If you are planning a trip to Norway, I share some examples of Norway itineraries from 7 days to 2 weeks to help you to plan your Norway trip
Situated in Scandinavia, Norway is at the northern point of Europe. Known for its majestic landscape, Norway is a country with UNESCO status fjords, tranquil national parks and plenty of Viking history.
It’s safe, full of history and has the most amazing landscapes. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Northern Lights, stunning fjords, and glaciers, Norway is the ideal destination for Arctic travel. Although the country is quite spread out, you can see the majority of the country within 2 weeks. I’ve spent more than two and a half months in Norway and loved it.
Norway 4 Day Itinerary
If you only have a few days in Norway and are looking for a Norway 4 day itinerary, I recommend either following the Oslo itinerary for 3 days and adding on an extra day, or just staying there for 2 days then travelling to Bergen for 2 days. For all of the destinations below I have just included the top things to do. I have included a link of the destination guide for more detailed information.
Oslo Opera House (photo @ Emily Banwell)
Norway 7 Day Itinerary
Oslo – 3 Days
Oslo is the capital of Norway and the country’s largest city. It’s the place to visit if you’re into art, museums and culture.
The Vigeland Sculpture Park is the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist. Completed in 1949 inside its grounds you’ll find over 200 pieces of artwork created by Gustav Vigeland. The sculptures are made from wrought iron, bronze and granite and depict human life from birth to death. Don’t miss the fountain of life.
You can’t miss the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet. With a unique sloping roof this building is a sight for sore eyes. Even if you don’t watch an opera or ballet inside it’s worth a visit just for the architecture. Take a peek inside the lobby – which is free to visit – to see the Italian marble and white granite. The seats have their own personal screens too!
To see where to stay and everything to do in Oslo, check out my Solo Travel in Oslo guide
Travel From Oslo to Bergen: There are a few ways to get from Oslo to Bergen. Check Rome2Rio for different ways to travel.
- Fly – Takes less than one hour
- Train – Takes between 7 – 7.5 hours
- Drive – If you hire a car the drive will take you approximately 7 hours
- Bus – The bus is the longest option and takes 13.5 hours
Bergen – 2 Days
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see and one of Bergen’s most popular areas. Bergen was once an important part of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire, and these brightly painted wooden buildings are reminders of that era from the 14th to the 16th century. Today the colourful picturesque buildings are galleries, shops and cafes that make up one of the most iconic areas of the city. I visited at Christmas time and loved exploring the little alleyways and along the waters edge. It has a great cafe culture too.
The best way to see the fjords is sailing through this beautiful landscape. You can take a fjord cruise from various places in Norway but Bergen is the perfect place to hop aboard. If you are short on time you can still see the stunning scenery on a 3 hour cruise to Osterfjord. Pass green water, steep ravines and small farming mountain villages whilst getting up close to waterfalls and steep mountains.
To see where to stay and everything to do in Bergen, check out my Solo Travel in Bergen guide
Flam to Mydral Railway (photo @ Konstantin Malanchev)
Norway 7 Day Itinerary
Flam – 2 Days
Travel From Bergen to Flam: From Bergen Central Station, take the train for 2 hours to Myrdal Station. You then change to the train to Flam which you’ll reach in 50 minutes.
In Flam, Norway, there’s lots to do! You can take a scenic train ride on the Flåm Railway, which goes through beautiful mountains and waterfalls. Then, hop on a boat cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, where you can see stunning views of the fjords and maybe even spot some wildlife. If you like hiking, there are trails for all levels of hikers, with breathtaking views of the surrounding nature.
The Flåm Railway is apparently one of the prettiest train rides you’ll ever take. It is also Europe’s steepest. The railway was built in the 1920s and is now one of Norway’s most popular attractions. The 20 km ride will take you through some stunning scenery, pass waterfalls, mountains and picturesque villages, culminating at Aurlandsfjord. There are ten stations along the route and the journey takes one hour. It’s definitely one for the Norway travel wish list.
To see where to stay in Flam, check out my Best Places To Stay in Norway guide
Geiranger
Norway 10 Day Itinerary
Geiranger – 2 days
If you have longer than a week in Norway, add on these next two destinations
From Flam to Geiranger: Use Rome2Rio to plan your trip
- Bus – Takes 8 hours
- Drive – Hire a car and drive in 4.5 hours
Nestled at the end of the iconic Geirangerfjord, the village of Geiranger has even more stunning Norwegian natural beauty. With cascading waterfalls and rugged cliffs, you can witness the dramatic viewpoints from Flydalsjuvet and Ørnesvingen or seek out hidden gems along the fjord on a fjord cruise. Or immerse yourself in the rich culture and beauty of this Norwegian village. It does take a while to get here from Flam but it is worth the journey.
Hike to the Seven Sisters Waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls in Geirangerfjord. Even the trail itself offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the cascading waterfalls.
As well as taking a fjord cruise, you can also delve into the rich cultural and natural history of the region at a visit to the Norwegian Fjord Center in Geiranger. Learn about the formation of fjords, the local wildlife, and the traditional way of life in this picturesque coastal landscape through interactive exhibits and guided tours.
Or if you’re feeling active and want a closer interaction with the fjord, you can rent a kayak or canoe to get closer to the rugged cliffs and cascading waterfalls for a unique perspective of the fjord.
More cultural things to do here are to try the local cuisine. From freshly caught seafood to traditional Norwegian dishes like fårikål (lamb stew) and rømmegrøt (sour cream porridge), you’ll find local delicacies at the cafes and local restaurants. And make sure to stay in a traditional rorbu, a waterfront cabin with rustic charm that is typically found in fishing villages like Geiranger.
Tip – Check if there are any cultural events and festivals happening during your visit. You may even get to see a traditional folk music performances or an art exhibitions showcasing local talent whilst you’re there.
Alesund
Alesund – 1 Day
From Geiranger to Alesund: Check Rome2Rio for routes
- Bus – Takes 4.5 hours
- Ferry – Takes about the same as the bus (4.5 hours)
- Drive – To get there takes approximately 6 hours
Ålesund, in Norway is a lovely place to visit with coastal views and distinctive Art Nouveau architecture. Stroll through its charming streets, marveling at the intricate details adorning the buildings. Don’t miss the breathtaking views from the Aksla viewpoint. You can hike up Mount Aksla to see the surrounding islands. It’s not too difficult and offers stunning panoramic views.
Dive into the history of Norway’s fishing industry at the Fisheries Museum. You can learn about traditional fishing methods and the importance of fishing in Norwegian culture. Make sure to see the Jugendstil Centre which includes the town’s best preserved Art Nouveau interior with multimedia exhibitions and international art.
Step back in time and explore traditional Norwegian houses and buildings at the Sunnmøre Museum. You can learn about the region’s history and culture. If the weather is nice, head to one of Ålesund’s beaches for some relaxation by the water. It’s a great way to unwind and enjoy the coastal scenery.
Explore the fjords and islands around Ålesund by taking a boat trip. You’ll get to see stunning landscapes and maybe even spot some wildlife like seals or eagles. If you don’t get lucky on the boat you can discover the marine life of the Norwegian coast at the Ålesund Aquarium where you can see various fish species, seals, and even penguins!
To see where to stay and everything to do in Alesund, check out my Things To Do in Alesund guide
Norway 2 Week Itinerary
If you have two weeks, I recommend adding Tromso and Stavanger onto your itinerary and either starting in Oslo and then flying to Tromso or starting in Tromso first.
Here’s my 2 week Norway itinerary which allows you more time in each destination.
- Tromso – 4 days (see below). Fly 4 hours from Tromso to Bergen.
- Bergen – 4 days (see the Bergen section above) Fly 3 hours or bus 5 hours from Bergen to Stavanger.
- Stavanger – 2 days (see below). Fly 1 hour from Stavanger to Oslo.
- Oslo – 4 days (see above)
Tromso – 4 Days
Known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic,’ Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights due to its winter darkness. This light phenomenon known as the aurora borealis is stunning and although sightings are never guaranteed anywhere, September, October, and March are some of the best months to visit. I visited in December for 5 nights and saw them on my last night.
You can book a tour when you’re there through the Tourist Information Office in Tromso but I recommend pre-booking in case the tours are booked up. Because the Northern Lights are never guaranteed, some companies offer a discounted tour for the following evening (or even a free tour) if you are unable to see them.
If you’re visiting Tromso between September to March, you can even take a cruise to spot the Northern Lights. Sitting in a jacuzzi with a glass of bubbles whilst sailing past stunning scenery is an indulgent and fun way to take a cruise.
Tromsø is a known spot for whale watching with Humpback, Orca and Sperm whales within its waters from October to mid-February. Go whale watching on an inflatable boat and ride to Kvaløya Island to spot humpback, pilot and killer whales as well as seals and other sea life. You may even spot a White-tailed eagle, one of the largest birds in Europe.
To see where to stay and everything to do in Tromso, check out my Solo Travel in Tromso guide
Pulpit Rock (photo @ Mandy)
Stavanger – 2 Days
Situated in Southwest Norway is the Stavanger region, a beautiful area with deep fjords, mountains and valleys. Popular with tourists and cruise ships, this region is an ideal base to explore Pulpit Rock, one of Norway’s must-sees. Pulpit Rock otherwise known as Preikestolen is one of the most beautiful lookouts in the world with sheer drops and dramatic views. Catch a ferry (if you don’t have a car) then hike the two hours to the clifftop for a picture perfect view of Lysefjorden.
You can explore the old town with its cute, colorful houses and cobblestone streets. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum to learn about Norway’s oil industry. And if you love beaches, Sola Beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
To see where to stay and everything to do in Stavanger, check out my Is Stavanger Worth Visiting guide
Final thoughts…
These are just some ideas for Norway itineraries. Norway is a beautiful country with so much to offer especially if you love nature. Just take your credit card as you don’t want to miss out on any of these incredible experiences.
More Articles on Norway
- Best Places To Stay in Norway
- Solo Travel in Norway
- Solo Travel in Oslo
- Solo Travel in Bergen
- Things To Do in Alesund
- Solo Travel in Trondheim
- Things To Do in Stavanger
