might already know that Norway has embraced camping as part of its culture, and you’ll find plenty of camping places everywhere you go.

Moreover, Norwegian law allows you to wild camp as long as you are 150 meters away from any other building, away from agricultural fields, or interfering in any way with others or disturbing them. In a nutshell, you may wild camp in Norway as long as you don’t bother anyone or leave any traces behind you. 

When in Norway, you’ll notice a lot of campers and trailers everywhere, and most are from Norway, the Netherlands, and Germany – the only sane people who can afford to spend a holiday in Norway. However, if you don’t have a camper, then you can simply pitch your tent.

Nature is beautiful, and if you’ve slept in a tent before, you know what to expect. Yes, this means you need to take all your trash with you, including the used toilet paper, and throw it in a proper trash bin. Luckily, most places suited for camping (even wild camping sites) might have toilets.

But if you choose a place that has no toilet or anything like that, you will need a shovel. You understand what to do – hopefully. 

Hotels in Norway

The other option is to stay at hotels and hostels. Trust me, even hostels in Norway are expensive, but some will feel like a three-star hotel. Most of them offer great breakfast (which you should take advantage of, considering the prices of food). However, there is an issue with accommodation in Norway.

There are not that many hotels, and if you want to book your stay last minute (like I always do), then you might be surprised when the cheapest option you’ll find starts at $250.

You see, not a lot of things happen in Norway, and during those two months of summer (July and August), they try to cramp in every possible concert, festival, and tradition.

And that’s when literally everyone is on holiday. So if you want to stay in a specific place, and one of these events is going on (there’s always something happening in Bergen), then you should book your accommodation well in advance. It’s not that you’ll get a better price, but at least you get a hotel room. 

TIP: When booking a hotel, I find that the cheapest option is to use the Booking.com app on your mobile. It may offer better prices on mobile. Also, some hotels offer a last-minute discount if you’re booking for the same day. However, this is not necessarily true for Norway. 

And of course, the third option is to go hybrid and occasionally stay in campings and pitch your tent for a moderate cost (around 30 Euros) and then stay in hotels when the weather turns bad (which will happen more than you think, but more on that later). 

Norway itinerary 10 days

There are many cities and places that deserve a visit in Norway. But as you will soon find out, you’ll have to decide on an itinerary and stick to it because there’s no chance that you’ll see it all during a 10-day itinerary in Norway. 

I will give you what I believe to be an achievable itinerary suitable for anyone. 

Day 1 – Oslo

I arrived in Olso and explored the capital of Norway on foot. Oslo is not a vast place, and you can easily explore it on foot, even if you only have one day to visit it. 

What’s not to miss in Oslo?

• Oslo Cathedral
• The Opera house
• Deichman Bjørvika (public library – interesting interior)
• Munch Museum (if you’re interested in expressionism) 
• Viking Ship Museum (unfortunately closed until 2026, but still worth mentioning, in case you plan to visit after 2026)
• Fram Museum (Houses the ship Fram, which was used by Nansen and later by Amundsen for their polar expeditions. This boat has made it both to the North and South Pole.) 
• Royal Palace (only open in summer)

If you plan to stay in the centre, that’s where the most expensive accommodations are, and the parking fees are gigantic.

That’s why I recommend staying either a bit outside of the centre, in the North. I stayed at this hostel called Oslo Hostel Rønningen (which felt more like a 4-star hotel), and it was amazing, with free parking. Another option I find suitable would be to stay on the museum island, such as the Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel or Hotel Filip .

Day 2 – Pulpit rock hike

Norway is all about hikes and beautiful trails. You’ve probably heard about the famous cliff hanging over a stunning fjord. Well, the good news is that there are multiple such hikes you may want to try, and some are more accessible than the Trolltunga, which takes a minimum of 8 hours and a medium level of fitness. 

I recommend the Pulpit Rock hike , which is only 4-5 hours (round trip) and is accessible to anyone. The trail will take you to a rock that is 604 m above the Lysefjord and offers stunning views. 

But there’s a catch – you need to go there early, as this is a really popular hike, and the parking space is limited at the start of the trail. If you get there too late, you’ll not be able to park, and you will have to come back later or on a different day. 

If you are super into hiking, then check out my road trip itinerary to reach the most famous hiking trails in Norway in a week .

For the Pulpit Rock hike, I recommend staying at Preikestolen BaseCamp , which is right at the start of the trail. Wake up early to start the hike without having to hassle about parking. If there is no room there, you can try to stay at the Preikestolen camping AS , but that’s only for campers and tents. 

After the hike, you’ll have time to drive to your next stop, Stavanger city. 

Day 3 – Stavanger

Stavanger is a lovely port city, and the old town will fascinate you. If you are lucky to be there on a sunny day, make sure to wander around the streets of the old town, where all the white wooden houses are. What not to miss in Stavanger:

• Old town (Gamle Stavanger)
• Fargegaten (the colourful street)
• Valberget Utsiktspunkt (the old watchtower)

I recommend staying at Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel , and you can park in the St Olav underground parking, which is right behind the hotel. 

Day 4 – Bergen

Bergan is the home of black metal, and this is where Norway will feel truly touristic. However, the city is charming, and it’s worth a stop, if only for a few hours.

Sure, everything will be more expensive (is that even possible? – yes), but a walk about the 10-century-old harbour and its charming wooden houses.

Please don’t be disappointed when you see huge crowds of people, which will leave you wondering where the lovely wooden houses are. But you might want to steer off the famous Bryggen (port area) to find narrow streets with lesser crowds. Parking is available only in parking garages, and they are not cheap. 

I recommend staying at Magic Hotel Korskirken . 

Day 5 – Naeroyfjord

Out of its thousands of fjords, Norway has only two fjords on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and this is one of them. The Naeroyfjord is the most beautiful and wildest arm of the Sognefjord. 

Here, you can go on a 2-hour cruise from Flam to Gudvangen (or the other way around). You can see the schedule and book it here: https://www.norwaysbest.com/things-to-do/fjords/fjord-cruise-naeroyfjord/  

Don’t worry. Parking is free in each of these places.

However, note that after you get from one place to the other, you can either book the scheduled bus to take you back to the starting point (which I do recommend because it will be fully booked once you get there). 

If you miss the electric boat, there’s a traditional boat that will take you on the same cruise, which is cheaper and operates in between those hours (no need to book in advance).

If you don’t have a prebooked ticket to get on the shuttle bus to get back to your starting point, don’t worry. Just walk to the main road (E16), and there is a bus stop.

There are a few buses per day that stop there.

While these are long-distance buses and some people pre-booked their tickets, I paid on the bus by card, and there was plenty of room, although we were 30 people waiting for that 450 bus. 

I did the cruise from Flam to Gudvangen and took the 10-euro bus back to Flam , which dropped me off right in front of the parking lot from the harbor, where I parked the car for free. 

Where to stay in Flam?

During this cruise, I recommend staying the night before somewhere close to it, such as Aurland fjord view . This is in Aurland, the closest town to Flam. Book this in advance, as the Flam area is expensive and is one of the most touristic places in Norway. Of course, you can stay in Flam at Flåm Marina , if you have a bigger budget for this trip. 

Day 6 – Jostedalsbreen National Park

Are you ready to see with your own eyes the largest glacier in continental Europe? Here it is, and it’s completely free to go and see it – but of course, parking is not free. 

Even this valley to get there is absolutely stunning, and I am so glad a local told me about it. I would not recommend missing this, as this was one of the highlights of my Norway road trip. 

Please book your accommodation at Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge in advance. There is also parking right next to it, where you can leave your car during the hike (it’s around 8 euros for the entire day). This is the start of the hike, too, for the Briksdalsbre glacier, part of the Jostedalsbreen glacier.

As you drive in this valley, you will see different parts of the glacier, and each has a different name. 

Since we didn’t book in advance, we were lucky to find a free house nearby. Check out Airbnbs , but also look out for signs on the road toward free rooms. 

There are more places to stay than you find on Google, and we found our place by simply asking at one of the hotels (the owners know each other). We stayed here (can’t find this place listed anywhere now), and followed the road where it says Free rooms. The nicest house is where the owner lives, and yes, you may pay by card. Don’t worry if you arrive late. It was already 9 pm by the time we found this place.

We got there at around 9 pm, and the host was very nice. Norwegians are friendly and welcoming. 

The next morning, wake up early and dress up for the hike to Briksdalbre glacier. It’s a 30-45 minute easy trail but bring rain protection. 

Day 7 – Geirangerfjord

This is the second fjord of Norway that is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list of natural monuments. It was also one of my personal favourite fjords. 

I recommend driving to Hellesylt (on the way there, you’ll also see a 19th-century stone bridge – Hornindal Bridge ).

From Hellesylt, take the ferry to Geiranger (this takes around 1 hour, it’s a cruise ferry and it’s the most expensive ferry I took in Norway. It was around 110 euros for a car and two adults).  But it’s a must-see!! Please don’t miss it. 

There is a ferry going every 1.5 hours. 

After you reach Geiranger, you can go around the town, but don’t waste too much time and start driving up the mountain and stop at the Ørnesvingen Viewpoin t. There’s some parking, but be careful as accidents happen all the time, given the narrow road and the many busses that drive by. 

If you have more days, you can add Alesund to your itinerary. If not, continue to Molde, where you can stay for the night at Scandic Seilet to enjoy those views. 

Day 8 – Atlantic road

This is another highlight of this Norway 10-day itinerary, as you will drive on the ocean. 

There are many stops along the way of this road, and you can plan your stops according to your schedule. But you should definitely stop at Eldhusøya and take some time to enjoy the views from the walkway. There’s even a cafe in the parking lot.

Norwegians have everything figured out, even parking lots and viewpoints. Trust me. You’ll love it.  

The most impressive part of this drive is between Vevang and Grisen , but some recommend you drive all the way to Askevågen, Viewpoint, which is a little before reaching Vevang. Considering you’ll make plenty of stops on this road, I recommend staying at Valsøya Camping (they also have private rooms). Go on the rocks at the end of the tiny harbour to admire the sunset. 

Day 10 – Trondheim

The next day, you have plenty of time to drive to Trondheim and walk around this beautiful city. This is the third largest city in Norway and one that I loved the most. 

What not to miss in Trondheim?

• Nidaros Cathedral (go up to the tower)
• Bryggen (the bridge towards the old town)
• Bakklandet street in the old town
• Kristiansten Fortress (the views are not to be missed)
• Trøndelag Folk Museum (open-air museum)
• Rockheim (a must-see for music fans and black metal fans)

I recommend staying at Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel . There’s parking in front of the hotel (paid) and street parking (also paid, but free Saturday afternoon and Sunday). 

From Trondheim, you can drive back to Oslo, which is only 500 km away and can be done in half a day, if there are no other stops on the way. 

Tips for your Norway road trip

There’s a lot to say about this beautiful country, but I’ll try to focus on some of the things I wish I had known before visiting Norway. Here are my top 10 tips for your Norway road trip:

• Bring a raincoat! Nobody tells you this, but trust me when I say that most of the time spent in Norway will be in the rain. 
• Pack smart! Even if you have huge stuff that you want to carry with you all across the country, back a smaller bag with all the essentials that you can easily take out of the car and bring into your hotel room. You’ll only want to have a shower and sleep. 
• Bring rain shoes. You can survive without them, but at least two different pairs of daily sneakers to wear in turns when one pair gets wet. 
• Driving in Norway is easy , but remember to have the ePASS24 app all set up before going to Norway. 
• You’ll take plenty of ferries in Norway , and they offer the best views, so make sure to get on the top platform and get some pics. 
• Have a credit or debit card dedicated to this trip in Norway . You’ll use it a lot, and you’ll want to make sure you have enough funds for it. For instance, before filling your tank at the gas stop, you’ll have to put in your card, and they will take around 150 euros as a guarantee before even putting a drop of gasoline in your tank. After you finish filling the gas, the right amount will be charged to your card. I recommend using Revolut .
• Norwegians are friendly and eager to help you . Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. 
• Driving an electric car is the best way to go on a road trip in Norway. Electric cars enjoy certain benefits such as free refuelling and parking and reduced.
• Most foods are imported in Norway , especially fruits and veggies. But if you like to eat fish, then you’ll be in heaven. 
• There’s a lot to see in Norway, and you can’t possibly see it all in only 10 days. Most places are natural places, such as fjords, valleys, and scenic roads. Don’t stop randomly in the middle of the street because there are plenty of small stops for viewpoints everywhere you go. 

For a more complete overview of what to know about Norway before your trip, check out my Norway travel guide.

Norway in a nutshell itinerary 

This 10-day itinerary for a Norway road trip is my personal recommendation, and it includes my best tips to make your trip go as smoothly as possible. I also want to point out that parking in cities is a hassle and oftentimes really expensive.

I would avoid cities as much as possible, or at least not spend that much time in bigger cities such as Oslo and Bergen. If you want to visit the city and explore all the streets, history and museums, I would definitely recommend going there by plane, for a weekend or so.

Then you wouldn’t need to worry about parking and can stay in a hotel in the centre (which never offers a parking space). 

Although you will probably plan your trip for the summer, be prepared for 10-15 degrees Celcius and pack a raincoat. If you need more tips about planning this Norwegian adventure, check out my complete Norway travel guide .

Shopping in Norway will not be cheap, and I do recommend bringing everything you need with you. I did my shopping in an outlet in Sweden, and I have to say that was the best thing I did preparing for this Norway road trip. 

If you’re looking for similar itineraries but on a budget side, I recommend checking out this Baltic countries road trip itinerary I did in 2019.

Iulia Vasile

Iulia is a travel expert, blogger, engineer, freelance copywriter, and a curiosity-driven personality. She sees travel as the ultimate tool for self-improvement and personal growth, and that's the main topic of her blog, Juliasomething.com.

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10 days in Norway: A Complete Norway Road Trip Itinerary

last Updated: April 16, 2024 alesund bergen flam geiranger Norway oslo road trip scandinavia stavanger

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Planning a Norway road trip and looking for the best possible way to spend 10 days in Norway?! You’re in the right place! I’ve got loads of information for you in this personally handcrafted Norway itinerary – which I just experienced for myself a few months ago!

Norway is absolutely spectacular. With it’s turquoise fjords, misty mountains, midnight sun, and stunning Scandinavian architecture, Norway is arguably one of the most beautiful countries on earth! And I’ve definitely seen my fair share – at ~45 countries to date !

I’ve detailed our exact Norway itinerary below (which took tons of planning), but no matter where you end up going in the country, you’ll have the best time if you love nature and cool, chic cities! It definitely didn’t hurt that we were blessed with almost perfect weather on our Norway road trip, as the country is known to be super finicky when it comes to precipitation year round (more on that below).

Our 10 days in Norway and the fjords in general have got to be the most difficult trip I’ve planned to date. And I’m no stranger to complex itineraries (I’m looking at you Japan and Thailand ). When you’ve only got so much time (only 10 days or so to see alllll the beauty in Norway), you’ve got to make each and every day count. Hence, the difficulty of planning.

A few questions that crossed my mind 1000x each during the initial planning stages:

• Should we fly/train/bus/drive from place to place?
• Do a complex variation of the aforementioned transportation options?
• Should we take an organized multi-day fjord tour and which one do we pick?
• How do the ferries work in Norway?
• Isn’t everything crazzzy expensive?
• Is 10 days in Norway actually ENOUGH for all we want to do?!

Yea, planning this Norway itinerary was quite the doozy. Sure, there are some decent Norwegian fjord itineraries out there, but after researching quite a bit, none had all the major stops I wanted to make (and I wanted to see what I wanted to see, damn it!).

We ultimately decided to craft our own itinerary (ok, let’s face it, I did 98% of the planning), renting a car for most of the way, and getting in all my highlights.

Enjoy this Norway road trip itinerary, and let me know if you’re planning your own trip to the Norwegian fjords any time soon! It really is such a spectacular place and the country now holds a firm spot in my top 10 (alongside Japan , Iceland , Canada (yup!), Colombia , Italy , Croatia , and Thailand ).  🙂 

Norway Road Trip Itinerary Overview + Map

• Day 0: Arrive into Oslo!
• Day 1: Oslo
• Day 2 : Oslo
• Day 3: Fly to Stavanger, Explore
• Day 4: Pulpit Rock Hike
• Day 5: Drive to Bergen
• Day 6: Bergen
• Day 7: Flam
• Day 8: Drive to Hjelle
• Day 9: Geiranger and Trollstigen

Day 10: Alesund

* Note that you can opt to conquer Oslo at the beginning or tail end of your trip. We like to get the busy stuff and big cities outta the way because we tend to lose momentum as the trip goes on, but it’s totally up to you!

Lots more info below, but first, a pre-travel guide to Norway to learn a bit about the country and what to expect when you’re there.

Pre-Travel Guide to Norway

Getting around norway.

This was one of the most difficult parts when planning our Norway itinerary, as there are an abundance of public transportation options located all around the country, including trains, buses, flights, ferries, and more.

We opted to fly to Stavanger from Oslo, rent a car in Stavanger and drive it all the way to Ålesund, then fly back to Oslo from Alesund.

There are tons of other ways of getting around, but I found this to be the most time-efficient while letting us do our own thing at the same time. Note that if you’re following this Norway road trip, you can take a train/bus to Bergen if you’d rather have one less day of driving (but I reallllly loved those stops and wouldn’t recommend cutting that driving day out of your itinerary).  🙂 

IN A NUTSHELL: fly to Oslo → fly to Stavanger → drive around country, end in Alesund → fly to Oslo

Renting a Car

As noted previously, we rented our car (a compact VW Polo) from the Stavanger Airport and drove it all the way to Ålesund over the course of this Norway road trip.

Many cars in Norway are manual transmission, so if you’re not comfortable driving stick shift, you’ll need to make sure to reserve an automatic car (a few extra dollars a day, but worth it for your safety). 

Psst: I commonly use this booking site when searching for low-cost car rental options, and like Skyscanner  (which I use to find low-cost flights), I frequently find great deals on there!

As with other most places in the world, you’ll need to pay a one-way car rental fee if you in fact choose to copy this Norway road trip itinerary from start to finish. We booked a few months in advance and paid $813 for 8 days, excluding the optional GPS we decided to get. Pricey, but well-worth it!

One way fees are inevitable unless you want to drive all the way back to Stavanger or Oslo (not recommend if you only have 10 days in Norway like we did).

I like to search  via this site in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price.

Get ready because you’ll be using the ferries quite often on this Norway itinerary! I was kinda nervous because I couldn’t find much information about them beforehand, but thankfully it all worked out!

Since there are tons (and tons) of bodies of water in the country, ferries are absolutely essential for getting around in Norway, and thankfully, the Norwegians have built a highly efficient ferry system. The ferries are super easy to use as well – you can get right on most ferries (walk or drive if you have a car) and buy your ticket directly before or once on board.

A reservation/buying a ticket in advance is not necessary for most ferry journeys, and if you follow this exact Norway itinerary, you won’t need to reserve any beforehand.

However, if you’re switching things around a bit and planning to do the Hellesylt – Geiranger tourist ferry (which we did not), plan to purchase a ticket beforehand. This specific ferry gets quite crowded and you don’t want to have to wait until space is available, which could potentially be hours in tourist season (therefore wasting your precious Norway time).

Ferries are comfortable with cafes, bathrooms, and cushioned seats. Be sure to get out of your car and head to the top deck as many have spectacular views!

There are numerous companies that operate the ferries so if you’d like to take a look at the schedules, just type in the starting and ending spots in Google and you’ll find it no problem!

*Note that not all ferries accommodate cars, so if you’re doing your own thing and veering off from the course of this pre-planned trip I organized, you’ll want to make sure the ferries you need will actually take your car as well.

Driving tips in Norway:

• First things first, you’ll be driving on the right hand side of the road in Norway (like in the USA, other parts of Europe, etc). It’s always a good idea to know this beforehand in case you’re coming from a left-handed driving part of the world!
• Traffic is safe, speed is modest (relatively slow compared to what I’m used to on California highways) and most roads have little traffic. Always allow yourself plenty of time for driving, since you’ll want to make sightseeing stops quite frequently (it’s all soooo gorgeous)!

• Gas is expensive. There’s really no way around it. Fun and semi-depressing fact – Norway has the highest gas prices in the world (yuuup). If I remember correctly, we found stations from 14.50- 16.50 NOK/liter (roughly equivalent to $6.60USD per gallon), with roughly 500 NOK (~60) filling up our tank. For this Norway road trip we filled up around 2.5 times, for an equivalent of ~1300 NOK (~$160). All in all, I expected the cost of gas to be higher and was pleasantly surprised to keep our gas costs under $200 (unless I somehow did the math wrong…).
• We opted to rent a GPS in order to get around easily as we weren’t sure how well our phone carrier with international coverage (T-Mobile) would pick up service in the more remote spots on our road trip. Cost was NOK 125 per day (~$15USD). We were very happy we chose to invest in the GPS as it worked almost perfectly and got us from place to place with ease even when our phones couldn’t find a signal.

• You’ll encounter a bunch of toll roads throughout your Norway road trip. If you rented a car, the car will be equipped with an AutoPass Device which will automatically track all the tolls you rack up while driving (a green plus sign will show on the road to indicate usage of device). You’ll then pay the total when you finally return the car (or be billed in a few weeks – sometimes it takes a bit to register them all). We spent about 500NOK during our 10 days in Norway, which really wasn’t as terrible as I expected. Note that a few tolls will be credit card only, including Dalsnibba and Sognefjellet, and you won’t be able to use the included AutoPass device for these.
• Sheep seem to roam freely around the streets of Norway, so always be extra alert and extra extra cautious for them (and other cars) while going around bends and curves. Plus, they’re just so cute!

Other random tips for your Norway Road Trip:

• We came across lots of free public bathrooms on our drive, so don’t worry about having to hold it in for too long! Drink all the fresh Norwegian water you want!
• Hotel and restaurant staff were very friendly and eager to help out; other workers (at tolls, airport, etc) were a bit direct and emotionless, but did their job well. Just something to take note of so you don’t take their candidness to heart.
• The days are long and the nights are short . If you’re planning your 10 days in Norway during June, July, or August, expect the sun to set around 10pm or later, and rise shortly after 4am. The last daylight will be around midnight and the first will be around 2am, meaning there’s only complete darkness for around 2 hours! This is fantastic for getting in lots of activities/driving in one day! It’s wise to bring among an eye mask on your trip should your hotel not have blackout shades (all of ours did thankfully).
• We took a bit of food (when we could) from hotel breakfasts to eat later in the day. Dinners cost us roughly $50-$60 for 2 entrees (no drinks, no appetizers, no salads, no anything extra).
• Tipping is not customary so whatever price is on the bill will be what you pay, which definitely helps by not adding an extra percentage!

• The water is delicious and super safe to drink in Norway, so bring along a reusable water bottle to fill up during the day!
• There are 18 Scenic Routes in Norway (previously called National Tourist Routes), which are known to be the countries most astonishing drives. You won’t be able to cover all 1,336 miles of them during these 10 days in Norway, but you’ll definitely be driving a whole bunch! Whatever you do, don’t miss Gamle Strynefjellsvegen towards the end of day 8; it was the most spectacular scenery I’ve ever seen IN MY LIFE (yup, more impressive than Iceland ).

So where exactly is Norway you ask? The country is located in North Western Europe, in the region deemed Scandinavia (along with Denmark and Sweden), or more broadly, the Nordic countries (which also include Finland and Iceland). Norway shares a long eastern border with Sweden, and has over 25,000 km of coastline.

What to bring:

You’ll want to bring all the essentials for your trip, but a few specific things to take along include:

• Snacks for road trip
• Rain jacket
• Water bottle
• Sweater/cardigan and scarf
• Car charger
• Waterproof shoes / rain boots
• Hiking boots (depending on hikes and time of year)

Money and Exchange Rates

Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK), typically called the Kroner (not the Euro like elsewhere in Europe). At the time of this writing (2024), 1 Norwegian Krone (NOK) = ~ $.09USD or 1 USD = ~10.99NOK. I found it easier to think in hundreds and kept these numbers in my head when figuring out the bill/shopping: 100NOK = ~$10USD. It’s not 100% precise, but a pretty good estimation.

Basically every place we went to took credit card (make sure to have Visa/MasterCard as not all accept American Express), but it’s wise to take along a bit of cash on your Norway road trip as well. We had to use cold hard cash when getting gas since the station was having a difficult time reading our credit card.

I always suggest you take out cash at ATMS and never ever through an exchange desk. ATMs provide the best exchange rate.

When to Visit Norway

Norway experiences seriously different weather year round, and deciding which season to travel to Norway will greatly affect your experience there. Many say there’s no bad time to visit the country, but if you’re a big baby like me and get all pouty and upset when it’s raining and/or cold, visit during the summer. 🙂

My top pick: If you’re looking for the greatest chance of sunshine and decent weather, head over to the country in June, July, or August.

The temperatures will be between 20°C – 26°C+ (68°F – 80°F), and the midnight sun will be out and about (giving you extra long days for driving around and exploring all the chic seaside cities). Note that these warmer temps make this the most attractive time to visit Norway, so expect the most crowds during this time of year (it’s sooo worth the few extra people, I promise).

Looking to avoid the high tourist season? Opt to visit in shoulder season, May or September. Temperatures will be mild and hotel rates will be a bit less. And less crowds.

Visiting during the colder months: Norway can get coooold y’all, so if you’re not looking to whip out your cold-weather gear (think boots, scarves, wool hats, down jackets, etc), don’t book your Norway road trip before May or after September. Besides viewing the northern lights, activities will be greatly limited, and unless you’re a snow bird and enjoy freezing cold temps, you may not find much to do.

However, if you’re looking for the cheapest possible time to visit Norway, these are the months to do it, as flight prices and hotel rates will be significantly less (because not many want to visit then). It’s also important to note that you won’t find many daylight hours if you visit in December-February.

Health and Safety

Norway is known to be one of the safest countries in the world, with extremely minimal petty crime. As always, it’s best to be aware of your surroundings, but know that you’re in a super-safe area. The country is so safe that police don’t even carry guns! Robberies are extremely rare, but note that pickpockets in crowded places (like public transport in major cities) can and do occur at times. Just use common sense, stay alert, and you’ll be fine.

The water in Norway is top-notch, so drinking the tap is perfectly safe and encouraged! No need to buy bottled water over here! Food and water standards are similar to those in the USA, so you don’t need to worry about contamination nor food sickness. Note that only routine vaccinations are required to visit the country, and you probably had those all when you were younger (check with your doctor).

Visas and Passports

No visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Norway as long as a valid tourist passport is in possession (and valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay). Since Norway is part of the Schengen Agreement, U.S. citizens may visit for up to 90 days for either tourist or business purposes. 

How to Get to Norway

Most international flights arrive in Oslo, which is precisely why this Norway itinerary starts in the capital! I like using Skyscanner and Google Flights to check for prices, and almost alllways find the cheapest flights on one of those sites.

We chose to fly economy and paid around $750 per person round trip to/from Oslo from the West Coast USA during one of Norway’s busiest times of year- mid-summer (July).

If you have extra time and are able to check airfare into nearby cities (Copenhagen, for example), you may be able to find even cheaper flights on low-cost airlines. For reference, my friend flew to Copenhagen around the same time we flew to Oslo for only $500 round trip!

Where to Stay in Norway

more info on each one throughout Norway itinerary below

• Oslo (2 nights): Saga Poshtel Oslo Central // Comfort Hotel Runway (airport hotel)
• Stavanger (2 nights): Clarion Hotel Stavanger
• Bergen (2 nights): Bergen Harbor Hotel
• Flam (1 night): Fretheim Hotel / Flåmsbrygga Hotel
• Hjelle/Geiranger (1 night): Hjelle Hotel or Hotel Utsikten
• Alesund (2 nights): Thon Hotel Ålesund

And now what you’ve been waiting for:

The Ultimate 10 Day Norway Road Trip Itinerary

This Norway itinerary will have you chasing trolls in Stavanger, trying reindeer meat in Bergen, hiking to glamorous fjord views, taking the most scenic train ride in the world, driving some spectacular Norwegian tourist routes, staring up at glacier, and oh so much more! Get ready for the ride, because this Norway road trip will have you begging to come back asap!

This itinerary starts in Oslo (which is where most international travelers arrive in the country), heads west to Stavanger, then makes its way up north to Alesund via Bergen, Flam, and Geiranger.

As noted earlier, we chose to fly from Oslo to Stavanger to save some driving time, drove all the way to Alesund, then flew back to Oslo. Since the country is quite large, you need to understand you won’t be able to see eeeeverything, but if you follow this Norway road trip itinerary I can promise you that you’ll see a good chunk of all things spectacular.  

Day 0: Fly into Oslo!

You’ll find most international flights to Norway will fly to Oslo, which is perfect as it’s the first stop on our 10 day Norway itinerary! The flight can be relatively long depending on where you’re coming from (~12 hours from West Coast USA, 7 hours from New York), but once you get there, I promise you that a trip to Norway is welllll worth it!

It’ll cost about 101NOK in order to get into the city center (~12USD) on the local trains (NSB). Note that there is an airport express shuttle which takes slightly shorter but is almost double the price.

Where to Stay: Comfort Hotel Runway or Saga Poshtel Oslo Central

If you’re just coming off a super long flight (say from the states), it’s totally acceptable to stay in an airport hotel really close to the Oslo airport your first night. Make sure to make your way into central Oslo early the next morning to get your exploring on!

Days 1-2: Explore Oslo

Welcome to Norway, home of the stunning turquoise fjords, towering mountains, and $8 hot dogs. Yes, it’s pricey and your wallet may never adjust, but trust me, the expense is worth it. Norway is one of the most remarkable countries I’ve been to.

Oslo is absolutely gorgeous – and you’ll find old colorful houses lining to streets with new, innovative buildings sprinkled throughout. And those fjord water views make any sunny day just that much better.

The city is rather large, but thankfully, getting around is super easy, as there are a myriad of buses and trams all throughout. Two days in Oslo is probably not enough, but you’ll be able to get in these city highlights with only 48 hours or so:

• Karl Johans Gate : Did someone say shopping? This main shopping street in Oslo is where you’ll find all the action happening. From hip cafes and chic hotels to funky discos and nightclubs, you’ll find it all on Karl Johans Gate. It’s usually pretty crowded, so go for a stroll early in the morning or later in the evening. You’ll probably be back a few times though.
• Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (with an impressive stave church)
• Fram Museum (so interesting to learn about the polar expeditions!)
• Kon-Tiki Museet (with loads of info about the voyage to Easter Island)
• Norwegian Folk Museum (one of the largest open-air museums in Europe),
• Viking Ship Museum (those boats are huuuuge)
• Norwegian Maritime Museum (learn more about the massive ship building industry)
• Astrup Fearnley Museet
• Munch Museum

• Opera House: By far the most impressive building in Oslo, modeled after flat iceberg shapes with inclines. I suggest you pass by during the day, but spend the majority of your time checking out the Opera House around dusk. It’s absolutely beautiful once the city gets a tad darker, and everyone hangs out on the roof (which you can walk up to). I spent both my nights sitting up here listening to music and meeting cool people!

• SALT : Located a few minutes from the Opera House, this cool harbor front spot boasts a nomadic art lounge with bars and coffee shops.
• Oslo Fjord Sightseeing Cruise by Sailing Ship : Get out onto the water! There’s unique islands and colorful houses right on the Oslo Fjord, and of course stunning views. Definitely a highlight of Oslo, especially at sunset!
• Sorenga outdoor beach deck (Sørenga Sjøbad): Found yourself a sunny day in Oslo? Head over to Sørenga Sjøbad and just chill out and relax in the warmth for a bit! Take along your bathing suit if you want to jump in for a swim!
• Frogner Park : Super interesting park, with a collection of over 200 bizarre sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. Definitely a unique attraction in Oslo!

• Aker Brygge : Upscale harbor front of Oslo with gorgeous views of Oslofjord. A great place to get your first famous Norwegian Pølse (hot dog)!

• Akershus Fortress : Head up here for fantastic views of Oslo and watch massive cruise liners dock at the harbor front. A bit of a trek uphill, but worth it for the views and impressive old-school buildings
• Oslo Radhus : Oslo’s city counsel building, with super impressive murals on the walls. Note that you’ll need to join a free tour in order to view the inside of the building.

• The Thief Rooftop : Super swanky rooftop lounge  and a great place to catch a cocktail in one of the most prestigious hotels of Norway

Where to Stay in Oslo : Saga Poshtel Central Oslo

Day 3: Fly to Stavanger and Explore

Stavanger is the 4th largest city of Norway, although you probably wouldn’t have guessed that after arriving to this coastal town! It’s small town charm and beautiful harbor will have you absolutely swooning from the very beginning of your visit. It’s a fascinating mix of old and new, with some of the best-preserved (and beautiful) wooden buildings anywhere in Norway, dating back to the Middle Ages.

If you book an early morning flight to Stavanger (9 or 10am), you’ll arrive with enough time to explore this charming little city. Stavanger is quite compact and can be explored via foot, so there’s no need to pick up a rental car just yet (don’t – parking is annoying and costly, and there’s honestly no reason for your own wheels until a bit later in the trip).

Once you arrive in Stavanger, take the bus to the city center and check into your hotel.  Book in advance with Flybussen ( website ) in order to save a few pennies, but you can pay on the bus if need be.

Note that one person will need to head back to the airport to pick up the car rental, so it’s wise for one person to book a round trip ticket (it’s significantly cheaper than two one way tickets). Only one person needs to go back technically to pick up the car, so keep this in mind when buying tickets.

NOTE: If you’re taking my hotel suggestion and staying at Clarion Hotel Stavanger , you’ll need to book the shuttle to the Radisson Blu (a 2 minute walk away from the Clarion).

Don’t miss these top things to do in Stavanger:

• Gamle Stavanger , also known as Old Stavanger: This area is so super cute, with it’s historic beautiful wooden white houses with beautiful planters and bright colored doors. The cobblestone streets just added to the quaintness, and I couldn’t stop taking photos of the manicured grounds! It won’t talk long to walk through the narrow streets and admire the architecture, so be sure to take a walk around here!

• Ovre Holmegate : My absolute favorite street in all of Stavanger, mostly due to it’s vivid colors and wild street art. Here you’ll find lively cafes and bars, a bunch of popular pubs, and is definitely one of Stavangers more visited and photographed spots!

• Stavanger Cathedral : Also known as Domkirken, it’s the oldest Cathedral in Norway and not to be missed!
• Norwegian Petroleum Museum (Norsk Oljemuseum): Interesting in learning how oil and gas is created, discovered and produced in the North Sea? Head on over to the Petroleum Museum! I admit that we decided to skip touring the inside, but saw the building from the outside and the architecture was pretty cool !
• Take pictures with trolls and the street art around town!
• Have lunch at the harbor front and admire the sea : There are numerous restaurants all along this stretch, and you’ll easily find something to snack and sip on! The harbor really comes alive in the summertime, especially after working hours, as locals frequent this area to catch up with friends and grab a drink. A wonderful place to watch the sunset as well (if you’re still awake at 11pm!)

• Marvel at the street art : If you’re visiting in August/September, you’re in for a real treat. The city holds a 2-week festival with an international team of street artists working on new art all around the city. Be sure to sign up for the tour!

Where to Stay in Stavanger : Clarion Hotel Stavanger

We absolutely loved this hotel, with it’s spacious rooms, large breakfast spread with basically everything imaginable (including my favorites strawberry smoothies, Nutella and raspberry pancakes, brie and crackers, prosciutto and melon), super convenient location, and friendly and helpful staff! Highly recommended!

Day 4: Pulpit Rock/Preikestolen Hike (from Stavanger)

Ready for a full day of awesome, sweaty hiking? Yes, I promise the views are worth it and then some! I mean, Tom Cruise actually visited Preikestolen while filming his new movie, “Mission Impossible” in October 2017. And besides the lovely Tom, the hike draws over 300,000 visitors each year – and for good reason! Just look at those views!

Pulpit Rock takes about 4-5 hours to hike round trip, so start your journey early. If I remember correctly, it took us about 2 hours to get to the starting point, and then another 5 hours of hiking (plus time spent getting back to Stavanger once we were all finished). Two and a half hours up, an hour+ or so at the top, and roughly an hour and a half down.

Although the hike is only about 8k long, there are numerous difficult patches of terrain, many with impressively tough elevations, so mentally prepare yourself beforehand!

We had originally planned to squeeze in a fjord cruise on the Lysefjord , but are so glad we didn’t because of the amount of time the hike took us. We also decided to spend a bit of time at the top admiring the views since we had no views on our way up because of the lousy early-morning weather. If you’re a faster hiker than us (we’re not experienced hikers by any means), you can easily fit in the cruise.

Psst – If you prefer an action-packed trip through the fjords, book yourself on a RIB tour instead (way more adrenaline-inducing, haha).

Read More: Conquering Norway’s Pulpit Rock Hike: Everything You Need to Know

Be prepared for any and all types of weather during your hike. At the beginning of our hike we encountered lots of mist and light rain, which turned to heavy fog, which finally (and thankfully) burned off a bit after we reached the top.

You never know what you’ll get weather-wise in Norway, so it’s best to dress in layers and bring a backpack full of water, snacks, lunch, a rain jacket, and an extra sweater. Crossing my fingers that the weather gods are on your side for your hike – if not, all you might see are clouds and fog (which wouldn’t make the hike worth it in my opinion).

How to get to Pulpit Rock/Preikestolen from Stavanger:

• Take the ferry from Stavanger to Tau (60 NOK / ~6 EUR per adult one way, buy it directly on the ferry)
• Bus from Tau ferry station to Preikestolen Fjellstue (230 NOK / ~30 round trip per adult, buy it on the bus)

It’s all very easy to figure out and an incredibly smooth journey. It can sound a bit complicated, but I promise you getting to the start of the hike is rather quite simple and reliable. You can also rent a car and drive to the trailhead, which is roughly a 90 minute drive from Stavanger, but I don’t recommend this per say. The public transportation is all very reliable and there’ll be a bus waiting for you after the ferry arrives in Tau. More information on getting to Pulpit Rock here.

A few companies are now offering guided hikes up to Preikestolen , which are perfect if you’re not comfortable hiking without a guide or don’t wanna worry about transportation to/from Stavanger. Since we’re not big hikers, I think we would’ve felt more comfortable going with someone who knows the area.

Be careful when taking pictures on the edge, as the platform rises about 2,000 feet (600 meters) above the fjord, with no guards or rails protecting you or your loved ones. At first I was extremely skeptical and needed my husbands hand when getting even the slightest bit towards the edge, but I quickly warmed up and was confident in my footing and abilities after a few minutes.

Note that there are no facilities (read: bathrooms) on the duration of the hike, so although you should keep yourself hydrated, limit your water levels if you don’t want to head off into the wilderness to pee. 🙂

Where to Stay: Clarion Hotel Stavanger (No need to switch rooms, as it’s highly recommended to hike Pulpit Rock as a day trip from Stavanger!)

Day 5: Road Trip Time + LOTS of Waterfalls!

Driving Hours: 8

Let’s get this Norway road trip under way! It’s finally time to pick up your rental car at Stavanger Airport (do this ASAP- we picked it up around 9am in order to start the long drive relatively early), and drive to Bergen!

Note that this will be a long day of driving (7+ hours), but I managed to find plenty of beautiful spots along the way to cure any boredom that was bound to arise!

If you’re tight on time you can also drive directly to Bergen in about 4 hours, but what’s the fun in that?! The Norwegian countryside is too beautiful to bypass. You’ll want to pull over every few minutes – you’ll see. A few of these stops were pre-planned for, while others we found while on the road!

You’ll be passing through the beautiful Norwegian countryside, over lots of bridges and through more tunnels you ever imagined. This is all part of the fun! Note that you’ll also be making your way onto two car ferries today – just follow your GPS and the road will basically turn into the car ferry. 🙂 Easy peasy. Those Norwegians know what they’re doing.

*NOTE: If you have your heart set on hiking Trolltunga/Trolls Tongue (that epic photo you’ve seen plastered all over instagram and pinterest), you’ll want to end your day near Odda (close to Folgefanna National Park). Get up nice and early the next morning to start the 22 km hike. Pulpit Rock was enough for us so we didn’t stop in Odda to attempt Trolltunga.

In addition, if you have an extra day and a super strenuous 22 km / 10-12 hour hike isn’t your idea of fun on vacation, consider going on a glacier walk. We didn’t have enough time to do so, but it looks insanely fun!

Recommended route and stops along the way:

1. Take the Mortavika-Arsvågen/E39 car ferry: You just drive right on and pay (240NOK for 2 adults and car). The ferry took approximately 25 minutes or so, and shaved off some  driving time obviously!

2. Langfossen: A pleasant surprise as we had not originally planned to stop here. Epically beautiful, and right on the side of the road so difficult to miss. 😉 The water falls down a towering mountain, before pouring out into the Åkrafjorden (another fjord!) There’s a small coffee shop in the parking lot if you need your caffeine fix!

3. Fjaera: Super quick photo stop, only a few minutes from Langfossen.

4. Glacier viewing on the side of the road: Be careful when pulling over and heading to the other side of the road for photos. Since we didn’t have time to actually see any glaciers up close, this was the best we were gonna get so wanted to take full advantage! I’m honestly not sure exaaaactly what glacier this was, but enjoy!

5. Latefossen waterfall: Be sure not to miss this twin waterfall, as it’s an internationally famous attraction (but really all the waterfalls in Norway are kinda spectacular). We chose to eat our homemade sandwiches here.

6. Folgefonna Bondhusvatnet: Time to stretch your legs on a short hike to an absolutely stunning lake located within Folgefonna National Park! The hike took us about ½ hour each way (gravel trail with very slight elevation gain), and was filled with beautiful scenery, tons and tons of wildflowers, and so many sheep with cow (sheep?) bells!

We spent 20-30 minutes at the lake exploring and taking photos of the ridiculously clear water and just taking a few moments to revel in Norway’s beauty..

Note that there’s a parking lot at the beginning of the trailhead, and no fee to enter to park (from this entrance at least). If you’re feeling a bit thirsty, you can fill up your water bottle with glacial water at the beginning or end of the walk from the nearby streams – do it, the water is delicious!

***If you have ample extra time (completing the drive on your second day after doing Trolltunga perhaps), you can keep going on the trail after the lake in order to see the glacier. We didn’t have enough time for this, so walked to the lake and back.

7. Second Car ferry of the day: Jondal to torvikbygd (120 NOK for car/driver and an additional person). You know the drill – get in line, wait your turn, pay, and get on!

8. Steinsdalsfossen: Last waterfall stop of the day! Even if you’re semi-waterfall-ed out by now, do me a favor and don’t miss this one! You can actually walk behind it!

Finish the drive to Bergen, which will take about an hour and a half.

Where to Stay: Bergen Harbor Hotel

Although the rooms were somewhat tiny (common in Bergen), the bed was super comfy, location was extremely convenient, small balcony (depending on room type I’m presuming), and the hot breakfast with some typical Norwegian specialties among your typical breakfast options more than made up for the tightness.

Despite the inconvenient parking situation (which was easily figured out after doing some research – more on that below), we thoroughly enjoyed our time at this hotel and recommend it.

Where to Park : We originally had a difficult time figuring out where to park our rental car, and after talking to a few hotel receptionists (at our hotel and others), we ultimately decided that the ByGaragen (the biggest indoor garage in Bergen) was the best choice.

The price varies from 12 NOK per hour on Sundays to 24 NOK per hour daytime during weekdays, with a maximum price of 150NOK for 24 hours. Including these costs so you can add them to your budget. 🙂 If I remember correctly, I think we paid roughly $30USD for parking in Bergen.

Day 6: Bergen!

Driving Hours: 0

No driving today, yes! Since Bergen is such a walkable city, you can leave your rental car in the garage and set out on foot! The city is absolutely beautiful, and the fact that it’s surrounded by mountains and fjords makes it even more appealing to visitors!

Although Bergen is Norway’s second largest city (yes, really!), one day is enough to see all it’s colorful highlights. It actually looks like a small coastal town, you’ll see! And PS – Bergen is said to be one of the rainiest cities in all of Norway, so bring along your umbrella and/or rain jacket if the skies look a bit dark. 😉

Be sure to not miss:

Bryggen and the Wharf : You know those colorful wooden houses I’m sure you’ve seen all over? They’re over here at Bryggen! A little interesting fact: since these houses are constructed entirely from wood, this means two things – 1) It’s quick and easy to build, but 2) it’s also quick and easy to burn down!

Bryggen has been burning down for centuries upon centuries (with a history of fires since the 14th century when it came into being), with its most recent fire in 1955. Make sure to wander the streets behind Bryggen as well (through the small alleyways between the buildings on the harbor) to see what the area would have been like during the Middle Ages.

This medieval wharf part of Bergen is actually a UNESCO Heritage Site! You can also check out the The Hanseatic Museum if you’re interested in doing so.

The Fish Market: Not in the mood for fish? Don’t fret – there’s way more than fish at the fish market! Whale sausage, anyone?! Those Norwegians sure do love their sausages! What about some seafood paella?! It actually looked really good! You’ll be able to sample lots of Norwegian delicacies before buying, don’t you worry! Psst – the whale and reindeer sausages were really good!

Funicular (or hike!) to Mt. Floyen: Nature fiend like I am? You’ll absolutely love taking the Fløibanen Funicular up Fløyen Mountain for panoramic views of the whole town and the old harbor. If you’re feeling a bit extra and want to work off that bacon-wrapped hot dog, you can hike up the mountain (but note that some parts are quite steep).

Try some reindeer meat: You can’t visit Bergen and not indulge in (or at least try!) some reindeer meat – it’s a specialty here (that and whale meat)! Go for lunch or an early dinner at Pingvinen, a cozy gastro bar cafe right near the center of Bergen with authentic Norwegian cuisine.  Be sure to order a Norwegian beer as well!

Hot Dogs and Reindeer Dogs at Trekroneren: Another top spot for the foodies, as dogs at Trekroneren just can’t be missed over here. And plus, hot dogs are the best cheap Norwegian food (at about ~$8), which we greatly appreciated after getting tired of paying $30 a meal per person.

While the options at Trekroneren are endless, we both opted for the reindeer dog with lingonberry sauce, crispy fried onions (sprøstekt løk), and mustard, and both agreed the odd flavor combinations were absolutely sensational. Note that there’s no seating, so head here when you want a quick bite during your wanders! Also, the stand is open quite late so if you find yourself especially hungry late at night, you know where to go.

To be honest, it was kinda nice that there wasn’t a whooole whole lot to do here in Bergen. There were enough activities to fill a leisurely day with extra random wanderings and relaxing at a cafe. We even headed back to the hotel for a midday snooze (which we never do!).

It doesn’t hurt that the sun sets super late here in the summer (11pm-ish), so we didn’t feel like we had to cram everything in ! Greatest feeling ever, especially for an overachiever like myself (I have FOMOOOO at its worst)!

Day 7: Nærøyfjord Fjord Cruise and Flam Railway

Most definitely the most touristy day of the trip, but the views were pretty spectacular, so oh well!  Wake up early from Bergen, and make the 2 hour drive to Gudvangen. Note that you can start the Nærøyfjord Fjord Cruise in either Gudvangen or Flam, it just depends on the availability when you book.

On the way to Gudvangen/Flam, be on the lookout for Tvindefossen, another waterfall located right on the side of highway. We saw sooooo many waterfalls already we didn’t feel the need to stop, but still worth looking out for on your drive to the Flåm area.

The next two stops/activities are probably the most touristy on this entire 10 day Norway itinerary (as noted above), but I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

Note that this day on the Norway itinerary is basically a DIY Norway in a Nutshell (and if you’ve been researching things to do in Norway you’ve definitely come across this). You can either book the following as part of a tour package , or book the tickets yourself (which is what we did).

You save a decent amount of money booking everything yourself, and you get the same exact experience as those on the “tour”. FYI, the “tour” isn’t really a “tour” at all- all the Norway in a Nutshell company does is book your tickets, which is all public transportation anyways. Do yourself a favor, book everything yourself and save a few NOK (try some local beer or a reindeer burger instead).

Book the Nærøyfjord Fjord Cruise here.

Book the Flam Railway here (called the Flamsbana)

 You’re welcome.  😀 

I suggest booking way in advance (a few months), especially if you’re visiting during Norway’s summer, June-August. We waited a bit and had limited availability, but thankfully I was able to figure it all out with tour timings and such.

Still don’t feel like figuring out all the logistics yourself? I totally get it – it was honestly kinda a pain to put together myself, especially since I waited a bit too long to book everything and times got filled up.

Thankfully there’s now companies offering complete self-guided packages , like this one which includes all the tickets you need for the day (albeit more expensive since they’re doing all the work for you). But worth it if you don’t wanna miss anything (it can get pretty tricky with all the different bookings).

Here was our itinerary for the day, and I suggest you book similar times for the fjord cruise and train ride (feel free to do the train ride first if that’s all that’s available). Just remember that you’ll need to drive approximately 2-2 ½ hours from Bergen to the area, so don’t book anything too early unless you want to wake up at the crack of dawn. 😉

Fjord Cruise: 10am-12pm

The fjord cruise was super windy at times, so be sure to take a jacket! Thankfully, there’s inside seating if you wish to warm up for a bit (which we did throughout the ride).

Shuttle from Gudvangen to Flam one way (or reverse): Since you’ll be parking your car in Gudvangen (or Flam, depending on availability), you’ll need to take the shuttle back to Gudvangen (Flam to Gudvangen) to pick up the car. Note that the drive back to Flam is about 20 minutes.

Tickets for roundtrip (fjord cruise + shuttle) are available, but we booked too late and had to buy seperate tickets (which was completely fine, just was a tad more confusing to us at first when figuring out the website).

Flam Railway: 1:30pm-3:30pm roundtrip

Next up, the Flam Railway, which has been named one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world! Because of this, it’s rightfully so one of the leading tourist attractions in Norway, hence it can get crowded (aka get there a bit early!)

You’ll want to sit on the right side of the car departing from Flam for better views. Feeling a bit extra? The windows open at the first and last seat of every car –  which makes it much better for photos. Sit here! 🙂

From the train, you’ll see tons of waterfalls and mountain views all the way to Myrdal Station (the ending and where you’ll get back on to return to Flam). I enjoyed it, but didn’t think the scenery was any better than our own views we got while driving throughout other parts of the country. Just my honest opinion.

I’m glad we did it, but the round trip wasn’t necessary (we both fell asleep on the way back to Flåm). PS- you actually DO need a round trip ticket in order to get back to Flåm to pick up your car, just saying seeing the same monotonous scenery twice wasn’t necessary. 🙂

The train ride felt a tad overrated considering all the breathtaking scenery we had seen thus far on our Norway road trip, but I admit it was nice to just sit back, relax, and take in the views (and I’m sure the husband appreciated someone else doing the driving). The train cost $140 for both of us roundtrip, Flam → Myrdal → Flam, and took ~2 hours roundtrip.

Stalheimskleiva

Something else to squeeze in during the day – Stalheimskleiva, one of Northern Europe’s steepest roads (which of course offers beautiful views). It’s only a few minutes drive from either Flam or Gudvangen, and we chose to do this between the fjord cruise and train ride. Our time was a bit rushed so I’d say it’s possibly better to do this before the cruise (depending on the time of your ticket) or after both activities.

Stop at Stalheim Hotel viewing platform in order to see the spectacular views. Note that you don’t need to stay here to admire the scenery below; just walk right through the lobby to the back viewing platform.

However, be careful when using a GPS to get here – the twisty road is one way (driving down only), and our GPS didn’t pick this up! To say we got a nasty glare from a bus driver on his way down is an understatement. Our bad! You’ll see why it’s one way as you’re driving down the 13 sharp hairpin bends – be careful!

Where to Stay: Since we booked last minute, we opted to rent an AirBnB for the night. And to say our accommodation was a surprise was an understatement. Although the house was located in a beautiful spot overlooking Aurlandsfjord, we had to make our own beds and sleep in separate twin beds (not huge deals but not what we were expecting).

I’d say look for something a bit less “unique”, like Fretheim Hotel or Flåmsbrygga Hotel  if you want to cuddle up.  I recommend finding accommodation in Flam or one of the surrounding small villages (Aurland, Undredal, or Dyrdal).

Day 8: Drive the National Tourist Routes

Hours of Driving: 9

A verrrrry long driving day today, but well worth it! You’ll be rewarded with more spectacular mountainous scenery than you ever thought possible, with a whole slew of glacial lakes towards the end (OMFG I can’t contain my excitement).

Everyday on this Norway itinerary is undoubtedly scenic, with the views just getting better and better as the days go on. Today’s long drive encompasses 3 National Tourist Routes: Aurlandsfjellet, Sognefjellet, and Gamle Strynefjellsvegen (my absolute favorite). Here’s the itinerary we followed for the day:

1) Stegastein Lookout

Start the day off at Stegastein Lookout, only 15-20 minutes drive from the Aurland area (where our wacky AirBnB was located). Stegastein is a popular sightseeing spot from Flam, being 650 metres above Aurlandsfjord and all! I’d recommend going early in the morning as the road and viewpoint can get especially crowded. We ate breakfast at the viewpoint and only saw one other couple during our time there.

Time to get away from the fjords for the day (we’ll be back, don’tchu worry!) and head into the mountains!

2) Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route (Road 243)

Up next, Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route, which runs from Aurlandsvangen (near Stegastein) to Lærdalsøyri, covering a distance of 47km and taking roughly an hour and a half to drive without stops.

Be sure to NOT drive through the Lærdal Tunnel, the world’s longest road tunnel with a length of 24.5 km, as you won’t see any of the stops along the way on the actual scenic route itself. The tunnel can be used to bypass the National Tourist Route or if you’ll be traveling roundtrip, which we won’t be. Promise me you’ll take scenic road 243 instead of the tunnel!

• Stop at Flotane (viewing spot and bathrooms)
• Stop at Vedahaugane (infinity bench with great views)
• Pit stop to see Borgund Stave Church (25 minutes from Laerdalsoyri) – really cool and you must see at least one Stave Church on your Norway road trip!!

3) Take the Mannheller-Fodnes/Rv5 ferry (28 minutes)

4) Sognefjellet National Tourist Route (Road 55)

Sognefjellet Scenic Road runs from Gaupne to Lom, covering a total distance of 108 km. It will take you about 30 minutes to get to the start of the route, and then another 2 hours+ to drive the entire thing.

Sognefjellet is the highest and most impressive mountain pass in Northern Europe, so it’s easy to see why this road made it as one of Norway’s 18 National Tourist Routes (scenic roads).

• Feigefossen waterfall: look for it across the water from 55 (close to Guapne)
• Turtagrø hotel: red-painted modernistic building, quick photo stop
• Nedre Oscarshaug: provides one of the best vantage points along the road across the Sognefjellet mountains. A glass telescope with the names of the peaks gives an overview of the surrounding Hurrungane massif.
• Mefjellet (rest area with cool stone structure/platform)
• Sognefjellshytta (attractive training centre for national ski teams from all over the world) – cool wooden architecture
• Vegaskjelet (viewing platform)
• Lom Stave Church

To be completely honest, after about ½ – ¾ of the drive through Sognefjellet we had had enough of the mountains. Sure, they were beautiful and all that, but it seemed like many of the stops had views of the same thing. I think next time we’d only stop at 2-3 and get on with the show.

Plus, it was cold and windy that day so that’s proooobably why this drive seemed a bit monotonous and somewhat sad –  we didn’t have the energy to hang out in the cold for too cold!

5) Gamle Strynefjellsvegen National Tourist Route (Road 258)

You’re allllllmost to your final destination of the day (Hjelle), I promise! But whatever you do, DO NOT SKIP THIS NEXT ROAD. Be sure to take Road 258 instead of 15. The drive is short, being only 27km, but it’s an absolute stunner.

Boy oh boy, this short stretch was one of my absolute favorite hours or so of our entire trip, for the views alone. It’s hard to put into words what seeing glistening glacial lakes, towering mountains, and remnants of snow from colder months will do to you. I’m not sure anything will beat those views I saw that day.

Where to Stay : Hjelle Hotel

Hjelle Hotel was a perfect place to rest our heads after the long day of driving – and I’d highly recommend it! Our “romantic room” was simple yet charming, with a clean, and spacious feeling with a four-poster king bed and chandelier.

Make sure to order the dinner (fixed-price 3 course) – it was absolutely delicious (and have the creme brûlée if you’re lucky enough to see it on the menu which changes nightly).

Hjelle Hotel is situated right on another beauty of a lake (Oppstrynsvatnet) with great views of the mountains, which we loved for a nightly walk after dinner! In addition, the hotel staff was extra accommodating and the breakfast spread was more than decent! Stay here, they’re doing something right having been run by the same family since 1896!

IMPORTANT NOTE: This wouldn’t be a very thorough Norway travel blog if I didn’t mention Hotel Utsikten .

Why? For one, it’s one of the most popular hotels in the Geiranger area, and for good reason. The hotel sits right on the base of Geirangerfjord – meaning, if you ask for a room that faces the road, you’ll have a panoramic view of the fjord right from your view!

Secondly, if you want to stay here (instead of Hjelle Hotel ), book Hotel Utsikten as soon as you know your dates. It was unfortunately completely booked once I finally got around to making hotel reservations, so we opted for Hotel Hjelle (which ended up being a pleasant, positive surprise).

Note that if you decide to stay at Hotel Utsikten you’ll need to back track about a half hour or so for Dalsnibba (more below) if you couldn’t squeeze it in the previous day.

Day 9: Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen

Get ready for your last day of driving in Norway! You’ll be going from Geirangerfjord → Trollstigen → Andalsnes → Alesund, which will prove to be yet another stunningly spectacular day full of epic scenery, fjords galore, and and curvy, bendy roads. Today’s a tiring day but one for the books, and you’ll be driving on another National Tourist Route!

If you’d rather someone else do the driving (or you’re basing yourself out of Geiranger and not actually doing a road trip in Norway), this tour to Dalsnibba and its surroundings hits almost the same spots! You’ll just need to make the drive to Alesund afterwards, which is actually less than 2 1/2 hours direct (including a car ferry).

*Note that the Norwegians pronounce it “Gai-raan-Gyer” (I was butchering the entire language our whole trip and it was awful).

1. Dalsnibba

In one hour from the Hjelle Hotel, you’ll reach Dalsnibba, which is a very popular mountain top viewing platform in Norway. It’s brand spankin’ new, opened just a few years ago in 2016, and it’s actually Europe’s highest fjord view by road at 1,500 meters! Whoa!

Be sure to go on the “skywalk” which has a steel and see-through floor which rails made of glass. It’s definitely a bit nerve-racking to look down at your feet and beyond and see just how high you are with only a piece of glass between you and 1500 meters!

In order to get to the Dalsnibba viewing platform, you’ll need to pay a toll. Prices are payable by vehicle and if you’re coming by car or motorbike you’ll have to pay 130 NOK via credit card (pretty sure the AutoPass Device didn’t work here).

2. Flydalsjuvet Lookout Point

Another lookout point worthy of your time, this one 45 minutes from Dalsnibba (and completely on the way to where we’re going, promise!)  Flydalsjuvet is located higher above the town of Geiranger, providing phenomenal views of the Geirangerfjord, town below, and all the surrounding mountains. These impressive views sure make an excellent photo stop – be sure to have your cameras handy.

The area is well organized with informational signs, toilets, upper and lower viewing platforms, and railings and fences to protect everyone. Fingers crossed you get a clear day, as the fjord can be hidden by fog/mist.  t’s right off of the main road so can get quite busy, with tour buses as well, but wait for them to clear and you’ll get absolutely perfect photos.

3. Geiranger

Time for yet another fjord cruise! You just saw the fjord from up above, now it’s time to see it from another angle – right on it! It’ll only take 10 minutes to reach the town of Geiranger from Flydalsjuvet, so go for a little wander and have a quick lunch.

We honestly couldn’t find too much food besides a bakery and some ice cream, but maybe we didn’t look hard enough. And plus, ice cream is a healthy, obvious meal in Geiranger when the weather is absurdly hot! ;p

We decided to take a 60 minute fjord cruise around noon, but note that 90 minute boat tours are available as well if you feel so inclined or that’s all that’s available. You’ll pass the famous “Seven Sisters” waterfall on either one. I highly recommend booking in advance as the boat was very crowded and it was completely sold out (in high season). Book here.

I feel like a broken record saying this, but yes, the fjord views were absolutely stunning right on the water!

4. Ørnesvingen and The Eagle Road

After gawking at all the views on the fjord cruise, drive the 10 minutes to yet another famous viewpoint, Ørnesvingen, the highest of the hairpin bends in Ørnevegen (also known as The Eagle Road). From here you’ll enjoy more magnificent panoramas of the town and fjord, although be aware that weather plays a key role in how visible your views will actually be (like at Flydalsjuvet).

Hope for a clear day! Look out for the cruise ships passing through the fjord below, as they can only add to the uniqueness of your photos! To uncomplicate things, Ørnesvingen is the name of the viewpoint, while Ørnevegen is name of the actual road. 🙂 Things can get tricky around here, haha.

5. FERRY time: Eidsdal-Linge/Fv63 ferry

This one’s a short one, only taking about 10 minutes and costing 79 NOK (~10) for a small sedan and 2 passengers. As all the other ferries on this Norway itinerary, don’t worry about booking in advance because you can just show up on the port and fall in line with the other cars. I’m pretty sure the ferries leave every 30 minutes or so, but I think it depends on the season and how busy they are.

6. Trollstigen, The Trolls Road

After the ferry and a short drive, you’ll arrive at Trollstigen (The Trolls Road), part of one of the most famous National Tourist Routes in all of Norway (Geiranger – Trollstigen)! And don’t worry, if you’ve followed this itinerary, you’ve already driven on the other part of the scenic road. 😉  

Be sure to stop at The Trolls Path Viewpoint at the Visitor Centre, which will give you unparalleled views of the road snaking below amongst the skyrocketing mountains. Breathe in the the fresh mountain air!

Make sure you venture to both the near and far viewing platforms, as the closer one will provide you with a close-up look at the waterfall, while the latter the actual twists and bends of Trollstigen. Once you make your way to the farther one, you’ll be able to see all the way down the mountainside, being 200 meters above the snaking Trollstigen road.

Once you’re done gawking at the views (don’t be shy – I think I took over 50 photos here), drive down the 11 hairpin bends of Trollstigen. It’s important to note that each bend actually has its own name (usually named after the person who supervised the construction work on that particular section), but just follow it down and you’ll eventually reach the bottom.

The rest of the day will have you driving to your final destination, Alesund, which is about 2 hours from Trollstigen. You’ll first drive north to Åndalsnes, then cut west for Alesund!

Where to Stay in Alesund: Thon Hotel Ålesund

The hotel was in a great location, right on the water, which made looking out the window of our room super fun! We booked a “superior room” with large open windows with views of the water- I watched a huge cruise ship come into port around midnight one night (so cool and completely unexpected) and a pilot doing tricks in his private plane (also quite surprising but fun to watch).

Plus, the sound of the water is just oh so relaxing (keep your windows open). The breakfast was included and had all the breakfast staples and then some.

Where to Park in Alesund: mobile home parking (free from 4pm-8am, 20NOK per hour from 8am-4pm // 160NOK for full day). Ask the hotel and they’ll give you easy directions. It’s only about a 10 minute from the hotel and will save you boat loads of money. Street parking is pretty much non-existent over here. Note that you need to pre-pay for the number of hours you want.

Last full day on our Norway itinerary – Alesund! I admit that we were pretty tired at this point in our trip, and while we explored the small city a bit, we used this day to mostly relax and recoup from the crazy busy previous days.

Alesund is a port town, meaning it’s right on the water, so expect some great views and lots of seafood! The city center has a very unique Art Nouveau style, which you’ll soon notice once you get your bearings – so keep your camera handy! Keep your car parked in the lot, as Ålesund is an incredibly walkable small city with the the downtown being rather compact.

A few things to do below, which can all be easily done in less than a day:

• You’ll find the stairs up to the viewpoint from the town park, Byparken, with no entrance fee. Note that you can also drive up or take the City Train to Fjellstua (small fee) to reach the peak. There’s a small cafe at the top for water and ice creams.

• Walk through downtown Ålesund’s Art Nouveau district : Admire the colorful art-deco buildings, as this is what this part of Norway is famous for! After a fire destroyed the entire city in 1904, it was rebuilt in vibrant Art Nouveau fashion.

• Stop in the Ålesund Church : Even if you’re not religious, the Ålesund Church is worth a quick peek inside. Stare at the beautiful stained glass windows and just appreciate that it only costs about 3NOK to visit. 🙂
• Walk around the harbour and eat some fish! Have lunch at Jafs, and sit outside with some fresh fish and chips while enjoying the beautiful views out over the harbor. Crispy batter on thick fleshy cod fish, decently priced, and harbor views?! What could possibly be better on a warm, summer day?!

• Sunnmore Museum: The Sunnmore museum is an open-air museum with a collection of 55 old picturesque houses and indoor exhibitions, giving you an insight into the cultural and architectural history of the area. A great spot for an afternoon stroll! *Take note of the opening and closing hours before heading over, as we completely missed the time slot.
• Full disclosure: We decided to take a rest at the hotel instead of heading to the lighthouse because 1) we were pooped and 2) we didn’t feel like having to fight over a spot in the parking lot afterwards. Go if you’re up for a small adventure (at the lighthouse and parking lot). 😉

In retrospect, we should have gone last thing the night before, before heading to our hotel in Alesund. Also, note that the lighthouse is halfway between the main town of Alesund and the airport, so depending on your flight time, you can always go the next day before your flight.

Have a few more days in Norway? Consider heading to the Atlantic Road, another famous Scenic Route, which is about 2 and a half hours from Alesund. If we had more time I would have included this in the Norway itinerary.

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Feel free to share this 10 day Norway itinerary with a friend, and get started planning your trip !

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July 20, 2020 at 11:07 pm

Excellent overview of the route. Thank you!

August 5, 2020 at 6:59 am

Dear Jessica, thank you so much for this itinerary! My husband and I just came back from our fantastic road trip in Norway. Oh my God I just fell in love with Norway. We live in the south of Sweden, so both our region and Norway were ok regarding corona, this is why we decided to do this trip. We adjusted the itinerary: coming from the south of Sweden, we drove in i Norway and stayed one night in Fredrikstad, then drove through all the south coast to Stavanger (beautiful scenery!) and from Stavanger we mainly followed your itinerary, excluding Preikestolen which we didn't do because neither my husband or I wanted to hike in our holidays, so we saw Preikestolen from Lysefjord, we took the boat trip. It was a good idea since it was raining and cloudy and I don't think Preikestolen was worth it with such weather.

We followed everything else and at the end we didn't drive to Ålesunds, we were too tired and decided to drive back to Oslo, where we spent 1 night (we've been in Oslo before) and then drove back to Sweden.

Because of corona, 95% of tourists we saw were Norwegians, some Germans and some French. Not crowdy at all in the Lookouts, this was such a blessing! 🙂 we even did an extra Lookout that wasn't included in the itinerary.

The weather was cloudy sometimes but the sun came out often so our photos have gorgeous sky in the background! I loved this!

An update is that everything (including all possible ferries) is paid with AutoPass now. We felt home since the Norwegian language is veeery similar to the Swedish so it was easy to communicate.

Finally, since I know you really loved Norway, I would like to suggest you take a road trip in summer time in Switzerland. We spent 10 days road trip in Switzerland and drove only in the country side, no highways at all. Oh my God, Switzerland is the most beautiful country I've ever seen, and now Norway in absolute 2nd place now 🙂 and we've travelled quite a lot too, though not as much as you 🙂 We got our itinerary in Switzerland from the website: thegrandtourofswitzerland…Amazing! But of course, it is maybe 4 times more expensive than Norway and the rest of Europe (something to be considered when planning).

Thanks a lot again! Your itinerary gave us some wonderful days in Norway! Keep travelling and posting!

August 6, 2020 at 10:23 am

Sounds like you had such an amazing trip! And thanks for the updates on the ferries! I can't wait to get back to Europe once it is safe again! I was actually hoping to spend some time in Switzerland this summer but the universe had other plans!

October 27, 2020 at 12:38 pm

Thank you for sharing those wonderful things to do in Norway. I would love to try the Norwegian food one day. Your information in driving and other tips will be really helpful for me when I plan my trip later:)

November 11, 2020 at 1:22 am

thank you! very clear and helpful

March 24, 2022 at 10:01 am

Hello! Love your detailed itinerary. Thank you for sharing it. We will be going there this June and plan to drive from Bergen to Gudvangen for the 2 hours Naeroyjford Fjord cruise. I was wondering if there is an alternative to driving all the way from here to get to Gamle Strynefjellsvegen. We want to try and skip the driving of the Aurlandsfjellet route and the Sognefjellet route as we will be with kids. But would love to do the scenic route of Gamle Strynefjellsvegen. Would you know How do we get on that route the fastest possible way? Thanks so much.

March 24, 2022 at 7:08 pm

Ack I really don’t know! Do you think it’d be too much driving with the kids? I always like to play around with Google Maps and see what I can come up with.

Have a great time — Norway is absolutely spectacular!

May 9, 2022 at 3:23 pm

Greetings, Beautiful Norway and splendid itinerary. Could we do this itinerary without a car in 10-12days? Any suggestions is greatly appreciated. Kind regards, Argie

May 10, 2022 at 11:42 am

I’m not entirely sure but I don’t think you’d be able to get to the more off the beaten path spots. I’d recommend checking out the trains and other public transport! Have a great trip!

July 18, 2022 at 11:14 am

Hi jessica, Imy family and I will be travelling to norway for an 11 day summer family holiday this coming August. Thank you for your itinerary..it is such a blessing especially the routes and stops . Can we go on a car ferry to see geirangerfjord instead of taking the boat? If not, where can we park our car if there is no car ferry for geirangerfjord cruise? Many thanks again.

July 20, 2022 at 7:00 pm

Hi Mo, I think there are car ferries that operate on the fjord. Check out “geirangerfjord car ferry” on google search and you’ll get loads of info! Have a great trip!

September 10, 2022 at 6:06 am

Amazing itinerary and details! Thank you!

We are going for 6 nights 7 days and want to see the fjords! What are the towns and must sees! ?

Thank you again!

September 14, 2022 at 2:31 pm

Hi Jennifer,

If your main priorities are the fjords, I’d honestly skip out on Oslo in the beginning. The fjords are much more difficult to get to and take a bit more planning, while you can tack on Oslo to another European trip if you really wanna explore the city. The views from Pulpit Rock hike, Flam, and the national tourist routes of Aurlandsfjellet, Sognefjellet, and Gamle Strynefjellsvegen were my favorite. Plus Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen. Have a great trip! Norway is amazing!

October 2, 2022 at 11:27 am

Hello! My friend and I just got back from a 10 day Norway trip and we followed much of your itinerary/advice. Thank you so much for all the information it was very helpful!

October 2, 2022 at 4:33 pm

AMAZING – hope you had the best time! So glad the post was helpful! I can’t wait to head back to Norway — it’s such a gorgeous country!

March 26, 2023 at 8:42 pm

Thanks for your itinerary and wonderful info. We are visiting Norway in June and besides a short stay in Oslo — we only have enough time to visit either Bergen with a drive to Flam and a Fjord tour there — or visit Aselund and a drive to Gereinger (with Fjord tour) and Hjelle. Any recommendations on which you think would be better?

April 2, 2023 at 1:17 am

Hey, there! Your article on a 10-day road trip itinerary in Norway is simply amazing! As an AI language model, I can’t physically travel, but reading through your blog post made me feel like I was right there on the journey with you. I particularly enjoyed how you managed to capture the essence of Norway’s breathtaking natural beauty and cultural heritage in your writing.

The details of your itinerary were spot-on, and your tips for travelers, such as visiting iconic landmarks like the Geiranger Fjord and the Jotunheimen National Park, were truly insightful. I also appreciated how you included information on budgeting and finding affordable accommodation options, which is a crucial aspect of travel planning for many people. Overall, your blog post is an excellent resource for anyone looking to embark on a road trip adventure in Norway.

Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights with us. I look forward to reading more of your travel stories and gaining more inspiration for my virtual travels. Keep up the good work!

April 13, 2023 at 6:26 am

Thank you for a wonderful blog. I am planning to tour Norway in August 2023. The tour plan is still being finalized basis research that I am doing. Tentatively it looks like this. Day 1: Fly in to Stavagner and do local site seeing on foot. (August 15 or thereabout) Day 2: Hike up the Pulpit Rock Day 3: Lysefjord Day 4: Hike Kjerag using public transport Day 5: Pick up rental car and drive to Tyssedal Day 6: Hike Trolltunga Day 7: Drive to Jotunheimen National Park Day 8: Hike Bessegen Ridge Day 9: Drive to Geirangerfjord Day 10 and 11: Local site seeing Day 12: Drive to Alesund, surrender car Day 13: Alesund local site seeing Day 14: Fly Alesund to Bergen. Local site seeing in Bergen Day 15, 16 and 17: Fjords, Flam railway, and train ride to reach Oslo Day 18: Oslo site seeing Day 19: Fly back home I could add a couple of days more to any leg of the tour if required. Can you please suggest if this route is optimal or any changes that you think I should make? Also, given the choice I could use public transport rather than self-drive, but I could not find convenient public transport options that would cover Trolltunga, Jotuneimen N P and Geiranger.

July 20, 2023 at 10:14 am

Dear Jessica Thanks a ton for this blog. My husband and I just returned from Norway and we took a part of your itinerary Bergen to Alesund and followed it. You made our trip planning very easy with your wonderful tips. Cheers Bharathi

August 11, 2023 at 2:48 am

Hi! I just got back from my trip to Norway with my family. I would like to thank you for the incredible trip you planned and shared with all of us! We tried to follow almost everything with some variations, but your suggestions and tips were very useful. Please keep doing that!

August 13, 2023 at 11:49 am

Hello. We are planning a trip for next summer. Did you find it best to book your airfare round trip to and from Oslo, then add the one way to Stavange?

Also, did you book each hotel seperate or was it all part of a package? I was jusing Skyscanner and it looks like it used Priceline, not sure if it always does that.

Thank you so much. Great itinerary!

August 13, 2023 at 12:10 pm

Hi Catherine,

We typically always book to the closest major international city, so in this case, it was Oslo! We then flew to Stavanger like you noted.

In terms of hotels, we booked everything ourselves separately. Have a great time in Norway — it’s an amazing country!

September 10, 2023 at 10:59 pm

Thank you so much for this. And for all of the granular travel tips. As someone who spent months planning a detailed itinerary for 2 weeks in Iceland, this is so incredibly akin to how I plan for travel. Currently booking Norway for summer 2024, and I can’t thank you enough for the most amazing Norway travel template for inspiration. Thank you again for sharing your experience.

September 12, 2023 at 5:07 pm

Norway is absolutely spectacular and you will LOVE the country! So glad the itinerary helped! 🙂

December 28, 2023 at 9:25 pm

Jessica, thank you so much for your blog. I admire your devotion to every detail and tons of useful advice. Good luck in you future trips.

December 28, 2023 at 9:24 pm

Scotty, Can you share your iterinary please? I am planing next summer trip too. Obviously Jessika’s blg is a masterpiece and so much appreciated as well. Thank you so much

January 20, 2024 at 9:50 pm

This itinerary looks great. We are going to Norway in end September/early October. A friend has offered her place at Skeikampen. Do you have any idea how long it would take to drive from Alesund to Oslo. We could then deviate to Skeikampen for a couple of nights. Thank you

January 20, 2024 at 10:55 pm

Hi Stuart! Sounds like a great trip! I quickly took a look at Google Maps and it says the drive takes about 7-8 hours depending on the route you take. I always use Google Maps for driving distances, highly recommend it!

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What to pack for Norway: Packing List Essentials!

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The tickets are booked, the route decided and finally, it’s time to start preparing for your trip to Norway! Then comes the dilemma: what to pack for a Norway adventure trip? Having returned from our 3,000 km adventure through Norway we wanted to share our recommendations for essential gear to bring on a Norway trip. We travelled around most of the country, stayed in stunning campsites and cosy cabins, took in the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes and sometimes crazy Norwegian weather. Here’s our packing guide with the lowdown on the what you need to pack for your Norway trip!

• If you are planning a trip to Norway check out our Norway itinerary for more inspiration!

What to Pack for a Norway Road Trip

From hiking to clothing to camping gear, here’s what to pack for a Norway road trip!

Hiking Gear

Weather conditions in Norway can be extremely changeable, even in the summer. We experienced a crazy mix of weather from blistering sunshine to snow and hailstones and torrential rain in the summer while taking in the iconic hikes at Pulpit Rock and Kjerag, exploring the stunning Fjords, checking out the cities and finding solitude in remote locations such as the Arctic Circle and the Vega Islands. As a result, you’re going to need good outdoor gear for your trip. Being warm and dry no matter what the weather makes a trip much more enjoyable!

1  |  Hiking Backpack

A good quality backpack is essential for a Norway trip. The perfect bag is different for every person but here’s what to look for in a hiking backpack:

• Size: You’ll want a bag that can fit all your things but not so big that you’ll be tempted to bring unnecessary stuff meaning the bag will be too heavy to carry up those steep Norway hikes! We find a 35-40 litre bag the perfect balance between the two.
• Comfort:  Norway’s best sights involve hiking up hills and mountains so your backpack needs to be comfortable and not make you too sweaty. Look for a bag with a lightweight frame and comfortable waist strap.
• Waterproof: It’s super important to have water protection for your gear when visiting Norway. You’ll need a waterproof bag and a rain cover to ensure your gear stays safe and dry from the Norwegian elements!

I use a fantastic Columbia Ridgerunner 40 litre backpack – unfortunately, it’s been discontinued but the bags below have a very similar design and offer the same features that will make life easier you on your trip:

Osprey Talon  33

Buy now on Amazon!

Deuter ACT Trail 30

 2 | Hiking Boots and Socks 

• Hiking boots and socks: a must have for the hikes. Remember to break in new hiking boots before the trip to avoid sore feet or blisters –  check prices now!

Other Useful Hiking Gear

• Water bladder – a hiking essential! We used our Camelback backpack constantly during our trip. It’s a compact bag which holds 2 litres of water and has some medium sized pockets for snacks and valuables. Most importantly, it doesn’t feel like you are carrying very much water in terms of weight. You can also change out the water bladder and use it as your main hiking bag if you don’t want to carry a second bag – check prices now!

• Hiking poles:  They’re lightweight to pack and make the tough hikes so much easier especially when hauling heavy camera bags up a mountain. We foolishly didn’t take ours to Norway due to packing space and really regretted it. Lots of the hikes in Norway have serious elevation gains and the poles help with stability and reduce the risk of a fall –   check prices now!

• Compass and maps: It’s really important to have an alternative to electronics in case you get stuck on a longer hike such as Trolltunga and run out of battery. Due to lack of decent wifi or phone signal make sure to save your Google maps for offline use before you leave for any hike or get a Map app that allows you to save maps offline.

3  |  Clothing

• Bring lots of layered clothing: the Norwegian weather can change at a moments notice (we experienced 4 seasons in one day while climbing Kjerag!) so layered clothing is a must. We wore thermal leggings, wet pants, cold weather layers, t-shirts and jackets and stripped off/ put layers on when appropriate!
• Waterproof jacket: it rains a lot in Norway! We love North Face gear and find it worth the price tag as their gear keeps us warm and dry no matter the conditions. We have a number of North Face coats and rain gear and rely on them heavily in bad weather –  check prices now!

Buy North Face Coats now on Amazon!

• Packing Cubes: Quite possibly one of the greatest travel inventions of all time (we’re not kidding, they’ve revolutionised the way we pack!) and a must when packing for a trip. They are compact zipped bags which then fit neatly into your main luggage. The advantage is they allow you to group your stuff (no more rummaging around your bag!) plus you can compact/roll your clothes so you get a lot more into your bag. They’re not expensive – we use the medium sized Amazon Basics version and they work just fine! –   check prices now!

Buy on Amazon

• Microfiber towels: these towels are amazing and a must have for anyone who travels with limited luggage! Lightweight, quick drying, odor free and super compact, microfiber towels are fantastic and you’ll find yourself using these all the time in Norway, from hikes to camping. Make sure to buy a medium/large towel as they are generally smaller than standard towels –  check prices now!

4 | Camera Gear

We usually travel with a lot of camera gear and Norway was no exception –  you can check out what camera gear we use here

• GoPro: We used our GoPro extensively during our Norway trip. With the weather so changeable it was great to have a weather proof action camera which we could use at any time. check out our must have GoPro accessories here  

5 | Essential Road Trip Car Gear

• Navigation: a good cellphone sat nav is essential for navigating the Norwegian roads and we found it invaluable on our hikes too. Google Maps or OSMAnd navigation are great options, just make sure you have offline access to allow you map if you don’t have data.
• Phone Cradle: We use our phone cradle on all our road trips as it allows us to use our phone safely for navigation and play music through our Bluetooth speaker –  check prices now!

• Bluebooth speaker: We love this Anker Bluetooth speaker. It is dust and waterproof so it doesn’t get damaged easily while on the road. The sound is great for playing our favourite tunes while on long drives –  check prices now

• Inverter for charging electronics in the car:  This is one of our most important pieces of gear and it comes everywhere with us. A car inverter allows the charging of wall socket and USB appliances in a car. We use and love this Bestek inverter due to its compact size and the fact that it seats neatly in the cup holder of the car –   check prices now!

3 | camping gear.

Accommodation options in Norway can be relatively limited outside of the main towns and cities and hotels are often expensive. Campsites are a great option for a Norway trip. Campsites offer both traditional camping spaces for tents and the use of communal showers and cooking facilities and small, comfortable cabins for rent. Cabin availability is not guaranteed plus they can be expensive so it’s really useful to carry camping equipment – we stayed in a mix of cabins and our own tent and saved lots of money by camping. The Norwegian campsites are very high quality and are perfect for allowing flexibility in your trip plans.

Norway travel tip: A tent will allow you to stay in places that might otherwise b difficult to visit in Norway, especially things off the standard tourist route!

We recommend the following basic camping equipment for a Norway trip:

• A three person tent with extra pegs: we were travelling as a pair so we purchased a three person tent to have a little extra room- we’d definitely recommend buying a good quality waterproof tent rated one person above the number who intend to sleep in it.  if this is your first time camping make sure you know how to assemble the tent and have a practice run before you arrive –  check prices now!

Buy now on Amazon

• Sleeping bag and air mattress : we used a 4 season sleeping bag as the temperature dropped considerably at night. An air mattress was an essential addition for us to ensure a good nights sleep but remember you need a pump –  check prices now!

• Camping stove and cooking utensils: a compact travel stove makes it possible to cook hot food on the move. It’s extremely versatile and great for cooking beans and soup or heating water to cook pasta and noodles. We brought our stove but obviously you cannot bring the propane gas on the plane! The Campingaz canisters are easily available throughout Europe so it’s very easy to pick-up canisters when you land in Norway. We used this stove which boils 1 litre of water in under 5 minutes and is really compact for packing –  check prices now!

• Dry bags: Dry bags are extremely useful for hikes, camping and kayaking and are 100% necessary to keep electronics such as cameras and phones dry. Trust us – you’ll never leave home again without one of these to protect your gear! We have a variety of sizes and recommend the ultralight versions as they pack easily into another bag when not in use –  check prices now!

• Headlamp : a good headlamp is definitely worth bringing. They’re super useful for camping as they keep your hands free. We use this one that charges over USB so we can charge it on the go –  check prices now!

4 | Other Supplies

• Sunscreen: it snows, it rains, the wind howls and then the sun shines. Always wear a high factor sunscreen on exposed skin as it’s difficult to tell when the sun is liable to burn.
• Food: Seriously consider taking food with you before you arrive in Norway as even basic foods like bread and pasta are expensive. A roadside hotdog will cost around 5-6 euros with meals costing a lot more! When researching our trip we read advice to take food with us and we were extremely glad we followed it. We packed a bag with cereals, energy bars, pasta, noodles, baked beans, tortilla wraps and chocolate which was both budget friendly and extremely convenient as we were on the move and active for most of the trip.

So there you have it, our essential packing list for your Norway adventure. We hope this helps you to prepare for your trip through this immensely beautiful and rugged country. Let us know in the comments if we’ve missed anything!

For more on Norway

• Be inspired by our Norway bucket list
• Get ready to go with our Norway packing list

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13 Reasons to Visit Northern Norway Instead of Southern Norway

October 7, 2021 by Silvia 4 Comments

Now I’m not trying to say the Northern Norway is  better than Southern Norway – oh wait no, that’s exactly what I’m saying.

If you’ve been following my blog for a while then you know that I’m partial to Northern Norway. I’ve made the North my home and can’t imagine moving back South – there’s too much I would miss. And while Southern Norway is a wonderful place to visit and obviously you should choose it over boring places like Sweden, if you had the choice I would head up North instead. 

Okay no, if you want to see those classic fjord views or Norway’s cities, then you definitely should visit Southern Norway. But ideally you would visit Southern Norway AND Northern Norway, because both have so much to offer. 

And to help you plan your trip, I’ve just published my Northern Norway Travel Guide, which is a 98-page ebook that covers my top recommendations for places to visit in Northern Norway (both on and off the beaten path), the best times of year to visit, how long to visit for, the best accommodation choices, transportation, what to eat, what to pack, and tips for planning an itinerary you will love. 

You can get more details and purchase the Northern Norway ebook here . And if you’re planning on visiting Southern Norway as well, you can purchase my Southern Norway Travel Guide here . And if you’re hoping to see the northern lights, you can purchase my Northern Lights Travel Guide here . I think that should have you covered! 

But if you need a little more convincing, here are a few reasons why Northern Norway is definitely worth a visit:

Northern lights

I could probably just end this list here, because what better reason to choose Northern Norway than the chance to get to see the northern lights? While Southern Norway does sometimes get northern lights shows, it’s rare to see the aurora below the Arctic Circle. 

And I mean, if you’re planning to visit Norway between September and March then you really might as well make it a Northern Norway trip so that you get to see the northern lights. How sad would it be to be hanging out under dark skies in Bergen when the northern lights are dancing above the Arctic? 

Polar Night

If you visit Oslo in the wintertime you might be surprised by how dark it is. The sun is only up for a few hours, which is actually kind of cool because it means you’re really far north! But you know what would be even cooler? Imagine being so far north that the sun doesn’t rise at all in the winter. And that’s exactly what you can experience during polar night in the Arctic!

Okay maybe that doesn’t sound appealing but hear me out. Polar night is actually a really beautiful period and on mainland Norway we still get a few hours of blue and sometimes pink light, so you won’t be in total darkness the entire time. Though if you visit Svalbard in the middle of polar night you actually  will be in total darkness all day, which personally I think is such a fun experience. It almost feels like being on a different planet! 

I do sunburn really easily so maybe I’m biased. 

Midnight Sun

Maybe the extremes of polar night intrigue you, but you really love the sun. In that case you could visit the Arctic during the Midnight Sun period, when the sun never sets. There’s something so special about hiking a mountain at midnight with the sun still shining. 

Wouldn’t it be a shame to travel so far north to get to Norway but not actually make it all the way up to the Arctic? It sounds cool because it  is cool – and not just literally. 

The jagged mountain peaks

Okay yes, Southern Norway is home to Norway’s tallest mountains, but if you’re going for beauty over height I think the North definitely wins. 

Turquoise water and white beaches

While Southern Norway is famous for its dramatic fjords with deep blue water, in Northern Norway you’ll find beaches so white and water so turquoise that you’ll wonder if you’re actually in the tropics – at least until you dip your toes in.

Sami culture

The Sami people have lived at the top of Europe for thousands of years and the majority of Norway’s Sami live in Northern Norway! 

While Southern Norway might be home to the largest population of wild reindeer, in Northern Norway you’ll find lots of domestic reindeer herds wandering around, and they are way less shy than wild reindeer. You can even visit some Sami settlements to spend time with the reindeer and learn more about them. 

Northern Norway is also a great place to go whale watching! 

Friendly locals

My (Southern Norwegian) mom was skeptical when I decided to move up here, saying that Northerners drink and swear a lot. I won’t say that she was necessarily wrong, but she did leave out one other key characteristic of Northern Norwegians: they are the friendliest Norwegians. It’s true!

Fewer people

If you don’t care about friendly locals because you don’t like people don’t worry, Northern Norway doesn’t have many! Call me antisocial, but I really do love how few people live up here. And the small population has been a definite advantage over the past couple of years, during which life carried on here almost as normal. 

The dialect is more beautiful

Cursing aside, personally I find the dialects in Northern Norway to be so much prettier than the dialects spoken in Southern Norway. And don’t you want to listen to the prettiest version of Norwegian? Of course you do.

Svalbard 

Svalbard might just be the coolest (though not coldest ) place I’ve been, and it happens to be in Northern Norway! This group of islands is actually closer to the North Pole than to Oslo, and Svalbard’s towns are the northernmost permanently inhabited spots on the planet, aside from a few research bases.

I feel like that’s really reason enough to want to visit Svalbard, but probably its main attraction is the distinct landscape with pristine glaciers and the Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, humpback whales, orcas, and even narwhals! 

You can read more about Svalbard in my Northern Norway Travel Guide !

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Melissa says

October 7, 2021 at 2:51 pm

Just 2 more months before I land in the Artic! I am really looking forward to this, especially since it is my first travels since the pandemic. I plan to hang about relaxing. Surely, if I stare at the sky for 2 weeks between sessions in the saunas and hot tubs I will see lots of northern lights. I think, it is both northern lights and experiencing polar night that is attracting me to the Norwegian artic. I would though be just as happy to visit the Swedish artic even though the blog above says Sweden is boring. I like boring stuff!

October 7, 2021 at 2:57 pm

Hummm! I posted a comment. I seems to have disappeared without posting at all. Something broken?

October 9, 2021 at 9:16 am

I really should revisit Northern Norway to get another shot at those northern lights! And I love all Norwegian dialects, but the northern ones are definitely dreamy :). Congratulations on the book!

October 16, 2021 at 5:36 pm

“How sad would it be to be hanging out under dark skies in Bergen when the northern lights are dancing above the Arctic?” – Ouch! My Bergen colleagues said I was crazy heading up north in the middle of winter, a while back. Must admit though, the north is certainly a special place.

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Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

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Home » Europe » Norway » Backpacking Norway Travel Guide 2024

Backpacking Norway Travel Guide 2024

Epic Fjords, crisp, fresh air and the sparkling majestic Northern Lights. This is what Backpacking Norway offers to travellers. Despite being one of the most expensive countries on earth, Norway remains a dream travel destination and each year welcomes over 33 million visitors.

Norway’s charms are abundant, unique and unforgettable. Whether you fancy taking in the design aesthetics of Oslo, dog sledging in Tromso, or sipping wine on a Fjord cruise Norway has something for everybody.

With so much on offer, it can be hard deciding where to go to Norway. Also, being notoriously expensive it can also put a lot of strain on your budget.

This is why we made this kick-ass Norway backpacking guide.

Why Go Backpacking in Norway?

Norway is unique, beautiful and altogether special. However, it is also seriously, painfully expensive to travel Norway and to get the most out of it you will need a pretty generous budget. The trick is not to linger too long in the country and to try and cram your itinerary in as fast as possible to save cash. 

You may also wish to go easy on nights out and meals in restaurants. Instead, make your Nordic adventure all about the great nature and breathtaking outdoors which you can enjoy for free.

Before you book your trip to Norway you really need to decide what it is you want to do and see and plan carefully. You also need to be mindful of what time of year you go. Not only does the weather change dramatically between summer and winter, but so does the daylight situation. 

In the far North (Tromso/Lapland) the sun doesn’t really set during high summer and on the other hand, during winter the sun never really rises – the eerie “blue light” of winter is something to experience.

We will go into further detail about all of these points in this backpacking Norway guide.

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Norway

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There are endless different ways to explore Norway. You can do weekend break to the cities, fly to Lapland for Christmas or take a Fjord Cruise. However, here are a couple of ideas for Norwegian itineraries.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Backpacking Noway 7 Day Itinerary – An Introduction

This Norwegian itinerary begins in Stavanger which is located at the Southern end of the country and is well connected to Europe and Oslo. After getting acquainted with the town take in the Pulpit Rock hike and if you have an extra day, the Kjeragbolten hike.

After that head to pretty Bergen and take in the harbour and the classic Stave Church . If you have time and energy then there are great hiking options including Trolltunga.

From Bergen, make the incredibly photogenic drive to the little town of Geiranger where you can admire the Fjord from land, from kayak or leisure boat. The next drive from Geiranger to Andalsnes takes in the stunning “Trolls Ladder” switchback road.

From here make your way to Oslo and be sure to visit Munch’s The Scream in the National Museum. If you have money, Oslo has a great bar and club scene and it also has an airport to fly you home!

Backpacking Norway 10 Day Itinerary – The Highlights

This whirlwind tour of Norway is the best of both worlds: you make an epic Norwegian road trip , do plenty of hiking, and experience a wide variety of different landscapes, towns, and cities.

Ever wonder where those epic photographs of people standing on cliffs in Norway with an amazing view of the mountains and fjords perfectly positioned in the backdrop were taken?  The answer: most definitely somewhere along this backpacking route. Though, I can say with certainty that Pulpit Rock and Trolltunga are likely the images of Norway you have in your mind’s eye.

This is an action-packed itinerary with plenty of those “wow” moments occurring on a daily basis.

If you have slightly longer than two days, I suggest going on a few longer hikes, going on a sea-kayaking overnight trip through the fjords, camping in a Norway national park or two, and getting to know the tiny villages scattered along the way.

Backpacking Norway 2 week Itinerary – The Arctic North

If you’re not afraid of the cold (or of 24-hour daylight if you come in summer) then head to Norway’s Northernmost never-regions for a true glimpse of the Arctic.

Start in pretty Tromsø , a university town with a young, welcoming populace. Visit the Ice Cathedral and maybe try to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights . You can also visit lovely Senja from here.

Next head east for the rock carvings of Alta, then Nordkapp which is as far north as you can go in Norway by land. Spend some time with the native Sami people over at Karasjok and Kautokeino .

Then, catch a flight to Svalbard which remains one of the most unique places I have ever been to. Spend 3/4 nights here before departing.

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

Norway covers a pretty long landmass and stretches the full length of Scandinavia. Therefore, the climate, geography and culture do vary as you go. Where exactly you go backpacking in Norway will depend on what you want to get out of the experience and what time of year you intend to visit.

Norway’s capital is an elegant, clean and friendly city of 680,000 people. In terms of Norwegian geography, it is pretty far to the south and is actually nearer to London than it is to Svalbard. This means that the weather and daylight situations never get too extreme either way.

The city feels like other Northern European cities except for the Scandinavian design aesthetics of Oslo’s neighbourhoods and mighty harbour looking onto the Fjords.

There is a thriving coffee shop scene as well as plenty of lively bars and clubs – however, eating out and socialising here is seriously pricey, and the locals are definitely not the most welcoming in Europe. Instead, why not hang out in one of Oslo’s cool hostels and drink the free tea?!

The Oslo Art museum also houses a few Edward Munch’s including the legendary “The Scream” which looks even more amazing in real life and cannot be missed – the best thing in Oslo to do .

Oslo is well connected to the rest of Europe and Norway and you will probably pass through the capital. Luckily there are plenty of amazing Airbnbs in Oslo . However, the city itself is probably not quite the romantic vision Norway you are searching for so I do not advise lingering too long. Instead, head for the Fjords, the woods or the Northern territories as soon as you can.

Svalbard is a Norwegian territory located some 2000 North of the mainland and is actually inside the arctic circle. It was once a mining colony and now exists as a research facility and a hub for adventure tourism. To reach Svalbard you will need to take a flight from Tromso/Oslo or Northern Finland.

Svalbard is dramatic. It is pretty much the end of human civilization. It is the final, icy frontier before the great apocalyptic winter wasteland. Think of it as a combination between Game of Thrones’ “The Wall” and some futuristic colony on an ice planet. The international, transient population only numbers 2000 meaning there are more polar bears here than people.

Note that in mid-summer, it stays light 24 hours and in the depths of winter it is 24 hours pure darkness. Waking up at 9 am in darkness is unsettling but is one of the most unique travel experiences of my life. For obvious reasons, Svalbard is most popular during shoulder seasons (March/Apr & Oct/Nov).

There is quite a lot to do up in Svalbard including hikes, caving and Northern Lights tours. However, if you want to see the Northern Lights we suggest sitting in a bar and keeping an eye on the Northern Lights forecast (shown on TV screens) – when you get the go-ahead, take a taxi to Mine 7 and watch the horizon. You will have to fly to get to Svalbard and accommodation is pricey . However, tax breaks mean that food, drink and booze is cheaper than on the mainline. 

Stavanger is the gateway to some of the most spectacular scenery in Norway. It is a 7 hour+ drive from Oslo FYI. Most people opt to fly here, and if you are short on time, taking a flight is definitely the way to go. You can manage with the train easy enough if you don’t plan on renting a car in Norway .

Stavanger is pleasant enough, though really it will just be your base. The real draw of the area lies in the surrounding regions. One must do the classic hike to Pulpit Rock , which you can get to from Stavanger via public transit.

After arriving in the village of Tau, there is a bus service that drives backpackers to the start of the Pulpit Rock hike. The hikes is about four miles return. This is a classic Norwegian hike and by definition is very popular. I advise coming as early as you can to try and escape the crowds.

Kjeragbolten

The  Kjeragbolten hike is one of the most iconic and beautiful hikes to be found in Norway . I know, I know, everything is beautiful in Norway, right? But Kjeragbolten is something special still. You’ll see.

The start of the Kjeragbolten hike is roughly two hours from Stavanger. This 12 km hike will take between 6-7 hours from start to finish. The views along the way are truly incredible. Again, the Kjeragbolten hike is very popular so do your best to start earlier in the day.

Bear in mind that this hike is a bit more intense than the Pulpit Rock hike. The Kjeragbolten hike is also home to the now-famous (thanks Instagram) massive rock that is wedged between two cliffs a great distance from the ground (several thousand feet!). Please don’t be the next backpacker to fall to his/her death from this boulder for the sole sake of taking an epic photo.

Charming Bergen is actually the 2nd largest city in Norway and yet it wonderfully retains the feel of a small, harbourside town. It’s surrounded by mountains and fjords, including Sognefjord, the country’s longest and deepest. There are a few hostels in Bergen as well as some campsites if you are on a tight budget.

If you are visiting Norway for a short break or a weekend, staying in Bergen is ideal. The lovely spot is well connected by air and offers a true glimpse of Norway which you may not quite get in cosmopolitan Oslo.

The  Hanseatic Wharf , first established in the 14th century, is a welcomed sight upon first arriving in Bergen. Apart from being very easy on the eyes, the wharf is now a  UNESCO World Heritage site .

There is plenty to eat and drink along the wharf so come hungry. The  Bergen Fish Market  is another quintessential Bergen experience. There is plenty of things to eat and taste along the way.

The mountains nearby are indeed very close and accessible. The most accessible mountain directly from town is Fløyen. You can take the Fløibanen cable car to the top. Once there you are blessed with incredible views in all directions. You can carry on hiking and explore further into the mountains if you’re keen.

As well as climbing the Fjords and dining on fish, you can pass time in Bergen by visiting its cool museums and visiting the unique “Stave Church” which originally dates from 1152 – although it was totally destroyed and rebuilt in 1992. 

Damn it Norway. The beautiful hikes just keep on coming in an endless glaciated stream. The Trolltunga hike begins from the village of  Tyssedal .

There are basically two ways to tackle the Trolltunga hike. The first option: you can opt to hike the undulating switchbacks to the top. For the Second option: The Sky Ladder tour offers up a mixture of mountain biking and via ferrata style climbing to reach the top. Making the Sky Ladder Tour sounds more interesting, though I did not personally do it.

In total, the Trolltunga hike is about 23 km and will take you all day (8-10 hours). By day’s end, you will have successfully experienced one of the true highlights of backpacking Norway.

Balestrand and Geiranger

Your drive to Balestrand will take you across the stunning  Aurlandsvegen Snow Road. There are several worth while viewpoints along the road so take your time and enjoy it. Backpacking Norway is filled with these sorts of opportunities and if you rush you will simply miss them!

An alternative is heading to a lower elevation road and driving the  Lærdalstunnelen tunnel , the longest tunnel in the world (24.5 km or 15.2 miles).

Once in Balestrand, be sure to pop into  Ciderhuset . They make some very tasty local cider, jams, and other fruit-based products.  Gekkens is the best spot in town to grab lunch or a coffee.

Geiranger is another one of Norway’s magical outdoor playgrounds. The main activities here center around the fjords and surrounding mountains.

Rent a kayak an explore some of the fjords. Or alternatively, you can go for a mountain bike ride. Indeed, there is also plenty of awesome hikes in the area as well. In Geiranger, there are a few shops and places to eat when you need to refuel.

Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord .

If you have a day or two to just chill out, Alesund is a good place to do that. A hike to the Aksla Viewpoint is a good place to get to grips with the layout of the land.

I know, I mentioned Alesund is a good place to rest, and it is! Though if you have some extra energy be sure to get into the epic Sunnmore Alps. You will find a stunning array of walking trails and the typical mind-blowing Norwegian scenery.

Tromso is situated on the Northernmost tip of mainland Norway. Its Northern extremity means that it gets the phenomena of the midnight sun in summer and the eerie blu arctic light in mid-winter. The city itself is like a Christmas card of wooden houses and pine forests.

The main attractions of the town are the Ice Cathedral and the panorama view from Mountain Floya. 

The city is a very popular staging point for Northern Lights tours and they leave every night during the dark months. However, you can probably arrange the same experience yourself at a fraction of the cost.

There are also loads of dog sledging opportunities and other winter activities. There are no hostels in the city so finding a place to stay in Tromso is tricky if you are on a budget – booking a room via Airbnb is what I did.

Tromso airport also handles 2 flights a week to Svalbard.

Lofoten and Nordland

The Lofoten Islands are like a compact version of Norway offering midnight sun in the summertime and the Northern Lights the rest of the year. The mountains are spectacular and whilst not exactly high they offer vantage onto the beautiful fjords, crystal clear waters and white beaches. The locals are also very friendly, welcoming and used to tourists.

If you are short on time then the Lofoten Islands can be visited in a single day trip from Svolvær. Most day trips visit Kabelvåg, Henningsvær and Gimsøya beach.

The Norwegian Fjords are the stuff of traveler legend and for many, a visit is a once in a lifetime experience. However, there is no single place known as “The Fjords” and they can be found across Norway stretching the length and breadth of the nation.

There are in fact over 1000 of them although some are more spectacular than others. Oslo, Bergen and Tromso all have Fjords surrounding them for you to gaze into or try to climb.

Eidfjord is a small, attractive village positioned near Hardangerfjord . if you have a car, take the route that goes by Steinsdalsfossen . It’s kind of pretty, I guess (sarcasm). The village is about a 3 hour drive from Bergen if you make a few stops.

Eidfjord will be your base of operations for exploring the surrounding area. Specifically, for hiking the epic  Trolltunga . Be sure to make it to the  Vøringfossen Waterfall .

If you are not vibing with Eiffjord, you can also stay in  Tyssedal or  Odda .

Fjord Cruises are very popular as a way to really up close with the Fjords and also take in quite a bit of Norway. They are however very expensive.

No, it’s not lap dancing club (imagine how expensive that would be in Norway!). Lapland is perhaps best known as the fictional home of Santa Claus and every December teems with the children of wealthy parents on a once in a childhood trip to meet Santa and his Elves. Lapland actually straddles Norway, Finland, Sweden and even Russia. 

Lapland is a truly beautiful, magical and pretty wild part of Norway which remains home of the indigenous people, some of whom still live a semi-nomadic way of life.

If you wish to visit Norwegian Lapland then head for Alta and Kirkenes as both connect to Oslo.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Norway

The tourist trail in Norway is pretty slim to be honest and finding a quiet corner is very easy. The best way to experience the Norway less traveled is to get a car and drive through the Fjords and check out the smaller towns.

Another golden idea is to randomly pick towns and villages to visit based on the availability of Couchsurfing hosts – finding hosts in Oslo can be hard as users are cynical but if you pick a lesser known town, the host may well have never had a request before!

I have tried this technique all overt he works and ended up in some lovely places I would never have found otherwise.

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Norway offers endless opportunities for getting out into nature, cultural immersion, and generally having your mind blown. But let’s look at some of the definitive things to do in Norway.

1. Northern Lights Tour

The poster boy of Nordic tourism is surely the majestic Northern Lights or ‘Aurora Borealis’. Witnessing the almost supernatural natural phenomena for yourself can certainly be a soul-stirring experience.

If you are headed to Norway then you absolutely should try and see them yourself. The best time is between October – March and they cannot be seen at all during summer. Note that you have a better chance of seeing them the further North you go. 

However, please note that you are not guaranteed to see them, if it is cloudy or if the solar activity is wrong they will not be visible. Also, if you do see them, note that they may not exactly be what you expected, and a few travelers have returned underwhelmed by the experience.

There are loads of Northern Lights toys operating across Norway. Note that all they essentially do is charge you $50+ to pack you onto a coach, drive outside of town and wait. It is therefore worth trying to do it for yourself either by renting a car or simply walking up a hill as far away from light pollution as you can get.

2. Fjord Cruise

The Norwegian Fjords are steep and beautiful sea cliffs that trace pretty much the full length of the country. Whilst you can take a trip to the nearest Fjord from anywhere in Norway, the quintessential way to take them in is via a Fjord Cruise. Some Fjord Cruises also cross the Bering Sea and go all the way to Svalbard.

Note that Fjord Cruises are NOT cheap and there is no way to cut costs. It will however be the trip of a lifetime.

3. Trekking Glaciers

Norway is all about the great outdoors and the natives just love to get into the forests, mountains or nearest cabin for some fresh, crisp Northern air.

There are plenty of National Parks across Norway where you can hike or trek til your hearts contents. Even most towns and cities have a great hiking trail on their doorstep. In Tromso, for example, you can follow the path along the Fjordal Coast and you’ll feel transported.

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Accommodation in Norway is pricey. Hostel dorms can set you back $30 and there aren’t any hostels at all in Svalbard, Tromso or a lot of popular spots. Hotels and guest-houses are also expensive so your best option is to try and find a spare room on Airbnb.

You can obviously try Couchsurfing but I never had any luck – too many savvy locals realised they could make a few bucks renting that couch real estate out to travellers and switched to Airbnb.

Some hostels charge extra for letting you use kitchen facilities. For this reason, Airbnb is often a better option. Check-in advance. Shame on your Norwegian hostels!

Best Places To Stay in Norway

A Daily Budget in Norway

Obviously your daily budget will vary depending on your travel style, what you do and how hard you hunt for bargains. However, these loose averages are a pretty guide to use a starting point.

Money in Norway

Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Cash points are widely available. Card payments are also widely accepted if not preferred, including in taxi’s or on busses.

Find out how much your money is worth today by using the up-to-date converter below.

Travel Tips – Norway on a Budget

Norway is seriously expensive. It is one of the most expensive countries in the world and unless you are rich, you feel the pain of this. However, there are a few things you can do to try and cut your costs.

Take as much food with you from home as you can. Pack dried noodles, pasta and tinned goods and cook them in your Airbnb or hostel.

Note that wild camping in open country is enshrined in Norwegian law.

Avoid eating out or drinking as much as possible. Even alcohol in a supermarket carries very high taxes.

Also, try to avoid tours unless they are necessary. You can usually seek out the Northern Lights yourself – you just need to get away from excess light pollution and find a good vantage point.

Why Should You Travel to Norway with a Water Bottle?

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful!

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller.

STOP USING SINGLE-USE PLASTIC! If you’d like some more tips on how to save the world .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

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The time of year you visit Norway will inform your experience of it. If you visit in summer expect pleasant, long days. Summer is a great time to go camping and hiking the long trails. Note that if you do visit in summer you won’t see the “Christmas card perfect” side of Norway and the Northern Lights will probably not be visible.

Winter is the exact opposite of the above. The weather can be dangerously cold if you don’t wrap up (see the packing section, proper winter gear is necessary) and the nights can be endless. In Oslo and the South, there will be 4 to 5 hours of daylight each day. In Tromso and the North, the sun never rises but you get the spooky, beguiling blue light between 12 – 3. In Svalbard, it says pitch-black 24/7 during December and January.

To try and get the best of both, it may be worth visiting in October to March. This is also the prime Northern Lights spotting period. However, accommodation prices will spike at this time.

Festivals in Norway

Nordlysfestivalen (Northern Lights Festival) is a celebration of music in all its forms, from opera to jazz, and from chamber music and symphonic orchestras to modern tunes. Taking place late in January each year, this festival is special for both the music and the locations chosen for the concerts. 

Northern Troms – The Sami are the indigenous people of Northern Scandinavia with a vibrant culture and their own language (that’s also recognized as one of Norway’s official languages). Riddu Riu Festivàla ,  (“little storm on the coast”) in Sami, is an international indigenous festival that’s been happening each July for 25 years. Expect a pretty diverse program ranging from music and films to workshops, literature, and performances. 

Midnight Sun Festival – Island of Værøy  – A truly underground, psychedelic festival set on a stunning beach in Northern Norway. Expect 3 days of Psytrance and dancing under the never-setting sun.

What to Pack for Norway

If you are visiting in summer, expect pleasant days, cool nights and occasional rain. Therefore we suggest packing a combo of long and short sleeves, pants and a good rain jacket. Norwegian’s generally dress well and smartly so do make an effort (we’re talking to you, American readers!).

Winter is cold and you will need to pack properly. If you are going North, bring thermal undergarments, wool socks, thick gloves, a thick ski hat and a thick, warm, waterproof jacket. Here is my tip: when I visited I bought an old ex-rental ski-jacket from an outdoor rental shop in my home-town. Failure to prepare will ruin your trip.

Also, try to bring everything you need for your trip with you as buying toiletries or adapters on the ground in Norway will be far more expensive than back at home. I also recommend packing your bag with as many packs of dried noodles and pasta as you can to save food costs.

Norway is a prosperous and peaceful land peopled with mild natives. Crime is relatively rare except for the odd drunken scrape and the child-eating Trolls which once plagued the villages have been hunted out of existence.

The biggest dangers facing travellers to Norway are natural ones. The cold can be deadly if you are unprepared – wrap up warm and do not get too drunk as falling asleep in the snow can kill you.

Driving can also be hazardous if you are not used to icy roads. Also, do not stop your car in the road to watch the Northern Lights as this is illegal.

If you visit Svalbard, polar bears are also a danger although they rarely venture inside the town limits. Do not stray outside of the town limits without either a guide or a gun.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll in Norway

Scandinavians have a reputation for being a little more reserved than us “Southerners” but my God, they do like a drink! There are plenty of bars and pubs across Norway serving whatever tipple takes your fancy. There is also an established club scene in Oslo and other big cities.

Drugs in Norway are now decriminalised meaning you will not be prosecuted for use. However, this does not mean that they are legal or socially acceptable. Like anywhere in Europe, you can find weed, MDMA and cocaine in cities if you know where to look. Prices can be very expensive though.

Psychedelic mushrooms also grow abundantly in the forests but unless you know exactly what you are looking for, we do advise against foraging.

World Nomads Travel Insurance For Norway

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

If you have an accident in Norway, your medical bill may require a remortgage to pay. Therefore we suggest getting insured before you set out.

Norway is well connected by air to the rest of Europe and Oslo handles daily flights from all over the world. A lot of budget airlines also stop at Stavanger, Bergen, Oslo and even Tromso meaning you can usually fly into Norway pretty cheaply. Land borders with Finland, Sweden are porous and you may not even realise you have crossed them.

Entry Requirements for Norway

Norway is NOT in the EU but is in the EEC meaning it has adopted the EU entry and immigration policies and is part of the Schengen Zone. EU citizens do not need a visa to enter. You may need a Schengen Visa to enter Norway although citizens of many nations do not even need this.

Most nationalities can enter the Schengen zone visa-free for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days, but to stay longer than 90 days requires a bit more planning.

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Norway covers a very large, long landmass and distances between towns and cities are pretty big. There is an extensive and handy train network connecting the country and some of the journeys are very scenic.

However, train travel in Norway is expensive. Perhaps counter-intuitively, it can often be cheaper to fly between destinations especially if you are going from far North to South.

Traveling by Bus in Norway

In terms of inner-city travel, bus networks are efficient and reliable. Many prefer card payment over cash. Taxies are regulated making them fair and honest and take card payment too – however, they are expensive. 

Petrol costs are also the highest in Europe. Driving to Norway also means you have to drive through some other, expensive Scandinavian countries.

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Hitchhiking in Norway

Hitchhiking in Norway is certainly possible. It works best away from big cities in rural and semi-rural areas and in the Northern parts is often a legitimate way to commute! However, some travellers have commented that they sometimes found it hard to find a ride. Non-white visitors may also particularly struggle to find a ride.

Onwards Travel from Norway

As we said, Oslo airport connects to the whole world and there are budget flights to either European destinations from Bergen & Stavanger too. Land borders are with Finland and Sweden and can be easily crossed by bus, train or private vehicle.

There is also a border with Russia. This is not porous and you will need a Russian visa to cross.

There is no legal minimum wage in Norway but in practice, the base line is $12.50 per hour. “Unskilled” workers do comparatively well in Norway and  it is a temping place for some ex-pats to live and work. However, note that living costs are very high so this does need to be factored in.

To work in Norway, you will need to have a good go at speaking Norwegian which is not the easiest to learn. However, my British friend did find work as a postman with only a basic grasp of Norwegian.

A notable alternative is tourism work in Svalbard – the default language in Svalbard and many comers head there seeing work as bar tenders, cooks and tour guides.

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Work Visa’s in Norway

Citizens of the EU and EEA can live and work in Norway freely. Everybody else will need a residency and residence permit. The type of permit you need will vary depending on what job you are intending to do and employments must be secured in advance.  

Teaching English in Norway

Teaching English in Norway is an option for native speakers. However you will need a TEFL, a degree and possibly even a university teaching qualification. 

Volunteering in Norway

Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst helping your host community. There are plenty of different volunteer projects in Norway including teaching, construction, agriculture and pretty much anything.

Norway may not need as much support from volunteers as other less-developed nations, but there are still opportunities available. Hospitality, farming, and gardening are all areas where travelers can offer up some time and skills. Other opportunities include social work and taking tours. If you’re not an EEA citizen, then you’ll need to obtain a permit in order to volunteer. 

Want to find some awesome volunteering opportunities in Norway? Then signup for Worldpackers , a platform that connects local hosts with volunteer travelers. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll also get a special discount of $10. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Programs run through reputable work exchange programs , like Worldpackers, are generally very well-managed and highly reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant especially when working with animals or children.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Norwegian specialities include reindeer meat which can be dried and turned into jerky, eaten as steak or made into a burger. Seafood is also ubiquitous and delicious. Norwegian rye bread and crackers are a staple but can be a bit dry and bland for visitors.

Pizza and sandwiches are also available from 7/11’s and can be useful for those eating on a budget.

Kjøttkaker – This simple dish remains a staple of Norwegian family meals. It’s seasoned, kneaded mincemeat with a variety of ingredients, such as onions or rusk, pan-fried in cakes.  Best served with either mashed peas or creamed cabbage.

Smalahove – Salted, smoked sheep’s head, boiled and served with potatoes and the omnipresent kohlrabi mash. Not for the faint-hearted and best washed down with some good ale – as this is often served in pubs rather than a restaurant that won’t be a problem.

Bergensk fiskesuppe – Norwegians eat a lot of seafood but this one is worth a special mention. It’s a subtle fish soup of Bergen. Usually made from Pollock and stock, double cream is added for added creaminess. Perfect on a cold day (of which there is no shortage when backpacking Norway.

Norwegians are for the most part friendly, hospitable and humble. They are not naturally outgoing like some other Europeans and can sometimes come across as frosty. However, if you persevere you will find them quite warm and very happy to celebrate and show off their county.

Useful Travel Phrases for Norway

Many Norwegians (especially the young ones) speak English very well and will be happy to do so. However, English proficiency is less common in rural areas. Also note that in some areas efforts to speak a little Norwegian will be very highly appreciated.

Here are some helpful Norwegian Phrases;

Thank you – Takk

Thank you very much – Tusen takk

You’re welcome – Vær så god

Please – Vær så snill

Excuse me – Unnskyld meg

Where is …? – Hvor er …?

How much is the fare? – Hvor mye koster billetten?

One ticket to …, please. – En billett til …, takk.

How do you say this in Norwegian? – Hvordan sier man dette på norsk?

A polar bear ate my friend – En isbjørn spiste vennen min

Books to Read about Norway

These are some of my favorite travel reads and books set in Norway, which you should consider picking up before you begin your backpacking adventure…

Phillip Pullman – Northern Lights   – This children’s fantasy book also appeals to adults, I read it when I was 18 and loved it. It is a fantasy theological masterpiece set across parallel universes.

Fellowship of Ghosts: A Journey Through the Mountains of Norway –Join the author as he hikes through the mountainous terrain of central Norway and recounts the tales of those who have walked before him.

Jo Nesbo – The Snowman – Noric Noir probably needs no introduction to you. Scandinavian crime novels are now world famous and have spawned countless film and TV adaptations. Jo Nesbo is one the genres leading proponents. 

A Brief History of Norway

The earliest agricultural settlements of Norway appeared between 4000 – 5000 BC. From the late 8th century the Norwegian sea-faring and Viking ages began which also saw the first unification of Norway. Christianity arrived in the 11th century which is when the first Stave Churches were built.

In 1397, Norway entered into the Kalmar Union with Sweden and Denmark and remained a part of this until the end of the Napoleonic wars in 1814. However, it took a short war with Sweden before Norwegian independence was fully recognised & realised.

Nazi Germany occupied Norway in WWII from 1940 until 1945 although a bitter and heroic campaign of resistance was waged throughout.

Oil was discovered in Norway in 1969 which began its modern period of prosperity. Today it remains one of the wealthiest countries on earth.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

So there we have it. Whilst it will be expensive, Backpacking Norway is an experience you will never forget. You will remember the crisp air and majestic nights for years to come.

Just remember my usual harping advice: don’t be an asshole on holiday – drink only what you can handle, be respectful, and don’t be a shit-stirrer.

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Aiden Freeborn

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Is it possible to save on accomodations by camping/staying in a tent in Norway? Is tent/camping allowed?

The good news is that Free camping in Open Country, is enshrined in Norwegian law.

I am not sure what the deal is in populated areas (ie city parks) but I would imagine free camping is probably NOT permitted in these areas.

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