norway trip 7 days

7 Days in Norway Itinerary for the First-Time Visitors

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Norway is vast with unlimited exploration opportunities that it’s not easy or I’d say it’s rather an overwhelming task to put together an itinerary that satisfies your travel goals. Norway has 5 regions viz. Northern Norway , Trøndelag , Western Norway , Southern Norway , and Eastern Norway , each more beautiful than the next, each has a different story to tell, and you’d find yourself dealing with the feeling of missing out while crafting 7 days in Norway itinerary.

I’m here to help you calm your anxiety levels by sharing a 7-day itinerary for Norway that’s just right for first-time visitors. It gives you a perfect introduction to the country in a limited time!

Norway Itinerary Map

7 Days in Norway Itinerary in Nutshell

Have more days in Norway? Read Our 2 Weeks in Norway Itinerary

Norway Itinerary 7 Days: Explore the Best of Norway in One Week

From storied fjords, majestic mountains, beautiful waterfalls, charming towns, and vibrant capital city to sweeping vistas – my Norway itinerary captures it all in 7 days!

Day 0: Arrive in Oslo

I started my Norway trip in Oslo, so would recommend you do the same. Norway’s fascinating capital and largest city, Oslo is where most of the international flights to Norway land.

To score the best flight deals to Oslo , I suggest you book your tickets 3 to 6 months in advance. Airlines like Norwegian Air and SAS frequently have competitive fares, especially if you’re flying from within Europe. Don’t forget to set up price alerts on Skyscanner to snag deals the moment they drop!

Olso Airport Transfer

Once you land in Oslo, hop on the Flytoget , a high-speed train that zips you from Oslo Gardermoen Airport to the city center in about 20 minutes.

The train runs every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 20 minutes during off-peak times. A one-way ticket costs around 230 NOK (roughly 19.92 EUR or 26 USD) per adult.

While Flytoget is a convenient and quick option, you can also take a regular NSB train , which is slightly cheaper but takes a bit more time. Taxis and airport buses are available too but expect to pay a premium for the convenience.

I you favor convenience and direct service like me, booking a private transfer is also an excellent, albeit more expensive, option.

Where to Stay in Olso

Make sure you book a hotel that’s right in the heart of the city so you stay close to where the action is. It saves you from the hassle of public transportation too.

I stayed at the Karl Johan Hotel with my family. Located on the main street in Oslo, the hotel scores points for its excellent location, welcoming staff, and value for money.

You can also check my guide to the best places to stay in Oslo .

Grab the best deals on accommodation in Oslo

What to do in Oslo on Arrival Day

You can spend the rest of the day depending on what your body says. If you feel tired after a long flight, you can rest and charge yourself up for the next day.

If you are restless like me and feel active enough to step out of the hotel, you can walk around exploring the city center. Stroll the Karl Johans Gate , Oslo’s main street, and stop by Slottsplassen to admire the Royal Palace .

You can check out the nearby buildings of Oslo City Hall , the Nobel Peace Center , and the National Theater .

If you are not having your dinner in your hotel, I’d recommend Katla , a unique dining experience right in the heart of Oslo. I loved dining here and enjoyed their food and services.

Day 1: Explore Oslo

The best way to explore Oslo is by taking a guided walking tour , guided bike tour , or self-guided walking tour around the city. I almost always choose to take a guided tour, free or paid, as I feel it gives you a headstart in a new city.

The walking tour in Olso lets you admire the landmarks in Olso like Karl Johans Gate , National Theatre , University Place , Norwegian Parliament , Nobel Peace Center , Royal Palace , City Hall , and the  National Museum .

There are so many fun things to do in Oslo . Here, you just have 2 days to discover the attractions in Oslo so I’d suggest starting your day with Akershus Fortress or Akershus Castle . The fortress not only offers a historical narrative but also affords spectacular views of Oslo and the fjord. You can join a guided tour to learn more about the culture and history attached to the monument.

After the fortress, enjoy the Oslofjord Cruise that takes you to the Bygdøy Peninsula .

Spend some time checking out one or two of the best museums on the peninsula – Kon-Tiki Museum, Fram Museum, Viking Ship Museum,  and  the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History .

📣 Heads-Up : If you’ve got your sights set on the Viking Ship Museum, you’ll have to hold onto that excitement a bit longer. The museum is under renovation and won’t reopen until 2025 or 2026. Breathe easy, though— Norway’s still brimming with Viking history to explore !

Given your time limit, choose the museums that pick your interest. All of them are equally fascinating and provide unique insights into Norway’s history and culture.

If you are a museum person, you’ll love Oslo has over 50 museums for you to explore. If you ask me, you must add a visit to the Munch Museum to marvel at Edvard Munch’s iconic works.

Or you can choose to take an island hopping tour that lets you explore the ancient islands of Hovedøya , Lindøya , and Gressholmen .

Come back and sit at one of the eateries by the Aker Brygge , a beautiful harbor front in Oslo to enjoy the views of the fjord while enjoying lunch at Louise Restaurant . And don’t forget to try gelato at Paradis Gelateria .

End your day with authentic Norwegian cuisine at Maaemo , one of the world’s best restaurants !

I suggest you buy Oslo Pass to make the most of your time in the Norwegian capital. The pass saves you a lot of time, money, and hassle. It’s all the more important when you’ve limited time to explore the city.

⛵ Read More: The Ultimate 3-Week Nordic Itinerary

Day 2: Explore Oslo

Start your day 2 in Olso with a visit to Vigeland Sculpture Park aka Frogner Park . With over 200 sculptures in bronze, granite, and wrought iron, it makes for an exceptional outdoor gallery.

Spend some time exploring the Oslo Opera House . Don’t just admire it from the outside, though—the roof offers panoramic views of Oslo! It’s an architectural marvel where you can literally walk on the opera.

You might want to take a quick detour to Barcode Project , a series of ultra-modern, high-rise buildings located near the Opera House, it gives you a taste of Oslo’s forward-thinking architecture.

Stop by Mathallen Food Hall for lunch. It’s a feast for the senses with all sorts of local and international culinary delights. Alternatively, you can try Vaaghals , a restaurant that blends traditional and modern Norwegian gastronomy.

Oslo is surrounded by nature, so take a short tram ride to Ekebergparken , a sculpture and national heritage park offering stunning views of the city, or maybe take a stroll along the Akerselva River .

For dinner, you can head to Arakataka for authentic Norwegian flavors or Oslo Street Food for a global culinary adventure.

Norway is one of the top coffee-consuming nations (one of the reasons it’s close to my heart), and experiencing the local coffee culture could be an intimate way to wrap up the day.

Day 3: Oslo to Bergen via Scenic Bergen Railway | Explore Bergen

It’s time to ride one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, the Bergen Railway ( Bergensbanen )!

Grab a window seat and glue your face to the window for some of the most dramatic landscapes you’ll ever witness in your lifetime.

This beautiful train journey is a part of Norway in a Nutshell Tour where you get down at Myrdal to join the Flåm Railway ( Flåmsbana ), a short yet utterly picturesque train journey.

Tip: Make sure you book your tickets in advance. You must board the 8:25 am train so you can reach by 2:55 pm to have half a day to explore Bergen.

⛵ Read more about this enthralling train journey from Oslo to Bergen .

Check in your hotel (as always I recommend booking a hotel in the city center), freshen up, and get set to discover the capital of Fjord Norway.

Trust Me On This: Don’t forget your waterproof gear; Bergen is famous for its sudden showers.

Start your day with a visit to Mount Ulriken , the highest of the 7 mountains around Bergen. You can hike the mountain but it takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete the hike.

As you are short on time, take the Ulriken cable car up and down the mountain to enjoy the 360-degree views over the city.

Another not-to-be-missed attraction in Bergen is Mount Fløyen . It’s a beautiful hike provided you’ve time else you can take Fløibanen funicular  to the mountain.

Come back down to the city center and spend your evening exploring Bryggen , a UNESCO World Heritage site that features pretty waterfront wooden houses dating back to the 1700s.

If you want to join a guided tour, this walk through the past and present of Bergen by I Love Bergen is perfect as it covers the most popular attractions as well as secret spots in the city.

Or you can join an all-inclusive guided tour that includes city sightseeing, a fjord cruise, and Mt Fløyen Funicular.

Taste the local seafood and experience the rich trading history dating back to the 1200s at Bergen Fish Market .

I stayed at Hotel Norge by Scandic . Located right in the heart of Bergen, the hotel is rated highly for its location, services, and food. It’s also one of the top picks by families with children.

Check out the best accommodation options in Bergen

Just So You Know: If you’re looking to explore beyond Bergen’s walkable city center, consider grabbing a day pass for unlimited bus and light rail travel. These passes can be easily purchased at tourist centers or via the ‘ Skyss ‘ mobile app, offering a cost-effective way to roam far and wide.

⛵ Related Read: Best Places to Visit in Norway with Kids

🚘 Looking for reliable & affordable car hire in Norway?

I trust and recommend Discover Cars , a leader in online car rental bookings! It promises transparency, security, convenience, and incredible savings.

Day 4: Bergen to Odda via Rental Car | Hardangerfjord Cruise

Pick your rental car to drive the beautiful roads in Norway. I completely rely on and recommend Discover Cars to rent a car wherever you go.

Find the best deals for car rental here . You should book well in advance to grab the low-price deals.

Road-tripping is one of the best ways to explore Norway. It’s a delight to drive along the road with breathtaking views of fjords, mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers.

A road trip from Bergen to Odda via Fv7 (this route includes the Tørvikbygd-Jondal ferry to cross the fjord) takes around 3 hours excluding the time to make stops along the way.

Don’t forget to pack some road trip essentials and a travel playlist with maybe classic Norwegian songs to set the mood.

There are many scenic stops (because, well you’re in Norway) along the way so it’s wise to allow yourself enough time to stop and take in the epic views.

One of the prettiest stops is the Steinsdalsfossen waterfall in Norheimsund.

Once in Norheimsund , take the fjord cruise on the Hardangerfjord aka the queen of the fjords with gofjords .

Cruising along the fjord, you’ll witness charming villages surrounded by steep mountains with snow-covered peaks and majestic waterfalls. You’ll also be able to see the Folgefonna glacier .

You’ll make a stop at Eidfjord to visit the Norwegian Nature Center Hardanger and the stunning and largest waterfall in Norway, Vøringsfossen .

Come back to Norheimsund to pick up your car and continue your drive to Odda. Once in Odda, make sure to check out Låtefoss waterfall in Oddadalen aka the Valley of Waterfalls .

Tip: If you love national parks , then you may want to consider visiting one of the national parks near Odda – Hardangervidda National Park and Folgefonna National Park .

I stayed at the Tyssedal Hotel , located by the Hardangerfjord at the foot of the Hardangervidda Mountains. It’s about 6 km (3.7 miles) north of central Odda.

Just about 7 km (4.3 miles) from Skjeggedal, the starting point of the Trolltunga hike, the hotel serves as a perfect base for those who want to do the Trolltunga hike.

Find the best deals on accommodation near Trolltunga

⛵ You Might Like: Beautiful Norwegian Words

Day 5: Hike Trolltunga

Today, you’ll experience one of the most scenic and popular hikes in Norway, Trolltunga.

Literally translating to troll tongue, it’s a cliff located at about 1,180 meters above sea level shaped like the tongue of a troll that extends out from the mountain.

From the main trailhead in Skjeggedal , the hike is 28 km (round-trip) and can take anywhere between 10-12 hours to complete depending upon the stops you make.

There’s another trailhead at Mågelitopp from where the round-trip hike is 20 km which can take about 8 -10 hours to complete.

The hike is long and arduous but worth it. The views from the top are magnificent! Nothing matches the joy and thrill of standing on the edge of the cliff and looking down at the crystal blue fjord right below.

• You must be well-equipped and well-prepared for the hike. Wear sturdy hiking boots and a wind and waterproof jacket. Pack some warm clothes because it gets cold as you gain elevation. Carry food and plenty of water. Once you’re on the trail, you’re on your own in terms of food and water, so pack wisely!
• There’s a small kiosk near the Skjeggedal trailhead where you can grab some basic snacks or a hot beverage before you begin the ascent. It’s a great spot for those last-minute munchies or for filling up your thermos with some hot cocoa or coffee.
• It’s best to take on this hike during the summer months of June, July, and August.
• Start early so you can get back before it gets dark. Plus, there is a limited number of parking spots at Skjeggedal and Mågelitopp so reaching early guarantees you a spot.
• If you want to leave your car at the hotel, there are shuttle services from Odda to Tyssedal and Skjeggedal and a shuttle bus from Skjeggedal to Mågelitopp.
• There are cliffs and fencing is missing so exercise caution.
• Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before embarking on a hike. Be aware that weather conditions can change quickly so be ready to handle the weather changes.
• I recommend you join a guided hike especially if you are not an experienced hiker as the local guides know the business in and out.

Traveler’s Tip: If you aren’t a hardcore hiker and find Trolltunga tough, the Buer Glacier is a good alternative. It’s a shorter trek, about 5 km round-trip, with fewer elevations but stunning glacial views. And if you want to skip hiking altogether, Odda Valley Museum , Agatunet , and Odda Church are some of the cultural gems in and around Odda.

Day 6: Odda to Flåm via Rental Car | Flåm Railway | Nærøyfjord Cruise

It’s not just another day in your 7-day Norway itinerary. It’s extra special. Today, you are going to meet the king of the fjords , Sognefjord , the largest and deepest fjord in Norway.

From cruising the wildest and most beautiful arm of Sognefjord, the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord to visiting a charming village of Flåm located on the other arm of Sognefjord, Aurlandsfjord to riding the scenic Flåm Railway to visiting a Viking village of Gudvangen located at the end of the Nærøyfjord to driving one of the steepest roads in Northern Europe, Stalheimskleiva that offers the scenic stops like Stalheimsfossen and Sivlefossen waterfalls – today’s going to rock!

And you’ll make a brief stop at a fairytale village of Undredal during your Nærøyfjord cruise with Heritage Taste Fjord Safari .

Stalheimskleiva is a little detour when driving from Odda to Flåm. Make a stop at Gudvangen and visit the Viking Valley .

Once in Flåm, board the Flåmsbana (Flåm Line) between Flåm and Myrdal. This 20 km long railway line lets you experience nature at its best coupled with historical cultural landscapes and the greatest engineering skills.

Flåm Railway Museum is a nice stopover before or after your Flåm Railway journey.

Known for its Viking-inspired ambiance, Aegir Brewery is the perfect place to enjoy some local brews and unwind after a long, adventurous day.

After a much-needed break, take a fjord cruise or fjord safari through Nærøyfjord. The 3-hour tour passes through tiny and charming fjord villages, endless waterfalls, majestic mountains, and mountainside farms. For me, this cruise was the best part of my trip to Norway.

The stories laced with Norwegian history and culture narrated by your guide keep you informed and entertained as you take in the beauty all around.

I booked Flåm Ferdaminne , a beautiful apartment with views of mountains and the ocean. The accommodation options in Flåm are limited so make sure you book well in advance.

Find the best deals for accommodations in Flåm

Day 7: Flåm to Oslo via Rental Car | Fly Back Home

There couldn’t be a better ending to your last day in Norway than this gorgeous road trip.

The road trip takes you through fascinating tunnels, medieval churches, charming towns, mountain passes, national parks, and dramatic fjords – In short, it’s another chance to witness Norway in its insanely beautiful glory before you leave (of course, to come back again)!

As you start from Flåm, take a slight detour from E16 to visit Stegastein viewpoint . You can also check Otternes Bygdetun , a cluster of old farmhouses for a different perspective on Norwegian culture on the way.

The viewpoint is a part of the National Tourist Road , Aurlandsfjellet (the snow road) which runs from Arland to Lærdal and gives stunning panoramic views of Aurlandsfjord.

There are many amazing stops like the Lærdal tunnel , Borgund Stave Church , Gol Stave Church , many beautiful waterfalls, and lovely sights like the one in the picture above depending upon the route you take.

⛵ Read my article about a road trip from Bergen to Oslo to know more about the routes you can take.

The drive is long (can take more than 6 hours with pitstops) so I’d suggest starting super early. I started at about 7 in the morning, reached Oslo at 3 pm, and still had time to explore around as my return flight was scheduled at 9 pm.

Alternative Tip: You can book your flight back home the next day so you can take this road trip at a leisurely pace rather than rushing through it.

To be honest, 7 days in Norway is too short a time to grasp the beauty it holds. Be that as it may, wherever you go in Norway and for however long you spend in Norway, you’ll cherish the experience forever.

Norway Travel FAQs

What is norway famous for.

Norway is known for its pure wilderness. From otherworldly fjords, lush woodlands, Viking heritage, arctic nature, endless outdoor adventures, and happiness index ranking to breathtaking northern lights, unreal midnight sun, stunning islands, charming villages, scenic rail journeys, beautiful road journeys, and delicious cuisine – Norway is famous for all things bright, beautiful, and delightful.

Is 7 Days Enough in Norway?

7 days in Norway are good enough to experience the highlights of the country. My 7-day Norway itinerary lets you explore the best of Norway in one week. It includes fjords, cities, small towns, and villages, rail journeys, road trips, culinary experiences, and everything Norwegian.

Is Norway Expensive to Visit?

Yes, it’s one of the most expensive countries in the world but worth every penny you spend. Yes, it’s that beautiful! Having said that, there are ways to cut costs and save money like booking a vacation home rental, cooking your own meals, buying discount passes for attractions and transport, exploring on foot, and looking for free things to do in the country (there are so many.)

What is the Best Time to Visit Norway?

Norway is stunning no matter the season. Still, the best time to visit Norway largely depends on your reason for visiting Norway. If outdoor adventure is what you are seeking – With extra long days and pleasant weather, June to August is the best time to go. If you wish to catch the elusive Northern Lights, September to March will be your best option. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall bring limitless natural beauty all around and perfect weather and is a great time to visit if you want to experience the country crowd-free.

How to Get Around Norway?

With an efficient transportation network, it’s easy peasy to navigate Norway. Super reliable rail, road, and sea network makes it easy even to venture into the remote parts of the country. Every city, town, and village is armored with an excellent system of buses, trams, undergrounds, and trains.

NORWAY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Here are the essential resources that I use and recommend while planning a trip to Norway. For travel insurance: Heymondo . It’s the most affordable travel insurance with maximum coverage. For Connectivity: Airalo . It’s the first-ever eSIM global website where you can buy an eSIM at affordable prices and stay connected while traveling. For booking flights: Skyscanner and WayAway . They are the best search/comparison flight booking sites that help you find the best and cheapest flight deals. And with the WayAway membership plan, you’ll get cashback for every booking. Plus, with the special promo code “MELODIES” a 10% discount is activated. For finding accommodations: Booking.com and Agoda . They are the pioneers among hotel booking websites that give you a lot of choices with their huge selection of properties reviewed by travelers. For rental car: Discover Cars . It’s the best international car rental platform for all your car rental needs. For ground transport: 12Go . It’s one of the most popular sites for booking bus and train tickets across various destinations around the world. For tours & day trips: Viator ,  Get Your Guide , and Klook . They offer the best city tours and day excursions in Norway. For guidance on the go: A Lonely Planet Guidebook for Norway comes in handy here.

Save Our Guide to 1 Week in Norway to Pinterest

Anjali Chawla

31 thoughts on “7 Days in Norway Itinerary for the First-Time Visitors”

Norway is definitely somewhere I’d like to visit and this one-week itinerary looks amazing with stunning scenery, hiking a scenic train journey and Oslo. What’s not to like…though maybe a bit more time would be good! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks Linda. Absolutely Norway is a destination everyone must visit. The scenic train journey was a highlight of our trip. There is so much to see in Norway, you can definitely add more days to the itinerary. Hope you can take your trip sometime soon.

An amazing way to spend 7 days in Norway!

Thanks for reading and appreciating.

So many things you mention in this itinerary are on my list of things I want to see when I get to Norway. This itinerary will come in very handy.

We are so glad that you found the itinerary helpful. It keeps us motivated to write more. Thanks

Norway is so so beautiful. Sometimes, I wonder if a place like that exists in reality. Keep up the awesome work.

Yes indeed Norway has stunning natural beauty that’s mesmerizing. Ha ha, you must visit to check for that. Thanks for spending time and liking.

I visited Oslo when my children were little. They were delighted to run in the outdoor sculpture garden. We even saw naked Norwegian children swimming in the fountains. Great post!

Looks like you need to go back and explore Norway again with kids now. They will hav so much more to do. Ha ha, you reminded me of kids swimming in fountain in Philly, US. Thanks a lot for appreciating.

I’ve been meaning to visit Norway for a while. Thanks for making my life easier with such a great itinerary. Loved the suggestions and pictures!

Made our day by saying this. Glad to hear that you found the itininary helpful. Do let us know if you need any more suggestions, would lov to help. Do shares after you visit Norway

Ahh, Norway is such a dream destination of mine! I loved this first-timer’s guide. It’s exactly what I need to get my feet wet. I love the variety of regions you shared. Thanks for the inspiration!

Thanks Elena for stopping. Glad you found it helpful and inspiring for you to travel. Do let us know if you need any help in planning your trip.

I think it would be awesome to be in Norway to view the Northern Lights. Have you seen them? Great post and ideas for future travel opportunities.

That’s next thing on our bucket list. After witnessing the midnight sun, now we are planning for Northrern lights in Norway. Fingers crossed. Will share our experience regarding that.

My goodness, I hope I never have to ‘do’ Norway in a week! A week in each region would be more doable. But I guess, if you are limited by time, this sounds like a good place to to start.

Thanks for sharing this itinerary, it is really helpful and motivator to travel Norway and the celtic countries, beautiful description with pictures and emotions. I am planning to visit these countries. Thanks for all your advices and tips.

Hey, so nice to come across this. We as a family of 3 who love travelling. Visiting Norway for the first time, I am doing all my research. I’ve bookmark this page 🙂

Few question if you don’t mind answering: 1. How does parking a car and paying for it works? Being in UK we have many restrictions and car parks do get busy quite quickly. 2. If we can only do 1 fjord cruise, which one you recommend from your experience? 3. Not sure we can Hike Trolltunga, any other options that you like to suggest.

Thanks again for writing this wonderful blog. I am looking forward to read more.

Thanks for getting in touch 🙂 You’d love Norway. It’s a stunningly gorgeous country. And we are glad that you found our blog helpful. Okay, now let’s answer your questions:

1. Norway is strict when it comes to parking rules. It’s definitely a challenge to find parking in the main Norwegian cities and if you do, it’s quite expensive. You can find metered parking along city streets, parking lots, and parking garages. Once you find the right parking space, make sure to display a parking ticket (you can get it from the nearest automated parking meter or P-automat) on your car’s dashboard. You must carry Kroner coins to use P-automat. 2. I’d recommend Pulpit Rock Hike as it’s the easiest yet the most beautiful hike ( I feel so) in Norway. 3. If you don’t want to hike Trolltunga, you can extend another day in Bergen and hike from Fløyen to Ulriken (Vidden).

Hope this helps.

Happy Travels!

I am glad I come across this blog, visiting Norway soon this will be handy. May I ask you how was driving in Norway specially parking at places? Is there a 1-2 hour hike you have tried that you recommend ?

Great post and I am looking forward to read more…

Hello! I know this is an old post but wondering what you’d add to this trip if you had 10 days? Also, we’re a bit too lazy for Trolltunga so we’d exclude that. Thanks!

With 10 days on hand, I’d add Stavanger, Geiranger, and Trollstigen to this itinerary.

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo | Explore Oslo Day 2: Explore Oslo Day 3: Fly To Stavanger | Explore Stavanger Day 4: Stavanger to Bergen via flight | Explore Bergen (Or you can spend another day in Stavanger and enjoy Lysefjord Cruise) Day 5: Explore Bergen Day 6: Drive from Bergen to Flåm via Gudvangen Day 7: Flåm Railway | Nærøyfjord Cruise Day 8: Flåm to Geiranger | Geirangerfjord Cruise Day 9: Explore Geiranger | Trollstigen Day 10: Geiranger to Oslo | Fly Back Home

You can get ideas from our 2 weeks in Norway itinerary . If you don’t want to hike Trolltunga, you can spend some more time in Bergen as the city’s charming and has so much to explore. Hope this helps.

Happy Travels 🙂

We have an opportunity to visit Norway in March. Our main goal is seeing the Northern Lights . Is this feasible ?

March, in general, gives a good chance to see the northern lights. The spring equinox brings peaks in aurora activity making it the best time to witness this celestial wonder.

I was searching on google for 7 days itinerary and woila your blog was so easy to plan . I am planning for Norway in Sept and you blog will be of utmost help. thank you Anjali.

Thanks for the encouraging words, Ankur 🙂 I’m glad I could help. Norway is a gorgeous country. You are sure to fall in love with it. Happy travels!

Wonderful post.

Any suggestions on easier hikes in Norway? Fairly flat, up to 5km roundtrip.

How easy is it to get one-way car rentals?

Vøringsfossen – Måbødalen, Kyllingdalen, Sognsvann Loop, Briksdalsbreen, and Ustedalsfjorden Loop are a few easy and flat hikes or walks in Norway that I know about. You can easily get a one-way car rental, however, it usually doubles the rental charges as they add a one-way drop-off fee.

Great effort. Drooling here about the prospect. I note in your 2-week Norway you created a google map. Can you/Have you done the same for the 1 week? Thanks. Warren

Thanks Warren! I’ve just added a google map in my 1 week Norway itinerary. Hope it helps.

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Norway Itinerary: 7 Days / 8 Days

• August 25, 2022

If you start naming the most beautiful countries in the world, Norway will definitely find a place on the list. Each turn reveals spectacular landscapes – majestic fjords, towering mountains, gushing waterfalls, charming villages, and shimmering water bodies. Norway has four seasons; winter, spring, summer, and fall. Every season has something unique to offer, whether it’s sailing through the picturesque fjords in summer or chasing the Northern Lights high above the Arctic Circle in winter.

Summers in Norway are marked by mild temperatures and days that seem to last forever. If you enjoy hiking, camping, and seeing the fjords in all their glory, summer is the time to visit Norway. The itineraries listed below are intended for summer and parts of spring and autumn , as many roads and hikes are closed during the winter. Public transportation is still available in some areas, but travel times between stops will be longer, and you will be unable to make the most of your trip. From May to September , the weather is ideal for hiking, swimming, camping, and exploring the fjords. July and August are the busiest months, and it gets extremely crowded.

Regrettably, planning a trip to Norway is not easy. Traveling between the major attractions requires long travel hours and multiple modes of transportation. The country is vast, and seeing everything in a week is impossible. There is no ‘best itinerary’ through this vast region, as the best itinerary depends on the weather, time, and preferences. The itineraries are excellent introductory trips that will give you a taste of what the country has to offer.

 7-DAY NORWAY ITINERARY 

Day 1– oslo.

Oslo, the capital city, is an obvious choice to start our itinerary because it is well-connected to the rest of the world. The airport express train (Flytoget) is the fastest way to get from the airport to the city center, taking only 20 minutes. It is ideal to stay in the city center so that you can make the most of your limited time in Oslo. A full-day travel pass entitles you to unlimited tram, bus, and metro rail travel within the city for the day. You can buy it at a 7-Eleven Store, train station, or router.co Depending on the time at hand, you can pick from Oslo’s top attractions.

Recommended Places to Visit in Oslo:

• Vigeland Park: This open-air sculpture park features over 200 sculptures by renowned Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland.
• Akershus Fortress: A medieval castle housing museums and restaurants.
• Opera House: An architectural masterpiece perfect for some amazing views and memorable clicks
• Kael Johans Gate: A bustling city center filled with street cafes, bars, and nightclubs.
• Aker Brygge: The upscale harbor front, built on a former shipyard, has a row of high-end restaurants with outdoor tables.
• The Viking Ship Museum is currently closed for renovations.

Day 2 – Oslo > Myrdal > Flam

We’ll be following Norway in a Nutshell itinerary here. Their package is simply a collection of train, bus, and boat tickets that take you through the Sognefjord in Western Norway. It coordinates and customizes various modes of transportation to get you from Oslo to Bergen. If you want this easier and more convenient option, book part of your itinerary through Norway in Nutshell. However, you can save money and gain flexibility by booking your own tickets.

Start by booking a train ( vy.no) from Oslo to Flam via Myrdal (6:30/8:30 am). The famous Bergen Line departs from Oslo in the morning and takes you to Myrdal. Traveling on this line is a real pleasure as it will take you through some of the highest train elevations in the world. The last hour of the 4.5-hour journey is particularly beautiful. You will then change trains and continue your excursion on Flam Railway Train (Flamsbana). The train will stop at the Kjosfossen waterfalls for 5 minutes so you can take pictures. It winds through the wild Flam Valley, past towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, deep ravines, and numerous tunnels. It is regarded to be one of Norway’s most picturesque train rides. To be honest, I thought it was a tad overhyped.

Once you reach Flam, check into your hotel . The Electric Minibus ( el.tour.no ) ride from Flam city center to Stegastein viewpoint is highly recommended. The drive will take about 30 minutes one way and will provide incredible views of the Aurlandsfjord. Spend the rest of the day in Flam doing stuff like kayaking and RIB boat tours. Or simply stroll through the busy town and end the day with a sunset at Flam Beach.

Day 3 – Flam > Gudvangen > Voss > Bergen

In the morning/afternoon embark on a cruise from Flam to Gudvangen ( norwaybest.com ) passing through the spectacular Nærøyfjord for a magical experience. Nærøyfjord is the narrowest arm of Sognefjord and is nestled between sheer cliffs, charming waterfalls, and hanging canyons. We will depart for Bergen once we touch base in Gudvangen. Travel by bus to Voss ( norwaybest.com ), then train to Bergen ( vy.no). Check-in at your hotel in Bergen and have a nice relaxing dinner.

Looks complicated? If you want an easy way out, book a trip with Norway in a Nutshell , and they will reserve all the tickets from Oslo to Bergen for you. However, it would be significantly more expensive. During the tour booking process, you can request luggage transportation so you don’t have to drag it around all day.

Day 4 – Bergen

Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is a popular tourist destination. The enchanting town has plenty to keep you busy for the day. Ride the Bergen Funicular from the city center to Mount Floyen for panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. You can also hike one of the many trails that lead to Mount Floyen. If you want to enjoy more 360-degree views over the city, take the cable car to Mount Ulriken, the highest of the 7 mountains surrounding Bergen. A visit to Bryggen is not to be missed. It is a historic district with a row of brightly colored wooden buildings lining Vagen Harbour. Bryggen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Norway’s most photographed landmarks. The streets, nooks, and corners of the old town have an irresistible charm and are worth exploring.

Day 5 – Alesund

Take the morning flight (1 hour) to Alesund. The airport shuttle will leave you at the city center. The quaint coastal town appears to be straight out of a fairy tale. Alesund is known for its Art Nouveau architecture, which was adopted to rebuild the town after a fire in 1904. Stroll along the harbor and admire the architecture of the matchbox town. If you arrive on a clear day, hike up to Aksla Viewpoint (418 steps) for a bird’s-eye view of the town. There is also a road that you can drive up to.

If you’re looking for some excitement, wildlife sea safaris, and kayaking trips will not disappoint. You can drive the famous Atlantic Road if you have a car. It takes three hours each way, including the ferry ride from Vestness to Molde and back. The city is also well-known for its signature, home-cooked desserts . So, go ahead and pick up your favorite cake or pastry from a local bakery.

Day 6 – Geiranger

We’ll be taking a morning cruise from Alesund to Geiranger today. The ride takes three hours one way and passes through three magnificent fjords, including the UNESCO World Heritage Geirangerfjord. The fjord is surrounded by some of the steepest mountains, which emerge straight from the azure waters. An incredible sight. The cruise also travels by some scenic vistas along the way, such as The Suitor and The Seven Sisters waterfalls. The boat trip concludes in Geiranger, a small, crowded village located at the end of the Geirangerfjord. Your time in Geiranger is limited, but you can still enjoy a few activities such as

• Embark on a kayaking tour/RIB boat tour of the tranquil fjord.
• Rent one of the tiny electrical cars and explore Geiranger.
• Hire an E-Bike and pedal to one of the popular viewpoints, such as Flydalsjuvet and Eagle Bend
• Climb 327 steps to experience the mighty Waterfall Walk, which brings you close to the wild, roaring river.

It’s time to return to Alesund. You have two choices. You can rejoin the cruise that brought you from Alesund. It returns three hours later. If you want to see different landscapes, you can travel by land in two parts. The first bus ride labeled “The Garden Route,” will take us from Geiranger to Andalsnes. The route includes Trollstigen (with hairpin turns) and Eagle Road (a zig-zag road). From Andalsnes, board another bus to Alesund. This trip can be booked here . You can save money by booking your own bus tickets through this website . However, the route becomes inaccessible after mid-August. If you travel in late summer, your only option is to return to Alesund by cruise. Stay overnight in Alesund.

Day 7 – Oslo

Fly to Olso. If you still have some time before your return flight, you can do some last-minute shopping. It’s time to leave Norway for your next destination.

8-DAY NORWAY ITINERARY

If you enjoy hiking, a stopover in Stavanger makes sense. In that case, our trip will be over in 8 days.

Day 1 – Oslo

Arrive in Oslo and spend the day exploring the capital city

Day 2 –Stavanger

Fly into Stavanger (50 minutes), a city on Norway’s southwestern tip. Take the Flybussen coach to the port or the city center. The tiny town is compact and can be easily explored on foot. The picturesque streets, white wooden houses, and beautiful harbor are a photographer’s dream. If you have more time to kill, you can visit the Stavanger Cathedral and the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. Have an early night as we have a busy day ahead of us.

Day 3 – Lysefjord Cruise and Pulpit Rock

Pulpit Rock, located near Stavanger, is a towering cliff plateau suspended directly over Lysefjorden. The phenomenal fjord was formed by powerful glaciers during the ice age. We’re in Stavanger primarily to hike Pulpit Rock. Begin your journey at the ferry terminal, which is a short walk from the center of Stavanger. From here, you can take the Lysefjorden cruise. Cruising the magnificent Lysefjorden is the ideal warm-up for the Pulpit Rock hike. The trip will take about 40 minutes. The cruise concludes in Forsand, from where you take a bus to Preikestolen Mountain Lodge (30 minutes). The bus will drop you off right at the car park where you will begin your hike.

You must make your own way up to Pulpit Rock. Guided tours are possible, but they are quite expensive. It is a 4km one-way hike with a 350m elevation gain that can take 4-5 hours to complete. It’s not an easy hike, especially if you’re not in great shape. The Norwegians are extremely fit, so don’t be fooled by their effortless hiking. The boulders are large and slippery, making them difficult to climb or descend. The weather is unpredictable – it can be hot & sunny or start raining – and there is no shelter. So, be prepared before you start your hike. Bring snacks, water, a raincoat, sunscreen, and anything else you may require.

You will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Lysefjorden once you reach the top. The fjords and the surrounding mountains look breathtakingly beautiful from above. It must be seen to be believed. Click a few pictures, enjoy a small picnic, and then start your descent. Return to Stavanger by bus (45 minutes), passing through the world’s longest underwater tunnel. The entire trip – cruise, bus to Preikestolen, and the return bus to Stavanger – can be booked here .

Take the 5-hour express bus ( nor-way.no ) or the 35-minute morning flight to Bergen.  You can use the airport bus or the light rail (Bybanen) to get to the city center from the airport. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure and discover Bergen.

Day 5 – Bergen > Myrdal > Flam > Gudvangen > Voss > Bergen

This route is similar to the Oslo version. We will leave Bergen at around 8:30 a.m.( vy.no ), change trains at Myrdal, continue on Flam Railways to Flam, take the fjord cruise to Gudvangen, and then return to Bergen via Voss. The journey will take the entire day, and you will reach Bergen around 9 p.m. This trip can also be booked through Norway in a Nutshell. Stay in Bergen for the night

PS: This time we won’t be spending the night in Flam. However, if you find the trip to be too exhausting and don’t mind switching hotels recurrently, you can stay overnight in Flam and travel back to Bergen the next day. If you choose to stay, you will finish the itinerary in 9 days.

Day 6, 7, and 8 – Alesund, Geiranger and Oslo

We will fly to Alesund and then follow the same itinerary as described in the 7-day itinerary above.

If you have three more days to spare, you can take a round trip to the Lofoten Islands from Bergen or Oslo.

Things to know before you travel:

• I believe 7-10 days is sufficient time to explore Norway if you don’t enjoy hiking. Everything is stunningly gorgeous, but the landscapes are quite similar. Meandering around makes no sense when you consider the cost of spending each day in Norway. This is my personal opinion.
• Please double-check the exact train/bus schedule before planning your trip. They are provisional and subject to change each year.
• The local currency is the Norwegian Kroner (NOK), but you don’t need any cash in Norway. Credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere.
• Norway is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the world, with extremely low crime rates.
• Unless you are exceptionally lucky, it is impossible to see the Northern Lights in the summer. The aurora is active all year; there are simply not enough hours of complete darkness for it to be visible during the summer months. Because the nights are the longest from November to February , this is the best time to see the Northern Lights. A visit between September and March should provide a good opportunity to see them.
• You can see the Midnight Sun in Norway. The Midnight Sun isn’t a different kind of sun. It’s the same sun, but it never sets. As a result, there are 24 hours of daylight. Svalbard has the longest period of Midnight Sun in Norway. Between 20 April and 22 August, the sun does not set.
• Norway is notoriously expensive. Everything will burn a huge hole in your wallet, including lodging, dining, groceries, excursions, and public transportation.
• Norwegian is Norway’s official language. The majority of Norwegians speak English. The locals always start in their native language, but they are quick to assist with any questions you may have.

• Free Wi-Fi is available everywhere – buses, trains, ferries, restaurants, attractions, and so on.
• Carry a raincoat and jacket even in the summer. The weather changes frequently and the temperature drops when you reach a higher altitude.
• Norwegians dress very casually, even in big cities. Keep that in mind while packing your bags.
• Flybussen Airport Shuttles are the most convenient and cost-effective way to travel to and from all major Norwegian cities. Tickets are available on the bus, but they are always cheaper online .
• When taking the tram from Myrdal to Flam, sit on the left side of the tram for better views.
• Norway-in-a-Nutshell is a package, and you are not a NIN traveler if you book your tickets. You will therefore need to make your own way in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
• In Norway, buses, trains, and ferries are generally aligned. As a result, if your train is delayed, the subsequent bus/ferry will wait for it to arrive before departing. Surprisingly, trains in Norway are frequently late
• Roads in Norway are largely in good condition, so driving should not be a problem. You will drive on the right side of the road.
• In Norway, gasoline is pricey. If you intend to drive, keep this in mind when budgeting your trip.
• Many towns are not connected by road. As a result, vehicles enter car ferries that travel between fjords and islands.
• Finding vegetarian or vegan options is not difficult in Norway. However, vegetarians will only find 2-3 choices on the menu.
• In Norway, tap water is perfectly safe, and you don’t need to buy bottled water. During the Pulpit Rock hike, I filled my water bottle from a stream, as suggested by the staff. I was just fine.
• You are eligible for a VAT refund if you are visiting from outside the EU. So, remember to get your VAT refund forms from every shop where you buy something.
• The post is not sponsored by anyone. The links have been provided to help readers plan their trip to Norway.

This Post Has 3 Comments

Norway is amazing. I would love to explore it even more. Thanks for sharing

Very informative information. Just one query. You say in Norway they drive on the left. Everywhere else it says they drive on the right like the rest of Europe . Maybe you need to correct this.

Thanks for pointing out this. Will definitely check.

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The Perfect 7 to 10 Days in Norway Itinerary

Last Updated on February 22, 2024

by Emily Marty

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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 1, 2 or 3 Days in Stavanger Itinerary

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Bergen Itinerary

Oslo vs Stockholm: Which City to Visit?

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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The Most Epic Norway Itinerary: 7 days of Exciting Adventure

Last updated on November 3rd, 2023

Looking for the best Norway itinerary – 7 days ?! Here is the most epic Norway summer itinerary . 

Is this your first time visiting Norway, and you need help figuring out what to do? Or maybe you’ve been before but didn’t get a chance to truly explore. Whatever the case, I’ve got you covered with the perfect Norway itinerary, 7 days in particular. 

Whether you want to embark on a 7-day Norway roadtrip or just a 24-hour visit to Oslo, this post will provide you with all the best things to do in Norway. 

With this guide, you’ll experience such an epic Norway summer that you’ll be sad to leave. 

This post is all about the best Norway itinerary – 7 days . 

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure  for more information.

Norway Itinerary 7 Days

Day 1 of the best norway summer itinerary: arrive in bergen.

We’re starting this journey off in Bergen. As the country’s second-largest city, there is much to do and see. Plus, Bergen is close to some of Norway’s famous, dramatic landscapes. 

The first stop today is visiting Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once warehouses, the current architecture gives a glimpse of what the town used to look like in medieval times. 

I recommend visiting this row of brightly colored houses in Vågen bay; it’s a sight you won’t likely forget. 

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Try Local Foods at the Fish Market

Sampling the food at the ever-popular Fish Market is the perfect way to spend your afternoon. You can try reindeer sausage, fish cakes, caviar, and more. 

While the Fish Market is slightly on the expensive side, it is definitely worth the trip. Also, the market is known to have free samples of food, so make sure to take advantage of those!

Ride the Fløibanen Funicular up Mount Fløyen 

Taking a trip up Mount Fløyen is an absolute must while in Bergen! Riding the Fløibanen Funicular up the mountain is a thrilling experience that promises GORGEOUS views at the end. And you can reach the top in just 6 minutes!

Take a Guided Tour

Guided tours are one of the best ways to learn more about the city! 

Best Tours in Bergen :

• Guided Food & Culture tour
• Segway Tour
• Historic Walking Tour  

Day 2: Day Trip to Sognefjord

Day 2 of this Norway adventure takes us on a day trip to Sognefjord, roughly four hours away from Bergen. 

A trip to the Sognefjord village is a magical cultural experience you CANNOT skip. This stunning natural paradise has the most beautiful mountains, blue glacier ice, gorgeous waterfalls, and small farms.  

The Sognefjord offers the most out of all the fjords with popular sites like Flåm Railway, Jotunheimen National Park, UNESCO Urnes Stave Church, and more. Besides all this goodness, there are plenty of outdoor activities, like kayaking and hiking. 

The quickest way to reach Sognefjord is by plane (only a 30-minute ride). However, you can also get to the fjord by train, car, or even an express boat. 

You can venture out to this fjord all on your own. Or if you prefer guidance, booking a tour might be a better option. 

Here are the top Sognefjord guided tour experiences:

• Sognefjord, Gudvangen, and Flåm Private Roundtrip Tour from Bergen
• Guided Flåm day tour – Sognefjord Cruise, Flåm Railway & Bergen Railway
• Self-Guided Full Day Trip From Bergen To Oslo Incl. Flåm Railway And Sognefjord

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Day 3 of Norway itinerary - 7 days: Stavanger 

After exploring the unique nature that Norway has become famous for, we’re headed to Stavanger.

Stavanger is one of the best cities to experience Norwegian culture. The town is well-known for yummy food, street art, and quirky museums. Not only is this charming old town full of history but it’s also surrounded by beautiful mountains and sandy beaches. 

Walking Tour

To start the day, first up is a walking tour to better understand the layout and history of the town. These walking tours are also an excellent opportunity to discover the best places to eat and the best things to do in town. So, make sure to ask your guides!

Best Walking Tours in Stavanger:

• Self-guided audio tour
• Hop on Hop off Bus tour : Although this is not a walking tour, it is an excellent alternative for those that would rather not walk. 
• Guided tour with a local

Gamle Stavanger

After learning more about the city and with a general understanding of where things are located, it’s time to visit some of the famous sites in Stavanger. 

Gamle Stavanger is known as the old historic part of Stavanger. Spend the afternoon exploring the over 100 wooden buildings built in the 18th & 19th centuries. Moreover, this charming part of town is an excellent spot to grab some pictures. 

Pulpit Rock

Pulpit Rock has one of the most famous views in all of Norway. Tourists visit from all over just to experience the beauty at the top of this rock. And yes, it’s DEFINITELY worth it!

As this is a popular destination for many visitors, you’ll most likely share the hiking path with several people, especially during summer. So, if crowds aren’t your thing, try to get there early. On the other hand, if you don’t mind the extra folks, hiking up Pulpit Rock is the perfect activity to work up an appetite for dinner. 

Grab Dinner in Pedersgata

To wrap the day up, head to Pedersgata for dinner. Once known as the bad part of town, Pedersgata is now home to some of the hippest and tastiest restaurants in town. And with so many cuisines (Korean, Mexican, Vietnamese, & more), there is something for everybody. 

Day 4: Arrive in Oslo

Days 4 and 5 are all about Oslo. You can’t very well take a trip to Norway and skip its capital Oslo. Oslo is an exciting city that loves music, is a foodie’s paradise, and has access to the most breathtaking nature views. 

While I’m spreading out Oslo in 2 days (there is so much to do!), you can certainly use the next three days to create your perfect 24 hours in Oslo itinerary . 

Bygdøy Peninsula

The first stop on day 4 is located on the west side of Oslo, the Bygdøy Peninsula. Here is where you’ll find the 5 national museums: the Viking Ship Museum, the Fram Museum, the Norwegian Folk Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum, and the Norwegian Maritime Museum. You could spend a whole day on the peninsula with the museums alone. 

Besides the museums, Bygdøy Peninsula is known for its beautiful beaches and landscapes. This pretty countryside is perfect for nature lovers, beachgoers, and learning more about Norwegian history.

Frogner Park

Frogner Park is the largest park in central Oslo and sees numerous visitors daily. After spending the day in museums, the open air that Frogner Park offers is a nice welcome. 

Grab a quick bite to eat from the park’s cafe & stroll around the park. Be sure to check out the Vigeland Sculpture Park (one of Oslo’s most popular attractions), that’s located in Frogner Park!

Oslo Opera House

Finish the night off strong by watching an enchanting performance at the Oslo Opera House . Several performances are performed throughout the year, so catch one if you can. 

Day 5: Oslo Pt. 2

Day 2 in Oslo starts with a delicious breakfast to get the day going. Grilleriet is known to have the best brunch in Oslo. Plus, they serve traditional Norgewigan breakfasts!. 

Did you even go to Norway if you didn’t try a traditional Norgewigan breakfast?!

Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art

Every year, the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art purchases new pieces to showcase in the museum. And let me tell you, these works are amazing. 

So, spend the afternoon gazing at some of the country’s finest art pieces.

Head to Mathallen Food Hall for Lunch

The Mathallen Food Hall offers 30 specialty stores and dining options. From Japanese to Mexican food, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, you grab delicious goodies like gourmet chocolate, wine, and more.  

Akershus Fortress

The last stop to check out in Oslo is the Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle that dates back to the 13th century. The fortress is open to tour and is a great experience to get a glimpse of life in the ancient past of Oslo. 

Day 6: Trondheim

Next up is Trondheim, a beautiful port town full of cobblestoned streets and lots of old-town charm. 

Explore The Old Town

You can’t visit Trondheim without checking out the old town. With cobblestone streets & cute shops, the old town is quite the vibe. Plus, this is the perfect opportunity is find some fantastic souvenirs. 

The Nidaros Cathedral

The Nidaros Cathedral is one of the top sites to visit in Trondheim, and once you see it, you’ll understand why. Built in the 1300s over the burial site of King Olav II, a saint of the nation.

For roughly 11 euros, you can tour this gothic-style cathedral. 

Explore the Bakklandt Neighborhood

The cute neighborhood of Bakklandt is full of Norwegian charm and is known as one of the best places in the city to eat. These cobblestone streets are full of tasty restaurants and cafes. So, be sure to grab some grub while exploring!

Day 7 of Norway Travel: Alesund 

The last day on this Norway travel itinerary is Alesund. With GORGEOUS views, delicious treats, and small-town charm, Alesund is the perfect way to end the trip. And if you are in town for more days, Alesund is close to the fjords! 

Best Things to Do in Alesund:

• Ålesund’s Art Nouveau district
• Fjellstua Viewpoint
• The historic harbor
• Watch glassblowers create gorgeous art

This Norway travel itinerary is perfect if you want to get the most out of Norway while there. Feel free to follow the itinerary to the tee or simply add some activities to your current itinerary. 

Either way, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. 

Wishing you safe & happy travels. 

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Jacquelyn is the owner of La Vie de Jacquelyn, a travel blog that helps people make the most of their traveling experiences. When she isn’t exploring the world or writing blog posts, she’s loving on God & His people.

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Norway road trip: The ultimate 7-day itinerary

Planning a Norway road trip? Lucky you. There is probably no country with more natural wonders than Norway. Since most of them are located far from the bigger cities a road trip is definitely the best way to experience them. This ultimate 7 day Norway road trip itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors, as it takes you through some of the most scenic destinations in Norway – like Aurland, Bergen, Ålesund, Geiranger, Trollstigen and Lovatnet.

Table of content

Norway road trip preparation

Accommodation in norway, car rental in norway.

Best season for road trip

Norway road trip map

Road trip itinerary

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Driving in Norway is an amazing experience. The dramatic landscape filled with misty mountains, cute valleys, and deep fjords leaves anyone jaw-dropping. But in a country with more than 2 million sheep, and probably as many mountains to drive up and down from, you won’t be able to drive faster than 70 km/h. Take your time, plan accordingly, and don’t forget to make time for stops to admire the views – you will need it.

➳ Read more: Things to know before visiting Norway

When doing a Norway road trip it’s essential to have your own car, as the public transport options will only take you between the bigger cities. There are several car rentals around Norway, most of them located near the airport in Oslo.

I recommend to rent a car in Norway through Discover Cars . They compare car rental prices, offer free cancellation and 24/7 support.

There are several ways you can spend the night while on a road trip in Norway. On this road trip, we stayed at hotels, bed and breakfasts, and cabins, but we have also tried camping in the car. If you want to stay at hotels or bed and breakfasts, make sure to book far in advance. Norway is popular during summer, and many accommodations get filled up quickly.

➳ Read more: See all hotel options in Norway

Best season for a road trip in Norway

Although Norway is beautiful all year round, I wouldn’t do a road trip in this country during the winter. The roads are small and you have to drive up and down steep roads. The best season for a road trip in Norway would be June to September. We did this one in the middle of July, and it was perfect timing. Just remember that the weather can be unpredictable during the summer too – it can switch from sunny to rainy in no time.

This Norway road trip takes you through some of the most scenic destinations in Norway. Note that this road trip is a bit hectic. You will spend approximately 4-8 hours in the car per day (lunch included). Add a few days to your road trip itinerary if you want to stay longer in some places, do a hike, or take a detour.

This Google map points out all the locations included in this road trip ⤵

Norwegian Scenic Routes

In Norway, they have something called the Norwegian scenic routes , or national tourist routes. These are 18 selected roads that run through landscapes with unique natural qualities. This 7-day road trip itinerary takes you to two of them: Atlantic Ocean Road and Trollstigen to Geiranger.

7-day Norway road trip itinerary

This Norwegian road trip route includes the following destinations:

• Day 1: Oslo
• Day 2: Oslo to Bergen
• Day 3: Bergen to Ålesund
• Day 4: Atlantic Ocean Road and Åndalsnes
• Day 5: Trollstigen and Geiranger
• Day 6: Oppstrynsvatnet, Loen, Lovatnet
• Day 7: Hemsedal and back to Oslo

Day 1: Arrival in Oslo

Depending on your arrival time, spend your first day exploring Oslo and picking up your car. Maybe even go grocery shopping so that you have everything you need for tomorrow’s drive. It’s not recommended to start driving on day one – you have a lot of driving to do the next day, so take this time to enjoy Oslo. I suggest you visit the popular Oslo Opera House, take a walk along Karl Johans gate, and end your day at one of the many restaurants at Aker Brygge while looking at the trendy buildings and enjoying the stunning view over the Oslofjord.

Don’t miss Aker brygge while in Oslo. Olivia’s at Aker Brygge has amazing pasta and pizza!

Get your tours & tickets

Day 2: from oslo to bergen via flåm and aurlandsfjord.

Today’s drive: 7,5-8 hours

Start your day early and set the GPS on Aurlandsfjord . While on your way out of Oslo I recommend you to drive to Holmenkollen , the ski recreation area 588 meters above sea level just west of Oslo. From here you have a fantastic view of Oslo.

Continue north-west to the Aurlandsfjord . Just before you reach Aurlandsfjord you will drive through the Lærdal Tunnel, Norway’s longest road tunnel at 24,51 kilometers. Maybe not a natural wonder, but still a really cool experience.

The incredible Aurlandsfjord.

Aurlandsfjord is the inner part of Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. The inner parts are known to be the most dramatic. Aurlandsfjord is deep and narrow, reaching a depth of about 962 meters below sea level. Most of the fjord is surrounded by up to 1800-meter tall, steep mountains. This fjord is an absolute must-see! To get the best view of the fjord, drive up to the Stegastein viewpoint . This is the first real challenge for your car – the road is steep but definitely worth it.

Don’t miss the UNESCO-protected Hansa harbor Bryggen while in Bergen.

Now it’s time to continue to Bergen , the second largest city in Norway. On your way, you will pass the cute little village Flåm , at the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord (just imagine living there – wow!) Make a quick stop to take in the view.

Spend your evening in Bergen, the charming city surrounded by seven mountains. If you’re lucky enough to miss the rain you can take the Fløibanen funicular up to Mount Fløyen to experience Bergen from above.

Another thing you shouldn’t miss while in Bergen is the UNESCO world heritage site Hansa harbor called Bryggen. This iconic harbor is well recognized for its colorful houses. On a calm day, you can see an almost identical reflection in the water.

The coastal town Ålesund is sometimes called Venice of the north.

Day 3: From Bergen to Ålesund

Today’s drive: 7–7,5 hours

Today you are going to drive along the coast of Norway, from Bergen to Ålesund . This unique road (E39) connects Stavanger with Trondheim and takes you past several fjords and islands. Some parts are connected by bridges and some by car ferries. Driving from Bergen to Ålesund takes 7-7,5 hours and is an experience in itself.

The view from Aksla mountain top in Ålesund.

Depending on when you started your drive this morning, you now have an afternoon and evening to explore Ålesund. Ålesund is a small but very beautiful town, famous for its skyline with cute houses combined with dramatic mountains and islands. The town is sometimes called Venice of the north, and I can see why.

A must-do in Ålesund is to take the short, but steep, hike up to the centrally located mountain peak Aksla. From Aksla you have an amazing view of Ålesund.

If you wish you extend your road trip, and spend some more time in Ålesund, you can explore the city’s special Art Nouveau architecture at the Art Nouveau Center or go on a Wildlife Sea Safari .

Tip: Don’t want to spend so much money on food? We rented an Airbnb in Ålesund and cooked our own dinner. Eating at restaurants can be ridiculously expensive in Norway!

Beautiful Åndalsnes and Romdalsfjorden. 

Day 4: From Ålesund to Atlantic Ocean Road and Åndalsnes

Today’s drive: 5 hours

Atlantic Ocean Road

Set your GPS to Atlantic Ocean Road , one of the most scenic roads in Norway. The road runs through an archipelago, with bridges connecting the islands. On a windy day, the waves can hit the islands with such force that the water reaches meters high into the air.

To get to Atlantic Ocean Road from Ålesund you need to take a car ferry. The drive should take around 2,5 hours, depending on whether you manage to time the ferry.

The spectacular Atlantic Ocean Road.

After reaching Atlantic Ocean Road it’s time to drive south again. Drive back on the same road as you came from until you reach Molde. In Molde, it’s time to turn east to road 64. After just over an hour, you reach Åndalsnes , your final destination of the day.

Åndalsnes , also known as the mountain capital, is a small town located next to Romdalsfjorden. The area is surrounded by high mountains and sharp peaks and offers hiking opportunities all year round.

The view from Rampestreken, a viewpoint in Åndalsnes.

A must-do in Åndalsnes, if you have the energy and ability for it, is to hike up to the Rampestreken viewpoint . The hike is steep and quite challenging, but you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the town, the fjord, and the surrounding mountains.

Do this hike in the evening or early the next morning, before driving to your next destination. If you’re into hiking I recommend you extend your road trip and stay longer in this area. 

Day 5: From Åndalsnes to Trollstigen and Geirangerfjord

Today’s drive: 3 hours

Trollstigen

Today you have an unforgettable road trip experience ahead of you! Set the GPS to Trollstigen viewpoint , and you will drive along a fjord, through a valley and eventually reach the iconic hairpin road. This steep road twists through 11 hairpin bends as it climbs up the characteristic mountain Stigrøra, 858 metres above sea level. An impressive bridge carries the road across Stigfossen waterfall. The road is carved into the mountain and supported by stone walls.

Trollstigen is one of the most spectacular roads in Norway.

Park your car at the big parking lot at the top and walk towards the viewpoint. If you are lucky enough to come here on a clear day you will have an astonishing view of the valley and surrounding mountains from the viewpoint at the top.

Geirangerfjord, the most beautiful fjord in Norway.

Geirangerfjord

From Trollstigen you have around 1,5 hours to Geirangerfjord . This fjord is considered one of the most beautiful fjords in the world, and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. I assure you it will take your breath away. If you drive from Trollstigen you will arrive directly to the viewpoint of Geirangerfjord called Ørnesvingen. From the viewpoint you can see the inner part of Geirangerfjord, with its dramatic peaks reaching 1700 meters and almost vertical edges. From this viewpoint, you can also see Geiranger village and the famous waterfall The Seven Sisters.

Boating on Geirangerfjord; the Seven Sisters Waterfall.

Take your time to explore this area. If you know how to drive a boat you can rent a small one at the camping located right when you get down from Ørnevegen. For 500 NOK (50€) you have the boat for 1 hour. Being in the middle of the fjord surrounded by the dramatic mountains was one of the most magical experience I’ve ever had!

Another great way to explore Geiranger is to hike to Skageflå farm. The full hike is quite challening and takes around 5 hours. If you want to make it a little easier, you can book a boat trip at Geiranger fjordservice . For 450 NOK (45€) per person you get an hour fjord sightseeing, and can get dropped off closer to Skageflå. That way the hike up only takes 45 minutes.

Get another astonishing view of Geirangerfjord from the hidden viewpoint southeast of Geiranger village.

Hidden viewpoint behind Geiranger

As you continue your road trip past Geiranger village you will soon reach another smaller viewpoint. Park your car, walk a couple of hundred meters back on the same road and you will find a cliff from where you have yet another amazing view of the Geiranger village with the fjord in the background.

➳ Get exact location on Google maps here.

Dalsnibba viewpoint on a very cloudy day.

Dalsnibba viewpoint

Continue further south and you will soon reach the hairpin road leading you up to Dalsnibba viewpoint. This viewpoint is located 1550 meters above sea level. It costs 140 NOK (14€) to drive up, but on a clear day it will definitely be worth a visit.

Note: The weather can change quickly in the Norwegian mountains. It can be sunny down in a valley, and rainstorm on a nearby mountain. Be prepared fo anything.

Stay the night at one of the hotels in Geiranger, or continue driving for antoher hour until you reach Folva. We stayed at Folven Adventure Camp in Folva, located 35 km from Dalsnibba viewpoint. A cheap but perfectly fine place to spend the night. Note that there are no restaurants nearby Folva. Eat in Geiranger or cook your own dinner.

Day 6: From Geiranger to Hemsedal via Loen

Today’s drive: 5-6 hours

Today you are going to drive past some of the most beautiful lakes in Norway. First up is Oppstrynsvatnet . Oppstrynsvatnet is located only 5 minutes from Folva. Set your GPS to Glomnes parking lot and you will arrive at a resting area with a jaw-dropping mountain view, where you can have a swim in the cold but beautifully clear blue water.

Beautiful Oppstrynsvatnet.

Continue towards Lovatnet, located 45 minutes from Oppstrynsvatnet. Lovatnet is probably the most famous lake in Norway. Set your GPS to Loen, the town closest to Lovatnet, and then follow the signs to Lovatnet.

Lovatnet has incredible turquoise ice-cold water. If you want to take a swim you can either ask the staff at the camping at the beginning of the lake or continue your drive until you reach a nice spot to jump in. The experience of swimming in the blue mountain water is really refreshing.

Tip: If you want to see Loen and Lovatnet from above you can take Loen Skylift up to the top of Mt. Hoven. This cable car opened up in 2017 and takes you to an impressive height of 1011 meters above sea level in 5–7 minutes. A round-trip ticket will cost you 555 NOK (55€).

Lovatnet offers turquoise ice-cold water.

Now it’s time to drive to Hemsedal , your last destination of the day. The drive to Hemsedal will take around 4,5 hours. You will be driving through the midlands of Norway, with plenty of misty mountains and cute valleys to lay your eyes on.

Accommodation in Hemsedal: We stayed at an Airbnb, and got a whole cottage for a fair price.

Before you drive back to Oslo, take a morning walk in the mountains of Hemsedal. Hemsedal is a popular ski resort but is just as beautiful in the summer.

Day 7: Drive back to Oslo

Drive back to Oslo at your own speed – and try to process all the amazing landscapes you have seen over the past 7 days.

The drive from Hemsedal to Oslo takes around 3 hours. Spend the rest of the day wandering around the streets of Oslo, until it’s time to head back home.

More Norway travel tips

Can’t get enough of Norway? Norway offers loads of scenic road trips. If you have more time on your vacation, here are a few stops to add to your Norway itinerary.

• Hike Pulpit Rock: Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen in Norwegian) is one of Norway’s most famous mountain hikes. This is an eight-kilometer moderately demanding hike that ends up at a mountain plateau 604 meters above sea level.
• Lofoten: Experience Norway above the arctic circle at one of the country’s most epic road trip routes. Lofoten is a series of islands in northern Norway that offer some of Norway’s most beautiful landscapes. I’d say summer is the best time to visit Lofoten, but if you want to see the northern lights then winter is your go-to season. Read my Complete Lofoten Islands Travel Guide to plan your trip.
• Hardangervidda National Park : Hike in the largest national park in Norway. Hardangervidda is located on a mountain plateau and offers a rugged Mars-like landscape.
• Jotunheimen National Park : Jotunheimen , meaning “The Giants home”, is home to many of Norway’s most impressive mountain peaks, including Galdhøpiggen – the highest mountain peak in Scandinavia. The most famous hike to do in Jotunheimen is Besseggen.

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7 Day Norway Itinerary: How to Spend One Week in Norway

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Norway is maybe the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. It’s full of mountains and waterfalls and fjords along with delicious food and incredible cities. If you’re looking to plan a trip to Scandinavia, this 7 day Norway itinerary will help you easily see some of the best parts of Norway.

This is an itinerary you won’t need a car for, so it’s super easy for every traveler, especially if you are hesitant about renting a car in another country.

Keep in mind, Norway is a HUGE country with TONS to see though. Seven days in Norway won’t let you see everything, but it is a manageable trip that will let you see some of the best and most popular parts of Norway!

Why Visit Norway?

Norway is a country on so many people’s bucket lists. And for good reason! It is a beautiful country with breathtaking mountains and fjords, refreshing forests, and dramatic landscapes. Here are some reasons you may want to visit Norway:

• To stand on top of some of the most beautiful mountains (and you don’t even have to hike to them!)
• To take a bucket-list worthy fjord tour that I promise you will remember forever!
• To go to some amazing museums where you can learn about Vikings, see some of the most famous art in the world, and even let your kids play.
• To enjoy some of the most photogenic (i.e. Instragrammable, because let’s just be honest here) architecture and landscapes.

Best Time to Visit Norway

Every season in Norway can be a good one to visit, even winter! Each season is just very different.

But I think the best time to visit Norway is summer. You’ll get the best weather, with mild temperatures and less rain. Plus the sun hardly sets at all, which gives you extended daylight hours to enjoy all Norway has to offer!

When we visited in the summer, temperatures hovered around 60 degrees. So we needed light jackets, but we were perfectly comfortable!

Getting to Norway

If you arrive at the Oslo Airport, you’ll need to take a train into the city center. Oslo Gardermoen airport is about 35 km (or 22 miles) northeast of Oslo. But it’s super easy to take a train to the Central Train Station in downtown Oslo.

Likewise, the Bergen airport is several miles from the city center, but you can easily take the light rail into the city. It takes about 45 minutes or so. You can also choose to take the bus, which takes about 30 minutes.

If you are coming from a nearby country, you may choose to arrive by train. In that case, you should arrive at the central train station for each city, and from there it should be easy to walk or find public transportation to your accomodations.

Getting Around Norway

If you wanted to, you could definitely rent a car to get around Norway. However, it is NOT necessary! Norway has a fantastic public transportation system, with trains that can take you from city to city as well as around the city you are staying in.

On our trip, we didn’t rent a car at all and instead relied on trains and buses. And while going back to Norway and renting a car to drive around ourselves is definitely on my bucket list, we didn’t have any issues or feel like we missed anything by just taking public transportation!

Plus, since we bought the Oslo Pass and Bergen Card , all of our transportation (except for our longer train ride between Bergen and Oslo) was included!

7 Day Norway Itinerary Summary

Before we dive into the details of each day, let’s take a look a summary of this 7 day Norway Itinerary.

• Day 1: Arrive in Oslo and Explore Oslo
• Day 2: Explore Oslo with Akershus Fortress and Holmenkollen Ski Jump
• Day 3: Go to the Bygdøy Peninsula Museums in Oslo
• Day 4: Take the train from Oslo to Bergen

Day 5: Explore Bergen’s Mountains

Day 6: take a fjord tour.

• Day 7: Tour Bergen’s Best Museums

Norway Travel Resources Do the cost analysis and consider getting an Oslo Pass and a Bergen Card . These passes include free (or sometimes discounted) admission to almost all of the city’s attractions and include free public transportation. Where to Stay in Oslo: The Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion for families. Thon Hotel Opera for a super convenient location. Where to Stay in Bergen: The Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekonteret for families. Opus XVI for a splurge. Or use VRBO in either city to find a vacation rental. You can buy a train ticket for the journey between Oslo and Bergen directly on Vy.no .

7 Day Norway Itinerary

Now let’s dive into the details of this itinerary! We’ve broken each section up into morning, afternoon, and evening to help you plan each day.

Also feel free to switch days around based on what works best for your schedule or even what the weather looks like! I mean, you don’t want to be going up mountains on the rainy day and touring museums on the sunny day!

One note: We did choose to start this itinerary in Oslo for a reason. Mostly because you know that travel advice to go from low to high or budget to luxury when moving resorts? I’m going to apply it to cities here too. Oslo is great and fine and good. And there are some incredible things to do here. But Bergen is one of our favorite cities ever, so it’s the best note to end on! BUT if it works better for you to reverse that order, definitely do it!

Planning a trip to Norway? Here are some books set in Norway to read before you go!

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo

Day 1 morning: get settled.

We’re going to assume you’re arriving to Oslo in the morning, so some of your morning time will obviously be taken up with travel logistics. We won’t pack a lot into the first morning, because you’ll want to find your bearings.

Once you get into the city, head straight to the Oslo Opera House . This is one of the most iconic sites in Oslo. It sits right on the water and you can WALK on the roof, which is pretty cool. I think this is a great place to start out because it’s a quick stop and it gives you some beautiful views, which I always appreciate after traveling.

Day 1 Afternoon: MUNCH Museum

Grab some lunch from one of many restaurants in the area near the Opera House and then head to the MUNCH Museum !

This new museum opened in 2021. It featured the works of famed Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, but it also has galleries featuring other artists and an exhibit about the life of Edvard Munch.

There are so many great things about this museum:

• Bright spaces and large galleries.
• Incredible views of Oslo!
• Fun, interactive displays and activities for kids in almost every different gallery space!
• You can see different versions of the famous painting, The Scream , here.

And if you bought the Oslo Pass , you can use it for admission into MUNCH.

Day 1 Evening: Frogner Park

Hop on the cable car near MUNCH at Dronningens gate (you’ll walk back past the Opera House) and get off at Vigelandsparken to go to Frogner Park . This is a large park in a central part of Oslo. It’s also where you’ll find the Vigeland Sculpture Park , a free outdoor museum featuring the work of Gustav Vigeland.

This is a great place to spend an evening walking the beautiful grounds and seeing some incredible (and free!) art!

Day 2: Explore Oslo

Day 2 morning: oslo’s royal history.

Let’s start day two of our 7 days in Norway visiting the royals! Well…kind of.

Start the morning off at Akershus Fortress where you can visit Akershus Castle . This complex was built in the late 1200s and has been used as a fortress and a royal residence. Today, you can tour the rooms and see the Royal Mausoleum.

While Akershus Castle is the main draw, Akershus Fortress is home to other Oslo attractions as well. You can visit the Norway Resistance Museum , which tells the story of Norway’s occupation and resistance during WWII. Or you can go to the Armed Forces Museum , which has exhibits of Norwegian military history from the Viking Age to modern day.

While entrance into the grounds of Akershus Fortress are free, you will need to use either an Oslo Pass or pay an admission fee for the museums.

After your time at Akershus, head to The Royal Palace . It’s about a 20 minute walk, or you can take the bus from Wessels plass to Nationaltheatret.

You can tour the inside of the Royal Palace from late June to mid-August, usually. But most of the time you’ll just stop by and see the outside of it. Depending on how long your morning took, you may decide to stick around and see the changing of the guard, which takes place at 1:30 p.m. each day.

Day 2 Afternoon: Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Museum

Note: The Holmenkollen Ski Museum is closed for renovations until the end of 2023. Until then, head to some of Oslo’s other museums like the National Gallery or the Nobel Peace Center.

For the afternoon, take the train to Holmenkollen to go to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Museum . (Remember, your Olso Pass gets you free access to local transportation including the regional trains like this one!). To get there, you’ll take the train from the Nationaltheatret station to the Holmenkollen station.

Pro Tip: To find the train station, you’ll go under the road from the park behind the Nationaltheatret. It’s a little hidden if you aren’t looking for it!

Once you get to Holmenkollen, it’s about a 15 minute walk (and kind of uphill, so be prepared!) to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Museum.

This ski jump has been operating since 1892, although of course it has been rebuilt since then. Inside the Ski Museum you’ll find exhibits about the history of skiing and the ski jump as well as the cutest indoor children’s play area I’ve ever seen.

Then you can take an elevator to the top of the ski jump for some incredible views!

Want more adventure? You can also go ziplining from the top of the ski jump!

Day 2 Evening: Oslo Street Food

For the evening, head to one of Oslo’s popular food halls, Oslo Street Food . Here you can get dinner from a variety of different food stalls that have food from around the world. Options include burgers, tacos, Hawaiian food, Korean food, and more. This is a popular place to go, so it will be busy! So find some great food and enjoy the atmosphere.

Day 3: Tour Oslo’s Bygdøy Peninsula

Day 3 morning: norsk folkemuseum.

For most of our third day in Norway, we’re going to enjoy the museums on Oslo’s Bygdøy Peninsula, which are some of the best museums in Oslo . To get there, you can easily take a bus from several spots in the city center.

The Norsk Folkemuseum , also known at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, is one of my favorite museums in Oslo. It’s a step back in time, as you can tour historic buildings in their open-air space and enjoy exhibits on Norwegian history in several indoor spaces.

Really though, my favorite thing about this museum is that you get to enjoy some peaceful nature in the middle of Norway’s capital city !

There are several highlights to see here:

• 160 historic buildings in the outdoor open-air museum.
• Gol Stave church, which is a great, easily accessible (as in, you don’t have to travel far) place to see a traditional Stave church.
• Wessels gate 15 Apartment House with rooms decorated from different time periods.
• Old Town area with buildings from Oslo, including old shops.
• Seter Summer Dairy Farm with fam animals.

This really is a beautiful museum, and is especially a great place to take kids because there’s so much outdoor space for them to run around in. Plus, on the weekends they have demonstrations that kids will enjoy like baking traditional lefse, seeing the blacksmith at work, and listening to fairytales.

While you are touring the museum, you can also enjoy lunch here at the Kafe Arkadia.

Admission to this museum is free with the Oslo Pass.

Day 3 Afternoon: Bygdøy Ship Museums

Spend your afternoon touring the rest of Bygdøy’s famous museums that all revolve of sea exploration. There are three you can choose from, and honestly, I recommend going to as many as you can. None of them are particularly huge museums, so you can spend an hour or two in each one and be able to see so much! Plus an Oslo Pass will give you free admission to all of them.

Bonus: They are all within walking distance of each other!

• Fram Museum — This museum is all about polar exploration. Climb aboard the Fram ship, learn about the race to reach the poles, go inside a sub-zero room, and test your skills as an explorer in interactive elements. This museum is really so much fun for the whole family!
• Kon-Tiki Museum — This is a smaller museum than the Fram Museum, and is all about the Kon-Tiki expedition where a Norwegian man build a balsa wood raft and sailed it with a small crew across the Pacific. The backstory of the expedition and the expedition itself are fascinating! I highly recommend this museum.
• Norwegian Maritime Museum — If you are interested in general maritime history, this is a great museum to go to! Here you can see different ships from Norway’s seafaring history, view an exhibit about what a sailor’s life has been like throughout history, and see a Viking boat being reconstructed.

Note: Normally the Viking Ship Museum is another popular museum to visit on Bygdøy. However, this museum is currently closed as they build the new Museum of the Viking Age which will open in 2026.

Day 3 Evening: Vippa

Take the ferry back across the fjord and then spend your evening at another popular Oslo food court: Vippa . This food court is located right on the Oslo fjord, which means you can enjoy your food and some great outdoor space at the same time. Here you’ll be able to find things like Syrian street food, Polish Pirogis, Chinese food, and more. They frequently switch up the food offerings, so you should find different options all the time!

This is a perfect way to end your time in Oslo — eating some great food and admiring the Oslo fjord. (And knowing that even more spectacular fjords are in your future!)

Day 4: Take the Train from Oslo to Bergen

We’re up to day four of our seven day Norway itinerary, and today you’ll be spending most of it traveling. Which can sound dull, but I promise you this mode of travel IS NOT.

Day 4 Morning & Afternoon: Train to Bergen

Today, take the train from Oslo to Bergen . This train, known as the Bergensbanen , is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. And I have to say, I agree!

You’ll start in Oslo and travel out into its suburbs before climbing mountains that still sometimes have snow in the summer, passing through forests, and getting a preview of some of Norway’s best fjords.

The train journey itself takes about 7 hours. But it doesn’t seem that long at all!

Besides the most amazing scenery, there are some other great perks to this train journey:

• A family car, with a cushioned play area kids can play and climb in.
• A café car that offers food and drink. I got a warm sandwich here and honestly though it was pretty great!
• Wi-Fi, although it can be a bit spotty in some areas.
• Lots of tunnels, which are just fun!

Day 4 Evening: Dinner in Bergen’s Fish Market

Depending on when you leave Oslo, you’ll probably get into Bergen in the late afternoon. Once you get settled, head to the central area of Bergen and find some dinner at the Bergen Fish Market .

Bergen has long been known for their fishing history, and this area in the center part of town has several restaurants you can choose from. During the summer, there are also outdoor stands that offer different menus.

Then find a bench along the water and take a deep breath of fresh Bergen air and enjoy your evening people-watching and boat-watching!

Day 5 Morning: Bryggen

Start your first morning in Bergen with a stop at it’s most photographed area — Bryggen . These wooden buildings were once used as harbor warehouses and office buildings, but are now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

And while this place can get super crowded later in the afternoon and evening, I love exploring it in the morning before the crowds are out! Be sure to go down the different alleyways and walk along the wooden planks. The architecture of this area has so much character.

Plus, morning is a great time to get photographs of beautiful Bryggen without the crowds!

Day 5 Afternoon: Mount Ulriken

Grab an early lunch, and then head to Ulriken643 to go up to the top of Mount Ulriken . You’ll have to take a bus to get here and then walk about 10 minute (kind of uphill), but I promise it is worth it!

This cable car will take you to the top of Mount Ulriken, where you’ll find amazing views of Bergen and the surrounding area. There are all kinds of hiking trails and places to explore up here. Although my favorite honestly might just be standing at the top of the mountain and looking at all the other mountains surrounding you. You can even see the lakes on top of some of them!

Ulriken is an incredible place and I definitely recommend making the time for it, even if getting to the cable car is a little out of the way.

If you are really up for an adventure, you can make a whole afternoon of hiking here too! You can hike from Ulriken to our next stop, Fløyen, across the mountaintops! It’s a medium-difficultly hike with some challenging areas and takes about 5+ hours. (And be sure to hike safely !)

Day 5 Evening: Mount Fløyen

End your day at my favorite spot in Bergen: Mount Fløyen ! This is another mountain in Bergen that offers amazing scenery and views of Bergen.

It’s a bit easier to get here than Ulriken. You can take the Fløbanen funicular, which departs just a couple blocks from the city center.

The terrain here is also very different from Ulriken. This mountain is forested, which gives you some really fun areas to explore. There are also fun things like a several playground areas, a troll forest, and ice cream stand, and a café.

You can grab dinner here, and then spend your evening exploring the forests and finding a spot at the overlook to watch the sun dip down. (Although, depending on what time of year you are visiting, it might not actually go down before you need to head to bed!)

Day 6 All Day: Fjord Tour

Bergen is known as “The Gateway to the Fjords” because it’s a great home base for seeing some of Norway’s most spectacular fjords in a day trip.

There are lots of different tours you can take to see the fjords, but we recommend the Norway in a Nutshell tour .

This tour is a self-guided tour that takes you through multiple modes of transportation (seriously, a train to a bus to a boat to another train, etc.) to popular fjords. You can choose to either book all of these tickets on your own, or pay a higher prices to have Norway in a Nutshell book the tickets for you .

When they book the tickets for you, they make sure all of your timings are worked out perfectly and they give you step-by-step instructions on how to follow the itinerary. Honestly, if it’s your first time in Norway or you feel remotely nervous about managing your own travel plans, I think this is the way to go!

This tour will take you through some of the most amazing places:

• The popular Nærøyfjord , which has to be one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway.
• Aurlandsfjord , which is a lot wider and definitely different, but still beautiful.
• Flåm , a small town situated at the base of the fjords
• The historic Flåm Railway , which takes you through the mountains and has you stop at an incredible waterfall.

I mean, did you really go to Norway if you didn’t see the fjords? So definitely make sure you set aside a day during your 7 days in Norway for a full day-trip of fjord-touring.

Day 7: Explore Bergen’s Museums

It’s your last full day in Norway, and since yesterday was so busy, we’ll take it a bit easier today with some of Bergen’s best museums.

Day 7 Morning: Gamle Bergen Museum

Start your morning off at the Old Bergen Museum (Gamle Bergen). You can take the bus from Bryggen and get off at the Gamle Bergen stop. Then it’s just a short walk under the road to the museum.

The Old Bergen Museum is an open-air museum with houses from…well, Old Bergen. They have been reconstructed to create a small town that shows what life was like in Bergen in the 1800s. You’ll find houses from community leaders, an old grocery store, and historic actors that tell you about Old Bergen.

Plus, this spot has some beautiful views out into the fjord. Besides all the things we learned about Old Bergen, I really loved this place because it felt so peaceful!

Admission to this museum is free with the Bergen Card.

Day 7 Afternoon: More Museums

Bergen has so many more museums! So after you grab lunch (maybe in Bryggen?), find one or two of these museums which sound most interesting to you!

Most of these museums have free admission with the Bergen Card.

• Norwegian Fisheries Museum — A small museum along the water that teaches you about the history of fishing in Norway and current fishing practices. Plus they have some great interactive exhibits that both kids and adults will enjoy!
• VilVite (Bergen Science Center) — If you are traveling with kids, this is a must! This museum is full of science experiments for kids. They will learn a lot, but they will really feel like they are playing the whole time!
• Bryggens Museum (Bergen City Museum) — If you want to learn more about the history and restoration process of Bryggen, then head here!
• Leprosy Museum — This is definitely one of the more unique museums in Bergen! Late 1800s, Bergen was home to the largest concentration of leprosy patients in Europe, and you can learn about this at what used to the be leprosy hospital.
• Fantoft Stave Church — If you want to venture out of town just a bit, you can take the bus to see the Fantoft Stave Church. This is less of a museum and more of just a sight to see, but if you are interested in Stave churches you’ll want to add this to your list.

Day 7 Evening: Bryggen

There’s no better way to end your last evening in Norway than back in Bryggen , where you can grab some dinner, relax by the water, and maybe do some souvenir shopping. (Although try to hit the shopping before dinner since stores will start to close!)

We’ll keep it low-key this evening, since you probably need to head back to your hotel and start packing up. But stay out for a bit and soak up a bit more of that fresh mountain air that you will wish you could bottle up and take home with you.

Tips for Visiting Norway

If you’re coming from the United States, Norway is a relatively easy country to visit. Most Norwegians are comfortable speaking English, most restaurants and shops take credit cards (in fact, lots don’t take cash!), and cars still drive on the right side of the road.

Here are a few tips to make your travels to Norway a little smoother though:

• Expect rain! It can rain a lot in Norway, and weather can easily change from clear skies to rain within the day. Always have rain gear with you! And wear shoes that will be okay in the rain.
• Wear layers. Temperatures during the day can vary, so always be prepared with layers.
• Wear sunscreen! This is just a good all around travel tip, and since Norway can sometimes be gray or rainy, you may not think to put sunscreen on. But always apply it!
• Budget for food expenses. Norway is known to be one of the most expensive countries to visit, and we definitely saw that in the food prices! So make sure you have plenty of room in your budget for food. We definitely found Oslo to be more expensive than Bergen though.
• Learn some Norwegian. Even though Norwegians are comfortable speaking English, learn a few words like “hello” and “thank you” in Norwegian to be polite.
• Don’t be surprised with you don’t get a response. If you are trying to be polite and say “thank you” don’t be surprised if you don’t get a “you’re welcome” back. It’s just one of those cultural things, but no one is being rude!
• Consider City Passes. If you plan to see a lot of sights in Oslo and Bergen during your 7 day Norway itinerary, consider getting the Oslo Pass and Bergen Card to save money. They also include local transportation!
• Check attraction times and dates. Always be sure you know what time something opens. And check the dates too! Some museums may be closed on certain days or even during the winter entirely!

More Norway Posts

• Norway in a Nutshell Review: How to See Norway’s Incredible Fjords
• 3 Days in Bergen, Norway: What to See and Do
• 13 Best Museums in Oslo, Norway
• How to Spend One Day is Oslo, Norway

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Norway Itinerary: 7 Days Of BreathTaking Beauty

Norway is a gorgeous country, with so much natural beauty: mountains, coastline and of course, the majestic fjords. Let me show you how to experience all three and more with this Norway itinerary for 7 days.

For many of us, Norway, like all of Scandinavia, is not a cheap place to travel in.  So if you can’t spend weeks or months there, you might be wondering how to make the most of a short period of time.

I recently spent a week there and I’m pleased to say that you can do and see a lot in Norway in 7 days, including experiencing the stunning landscapes as well as relaxed cities. So, check out my 7-day Norway itinerary for ideas and practical details on how to spend a glorious week in the country of fjords.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. These are links to products or experiences I recommend and if you were to buy something after clicking on them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Any earnings go towards the upkeep of this blog, which I appreciate.

Table of Contents

Why Visit Norway?

Norway has been on my travel wishlist for a long time, mainly for the fjords. I’m drawn to dramatic scenery, so it was no surprise that I loved the steep mountains and deep, calm waters of the fjords. For me, these were the highlight of my trip.

However, I discovered that the cities are pretty great too.  Oslo, in particular, is a lovely, chilled-out city that sparkles in the sunlight. It is not a capital city I had heard much buzz about, but I really enjoyed my time there – so I’ve built some time in Olso into this Norway Itinerary.

As well as being beautiful, Norway is also a really easy place to explore, with plenty of transport options including roads, rail and water. My trip mainly involved rail travel, which I found to be easy, reliable and also very scenic. I’ve based this itinerary on rail routes, but included some info on driving as well.

Naturally, you can’t do and see everything in Norway in 7 days. This itinerary sticks to southern Norway, but I’ve built in a mix of spectacular landscapes and vibrant city life to give you a flavour of the best of Norway during your week there.

Norway 7-Day Itinerary – In Summary

This itinerary assumes you will spend 7 nights in Norway, over 8 days, with the first and last days being half days due to the need to travel. So it is 7 days, spread over 8 calendar days, if that makes sense.

This route is very similar to the ‘Norway In A Nutshell’ tours that you may well have seen advertised. However, you don’t need to pay the premium to do this as an organised tour. I got some quotes to do the Norway In A Nutshell tour and then worked out I could do the same route independently and I saved a bunch of money doing it that way rather than booking a tour.

Here’s the summary of this itinerary for 7 days in Norway:

• Day 1: Arrive in Oslo (stay 1 night)
• Day 2: Oslo to Flam (stay 3 nights) – for spectacular fjords, mountains and waterfalls
• Day 5: Flam to Bergen (stay 1 night) – for a taste of the legendary coastal city
• Day 6: Bergen to Oslo (stay 2 nights) – to explore the easy-going capital
• Day 8: Return home

Norway 7-Day Itinerary – In Detail

Now, I’ll expand on the itinerary, including how to get from place to place, things to do at each stop as well as where to eat and where to stay.

Day 1: Arrive In Oslo (Stay 1 Night)

If you arrive by plane, you can get a train from Oslo’s Gardermoen Airport to Oslo city centre – it is faster than a taxi (& much cheaper). You could get some cash at the airport, but you won’t need it for the train: you can pay by choosing your destination at the gate (you don’t even need to go to a ticket booth!) and tapping your payment card.

Things To Do In Oslo

You won’t have time to do many of these things on your first day, but I’ll include a list here for completeness – and you can come back to it on your return to Oslo at the end of the trip:

• Take a self-guided walking tour of Oslo
• Wander Aker Brygge quayside
• Explore the medieval Akershus Fortress
• Admire the sculpture at Frogner Park
• Picnic in the Royal Palace gardens
• Meander along the charming Karl Johans Gate
• Behold Edvard Munch’s The Scream at the National Museum
• Learn about Norways’s heritage at one of the many other museums, including the Viking Museum and the Folk Museum
• Watch the sunset from the roof of Oslo’s innovative Opera House

For more details and inspiration about Olso, check out my post on the 15 best things to do in Oslo .

Places To Eat In Olso

For lunch, try one of the many quayside restaurants along the harbour, including the popular Italian, Olivia .

For dinner, why not go old school and book a table at Engebret Cafe , the oldest restaurant in Oslo. I had reindeer steak and it was absolutely delightful.

For tasty snacks, grab something from the bakery chain Backstube , which has really top-notch buns.

Where To Stay In Oslo

I stayed in two hotels in Oslo – one at the start and the other at the end of my 7 days in Norway.

The first is a very comfortable 4-star hotel called the Hotel Bristol .  It is located right in the centre of Oslo, making it easy to get to the main attractions in the city. It also has very nice rooms with L’Occitaine toiletries and a good breakfast buffet.  The style is a little old-fashioned, but the facilities and services are all very up-to-date. There was free mineral water in the room, which was a nice touch that I appreciated.

The second hotel I stayed in was 3-star and a little cheaper. The Thon Astoria was also very centrally located, not far from Oslo S train station. I had a single room which was very compact but had everything I needed. And the breakfast buffet was also very good.

Day 2: Oslo To Flam (Stay 3 Nights)

I suggest hitting the rails and getting to Flam, or Flåm , as soon as you can – mainly because it may well be the highlight of your 7 days in Norway (or at least it was for me).

Getting To Flam

You can get to Flam easily by train. A fast train goes from Oslo S station to Myrdal, a remote stop high in the mountains. From here you can catch the famous Flam Railway (or Flåmsbana ), which offers a scenic route through the Flam valley down to the town of Flam, which sits on the shore of the Aurlandsfjord .

It’s about 4 hours to Myrdal and another hour on the Flam Railway and you can book train tickets on the VY website , which can be used in English (note: Flam needs to be spelled the Norwegian way, ie Flåm ). 

I suggest getting an early train out of Oslo, around 8 am, and grabbing a bite to eat for lunch at Myrdal station, which has a cafe (I enjoyed their hot dogs).

The Flam Railway is famous for the lush scenery you will enjoy as the train descends steeply through the Flam Valley. However, I enjoyed the rural scenery on the train from Oslo to Myrdal also: we passed many lakes and forests along the way.

Read more on what to expect on the Flam Railway in this post about the experience and how to make the most of it: Ride The Flam Railway.

I didn’t drive in Norway, but if you prefer driving to train travel, the route to Flam is 313 km and will take 4.5 hours, according to GoogleMaps. 

If you’re driving and don’t want to miss out on the Flam Railway, you could drive to Flam and then take a return ride on the railway up to Myrdal and back purely for the scenery.

Things To Do In Flam

Flam is a stunning place and there is plenty of natural beauty all around it to keep you enthralled. I wrote a whole post on 10 Beautiful Things To Do In Flam , so check that out.  Top of that list (for me) is:

• A fjord cruise from Flam to Gudvangen
• Kayaking on the fjord
• RIB boat fjord safari
• Enjoy the view from Stegastein Viewpoint

Places To Eat In Flam

Choices are limited in Flam, as it’s such a small place. But for lunch, there’s a really delicious bakery that does freshly made (and generously filled) sandwiches on yummy doughy bread.  They also do baked buns, which are also tasty.

For dinner, I ate in my hotel (see below), but people seemed to speak highly of Flam Marina Restaurant , which is on the waterside.

Where To Stay In Flam

Booking accommodation in Flam is something you should definitely do as far in advance as you can because it is a popular destination and it is not a very big town. I booked only a few weeks in advance and there was only one place I could find available. It was nice, though, so it worked out OK.  But it was not cheap (though I’m not sure anywhere in Flam is, as it is in demand)!

Heimly Pensonjat is a 2/3-star guest house and I was able to book a single room on a half-board basis for £215/night – the most expensive place I stayed in Norway.

The negatives about this hotel are that the rooms are pretty basic: small, with no frills and no air conditioning.

The positives are that the food was good, especially for dinner – I had a delicious three-course meal both nights. And the views are amazing!  The hotel is close to the shore of the fjord on the eastern end of town and it has views across the still water to the mountains beyond. The dining room has these views, but they are best enjoyed from the veranda, which has a small seating area. Some rooms also have views (these cost extra).

Day 5: Flam To Bergen (Stay 1 Night)

Getting to bergen.

You can get a train all the way from Flam to Bergen, changing at Myrdal. It’s about an hour from Flam to Myrdal, back on the Flåmsbana scenic railway , and then another two hours from Myrdal to Bergen on a normal train.  The scenery along this route is also gorgeous: from Myrdal, you’ll start in the cold mountains and gradually descend through forests and past fast-flowing rivers and peaceful lakes until you reach Bergen, which is on a fjord, but has a coastal feel.

Again, you can book trains directly on VY.no , choosing English as your language.

I recommend departing around 9 or 10 am so that you arrive in Bergen for lunchtime.

Again, I didn’t drive this route, but if travelling by car (or campervan) is your preference, GoogleMaps says the route is 167 km and takes 2.5 hours.

Things To Do In Bergen

I’ve only suggested one night in Bergen because there isn’t a big number of things to do here – or at least not a big number of exciting things to do. I read blog posts listing a huuuuge number of things to do in Bergen, but they were full of very niche appeal things in my opinion.  I spent two days in Bergen, which felt like more than I needed and I personally think that it’s better to have more time in Flam, which has more natural beauty.

However, if you can’t get accommodation in Flam for three nights, you could adjust this itinerary to do 2 nights in Flam and 2 nights in Bergen.

It’s also worth adding that tour operators do offer day excursions to Flam from Bergen , so if it’s expensive or hard to find somewhere to stay in Flam, you could visit Flam on a day trip from Bergen instead.  

In any case, in my opinion, the top things to do in Bergen are:

• Tale the Fløibanen funicular to Fløyen viewpoint
• Explore the old wooden warehouses at Bryggen
• Explore the narrow streets of the old town
• Eat a fresh seafood dinner

Places To Eat In Bergen

For lunch, consider Daily Pot , a very healthy place that does soup and salad bowls heavy on fresh veg. I had a protein salad bowl that was super-delicious and filling.  

I enjoyed a fish dinner at Bryggeriet Restaurant , which has a view over the harbour.  If you’re on a budget, you can also grab some street food from the stalls along Torget street.

If you are in the mood for an after-dinner drink, try the cocktail bar at the Bergen Børs Hotel . There’s a very fancy restaurant here too, which could be a nice option if you’re in a position to splurge on a tasting menu.

Where To Stay In Bergen

I stayed in the Thon Hotel Bristol , which is walkable from the train station and the harbour area of the city. My room was massive and the breakfast options here were really good, too.

Day 6: Bergen To Oslo (Stay 2 Nights)

Getting to oslo.

At 6-7 hours, this is the longest train leg of this trip, but it’s also direct: no changes. To be comfortable, I chose to do this in first class, or Plus, as it’s known on Norwegian trains. In Plus, there’s a huge amount of legroom and free coffee available in the carriage (from a machine, but still better than nothing).

And in any case, the gorgeous Norwegian scenery will keep you entertained all the way.

According to GoogleMaps, the journey from Bergen to Oslo is 464 km and 6.75 hours – but I’m sure you’d want to break the journey with stops along the way.

Refer to the list of the best things to do in Oslo and pick up on the ones you didn’t manage to do the first day. (pssst! A lot of these can be covered in my self-guided walking tour of Oslo ).

Again, I tried two hotels in Oslo:

• The Hotel Bristol , which is a smart 4-star hotel in the city centre with great amenities
• The Thon Astoria , a 3-star hotel near Oslo S.

Day 8: Return Home

On your final morning, make your way back to the airport – again, a train from Oslo S is a good option.

I was not feeling well when I left Norway and decided to get a taxi rather than drag my suitcase on and off trains – it took around 30 minutes and cost 1089NOK, which was over £90!  Compare this to the train, which takes 22 minutes from Oslo S and costs 210NOK (£17.85).  So, that’s why I suggest taking a train.

Route Map: Norway 7-Day Itinerary

Here’s a map showing the route for this 7-day Norway itinerary, plus some of the key places you might find helpful to know about in each place.

How To Use This Map : Click the tab in the top left-hand corner of the map to view the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each one.  If you click the star next to the map’s title, it will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu, go to ‘Your Places’ or ‘Saved’, then click Maps and you will see this map in your list.

Visiting Norway: Practical Details

How to get to norway.

As I mentioned, Oslo’s airport is Gardermoen Airport, approx 35km northeast of the city, and connected by train. If you prefer to fly in or out of Bergen, there’s an international airport there too.  I use Skyscanner to find flight deals.

I also found the Citymapper app to be a useful tool in helping me get from the airport to Oslo and around Oslo.

When To Visit Norway

I chose to visit Norway in the summer because I am not keen on cold weather. The peak season runs from June to August. I went in early June, and I felt like I was in before the main rush – things like the Flåmsbana were not as busy as I had read it can get. The countryside was lush and green, but there was still snow on the mountaintops – it was wonderful!

The Last Word

I Hope This 7 Day Itinerary Has Inspired You To Visit Norway! During my week in Norway, I was blown away by the spectacular beauty of this calm country and would happily return for even more fjord scenery.

And for more inspiration, do check out my guide to Flam , which was definitely my favourite place in Norway.

If you like this article, I'd be delighted if you shared it!

About The Author

Martha Knight

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10 thoughts on “norway itinerary: 7 days of breathtaking beauty”.

Love my time in Norway last year and this is a great itinerary. Would definitely come visit again.

Thanks Nick! It’s such a gorgeous country, isn’t it?

Hello Martha, I want to explore during winters , especially to watch Northern lights. Can you share some details about it..am going to travel solo from India and would like to explore maximum in 9 days 8 nights

Hi Vishal, I’ve only been to Norway in the summer, I’m afraid. I don’t have any experience of Norway in winter, nor where is best to see the Northern lights. Sorry not to be able to help this time

Hello Martha, Look so wonderful and this is what I’m looking for, My plan to visit Norway in August 2023. I would apricate your advise for solo traveler. I’m on a bucket list chasing. Thank you very much.

Hi May, I tried replying to your email, but I got a bounce-back message to say it hadn’t been delivered. Happy to help, though. what more info would you like? I did my Norway trip as a solo traveller and it was fine – I’ve travelled in a lot of European countries solo and Norway was very easy and I felt safe everywhere.

Thank you for all the details information! If i can ask, how much did you spend on this trip? Looking to go and trying to plan with a reasonable budget.

Hi, sorry for the delayed response, I think all-in, this 7-day Norway trip was £2.3k for me – including a single flight from London and all the boat tours I did in Flam. I also travelled 1st class on the train, so you could probably save money there if you wanted to. Hope that helps!

This is a great recommendation., In fact, I am just going to follow this itinerary to the letter for my visit. Thank you for such a tight, efficient itinerary. You rock!

Haha, thanks so much! Hope you have fun in Norway

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• Destinations

Wild Junket

Norway Road Trip: My 7-Day Norway Itinerary

Last Updated on December 7, 2023

Planning an epic Norway road trip? Here’s my 7-day Norway itinerary that packs in the best of Norway.

Spectacular fjords, dramatic waterfalls, imposing mountains and pristine glaciers — Norway is a country brimming with natural landscapes of epic proportions. We have traveled Norway several times, mostly in winter, and we’re convinced a road trip is the best way to see this beautiful country.

Norway is a HUGE country with plenty to see, but it’s also one 0f the most expensive countries we’ve visited and so most people can’t afford to spend too much time here. With 7 days in Norway, you’ll barely scratch the surface but you’ll still get to see some highlights of the country. If budget allows, you should definitely plan for 2 weeks in Norway instead. 

From the postcard-perfect beauty of the Geirangerfjord to the cultural riches of Trondheim, here’s my recommendation for a 7-day Norway road trip itinerary. Join me as we explore Norway’s varied landscapes and rich culture, a journey that promises to be as enriching as it is thrilling. 

Table of Contents

By Train and Bus

Best time to visit norway, 7 days in norway itinerary, norway itinerary map, where to stay in oslo, stop for a fjord cruise in flåm, continue onto bergen, where to stay in bergen, take the fløibanen funicular , do the geiranger skywalk, see the viewpoints of geiranger, where to stay in geiranger, take a fjord cruise in geiranger, drive to ålesund, where to stay in ålesund, drive the atlantic ocean road, traverse the hairpin bends of the trollstigen, arriving in trondheim, where to stay in trondheim, norway itinerary day 7: time to head back, packing for this norway road trip, want to read more about norway, the ultimate norway itinerary , how to get around norway.

For this Norway road trip itinerary, we recommend hiring a car . Since most of Norway’s most beautiful sights are located far from the big cities, a road trip is definitely the best way to experience them. Norway has remarkable infrastructure and public amenities. 

Car rental in Norway is surprisingly affordable and it’s cheaper than taking the train or bus. A 1-week car rental in Norway costs around US$200 to $250, not including insurance. Mind you though, Norway is an expensive country so try to factor in the cost of gas and tolls. All vehicles driving in Norway need to pay road toll charges. The current gas prices are around US$1.5 to $2 per litre.

Book Your Car Rental!

If you don’t drive, Norway has a fantastic public transportation system, and it’s absolutely possible to follow this Norway itinerary by taking trains and buses. Trains in Norway are excellent – they’re comfortable, punctual and even offer WiFi on board. No other train ride between two cities in Europe goes at higher altitude than the Bergen Railway.

One of the best journeys to experience Norway is the ‘Norway in A Nutshell’ trip, which takes you from Oslo to Bergen in one day via a train, bus and boat. It was voted one of the 20 best railway experiences in the world in 1999.  

It really depends on what sort of experience you’re seeking in Norway. Summer is the most popular time to visit : it has the best weather, long hours of daylight, prices are generally cheaper and everything is open. Everything turns green and it’s an excellent time to go on boat trips through the fjord, swim in the lake and hike the mountains.

Winter (October to February) is our favorite time to explore Norway’s snow-covered mountains, stunning fjords and charming alpine villages. This is a magical time to visit to see the Northern Lights , go ice fishing and snowmobiling especially in Lapland.  However, expect sub-zero temperatures and make sure you are comfortable driving steep slopes in snowy conditions. 

If you’re looking to travel off-season in a Norway free of tourists, spring and autumn may be for you.

My recommended Norway road trip itinerary packs the best of the country: from the quintessential Scandinavian cities to the most spectacular dramatic fjords and mountains in Norway.  

I’ve designed this Norway itinerary to make the most out of your time. Expect to drive around 5-6 hours each day. If you feel like you need a slower pace, feel free to remove the last spot (Trondheim) from the itinerary and space out your time.

• Day 1: Oslo
• Day 2: Bergen
• Day 3: Bergen
• Day 4: Geiranger Fjord
• Day 5: Ålesund
• Day 6: Trondheim
• Day 7: Home

Here’s a map of my Norway itinerary. Click to see it on Google Maps . 

Norway Itinerary Day 1: Explore Oslo

The capital city of Oslo is a great starting point as it’s within a short driving distance to the best parts of Norway. The city gives you a great overview of Norwegian history; it’s also one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. 

The heart of Oslo’s city center lies at Main Quare (Stortorvet), the main square in front of Oslo Cathedral. The square is bordered on the east by Kirkegata,on the south by a row of houses, on the west by the roadway linking Kongens gate and Møllergata and on the north by the eastern extension of Grensen. 

After getting your bearings, head to the Akershus Fortress . From the castle, take in the stunning views of the Oslofjord, capturing images that bring history to life. Afterward, visiting the National Gallery to see Edvard Munch’s iconic ‘The Scream’ is a must.  For a taste of local life, head to Grønland for lunch. This district buzzes with multicultural energy and offers a variety of cuisines. The vibrant streets here are perfect for photography, with their lively colors and diverse scenes. 

See the Modern Side of Oslo

Next, the Oslo Opera House awaits in the Bjørvika district. Its unusual, iceberg-like architecture against the Oslo skyline makes for stunning photographs. Walking on its roof provides a unique perspective, capturing the blend of the city’s historical and modern elements. Book tickets in advance here . For photographers, its stark white colors make it a perfect place to experiment with photo saturation , enhancing the already stunning scenes you’ll encounter.

Nearby, the Barcode Project’s modern architecture offers a contrast to the morning’s historical sites. Its sleek, futuristic design is a testament to Oslo’s architectural evolution and another great subject for your camera. 

As evening sets in, Aker Brygge’s bustling waterfront is ideal for a leisurely dinner. The area’s lively atmosphere and harbor views are quintessentially Oslo, offering more photo opportunities. 

Budget: Anker Hotel

Anker Hotel is known for providing affordable accommodation without compromising on quality. It’s located in the city center, making it convenient for exploring Oslo’s attractions. The hotel offers basic amenities, clean rooms, and is a good choice for budget-conscious travelers. Check rates here.

Mid-Range: Thon Hotel Slottsparken

We stayed at Thon Hotel Slottsparken located in a quiet corner right next to the Royal Palace. It’s just a five-minute walk from the heart of the city. The aparthotel has 253 rooms, most of which are apartments with their own kitchenette.  Check the latest prices here.

Luxury: The Thief

This contemporary hotel is located on Tjuvholmen, a peninsula in Oslo known for its contemporary art galleries. The Thief offers luxurious rooms with unique designs, stunning views of the Oslo Fjord, and top-notch amenities, including an on-site spa, a fine dining restaurant, and an impressive art collection throughout the hotel. Check rates here.

Norway Itinerary Day 2: Drive to Bergen

Duration of drive: 7 hours 

The next day, rise bright and early as it’s time to set off on your Norway road trip! Our destination for the day is Bergen, the second-largest city in Norway, but we’ll make plenty of stops along the way. While on your way out of Oslo, make a stop at Holmenkollen , the ski recreation area 588 meters above sea level just west of Oslo. If you’re here in winter, this spot gets crowded with locals sledding and frolicking in the snow. From here you get the best view of Oslo. 

Your next stop is a 5-hour drive away. The picturesque village of Flåm, nestled at the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, has a spectacular setting surrounded by steep mountains and waterfalls. Flåm is a popular stop for tourists traveling on the Flåm Railway, one of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world.

If you have some time, visit the Flam Railway Museum and hop on a  scenic fjord cruise ,  passing through narrow waterways surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

It’s another 2.5-hour drive to Bergen, a photogenic city surrounded by seven majestic mountains. You’ll probably be arriving late, so spend the evening just wandering around the iconic harbor. Don’t worry, you’re staying here for two nights so you’ll have the whole of next day to explore this pretty city.

After a long day of driving, treat yourself to some fresh seafood; t he city’s location along the coast means the seafood is fresh and of high quality. Restaurante Cornelius is one of Bergen’s best seafood restaurants. It is situated right by the sea on a small island with spectacular views of the fjord, mountains, skerries and passing boats and ships.

Budget: City Hostel Bergen

City Hostel Bergen is a budget-friendly option located in the city center of Bergen. It offers a variety of room options, including dormitory-style rooms and private rooms. Check rates here.

Mid-Range: Zander K Hotel

Zander K Hotel is a stylish mid-range hotel situated near Bergen’s central train station. The hotel features modern and comfortable rooms, and its central location makes it easy to access popular attractions.  Check rates here.

Luxury: Hotel Norge by Scandic

On our last trip, we stayed at the Hotel Norge by Scandic (pictured), a luxury hotel located in the heart of Bergen. The hotel features a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. It’s within walking distance of Bryggen and other major attractions. Check rates here.

Norway Itinerary Day 3: Explore Bergen

Start your day in Bergen’s historic center, known as Bryggen , a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prominent symbol of the city’s rich history. It’s made up of a series of colorful, iconic wooden buildings lining the eastern side of the Vågen harbor in Bergen. Several buildings along Bryggen now house museums and galleries, providing insights into Bergen’s maritime history and the life of the Hanseatic merchants. The Hanseatic Museum is a good spot to check out.

Another highlight is the Bergenhus Fortress, one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fortifications. The fortress area is not only historically significant but also offers beautiful views of the harbor and the surrounding areas. 

To take the Fløibanen funicular, head to the lower station near the Fish Market. Ticket machines and a ticket office are available for your convenience. You can also book your tickets online here . The funicular takes you up to Mount Fløyen, providing a stunning overview of the city, the surrounding mountains, and the sea. This is a perfect spot for capturing memorable photographs of Bergen’s scenic beauty. 

Norway Itinerary Day 4: Head to Geiranger  

Duration: 7 hours 

The fourth day of your Norway road trip takes you into the breathtaking realm of Norway’s famous fjords, with Geiranger as your destination.  As you leave Bergen, a coastal city embraced by mountains and fjords, the E39 route guides you northeast.  This leg of your journey is a hypnotic dive into some of Norway’s most stunning natural landscapes. Continuing along the E39 and later transitioning to the E136, the road winds through imposing mountains, lakes, and verdant landscapes.

As you approach Geiranger, make a stop at Dalsnibba, where the Geiranger Skywalk presents panoramic views of the majestic Geirangerfjord. With a clear drop of approx. 500 m beneath your feet, you can enjoy magnificent views of Geiranger and the fjord below, as well as across to the mountains and Blåbreen glacier. This viewpoint is located 1550 meters above sea level. It costs 140 NOK (US$18) to drive up, but on a clear day it will definitely be worth a visit.

Upon reaching Geiranger, you are greeted by the sheer beauty of the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This fjord is among Norway’s most famous, and for good reason. Its deep blue waters, surrounded by steep mountains and lush greenery, create unparalleled natural beauty. The Eagle Road , with its hairpin bends, leads to the Ørnesvingen Viewpoint that presents an eagle’s-eye view of the fjord (pictured). Another must-visit spot is the Flydalsjuvet viewpoint, providing a broad perspective of the fjord and its surroundings. 

Budget: Vinje Camping

Vinje Camping provides affordable accommodation in the form of log cabin. It’s a distance from the village center, but the area surrounding the property is popular for hiking. It offers dormitory-style rooms and cookingamenities, making it a suitable option for budget-conscious travelers. Check rates here.

Mid-Range: Hotel Union Geiranger

We stayed at the Hotel Union Geiranger and absolutely loved it. The mid-range option is known for its scenic location and comfortable amenities. The hotel overlooks the Geirangerfjord and features well-appointed rooms, a spa, and a restaurant.  Check rates here.

Luxury: Grand Fjord Hotel

For a luxurious stay, check out Grand Fjord Hotel (pictured) located on the shores of the fjord. This upscale hotel provides elegant rooms, a spa with an indoor and outdoor pool, multiple dining options, and stunning views. Check rates here.

Norway Itinerary Day 5: Continue to Ålesund

Duration of drive: 3.5 hours

With just a day to spend in Geiranger, you’ll want to make the most of this picturesque village nestled at the end of the stunning Geirangerfjord. Begin your day by soaking in the serene atmosphere of the village, surrounded by steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, savoring the breathtaking views of the fjord.

Make a stop at the Norsk Fjordsenter , where interactive exhibits and multimedia displays showcase the geological formation and cultural significance of the fjords. Gain insights into the UNESCO-listed status of the area and its unique natural features.

The best way to see the fjord in its full glory is on a fjord cruise is an excellent option. These boat tours often pass by waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters and the Suitor, providing a close-up encounter with the majestic surroundings. They usually make a stop at Hellesylt, an idyllic village sitting at the head of the Sunnylvsfjorden (a branch of the Geirangerfjord). 

If time allows, have lunch at Brasserie Posten , one of the village’s restaurants offering fresh seafood with a fjord view. Geiranger offers a selection of eateries serving fresh seafood and traditional Norwegian dishes.

Today is a short driving day. As you leave Geiranger, you’ll traverse winding roads that offer stunning views of the fjords, mountains, and picturesque villages. Ålesund is a charming coastal town renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture. The town was rebuilt in this style after a devastating fire in 1904, resulting in a visually striking and harmonious cityscape. Stroll through the streets lined with colorful buildings adorned with intricate details, showcasing the town’s artistic and architectural heritage.

Art enthusiasts can visit the Jugendstilsenteret , the Art Nouveau Centre, located in a former pharmacy building. This museum offers exhibitions and guided tours that delve into the history and significance of Ålesund’s unique architectural style.

Budget: Alesund New Guesthouse

This is a budget-friendly option located on the hilltops surrounding Ålesund. It provides affordable dormitory-style accommodation and basic amenities. Be prepared to climb steps to get to this hostel. Check rates here.

Mid-Range: Scandic Parken

We stayed at Scandic Parken , a comfortable, mid-range hotel situated in a central location, offering comfortable rooms and modern amenities. The hotel is within walking distance of Ålesund’s main attractions, making it a convenient choice for those seeking a balance between comfort and affordability. Check rates here.

Luxury: Hotel Brosundet

Featuring sea views, this stylish hotel (pictured) is set in a renovated Art Nouveau-style warehouse by the Ålesund Strait. The hotel combines modern luxury with historic charm, offering elegantly designed rooms, upscale amenities, and scenic views of the harbor. Check rates here.

Norway Itinerary Day 6: Drive to Trondheim

Duration of drive: 5.5 hours

Rise early and start your day with some exercise! Climb the 418 steps to the top of Aksla MountainFor panoramic views of Ålesund and its surrounding islands. The vantage point at Fjellstua offers breathtaking views of the town, the archipelago, and the Sunnmøre Alps.

The drive from Ålesund to Trondheim offers a journey through diverse landscapes, showcasing Norway’s coastal and inland beauty. You’ll be driving on parts of the well-known Atlantic Ocean Road , one of the most scenic roads in Norway. The road runs through an archipelago, with bridges connecting the islands. 

Further along the drive, the terrain becomes more varied, featuring hills and forests. Consider making a stop at the Trollstigen Visitor Centre if you’re interested in dramatic landscapes and panoramic viewpoints. Then traverse the nerve-wrecking Trollstigen, or the Troll’s Path , a famous mountain road with hairpin turns and breathtaking scenery. It’s not quite as scary as it looks in the picture!

The last stop on this Norway road trip, Trondheim, is one of Norway’s most beautiful cities rich in history and cultural landmarks. Start your exploration at Nidaros Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic masterpiece and Norway’s national sanctuary. Wander through the charming streets of Bakklandet, known for its colorful wooden houses and riverside ambiance. The Old Town Bridge offers panoramic views of the city and is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.

Budget: Trondheim Vandrerhjem 

Trondheim Vandrerhjem is a budget-friendly option, centrally located near attractions like Nidaros Cathedral. This hostel offers affordable dormitory and private rooms, making it suitable for budget-conscious travelers. Check rates here.

Mid-Range: Scandic Bakklandet

Scandic Bakklandet is a mid-range hotel situated in the charming Bakklandet district, known for its historic wooden buildings. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and a central location. It’s within walking distance of popular sites like the Old Town Bridge and Nidaros Cathedral. Check rates here.

Luxury: Britannia Hotel

We loved our stay at the Britannia Hotel, an opulent historic hotel in the heart of Trondheim. The hotel provides luxurious rooms, fine dining options, a spa, and personalized service. It’s located near attractions like the Archbishop’s Palace and is a prestigious choice for those seeking a high-end stay in Trondheim. Check rates here.

Duration of drive: 6.5 hours

On the final day of your Norway road trip, I suggest leaving early to make sure you get back to Oslo in time for your flight home. 

If you do have plenty of time, one noteworthy stop is Lillehammer, known for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics. Here, you can visit the Olympic Museum and explore the charming town with its wooden architecture and lakeside setting.

The drive also passes through picturesque landscapes, including parts of the scenic Gudbrandsdalen valley and Lake Mjøsa , Norway’s largest lake. The nature reserves and viewpoints along the way provide opportunities for short breaks to appreciate the natural beauty of the Norwegian countryside.

What you pack depends on when you’re planning to do your Norway road trip. If you are traveling Norway in winter, be sure to bring warm clothes including a high quality ski jacket, hat, thermals, gloves, and thick pants. It’s important to invest in a good pair of winter boots or sturdy hiking shoes for snow conditions.

In addition, remember to get snow chains for your car/rental if you’re planning to drive in winter. They are not required by law, but they can keep you safe in the snow mountains. We didn’t have winter tires and found the snow chains to be very useful. It’s also useful to bring a thermos and pouch warmer to keep yourself warm.

That’s a wrap! Thank you for reading all the way to the end. We’ve definitely packed a lot into this 7-day Norway road trip. This itinerary will give you a taste of the country and show you the best parts of the country, whether you’re visiting in winter or summer. If you have any question, feel free to leave me a comment below!

Read my articles on Norway below:

• Norway in a Nutshell
• 11 Fun Things to Do in Lapland in Winter
• Arctic Circle Train: Traveling Lapland by Train
• Svalbard Landscapes: Icebergs and Glaciers
• Riding the Glacier Express
• 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe
• Best Winter Destinations in Europe

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Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. She is a book author and Lonely Planet guidebook writer. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Follow her travels on her Facebook and Instagram .

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Norway The perfect 7 days itinerary

Norway, a Scandinavian country known for its stunning fjords, northern lights, and outdoor adventures. From the vibrant city life of Oslo to the tranquil beauty of the Lofoten Islands , Norway offers a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions. This 7-day itinerary will take you through some of the country's most breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities.

What to do in Norway?

This 7 days itinerary is the perfect guide to the best things to see in Norway. It includes day-by-day activities, travel tips, and the top places to visit.

Day 1: Discovering Oslo

Start your day with a visit to the Viking Ship Museum , home to three preserved Viking ships. Then, head to the Norwegian Folk Museum , which showcases traditional Norwegian houses and culture.

Visit the Vigeland Sculpture Park , featuring more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. Later, explore the Royal Palace and its surrounding gardens.

Stroll along the Aker Brygge , a popular area with restaurants, shops, and stunning views of the Oslo Fjord.

Day 2: Exploring Bergen

Take a morning flight to Bergen . Visit the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf , a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the Fish Market .

Take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of Bergen .

Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the restaurants in the city center.

Day 3: Fjord Cruise and Flam Railway

Take a fjord cruise from Bergen to Flåm . Enjoy the stunning views of the fjords.

Ride the Flåm Railway , one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.

Return to Bergen and relax for the evening.

Day 4: Travel to Tromsø

Take a morning flight to Tromsø , known as the gateway to the Arctic.

Visit the Arctic Cathedral and the Polar Museum .

Enjoy a traditional Norwegian meal at a local restaurant.

Day 5: Chasing the Northern Lights

Join a Northern Lights tour and chase the magical aurora borealis. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won't want to miss.

Day 6: Exploring the Lofoten Islands

Take a morning flight to the Lofoten Islands . Explore the picturesque fishing villages and stunning landscapes.

Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, or bird watching.

Relax in your rorbu , a traditional fisherman's cabin.

Day 7: Return to Oslo

Take a morning flight back to Oslo . Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, shopping or exploring any sights you may have missed on your first day.

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A Perfect 7-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Norway

If you have happened to watch Frozen, you are sure to have loved its fictional land of Arendelle. It happens so, that this land was inspired by the magical beauty of Norway. This country of colorful towns, icy fjords, and reindeer rides under dreamy northern lights is a well-loved destination for travelers. Thus, making it big enough to spend a lifetime exploring.

But what if you have just managed to accommodate a 7-day holiday to Norway? In this article, we have tailored a perfect 7-day itinerary for traveling in Norway. And not to forget that the top-notch transit system makes getting around the country fast yet convenient. Thus, helping you get the most out of your Norwegian holiday. Additionally, this itinerary is great for first-timers and is sure to checks of the must-see destinations in Norway on your list.

Getting to Norway

The relaxing weeklong journey to Norway starts with a flight. Several major airlines run flights to and from Norway across the globe. All you have to do is book your tickets and prepare your backpacks.

Day 01 – Oslo

This 7-day tour, starting in Oslo, takes you along the country’s fastest-paced capital. This metropolitan city celebrates its pride as the most environmentally friendly city in Europe. Thus, the name, “Green Capital of Europe”.  

You can either book a guided bus tour to explore Oslo’s famous landmarks or wander around on a self-guided tour. Some of the sites the bus tour will take you to include, the Royal Palace, Akershus fortress, Oslo City Hall, and the Vigeland Sculpture Park.

Aker Brygge – To get started, walk around the beautiful area of Aker Brygge. Home to modern buildings that are famous for its contemporary architecture, this place is an architect’s dream. Be sure to capture the stunning view of these tall buildings at the golden hour.

Museums in Oslo – Oslo is known for its museums. If you are an avid lover of history, then you must visit the Viking Ship Museum. This museum is known for its fascinating collection of ships from the Viking era. But if you are inclined towards music and folk culture then you are sure to love the Open Folk Museum. Since both museums are in the same area, you need not worry about time constraints.

Vigeland Sculpture Park – This park is host to 200 larger than life sculptures made out of cast iron, bronze, and granite. The park is free to enter and is open throughout the day.

To end the day, enjoy the great food and atmosphere of Oslo’s nightlife. Famous for its café culture, the city allows you to interact with friendly locals and enjoy coffee with fellow visitors. Secondly, don’t forget to try a freshly baked Norwegian bread.

Where to Stay in Oslo?

The best area to stay in Oslo is the city center. It surrounds the city’s most famous attractions, thus, making the commute easier and saving time. This area is often described by tourists as a charming part of Oslo because of its distinctive buildings and lovely parks.

Day 02 – Oslo to Flam 

After early morning breakfast, find your way to the train station for a breathtaking trip to Norway’s western coast. This train journey through the scenic Flåm Railway is sure to leave you mesmerized with surprisingly spectacular views from your window.

From tiny villages to a lush-green countryside, every passing minute will be host to eye-pleasing views. Meanwhile, all you have to do is sit back with your camera and capture the beauty. You will come across snow-peaked mountains, deep fjords, and picture-perfect waterfalls as you travel to the steepest train elevation in the world. And be sure to wait for the mighty Kjosfossen waterfall. The train will make a stop there for photographs, allowing you to marvel over the thrashing water sound.

As soon as you arrive at Flåm, you can spend the afternoon exploring the scenic village of Flåm that runs along the Sognefjord. Secondly, you can also go for a hiking trail nearby or visit the Flåm church.

At night, be sure to enjoy the traditional Norwegian cuisines at local cafes or the Riverside Farm Lodge. This dinner will be prepared by the local staff using fresh ingredients from the organic onsite garden. Moreover, you can also snack on coffee with over fresh cinnamon rolls at the top of the hill that overlooks the fantastic Aurlandsfjord.

Where to stay in Flåm?

Some of the best places to stay in Flåm include,

• Flåm Marina
• Flåmsbrygga Hotel
• Flåm Ferdaminne
• Flåm Holiday House

Day 03 – Fjordcruise on Nærøyfjord

On the third day after breakfast, set off for the two-hour cruise at the picturesque Nærøyfjord. This fjord is a UNESCO World Heritage site. With narrow passageways and hanging valleys, Nærøyfjord allows you to reach out and touch the mountains. Moreover, during the cruise, you will be lucky enough to enjoy excellent views of mountainside farms.

As you reach the end of Nærøyfjord, you will reach a popular tourist destination namely Gudvangen. This valley is host to a myriad of adventures and traditional cultural activities that must be explored. Also, don’t forget to stop by for lunch at the local restaurants that serve authentic Norwegian cuisine from the finest produce.

A visit to the Magical White Caves is one of the popular things to do in Gudvangen. This place will lead you through a cave-labyrinth that is home to some exciting shadows.

Now from Voss, it’s time to take the train to Bergen and arrive before day end to explore the city’s nightlife.

Day 04 – Around Bergen

Next morning, it’s time to immerse in the world-class cultural richness of Norway’s second-largest city, Bergen . Known as the gateway to Norway’s famous fjord network, this city is home to interesting urban attractions and outdoorsy activities.

Start your exploring with the wooden wharf houses of downtown Bryggen that are known to date back to the 17 th century. The Bergen Wharf runs along and is the most appealing tourist attraction of Bergen. As a result, it will amaze you with a spectacular view of docked fjord cruises and a busy wharf life. From there, take a trip to the top of Mount Fløyen through the Fløibanen funicular. This mountain is one of Bergen’s seven peaks. Thus, it’s viewing platform will give you some of the most elevated views of the city.

Bergen offers a lot to its tourists. You must arrange a local guide if you want to have a truly local experience in the bustling city. Here are a few must-see places in Bergen,

• Greig Museum
• Bergen Main Square and Fish Market
• Bergenhus Fortress
• Cobblestone streets

Don’t forget to get a 24-Hour Bergen Card. This card will treat you to free bus travel around the city. Above all, you can also avail free admittance to some of the tourist attractions.

Where to stay in Bergen?

Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly option when traveling solo or a superior five start hotel, Bergen offers all. Further, the city also has some great cozy apartments that will make you feel home if you are traveling with family.

Here are some best places to stay in Bergen ,

• Bryggen Rooms and Apartments
• Radisson Blu Royal Hotel
• Bergen Budget Hotel
• Hotel Norge by Scandic

Day 05 – Hello Tromsø

This morning, you’ll take a flight to Tromsø, the largest city in Northern Norway!

Cable Car to Mountain Floya – As soon as you land in Tromsø, take a cable car ride up the mountain ledge. From the viewing platform located at the upper station, you can enjoy picturesque panoramic views of Tromsø. These views will be home to surrounding islands, glorious fjords, and mighty mountain ranges.

Walking Tour of Tromsø – Next, book a local guide for a three-hour guided tour around Tromsø. This walking tour will introduce you to the rich culture and stunning architecture of the city. From buildings dating back to the medieval era to the age-old fishing culture, there is a lot to explore.

Northern Lights – Towards the end of the day, awaits a dreamy adventure, the Northern Lights! Now you will be escorted to a dark excursion to chase the dancing show of Northern Lights. Moreover, this experience will be made worthwhile as your guide shares some interesting fun facts about the lights. So, prepare yourself for a night full of folk tales your cameras to capture some magical Instagram moments. All this in the midst of getting lost in the beauty of Earth’s sky.

The night will commence its end around a cozy campfire, a mug of hot chocolate and marshmallows for s’ mores.

Day 06 – Dogsledding in Tromsø

After a dreamlike peaceful night, gazing at the Northern lights, it’s time to wake up the next morning. Enjoy a nice breakfast at the resort and set off to explore the Arctic terrain by sled.

Once you arrive at the dog sledding camp, you will be greeted by an active team of huskies. Therefore, it’s important to pay attention to the starter lesson to pick all the needed tricks to manage your eager team of huskies. Although, you will be accompanied by professional guides through the dog sledding experience at the Norwegian countryside.

Be sure, to make a short coffee stop and enjoy some freshly baked cookies as enthusiastic guides narrate the much-loved history of Sami culture and dog sledding. Now, as the day ends, you will be hosted to a traditional Norwegian dinner around a campfire. This meal is sure to have a rich reindeer stew with a delish broth and sautéed vegetables.

Day 07 – Farewell Norway

On your last day in Norway, it is better to keep the schedule light. Here is a list of a few tourist destinations that you can visit and activities you can do in the Tromsø. However, this depends on how much time you have on your flight back home.

• Tromsø Cathedral
• Polaria Arctic Experience Center
• Fishing Trip to Hella
• The Arctic Cathedral

As your week in Norway ends, it’s time to bid farewell to this incredible country. But it cannot be denied that even with a week to spare, you can still explore the best this huge country has to offer. All you have to do is to plan the right way and you are sure to explore beyond midnight suns, northern lights, and fjords. That is to say that each day will amaze you with new hidden gems of Norway.

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Norway Road Trip Itinerary in Summer – 7 Days of Adventure and Exploration

Are you looking for a unique and adventurous road trip experience? We were, and Norway turned out to be a great choice, with its incredible natural beauty, stunning fjords, amazing wildlife, and vibrant cities. On this seven-day road trip itinerary through Norway, we explored and experienced some of the best that Norway has to offer. And if you do it in summer, like us, you’ll escape the summer heat in the southern parts of Europe and replace it with a refreshing summer experience.

Day 1: Oslo to Heddal Stave Church to Rjukan

On our first day in Norway, we started our journey in Oslo. We suggest that you take in all the sights of this wonderful city and take your time – maybe even stay a day or two. We spent half a day finding a place to eat our supermarket lunch in between rains, walking too many times the Aker Brygge promenade and its beautiful landmarks and views towards the harbor, discovering parking is not free in Oslo, and admiring the modern architecture and open-air saunas.

We continued our journey north towards Heddal Stave Church. This 12th-century church is one of the most well-preserved and largest stave churches in the country and an important historical site. As we missed the last tour for the day led by a charming Viking, we explored around on our own – the green fields and even the graveyards around contribute to such a magical atmosphere.

After exploring Heddal Stave Church, we continued to Rjukan – our final destination for the day. This town offers many cultural and natural sights such as Vemork Hydroelectric Power Plant which was used during World War II by Germany for their nuclear program or Gaustatoppen Mountain which offers breathtaking views from its peak at 1883 meters above sea level. We chose to walk around town, stumbling upon an open-air summer festival consisting of a stage where a band was warming up and a beer hut. 

A remarkable place in town is the market square which used to stay in the dark 6 months a year (like the whole town) before they installed a system of three large, solar-powered, computer-controlled mirrors 450 meters high in the opposite mountain. The system of mirrors tracks the movement of the sun across the sky, reflecting its rays down onto the square and bathing it in bright sunlight so even in winter, citizens and visitors of Rjukan can enjoy some sunshine and hope.

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Stay in Rjukan: Rjukan Gjestegaard

Day 2: Rauland and the Scenic Route to Odda and Hardanger

On our second day, we took a drive through the Telemark area, which gave the name of the Telemark ski discipline, stopping first to admire the Rauland church right on the shore of Totak Lake. As the weather was not exactly inviting for beach time, we walked around to admire the flowers and the lake waves and continued on our way.

Then we drove along the Dyrskar scenic route to Odda, where we were rewarded with spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, green fields, and more. We passed through all 4 seasons driving the scenic road. Next time, we would plan a longer stop to do some hiking or skiing depending on what time of year it is when we visit Norway again!

Låtefossen Waterfall is a nice place to stop and admire the water crushing the rocks. You can also grab a cup of tea or a souvenir. Odda welcomed us with quiet sunny streets nestled amidst majestic mountains and views of the fjord. We decided that we’ll leave the hike to the breathtaking natural wonder of the Trolltunga cliff for next time.

We arrived just in time to Hardanger to enjoy playing in the yard of the hostel, the magical views of the mountain and the fjord, and the refreshing summer vibes, followed by a dinner we cooked at the hostel and our favorite series.

Stay in Hardanger: Hardanger Guesthouse

Day 3: Voss to Bergen and things to do in Bergen

Is it just us, or are the tunnels in Norway taken out from the future or a space station? We just passed the fanciest and most modern-looking tunnel and saw a gondola station up in the mountain, so we decided to stop by this town called Voss. We didn’t ride the gondola to grasp the views from up there, but the views downtown didn’t disappoint as well! Voss is a green oasis at the shore of Vangsvatnet Lake, and not only can you stroll or bike around, but you can also sail or fly. After too many mirror photos in the water and selfies with the Voss sign, we knew it was time to move on.

We headed towards Bergen, known as the gateway to the fjords of Norway and the second biggest city. During your time here, there are many things to do such as taking a stroll around Bryggen Wharf which is a UNESCO World Heritage and home to many colorful wooden houses dating back hundreds of years ago or just walking around the city observing its vibrant life. Other attractions include taking a ride on The Floibanen Funicular up Mt Fløyen or exploring Troldhaugen Edvard Grieg’s home, which now stands as a museum dedicated to his life and works!

We couldn’t be happier to stay at Bergen Hostel Montana, which had the best views over the town and provided us with a super long sunset so we could enjoy the picturesque surroundings!

Stay in Bergen: Bergen Hostel Montana

Day 4: Fjord Safari in Flam and driving to Sognefjord

On day four, we headed south from Bergen towards Flam, and this day turned out to be unforgettable for two reasons. First was the Fjord Safari experience. We explored the famous Aurlandsfjord arm of Sognefjord, packed up in extra water- and windproof jackets and pants on a RIB boat stopping at several villages and viewpoints along the way where we learned about local history and exciting folklore stories as well! By the way, you can also take the train from Bergen to get to Flam. After this idyllic yet adventurous cruise, we continued onwards towards Sognefjord (the longest fjord in Norway and the second longest fjord in the world). The fjords in Norway are truly magnificent, with craggy peaks, lush hillsides, and waterfalls in every crevice.

We had chosen Lyngmo Hytter to stay at the shore of a lake and have some peaceful time, even have a swim in the refreshing waters. We ate our home-cooked dinner in our lovely wooden hut, explored the area a bit, and then went to bed to watch an episode before going to sleep. And then we heard a noise…it turned out that this idyllic hut was invested with bedbugs so we had to escape to a nearby hotel which was 3 times more expensive but offered a rich breakfast and Friday evening disco – so definitely the second experience for the day was unforgettable in a bit negative way although now we laugh about it. 

Stay in Sognefjord: Quality Hotel Sogndal

Day 5: Driving to Ålesund and things to do in Ålesund

On day 5, we traveled northwards towards Alesund, where an abundance of art nouveau architecture awaits! As one of Norway’s most popular tourist attractions, Alesund offers plenty to do during your stay here. Make sure not to miss out on touring Aksla Mountain viewpoint (Akslatrappa endepunkt trinn 418) offering some incredible 360-degree views across the Alesund city center followed by going inside Sukkertoppen Viewpoint Tower located atop the nearby hilltop offering even more amazing panoramas! The views from the above reminded us a bit of the view of Muxia on the Camino de Santiago .

For those interested in art nouveau architecture, make sure to visit Jugendstilsenteret – Art Nouveau Museum – showcasing some beautiful examples from around Norway! Don’t forget to walk around Alesundet in the city center and admire the architecture, the boats, and the magnificent vibe of the city.

Unfortunately we lost all the photos from that day.

Stay in Alesund: Aalesund Airport Hotel

Day 6: Atlantic Ocean Road and Trollstigen

It wouldn’t be a complete Norwegian adventure without driving along the Atlantic Ocean Road connecting several islands and islets over the Norwegian Sea between Bud village and Kristiansund town. We got so excited that we drove it 4 times, and we stopped at all possible places to take in different viewpoints and do short hikes. 

Then you might want to continue to Trollstigen Mountain Road (87-kilometer-road) featuring eight hairpin bends rising nearly one kilometer above sea level topped off with fantastic viewpoints overlooking steep cliffs cascading down into deep valleys below! Stop off at The Trolls Path Viewpoint for unique photo opportunities and a refreshing hike. One of the other highlights of the day was the Geirangerfjord – considered one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords (it’s a tough competition though). We highly recommend the Djupvatnet Lake viewing spot for some frozen summer out-of-this-world views. 

We booked our stay at Reinheimen Lodge and we had a blissful stay near the lake and the forest, in a sustainable bungalow. We also had our first and only dinner out for this trip in Norway – at the lodge restaurant. It was delicious!

Stay in Skjåk: Reinheimen Lodge

Day 7: To Lom and Hadeland

The final day of our Norway road trip began at the beautiful Reinheimen Lodge. Located in the middle of the wilderness, it was a great spot to spend the night before continuing on our journey. From here, we drove up north towards Lom, where we found majestic mountains and glacial valleys.

Lom is home to many beautiful attractions such as the Fossheim Hotel, The Fossheim Stone Center geological museum, and the Lom Stave Church (we completed the circle by visiting stave churches on day 1 and day 7). It’s such a nice place to walk around and enjoy the Norwegian summer, maybe even stay for a night.

Finally, we chose to end our road trip with a stop at Hadeland in Norway’s southeast corner. It was a lovely town where we could stay at a local house and still experience being surrounded by nature.

Stay in Harestua (not far from Oslo and Oslo Airport): Bed and Breakfast Hadeland

Practical info for your road trip in Norway

Although many spots along the route will lure you to stop and explore them, it’s nice to have at least a rough plan ahead with 2-3 major stops and overnight stops. This will save you a ton of money as accommodation in Norway in summer books out fast and tends to be more expensive.

We are happy that we packed snacks and drinks for ourselves and had our picnic lunches at scenic spots and were able to cook the majority of our dinners. Supermarkets are plenty and available in most of the cities and towns.

You should rent a car if you want to explore the country on your own. Driving in Norway is pleasant, and although it is expensive compared to other countries, the conditions on the road and the kind local drivers make it an enjoyable experience. 

It’s a good idea to check gas stations on your route before you start driving a certain leg, as well as ferry timings, tunnels, parking options, and prices. We had AutoPass installed in our car so the majority of ferry and tunnel fees (as well as the fine for not paying the parking in Oslo) were charged automatically. The money was withdrawn from our card by the rental company after the end of the trip.

You can check all the forecasts you want but the weather in Norway can always surprise you so pack warm and waterproof clothes and shoes and consider options for unexpected stops!

Budget for a 7-day road trip in Norway

We prepared our full budget with all the expenses we had for our 7-day road trip in Norway in the summer.

Driving through Norway is a great way to see the country’s incredible scenery. While it can take hours to travel from one city to another, the views are well worth the time and effort. Norway’s summer months are prime for hiking, paddling, and fjord sailing and swimming, so you can include your favorite outdoor activities in the road trip itinerary.

This was our 7-day road trip itinerary in Norway in summer. We hope you get inspired and start planning your next (or first) adventure in Norway!

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One Week in Norway

Norway, one of the most beautiful Nordic countries known for its stunning natural landscapes, is located on the northwest of the Scandinavian Peninsula. It is impressive for its diverse geography, deep fjords, very high mountains and rugged coastal region.

With so many visit-worthy locations, such as Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, it inspired you to plan your one week in Norway stay to experience its charming beauty! The capital city is Oslo and some bigger cities that are worth your visit include Stavanger, Bergen and Trondheim.

Norway has a rich cultural heritage. Its traditional folk music, dance and literature are impressive. Examples of infamous figures are the playwright Henri Ibsen and the painter Edvard Munch were Norwegians.

Our full guide covers:

• Basic Introduction
• Where to stay in Norway
• How to get around
• What to see in Norway
• Things to do in Norway
• Tickets you have to buy before – must read
• Food and Restaurants
• Day Trips from Norway
• Itinerary for Norway
• Packing List

If you have chosen to stay for one week in Norway, please note that it is heaven for outdoor activities addicts. Great skiing, hiking, snowboarding, fishing and kayaking are guaranteed. In addition, you will get to see The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) which can be seen only in winter months and the Midnight Sun phenomenon in the Arctic Circle, which is characteristic of summer.

In short, Norway is a country of natural beauty, rich culture and a high standard of life, blending in amazing tradition and delicious cuisine. Eager to start planning your Norway 7 day itinerary? Keep on reading!

1. Basic Introduction

We want to start with a simple intro to the things you need to know before coming to Norway.

Currency : Norwegian Krone (NOK)

Language Spoken : Norwegian

Population : 5.408 million (2021)

Known for : Stunning Fjords; Northern Lights; Outdoor Activities; Rich History and Culture

Accommodation : Hotels, Hostels, Cabins, and Traditional Rorbuer

Find more details in our where to stay in Norway  section below.

Public Transport : buses, trams and trains

More under  how to get around .

Safety : Norway is the safest country in the world

Electricity : 230V/50Hz (European plug). Remember to pack your travel plug adapter .

2. Where to stay in Norway

Norway is one of the leading countries in environmental sustainability and is incredibly beautiful, with plenty to offer. It is hard to decide which places to go, especially when you get to spend only 1 week in Norway. I will do my best to help, but be mindful of your preferences, budget and the regions you are planning to visit. My guide features a variety of accommodations, made to fit your requirements and the type of travel companions you’re taking this trip with. You get to choose from city hotels to some charming cabins in the rural part.

So, if you want to feel and experience the authenticity of Norway, I suggest you stay at these places:

Each of these places will provide a pleasant stay and a lot to visit. Oslo, the capital, is famous for its vibrant atmosphere. Bergen offers picturesque surroundings and historical charm.

Tromsø, on the other hand, is known for the Northern Lights show. And lastly, Trondheim is a historic gem of Norway, while the Fjord region is a synonym for the stunning views.

So, not that I’ve listed the locations you should add to your Norway 7-day itinerary, let me guide you through choosing the accommodation.

2.1 Where to stay in Oslo

Oslo is an excellent destination for everyone looking for an immersive one week in Norway! A city with a dynamic and vibrant spirit, offering rich historical and cultural heritage. The Royal Palace, the home of the Norwegian Monarch, is located there. The Vigeland Park, with more than 200 sculptures made by Gustaf Vigeland, is a real open-air museum and the most important spot to visit.

The National Gallery, the Opera House, the National Museum of Norway, the Botanical Garden, the Oslo Cathedral and many more attractions are also located in the vibrant Oslo. The main street in the city, Karl Johans Gate, connects the Royal Palace with the Central Station. It is full of shops, cafes and restaurants, all inviting you to experience their energy.

Smarthotel, Oslo

Only a 5-minute walk from the Karl Johan shopping street, Smarthotel offers small double rooms and suites. You can enjoy breakfast on a terrace and use the kiosk to buy snacks or drinks. Families and couples like the accommodation, because all major city highlights are in its surroundings.

Citybox, Oslo

Citybox is in the very centre of Oslo. The rooms are very bright and have a private bathroom. There is a TV lounge and a seating area within the hotel, where you can relax. Vending machines are at your disposal, as a microwave is. This hotel is great for couples.

2.2 Where to stay in Bergen

If you decide to stay in this captivating, second-largest coastal city in Norway, you will enjoy the views of mountains and fjords. The Fish Market in the harbour and the Bryggen Wharf, as they call the waterfront, are perfect to visit, while the Fløibanen funicular can take you to the top of the mountain. Lots more to see and explore. Do not miss the Bergen aquarium.

Citybox, Bergen

Charming and modern at the same time, Citybox offers you a self-service check-in and brightly decorated rooms. There is a shared microwave and vending machines for snacks and drinks. It is very close to the Art Museum and some other places worth visiting. Perfect for couples!

Moxy, Bergen

In Moxy , despite the nice room with a private bathroom, you can enjoy the terrace, bar and fitness centre. It is only 1 km from the Møhlenpris Baddeplas Beach and 3 km approximate distance from Haakon’s Hall. Couples and families prefer this hotel, given its quiet ambience.

2.3 Where to stay in Tromsø

The city of Tromsø is located in the Arctic Circle in North Norway. Famous for the Northern Lights, stunning landscapes and cultural life, it is a perfect place to add to your Norway 7 day itinerary. There are many things to enjoy while in Tromsø: Tromsø Bridge; Arctic Cathedral; Cable Car taking you to Mount Storsteinen, where you simply mesmerise in the panorama of the fjords; Polaria, the Arctic-themed centre offering interactive exhibits; Arctic aquarium, an outdoor seal pool and a panoramic cinema.

Moxy, Tromsø

Moxy offers a fitness centre, a terrace and a bar. The significant tourist spots are nearby. Even the airport is near, just a kilometre away, making it a convenient place to stay.

Skaret by Vander, Tromsø

Skaret by Vander offers sea views and a fitness centre. It is 400m away from Polaris. You can enjoy the restaurant in the hotel. Family rooms are available. Each unit has a seating area, a fully equipped kitchen and a private bathroom. In addition, if you’re travelling with kids, they can enjoy the playground of the property.

2.4 Where to stay in Trondheim

Famous for its mediaeval architecture, this city of vibrant neighbourhoods offers many interesting places to visit during your one week in Norway. Nidaros Cathedral, Old Town Bridge, Ringve Museum, Rockheim (a museum of popular music), Art Museum and Munkholmen Island are just a few locations you can’t miss out on. The most interesting district is Bakklandet, charming for its cobblestoned streets, wooden houses and bohemian atmosphere.

Clarion Hotel, Trondheim

It is a hotel with an exceptionally modern design. It has a rooftop restaurant & bar on the 9th floor with a great view of the Trondheim Fjord. Clarion Hotel offers entrance to the nearby 3T Fitness Center and discount tickets for Pirbadet, Norway’s largest indoor water park.

The Living Room provides a lounge setting and à la carte dining menu. There is a also Skybar where you can enjoy a nice view of the city.

Penthouse, Lerkendal

The apartment offers a bedroom, a kitchen and a bathroom. There are also family rooms and a fitness centre. The garden with city views, together with the patio, will make your stay pleasant and relaxing.

2.5 Where to stay in Fjords

The Norwegian stunning fjords attract millions of tourists every year. Some which are worth visiting during your 1 week in Norway include Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, Sognefjord, Lysefjord, Romsdalsfjord, Nordfjord and Storfjord. Exploring these natural beauties, you have an opportunity to witness and immerse in the most spectacular natural wonders.

Fjords View, Sjøholt

Fjords View , a fully renovated residence dating from 1870, provides a captivating view of the Storfjord. With the convenience of a reliable bus service, you are near many fjords in the area, making it an ideal base for exploring the breathtaking landscapes.

Olden by the Fjords of Norway, Bjørkelund

Olden by the Fjords of Norway presents a spacious apartment with 4 bedrooms, an equipped kitchen, and a bathroom. The complex enhances your experience with additional amenities like a picnic area and a garden, allowing you to fully embrace the natural beauty of the surroundings.

3. How to get around Norway

Once you decide on the accommodation, it’s time to figure out the way you will move throughout the country. Undoubtedly the best way to explore whichever country you visit is by car. However, due to the climate conditions and the part of the year when you decide to spend one week in Norway, the country will offer you diverse transportation options. Anyway, here are the most convenient ways to explore Norway:

Northern Lights Chase Minibus Tour with Campfire:  Join the minibus tour and chase the enchanting Northern Lights. Experience the full Arctic magic with marshmallows and warm drinks by the fire. It’s a cozy adventure you won’t want to miss!

Domestic Flights are the most efficient time-consuming way to get to the desired destination, especially if you travel between the cities in different parts of the country. It is good to know that Norwegian airports are well-connected and local flights are very short.

Trains are known for being punctual and modern. There is a very extensive train network, which makes your travel comfortable. Bergensbanen is the main train route and it connects Oslo with Bergen, while other major routes are Dovrebanen, between Oslo and Trondheim and Sørlandsbanen, between Oslo and Stavanger.

Buses are an essential part of Norway’s public transportation. There are public buses and long-distance buses, both known for being punctual and convenient.

Car Rentals , a few domestic and a few international agencies are on your disposal list. Renting a car is a very convenient and popular way to move throughout the country. Book your rental in advance, especially if you travel in the high season. You can use a driving licence from your native country, but it is preferable to have an International driving permit (IDP). Keep in mind that you can’t rent a car in Norway if you’re under 21 years of age. All the roads in the country are in great condition, but depending on the season, especially in winter, the conditions can be challenging.

4. What to see in Norway – The Must-Do’s

If you are wondering what to see during your 1 week in Norway, I will give you a suggestion of the most significant spots. Here is the list:

The Must Do’s are:

• Vigeland Sculpture Park (Vigelandsparken)
• The Royal Palace (Det kongelige slott)
• The Viking Ship Museum (Vikingskipshuset)

More great sights to see in Norway are:

• The Munch Museum (Munch-museet)
• The Fram Museum (Frammuseet)
• The Oslo Opera House (Operahu

5. Things to do in Norway

Fjord Cruises

One of the most adventurous and unforgettable parts of your one week in Norway will definitely be the Fjord cruise . The stunning views, mesmerising surroundings and breathtaking natural wonders will be the best part of your trip.

The most iconic fjords are Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord, Lysefjord and Nærøyfjord. The fjord cruises can be focused on some specific fjords or include visiting some other natural wonders. Therefore, keep in mind that the cruises vary in duration, but are worth going to.

Hiking and Trekking

If you’re a hiking and trekking addict, then you have chosen a paradise for your one-week holiday. Due to its diverse landscapes, beginning from high mountains to deep fjords and lush valleys, you will find excitement in every step made.

The trails are convenient for all skill levels. Galdhøpiggen, Trolltunga, Preikestolen and Hardangervidda, are the most popular amongst many.

Northern Lights Chasing

This is a very exciting experience which is worth adding to your one week in Norway trip. You have to be in the northern regions for this because this is the best location to enjoy the Aurora Borealis magic .

Winter months, precisely from late September to early April are best as the nights are darker and longer. Chase for the clear sky, check the Aurora Borealis forecast and dress warm, taking a good camera with you.

I will suggest joining a Guided Northern Lights Tour because the operators have all the relevant info and know the best locations to spot the best views.

Oslo Opera House

It was opened in 2008 and its location in the Bjørvika district, near the centre of Oslo, gives you stunning views of the city and the fjord. I will again suggest a Tour Guide visit since your impression will be enriched with fascinating facts about its architecture.

Also, this will give you a unique chance to see some inside attractions that are not allowed for the public. Within this Opera House , there are some restaurants where you can enjoy and relax, perfect for catching a breath in the middle of your one week trip in Norway.

City Festivals

No matter when you are going to visit Norway, there are festivals throughout the year, so keep this in mind if enjoy events of this kind. Some important festivals are the Bergen International Festival in Bergen (May-June), St. Olav Festival in Trondheim (late July), Oslo Chamber Music Festival in Oslo (August), Molde International Jazz Festival in Molde (July), Kongsberg Jazz Festival in Kongsberg (July), The Northern Lights Festival in Tromsø(January- February) and many more.

These festivals expose Norway’s rich culture, enabling locals and tourists to enjoy music and arts and feel the vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Holmenkollen Ski Museum

This attraction is located in the Holmenkollen area which is only 20 min away from Oslo Center. It is close to the worldwide known Holmenkollen Ski Jump trail. When there, you will enjoy the great panoramic view of Oslo and the nearby fjord.

This is one of the oldest world museums of this type, offering artefacts about the history of skiing. You will learn about the skiing origins, development and achievements of domestic and international skiers.

The virtual reality experience that you can experience in the museum is unique. There is a ski simulator which gives you the feeling of skiing down a slope. Norway is a country with a rich history in skiing, so this is not just a suggestion, but a must-do visit to become closer to the cultural and sporting history of the country.

6. Tickets you have to buy before (Must Read)

You can’t always plan the dates for your tours, so it’s best to get things settled in advance if possible.

Here is a list of what you must buy before you set on your 1 week Norway trip:

• Museum Tickets
• Guided Tours
• Train Tickets

7. Food & Restaurants

The list below suggests some famous Norwegian dishes which are authentic and show the country’s gastronomic tradition.

• Raspeballer

Suggested Restaurants for You:

• Maaemo Oslo
• Geranium Oslo
• Fagn Trondheim

8. Day Trips in Norway

How to do the day trips? There are 3 options:

• Rent a car  on your own and hit the road
• take public transport
• join a tour

Here are the list of sights that you might want to check out for your day trips:

• Oslo: Vigeland Sculpture Park (Vigelandsparken), The Royal Palace (Det kongelige slott), The Viking Ship Museum (Vikingskipshuset)
• Bergen: Bryggen Wharf, Fløibanen Funicular, Fish Market (Fisketorget)
• Tromsø: Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen), Tromsø Island
• Trondheim: Nidaros Cathedral (Nidarosdomen), Bakklandet, Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybro)
• Fjords: Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, Sognefjord

9. Itinerary for 7 days

Here is a detailed itinerary for your one week in Norway. I hope I have made your stay relaxing and organised.

Day 1-3: Oslo

Once you arrive in Oslo, it will be nice to start by getting to your accommodation before you explore the city centre. In the morning hours, you can relax in the Vigeland Park and Museum. Having lunch in one of the nice restaurants on your way will be a great idea. Later, visit the Viking Ship Museum. In the evening hours, there are many restaurants on the Karl Johans Gate street, where you can enjoy some traditional Norwegian dishes with a glass of wine.

The next morning’s agenda is to visit the Farm Museum on Bygdøy Peninsula, have lunch there and come back to Oslo. Later, walk along the Aker Brygge waterfront, have dinner and enjoy the trendy Grünerløkka or Bjørvika districts.

Spend the third day visiting the Royal Palace and witness the changing of the guard ceremony and walk in the beautiful gardens. Oslo Opera House will be a delight to explore before you sit down for lunch. Afterwards, step into the Norsk Folkemuseum, an open-air museum of Norwegian cultural history.

Day 4-5: Bergen

As you arrive by train from Oslo, make sure to settle in your accommodation first. Then, begin by visiting the iconic Bryggen Wharf . The narrow alleys, the colourful Hanseatic buildings and small shops will refresh your spirit. Next, have lunch at the Fish Market, which is a unique experience. In the afternoon, you can reach the top of the mountain by the Fløbanen funicular. In the evening, choose one of the seafood restaurants on the waterfront.

On the second day in this city, you may plan a nature exploration by visiting Mount Ulriken. Walking or taking a cable car is up to you. Up there you can enjoy a lunch with a breathtaking view. In the afternoon don’t miss the Kode Art Museum and a diner in the Sandviken neighbourhood, after which you can choose a nightlife event.

Day 6-7: Fjords and Nature

It is best if you can start your day early and travel to the longest and deepest fjord , Sognefjord. Take a train from Bergen to Myrdal and after, board the very famous Flåm Railway. Settle for a relaxing lunch in Flåm village and try traditional food. In the afternoon join the fjord cruise and enjoy a dinner in Voss.

Next day, get to Hardangerfjord, well-known for its landscapes and orchards. Have lunch in Odda where you can get by train instead of taking a long hike. The afternoon can be spent in Hardanger, visiting the Nature Center there and taking a drive along the fjord. Later get back to Oslo, so you can finish your one week in Norway being on time for your plane.

10. Packing List

Warm layered clothing for changing weather if travelling in Winter and light breathable clothes if you travel in Summer

• Hiking shoes
• Waterproof boots
• Hat and gloves
• Swimsuit (if you visit in the summer season)
• Some Norwegian currency for small purchases

My advice is to check the weather forecast for one week in Norway, not long before your departure. And if you want to explore more exciting destinations, don’t forget to read the rest of my blogs.

11. Printed Guides & Map

These guides are best for the ones looking for a printed version.

Once you come to Norway, you will also receive a paper map of the city.

• Lonely Planet Guide for Norway
• Fodor’s Essential Norway

Here is again our map of Norway with the recommended hotels and neighborhoods.

Questions? Contact us

I tried to make this guide as useful and complete as possible. However, chances are you still have questions left.

Therefore, any questions? Anything not clear?

Please get in touch with us, I would be very happy to help. I want to make this guide as useful as possible for you.

You see, your question actually helps me as well.

Do not be shy and send me an email .

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A Seven Day Fjord Adventure

• Day 1: Ålesund: Top of the Fjord Country
• Day 2: Åndalsnes and Romsdalsfjord

Day 3: The Trollstigvein to Geirangerfjord

Day 4: geiranger to stryn, loen & olden, day 5: fjaerland, day 6: balestrand & the sognefjord, day 7: voss: summer fun in a winter playground.

This driving tour of Norway’s western fjords takes you through some of the World’s, let alone Europe’s, most stunning scenery. Whilst many of the best views will require leaving the car behind to hit the water or set out on a hike, the driving in this part of the country is no less spectacular. From your starting point of Ålesund , over seven days you will zigzag southwards towards Voss, experiencing the very best of Norway’s fjords with stops at various destinations.

Day 1: Ålesund: Top of the Fjord Country

Scattered over three islands and surrounded by azure blue waters, Ålesund is the departure point for your fjord adventure. Before leaving the town, be sure to explore the wonderful, Art Nouveau style architecture, as well as Ålesund’s Sunnmøre Museum , which is the closest you’ll get to time travel during your visit to Norway.

Day 2: Åndalsnes and Romsdalsfjord

After a classic Norwegian breakfast, leave Ålesund on your second day and head east to Åndalsnes. The drive will take you back inland, and should last for no more than two hours. After sorting out your accommodation for the night, look to take up one of the excursions popular in the area. Your options will depend on which time of year you are travelling, but a hike through the Romsdal Alps is always open to adventurous travellers. If instead you fancy something a little more relaxing, consider a tranquil cruise on the Romsdalsfjord. Or spoil yourself and do both!

On the morning of the third day, depart from Åndalsnes and head south on what is one of the most picturesque roads in Norway. The highlight is undoubtedly the Trollstigvein , a collection of sharp hairpin turns that wind along the mountainsides of Rauma. A three hour drive south along Route 63 will see you reach the fjord of Geiranger. Once you arrive, explore the town and its incredible setting before taking a cruise on the fjord and marvelling at its many waterfalls, which include the world famous  Seven Sisters . 

Day four begins with a wonderful ferry ride across the Geirangerfjord to Hellesylt. This is one of the most sought after experiences in Norwegian tourism, so be sure to make the most of your hour or so on the water. Once you reach Hellesylt, head south along Route 60 to Stryn, Loen or Olden where you can stay for the night. A base in this area allows you to explore another of Norway’s natural wonders, Europe’s largest glacier in the Jostedalsbreen National Park . Don’t be too hasty though, as qualified tour guides are mandatory when taking to the ice.

A short drive on your fifth day will take you to Fjaerland , where you can spend the afternoon exploring the Bøyaøyri Estuary , a protected nature reserve just north of the village. If you have some more time on your hands then why not have a stroll around the Norwegian Glacier Museum ?

Your penultimate day sees you leave Fjaerland behind with a trip on the ferry to the municipality of Balestrand. The boat takes around 45 minutes, and will take you ever closer to one of the world's most striking natural sights, Sognefjord. Norway’s deepest fjord expands for an endless 205km, and a scenic cruise will easily fill an afternoon.

The last day features a short drive of only 90 kilometres before you reach your final destination of Voss. The trip will have to include a short car ferry from Vanganes to Balestrand, as part of the ‘road’ is a little underwater. There’s plenty to do once you arrive, including a hike in the Stølsheimen Mountains , as well as the chance to enjoy Voss’ trendy jazz scene. The town also makes for a perfect connection point for travel back to either Bergen or Oslo, ensuring you have an easy onward journey.

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7-Day Tours in Scandinavia

Explore Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo all in one trip! From independent holidays to guided tours, with travel by car, train or ferry, Nordic Visitor can create the perfect itinerary for your 7 days in Scandinavia.

ITINERARY IDEAS FOR 7 DAYS IN SCANDINAVIA

Wondering about what to see and do with 7 days in Scandinavia ? You’ve come to the right place!

At Nordic Visitor, our Scandinavian travel experts specialise in tailor-made trips to Norway , Sweden   and Denmark . Based in Stockholm, Sweden, they know the region inside out and can help you see Scandinavia on a 7-day trip.

They will ensure your itinerary is customised to you, travelling in a way that suits you personally. You might want to join a guided small group tour , take the wheel on a self-drive trip , or opt for an independent experience of this incredible region.

Plus, when you book a 7-day tour of Scandinavia with Nordic Visitor, you get tried-and-tested accommodation, transportation reservations, and many other benefits as part of the package. You’ll also enjoy the personal service of your own dedicated travel consultant.

Keep browsing below to explore trip ideas for your 7 days in Scandinavia.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

• Experts in tailor-made Scandinavia Tours
• Based in Iceland & Sweden
• Local staff with first-hand Nordic travel experience
• Dedicated to providing personalised, quality service

EXPERIENCE SCANDINAVIA IN 7 DAYS

With a Scandinavia itinerary of 7 days, you could visit the top sights in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. These packages include conveniently located city hotels, ferry tickets and more.

Iceland Ring Road Express

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Express Norway

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Spend more than 7 days in Scandinavia to explore the region at leisure or discover other cities such as Helsinki, Finland and Bergen, Norway. We recommend these extended Scandinavian itineraries to experience more of the Nordic region in one incredible trip.

Highlights of Scandinavia

Sweden, denmark & norway, capitals of scandinavia & norwegian fjords, train & cruise, best of scandinavia classic.

Countries Visited Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark

Best of Scandinavia & Finland Cruise

Countries Visited Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark

Best of Scandinavia & Iceland

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Countries Visited Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Estonia

The Nordic Countries Complete

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Countries Visited Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Estonia

Best of Scandinavia & Baltic Cruise

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As a travel agency based in the Nordic region, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Scandinavia. We offer a variety of tours — both independent and guided — that include the must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights that are hand-picked by our own Scandinavian travel experts. To ensure a stress-free trip, we handle all the local details for you — accommodations, activities, rental car (for self-drive tours), cruise/train tickets and other services.

Oh, and we can customise your itinerary! If you decide you want to add extra nights at a certain location, for example, your personal Nordic Visitor travel consultant will be happy to make suggestions and modify your itinerary.

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Alan and Donna

Scenic circle of scandinavia, june 2019, our experience with nv has been a joy.

Our experience with NV has been a joy. Alda has been terrific and very accommodating to our needs and we could not have asked for more from you or her. 

Mary Jane, United States

Nordic odyssey, august 2018, i have already recommended nordic visitor to others..

I have already recommended Nordic visitor to others. The price was very reasonable, and accommodations top notch. As we did the self guided tour the side tours available that we took were top rate. We enjoyed being able to spend time exploring on our own and not being bound by a full schedule. The transportation was wonderful. Our guide, Alda, was very helpful.

Lisa, United States

A tale of four cities, may 2018, wonderful experience with nordic visitor..

Overall a wonderful trip and wonderful experience with Nordic Visitor.

Philip, United States

Highlights of scandinavia, august 2017, the information packet provided at the beginning was very helpful.

The information packet provided at the beginning was very helpful particularly the maps being marked up

Jenna, United States

The golden triangle of scandinavia, august 2016, completely lived up to our expectations.

Irja was wonderful! She put our trip together perfectly and our entire visit from one country to the next was seamless. It could not have been any easier or well coordinated. My emails were responded to promptly and all my questions were answered thoroughly and with patience. I usually plan all my trips myself but it was so nice to let Irja know what I wanted and let her do all the tedious planning and booking. It was really amazing and our trip completely lived up to our expectations! I feel like a spoiled traveler now because Irja took a lot of the travel planning headache away from me and she did a really great job. We really appreciated the complimentary upgrades too!

Alan, United States

The golden triangle of scandinavia, april 2016, high degree of professionalism.

Probably the most important service I received was Cecilia's prompt answers to all my questions. My requests were handled expeditiously. As for the accommodations, they ranged from very good to excellent. Of particular note is the fact that Cecilia had to react quickly to hotel employees' strike at one of the hotels. She quickly found arranged for me to stay at another hotel, which was most impressive (both her ability to improvise and the quality of the hotel). She was also quite helpful in recommending certain places of interest to visit and the advisability of purchasing city passes for transportation and sightseeing.

Golden Route of the Nordic Countries, May 2019

Superb customer service.

Mikael provided superb customer service. Very pleased with his attention to detail. He was very courteous and quite helpful.

Anosha, United States

Nordic odyssey, july 2018, we will definitely use your services when we travel again.

We were very happy with everything. We did four countries during our tour and we enjoyed it very much. We were also able to customize many options which was great. I have to say a huge "thank you" to Alda. She was very knowledgeable and very helpful. She also helped us customize our tour the way we wanted. We will definitely use your services when we travel again. 

Graham, Singapore

The classic scandinavian roundtrip, april 2018, it was so user friendly.

It was so user friendly and Cicci was very good in answering any queries promptly

Highlights of Scandinavia & Baltic Cruise, June 2017

Your professional attitude in handling the minutest details is something i admire the most.

I have done two once circle tour of Iceland and now Scandinavian east to west. Your professional attitude in handling the minutest details is something I admire the most. It helps everyone to be prepared. Thanks

Highlights of Scandinavia & Baltic Cruise, July 2016

We´d like to return.

The tour was highly enjoyable. We visited some wonderful places. Whilst we like to be independent, the organisation of our transport and accommodation was very good and allowed us to really relax and unwind. There are many places we'd like to return to. More time in Norway is certainly on our agenda!

Classic Scandinavia, June 2019

The location of the hotels could not have been better.

The location of the hotels could not have been better - all centrally located with access to points of interest and public transport. Transportation between cities was also well-planned.

Jasper, United States

Highlights of scandinavia & finland cruise, may 2018, allowed us to truly relax.

We were just thrilled with how wonderful the trip was, and are very grateful to Alda for all of her hard work and flexibility with our changing needs and many requests. Having all of the trip details planned by you allowed us to truly relax and enjoy an unparalleled vacation.

Roger, South Africa

The golden triangle of scandinavia, september 2017, nordic visitor handled everything very professionaly.

Nordic Visitor handled everything very professionaly.

Marlene, New Zealand

Scandinavian highlights by car, september 2016, highly recommended.

My only question is: Why is there not an "Excellent" option? Our holiday was most excellent in every way...! From my first email enquiry regarding the tour to the last minute of our holiday every aspect was excellent. Cecilia made the whole planning experience smooth and seamless, and the tour itself was most excellent. Wow! What an incredible job Nordic Visitor does! We felt so spoilt because everything had been done for us... all we needed to do was drive and have fun. This was an incredible tour and I can't speak highly enough about the slick operation Nordic Visitor runs. Highly, highly recommended!

Laurie, United States

Highlights of scandinavia & finland cruise, july 2016.

The support that Cicci and her colleagues provided was outstanding. We had a few minor things that needed to be adjusted during our trip and we received immediate and prompt service. All questions were addressed quickly and when changes were required, all our requests were met with a willing attitude. The trip was wonderful and it was nice to know that we had someone to contact should we have encountered any problems.

The Classic Scandinavian Roundtrip, May 2019

Greatly appreciated.

The fact that the travel documents clearly laid out the necessary transfers for trains, boats, planes, etc. was greatly appreciated. When the transfers involved a tricky change, the documents made sure to describe the signs as well as possible to assist. It was also nice to have all of the documents given to us in a single email so access was simple and easy.

Duncan, Australia

Golden route of the nordic countries, may 2018, went very smoothly.

I was very impressed with the efficiency of your staff and how processes that were meant to work actually went very smoothly. We have been traveling for many years and your organization is the least stress creating travel group we have experienced.

Scandinavian Highlights by Car, September 2017

Definitely recommend your company.

I would definitely recommend your company. Very helpful on the phone when booking and arranging extra items such as GPS. Very good English spoken.

A Tale of Four Cities, July 2017

Amazing tour.

This was an amazing tour for us to take as a family holiday (with teenagers) giving us a little insight into each country. Clearly planned to make the most of each city.  

Matt, United States

Scandinavian highlights by car, june 2016, went incredibly smoothly.

We had a great experience from the very beginning. Cicci was always quick to respond to emails and answered all our questions prior to us making our final booking. Once we booked all the details (hotels, etc) started coming in and it was really helpful to have the "highlights" booklet to help us plan what we wanted to see and where we should stop each day on our drive. Really everything went incredibly smoothly through out the entire trip! We have no complaints!!

Getting to Scandinavia

Many of Nordic Visitor’s tours of Scandinavia begin in Stockholm, Sweden’s capital and largest city. Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the main gateway for international air travel in Sweden and is served by dozens of airlines. Furthermore, it serves as a major hub for SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) and Norwegian Air.

Here are examples of other airlines that fly to Stockholm Arlanda: United Airlines, British Airways, Air France, EasyJet, Lufthansa, KLM, Icelandair, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways

We recommend checking airline websites directly for flight availability and timetables. You can also use an airfare search engine, such as Skyscanner, Dohop or Kayak, for example.

Flights are not included in Nordic Visitor packages, but all of our itineraries can be customised with extra nights in Stockholm, or another arrival city in Scandinavia, if you’d like to rest up after your air journey.

Different ways you can experience Scandinavia

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Scandinavia below.

Guided Small Groups

Independent cruise, independent train, scandinavian triangle, what to see on a 7-day tour of scandinavia.

The countries that traditionally constitute Scandinavia include Sweden , Denmark and Norway . It’s ideal to visit these countries in one holiday as they all share similar a cultural heritage and are well-connected via modern motorways, railways and waterways.

With 7 days in Scandinavia, it’s possible to travel to the capital cities of Scandinavia -- Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm -- on an express tour. With comfortable travel by train and ferry, you can enjoy a blend of Scandinavian countryside scenery and city sightseeing.

• First time in the Nordics? See our 7 amazing Scandinavia tour ideas for first-time visitors

Here’s our suggestion for a 7-day Scandinavia itinerary, including Sweden, Denmark and Norway:

Day 1 - Arrive to Stockholm, Sweden Fly into Stockholm Arlanda Airport and head to your hotel in the city centre. Spend some time walking through Gamla Stan (The Old Town) and enjoy a real Swedish coffee break , with a nice pastry of course, at one of the local cafes in this medieval neighbourhood. Or, hop on a city sightseeing tour by bus or boat to get a relaxing overview of this sophisticated city.

Day 2 - Take the train to Copenhagen, Denmark Head to Stockholm Central Station after breakfast and board the train for Copenhagen. Enjoy views of southern Sweden’s idyllic countryside, with colourful little timber cottages, on the way. Once in Denmark’s capital, take a walk down the city’s popular Strøget  shopping street for some good people-watching. Or, take part in the fun and games at the 19th-century Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest amusement parks. 

Day 3 - Overnight cruise to Oslo, Norway Spend the day exploring Copenhagen. Take a canal tour to see the sights from the city’s waterways, or be like the bicycle-happy Danes and rent a bike to get to the attractions. Make sure to check out the beautiful Amalienborg Palace and Christiansborg Palace, as well as the colourful Nyhavn harbour and the Little Mermaid. Save room for  the delicious Danish food , too! Later you'll head to Oslo on an overnight cruise.

Day 4 - Explore Norway’s capital city After your ship arrives early in the morning, the whole day is yours to roam Oslo. Take a walk to the bustling Aker Brygge waterfront area and visit the Akershus Fortress. Or, head to the Bygdøy peninsula to learn about the country's seafaring history at a handful of maritime museums. Are you an art lover? Walk through the beautiful Vigeland Sculpture Park to see the artworks by Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland.

Day 5 - Oslo to Stockholm by train In the morning after breakfast, take the train from Oslo Central Station to Stockholm. Back in Sweden’s charming capital, take some time to check out attractions you missed on day one. Why not stroll over to see the stately City Hall, where the Nobel banquets are held, before finding a nice place for dinner.

Day 6 - Extra day in Stockholm Fun fact: Stockholm is a city built over 14 islands! Today is a great opportunity to explore some of them. One we recommend in particular is Djurgården, a tranquil green oasis that’s home to numerous attractions, including the popular Vasa Museum, the ABBA Museum, the Gröna Lund amusement park and the Skansen open-air museum.

Day 7 - Depart from Stockholm Fly back from from Stockholm Arlanda Airport and make your friends jealous with all your great vacation photos!

• Find out why Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo are 3 of the top Scandinavian cities to visit

Want to add a Norway in a Nutshell tour to your Scandinavian trip to see the fjords? This journey between Oslo and Bergen in Norway is -- at minimum -- a full day trip, not to mention all the extra time you’ll want for exploring the gorgeous city of Bergen and the nearby natural attractions. So factor in a few extra days if you want to spend some time on Norway's west coast. It's also possible to customise a 7-day Scandinavia itinerary to focus just on Norway if the fjords are on your bucket list.

Are you planning to spend 7 days in Scandinavia in winter? For great northern lights viewing opportunities, see our winter travel packages in Northern Norway and in the Lapland region of Sweden and Finland.

Want to take a 7-day Scandinavia road trip?

On a summertime  self-drive tour in Scandinavia , you’ll have the freedom to pull the car over at whatever attractions catch your interest. The best part? You won’t have to worry about where you’re going or sleeping, because your Nordic Visitor travel consultant has already sorted those local arrangements for you. You’ll also have access to our 24/7 emergency helpline if you find yourself in a spot of trouble on the road.

Mind you, a 7-day road trip in Scandinavia may not be enough time to experience more than two countries in one trip, but you would be able to enjoy the countryside between two of the major cities -- for example, a road trip from Stockholm, Sweden to Copenhagen, Denmark. If you want to slow down the pace and take in more than one Scandinavian country, we highly recommend extending your Scandinavia self-drive tour to 9 days or more .

What’s more, all of Nordic Visitor’s  Scandinavia tour packages  can be tailored by our local experts with extra nights at select locations or modified driving routes if you have any particular attractions in mind. Just  contact us  to ask.

• Travelling on your own? Find out why Scandinavia is perfect for solo travellers

Want to join a guided tour of Scandinavia?

To see Scandinavia from a local’s point of view… and make some new friends along the way, a guided small group tour of the Scandinavian cities  in summer is a great option! To fully appreciate the top attractions of Denmark, Sweden and Norway, we recommend extending your travel time to at least 10 days . This extra time will allow you to travel at a comfortable pace and enjoy Scandinavia’s number one attraction -- the Norwegian fjords.

Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services and how to get to Scandinavia.

— TOP SIGHTS

Popular attractions in scandinavia.

• Roam the medieval streets of Gamla Stan ("Old Town") in Stockholm
• Ride the antique roller coaster at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen
• Walk among the large, unique sculptures at Vigeland Park in Oslo

Our services

Whether you travel by train, cruise ship or car in your Nordic Visitor package, you can expect personal service from your own designated travel consultant and a tailor-made itinerary with quality travel documents. Our self-drive clients also receive a hand-marked map outlining the route, overnight stays and highlights along the way. Furthermore, we have long-standing professional relationships with trusted local tour operators , which are carefully selected by our staff for their high standards of service.

Book with Confidence

• Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
• 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
• We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
• Enjoy personal service from Scandinavian travel experts.
• Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
• We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

We’re here to help, so get in touch with our friendly team to book your package or add extra nights and activities to an existing booking.

Our Scandinavian phone number is +46 8 666 23 30

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Blog posts you might like

Why scandinavia is perfect for solo travel, how to celebrate the summer solstice in the nordics, in brief: stockholm, my scandinavia: cruising the baltics.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

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Norway travel update

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• Norway Fjord Route by Car - Classic

(7 days / 6 nights)

• Travel Style

Drive Along Norway's Dramatic Fjords

This 7-day self-drive tour takes you along some of Norway’s most impressive fjords including Aurlandsfjord, Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord. Starting and ending in Bergen, you will spend the night in charming villages, navigate the twisty Gaularfjellet road, and explore the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord where you see famous waterfalls like the Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil. Other attractions include the breathtaking viewpoints from Flåm, Balestrand, Loen and the Sognefjellet national tourist route. Would the structure of a guided tour suit you better?

7 days / 6 nights

Price p.p. from

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 1969 EUR

— why book with nordic visitor.

• Hassle-free & seamless self-drive experience
• Flexible & customisable tour options
• Quality & value for your money
• Specialists in Norway self-drive holidays
• Great customer reviews 
• Carbon offsetting included

— Cancellation Protection

• Rebook your tour on one occasion, or
• Cancel for any reason and receive a partial refund and travel credit

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

• Visit the dramatic fjord of Geiranger , and its surrounding beauty
• Roam the UNESCO Heritage site, Bryggen in the beautiful town of Bergen
• See Sognefjord , the largest and deepest fjord of Norway
• Drive & sail along the impressive Norwegian fjords
• Experience Flåm and stop at the breathtaking Stegastein viewpoint
• Explore the national Norwegian Scenic Routes through Gaularfjellet, Aurlandsfjellet and Sognefjellet
• Bask in the natural beauty of Balestrand
• Marvel at magnificent waterfalls like the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil
• Enjoy a road trip with peace of mind with your personal itinerary from a Norway travel expert

Travel style

Best seller i , classic i , family i , fjords i , honeymoon & romance i, driving distance, 920/572 km/mi, attractions.

Just a few of the majestic sights you’ll take in during your trip.

Geirangerfjord

Aurlandsfjord, seven sisters & bridal veil, sognefjellet national tourist route, stegastein viewing platform, gaularfjellet.

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN BERGEN

On arrival at Bergen Flesland Airport, you will pick up your rental car and drive to  Bergen ’s charming city centre, where your hotel for the night is located. For those arriving early, we recommend spending the afternoon strolling the city and discovering the lovely sights of scenic Bergen. City highlights include the old wharf of  Bryggen – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, centuries-old houses, a vibrant fish and flower market and an interesting range of museums. For a good overview of Bergen, we recommend taking the “ Fløibanen ” funicular up the mountainside, which reveals spectacular views.

Spend the night in Bergen.

Day 2: EXPERIENCE THE FJORDS BY CAR

Start the first leg of your self-drive trip by heading to Norway’s adventure capital,  Voss , which is home to the beautiful Tvindefossen waterfall. Your journey will then continue to Sogndal along the  Sognefjord – Norway’s longest and deepest fjord – taking in sights including the towns of  Stalheim , before reaching the beautiful  Aurlandsfjord  and the town of  Flåm .

We recommend stopping in Flåm and riding the renowned Flåmsbana railway, a steep train ride between Flåm and Myrdal – a treat for photographers or train enthusiasts alike! A stop at  Stegastein viewpoint  is recommended, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Aurlandsfjord .  You will then take a short ferry ride before driving towards Sogndal, where you will spend the night. 

Spend the night in Sogndal.

Driving distance: 237 km / 148 miles Estimated driving duration: 4 hours (without stops)

Day 3: SOGNEFJELLET NATIONAL TOURIST ROUTE & THE SKYWALK

Today you make your way north along Lustrafjorden to the famous National Tourist Route “ Sognefjellsvegen ”. This route is the highest and most impressive mountain pass in Northern Europe with a landscape that reveals vast, towering mountains as it passes through the  Jotunheimen national park to Lom.

From Lom, you will continue your journey to Geiranger and pass Dalsnibba , which is Europe’s highest fjord viewpoint by road. There you can enjoy sweeping views of Geiranger, as well as across to the mountains and the mighty Blåbreen glacier. Final destination of the day is Geiranger where you spend the night.  

Spend the night in Geiranger.

Driving distance: 233 km / 145 miles Estimated driving duration: 4 hours (without stops)

Day 4: EXPLORE THE MAJESTIC GEIRANGER FJORD

After breakfast you can spend the morning on your own, exploring Geiranger until noon. With its fairytale landscape, Geiranger has a lot to offer for nature lovers like snow-covered mountain tops, lush green vegetation and the deep blue fjord. You can hike one of the many trails in the region, go kayaking, take a rib boat safari, relax at the nearby spa or visit the chocolate factory in town.

In the afternoon we recommend that you take a 65-minute ferry ride, with your car, through the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord where you see famous waterfalls like the  Seven Sisters, the Suitor, and the Bridal Veil , along with abandoned fjord farms in the mountains. The sightseeing ferry ends in the small village of Hellesylt where you drive south to Loen .

Spend the night in Loen.

Driving distance: 61 km / 38 mi Estimated driving duration: 2 hours and 30 (without stops)

Day 5: LOEN SKYLIFT & TWISTY ROADS

Get ready for an especially exciting drive today! This morning, we recommend boarding the magnificent Loen Skylift , a cable car that will transport you to an altitude of 1011 meters with amazing views of the fjord. Next, travel the scenic route of  Gaularfjellet  where the road twists and turns through nine hairpin bends, revealing jaw-dropping scenery, we recommend a stop at Utsikten where you can admire the panoramic views of towering mountains and lush valleys. 

The final destination of the day is Balestrand , a village known as an art colony that inspired artists from all over the world for its wonderful light and breathtaking nature. In Balestrand we recommend a visit to the Cider house, a family-run organic orchard and cider producer. After, you can do some hiking, relax by the fjord or join an optional rib boat safari.

Spend the night in Balestrand.

Driving distance:   190 km / 118 mi. Estimated driving duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes (without stops)

Day 6: JOURNEY BACK TO BERGEN

Enjoy a relaxed morning in the idyllic village of Balestrand by Sognefjord. Balestrand is a hiking paradise with numerous trails to explore to take in the beautiful natural surroundings. You will board a ferry for a short crossing from Balestrand to Vagnes, passing the village of Vik where you can find Hove Church , the oldest stone building in the Sogn region.

After the ferry docks, drive along Vik mountain to Myrkdalen, the centre of agriculture for the region, and an area of great beauty. Next, return to Voss and continue to Bergen, where you will spend the evening.

Driving distance: 195 km / 121 mi. Estimated driving duration: 3 hours and 40 minutes (without stops)

Day 7: DEPARTURE FROM BERGEN

When it‘s time for your Norwegian adventure to come to an end, drive to the airport and return your vehicle at the rental car office. If your flight is in the afternoon, you can choose to enjoy some last-minute shopping, visit one of Bergen’s many museums or relax at a café, enjoying the last few moments of this amazing journey.

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Fjord Sightseeing Cruise

Guided food & culture walk of bergen, fjord safari by rib boat, flåmsbana railway journey, glacier hike – blue ice, rib boat safari - sognefjord, kayak - seven sisters waterfall, loen skylift, rib boat safari - geirangerfjord, train - bergen to oslo.

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

• Accommodation (Comfort Plus/Superior) for 6 nights
• Daily Breakfast
• Rental car of your choice with unlimited mileage, CDW and VAT for 7 days (for two authorized drivers)
• Pick up/drop off rental car at Bergen Airport
• Carbon offsetting the package
• Nordic Visitor's Norway Travel Guide
• Map of Norway & detailed personal itinerary
• 24/7 helpline
• Taxes & service fees

Not included

• Flights to/from Norway
• Transfers to/from train stations, cruise terminals & hotels
• Meals, drinks & entrance fees, unless otherwise stated
• Fees for GPS, ferries, tunnels, toll roads, parking and any other driving expenses
• Personal travel insurance

Optional Extras

• Cancellation Protection

Essential information

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this self-drive tour in Norway. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here so you know what to expect. You’ll also find more practical advice and attraction recommendations in our online Norway Travel Guide .

We recommend you wait to book flights to Scandinavia, and other parts of your travels, until we can confirm your desired travel dates for this tour. This is due to varying availability for this package. Contact us for more details.

On a self-drive tour, Nordic Visitor supplies you with a quality rental car and a detailed personal itinerary. You act as your own tour guide and driver, and you get to pick the road trip music!

All your services will be pre-booked by your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor. This includes your rental car and accommodation in Norway, along with any other services specified in your itinerary, such as cruises and planned activities.

During your tour, we’re with you every step of the way. On arrival, you’ll receive personalised information, including an itinerary, map and detailed Norway Travel Guide. Plus, you’ll have access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip should you need to contact us.

Driving in Norway might be slightly different than what you’re used to. For this reason, you’ll want to make yourself aware of local driving laws and potential road hazards, such as:

• We drive on the right-hand side of the road
• Low-beam headlights should be on at all times
• Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour (km/h)
• Speed and traffic violations have steep fines
• There are over 900 tunnels in Norway, especially in the western fjords
• Mountain passes can be narrow and winding
• Tolls are automatically registered to your AutoPass, for roads and ferries

And finally, with all the beautiful scenery, you’ll want to take it slow and enjoy the drive!

For more information, we strongly recommend taking a few minutes to read through our guide to driving in Norway . You’ll also receive more guidance ahead of your arrival in the Norway Travel Guide.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will pick up your vehicle from the car rental office here. At the end of your rental period, you will return the car back to the airport.

We recommend using Google Maps or a search engine to find car parks near your accommodation. You can also ask your hotel for assistance. You might find you have a short walk between the car park and your hotel.

A GPS service is available for an additional fee. You can book this directly with the rental agent.

Alternatively, you may want to ensure you have adequate mobile roaming that you can use during your travels in Norway. This way you can use Google Maps or another navigation service on your phone.

It’s also good to note that Google Maps offers more up-to-date information as well as traffic navigation, compared to traditional GPS devices. You’re also able to pre-download maps of areas you will be visiting, so you can use them offline.

Please wait to book flights to Scandinavia until we can confirm your desired travel dates for this tour. This is due to varying availabilities on services included in this package. 

After making a booking with Nordic Visitor, it might take a few weeks to confirm your travel arrangements. We recommend booking your flights once your personal travel consultant gets in touch to confirm your itinerary.

If you have any questions about your flights and itinerary, please contact us for more details.

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades. 

If you have something specific in mind, get in touch with your travel consultant and they’ll create your dream trip.

Yes, you can do so by booking an optional service during the booking steps or by contacting your travel consultant as soon as you can. If you plan on arriving and departing from Oslo, we can book you a direct train or domestic flight.

Another option is to add a Norway in a Nutshell® tour so you can travel in style between Bergen and Oslo. This is one of Norway’s most iconic journeys. You’ll travel by train, bus and ferry, seeing beautiful landscapes of steep mountains, cascading waterfalls, shimmering fjords, charming villages and scenic coastline.

You can also request to add extra nights in the capital to rest on either side of your trip.

On your Norway tour, you’ll stay in accommodation that’s been hand-picked by our travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and our personal experience. 

During the booking process, you can select whether you want Comfort Plus or Superior accommodation. Comfort Plus usually consists of standard rooms in good quality and comfortable 3-star hotels. Superior is standard rooms in 4-star hotels combined with Superior rooms in premium 3-star hotels.

You will also be able to choose between single, double or triple rooms. Please note that in Norway room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America. 

For example, a double bed often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. Twin rooms are 2 separate single beds. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra single bed, rollaway or sofa bed. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

If you have anything specific in mind, please contact us to discuss customising your accommodation options.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline. 

During your tour, there will always be a travel expert on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

If you have a passport from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, you won’t need a visa to visit Norway. This visa-free entry is valid for up to 90 days.

Visiting from another country? You can find out whether you require a visa to enter Norway on the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Select your home country to view details. If you do require a visa, you will be directed to your local embassy website to learn about the visa requirements.

Your passport must also be valid for at least 3 months from your departure from Norway. It’s good to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it.

Travelling with your kids? No problem! You'll be able to enter your children's ages during the booking process. This lets us know whether to arrange either a baby cot or roll-away bed for your trip.

If you'd like us to arrange for a car seat to be provided for your trip, please let us know ahead of time. It's also possible to book this directly with the car rental agency. This will incur a small, extra cost.

Only you can pick the best time to visit Norway for your trip. It’ll depend on how much time you have to explore and what you want to see and do in Norway.

During the summer months, June to August , you’ll have the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours of the year. This is ideal for outdoor excursions and taking full advantage of your days for sightseeing.

If you’d like to experience the top attractions with fewer visitors around then you could book your summer trip in May or September . These shoulder season months generally have more tour and attraction availability.

Our self-drive tours are only available from May until September when driving conditions are ideal. That means that if you want to travel at other times of the year, you can pick from train and cruise tours or partially guided adventures .

The winter months are also popular, but generally quieter. Travel to Norway at this time of year to see snowy mountains, sail along frosty fjords and try to spot the magnificent northern lights. If you head north in December and January , you could experience the polar night.

At this time of year, the conditions are also ideal for winter activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling and more.

Read more about the best time to visit Norway on our blog.

From Oslo in the south, Norway stretches hundreds of kilometres into the Arctic Circle. The country is so long that it spans the latitudes of 58°N to 81°N. For that reason, daylight hours vary greatly depending on where you’ll be visiting. That said, summer in Norway brings long days with plenty of daylight. 

In the south, around Oslo, Bergen and Stavanger, you’ll experience 15–20 hours of daylight. If you visit the north, including locations such as Tromsø and Kirkenes, you can expect 20–24 hours of daylight. 

In fact, within the Arctic Circle, from mid-May to late July, you’ll experience the midnight sun. This is when the sun never fully sets. 

Norway’s long summer days give you plenty of time to explore. That said, you may want to pack a sleeping mask if you are a light sleeper or tend to wake up at dawn. 

Find out what the daylight hours will be during the month of your visit in this guide to time and daylight in Norway .

During the summer months, you can expect fairly stable weather in Norway. That said, because the country spans such a large distance from north to south, temperatures are likely to vary depending on your location.

For example, the west coast is usually warmer thanks to the Gulf Stream, while the far north is usually cooler.

The months of June, July and August boast the warmest weather of the year. In Oslo, you can expect average temperatures around 16°C (61°F), with potential highs of 20–25°C (68–77°F). In Bergen, it is closer to 13°C (55°F) and in the north, around Tromsø, you can expect temperatures around 10°C (41-50°F) 

It’s also good to know that weather conditions are often changeable in Northern Europe, so you should come ready for sun, rain and wind. For more information on the local climate, read the page Norway weather conditions . 

Please note that sightseeing is dependent on weather and road conditions. This means that your itinerary might need to be altered if these conditions are not favourable during your visit. 

Summertime is the most stable time of year in Norway. That said, you should still be ready to experience all seasons in one day. Especially if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors, you’ll want to pack for a combination of weather conditions.

Bring lighter clothes for the warmer, sunny days, and extra layers for chilly nights in the mountains or for taking in the view from cruise ship decks.

Here is an essential summer packing list for your trip to Norway:

• Shorts and trousers
• Short and long sleeve tops
• At least one warm jumper or fleece
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Light gloves, hat and scarf
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen
• Eye mask to sleep despite the long daylight hours
• Electronic gear such as smartphone, external powerpack, and travel adapters
• A backpack for easy access to daily essentials
• and don’t forget your camera!

An umbrella can also come in handy. If you are a wildlife watcher, you may wish to bring binoculars. 

For more information, check out this Norway packing list .

When you travel with Nordic Visitor, breakfast at your Norway accommodation is always included.  For the rest of your meals, the amount of spending money you need will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to. 

That said, we recommend budgeting between 100–400 NOK for lunch per person, each day. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between 500–1,000 NOK. Meanwhile, at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay 1,500 NOK or more. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages. 

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

We recommend waiting for a confirmation from your travel consultant to ensure your travel dates are available. You’ll then be able to purchase your flights with confidence.

If you like to plan well ahead, you’ll find that it’s possible to book many tours for the following year. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us . 

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

We aim to complete bookings within a few weeks. During this time we take care of booking your accommodation, activities, and transport, confirming all parts of your journey. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. 

When we get back to you might depend slightly on how far ahead you’ve booked your travels and other tours running at the time. 

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

If you have any questions before your trip, you can get in touch with our Norway travel experts. The live chat option is useful for getting a quick reply as someone answers live every day during office opening hours.

Once you’ve booked, we’ll provide you with a travel guide packed full of local tips and top attractions for your visit. You can also check out our online Norway Travel Guide where we’ve compiled useful information about topics, including:

• Which currency is used in Norway and which credit cards are widely accepted
• What kind of electric adapters or converters you’ll need
• Which languages do Norwegian speak (yes, English is one of them!)
• How to get a refund on tax-free shopping
• As well as tipping, buying snacks, and other useful information

After you have booked your tour, we will begin the booking process for your trip. We aim to complete the preparation within a few weeks. This includes reserving your accommodation and confirming all your services in Norway.

Once your trip details are finalised, we will prepare your personal itinerary and booking overview, and send all of this to you via email. When you arrive in Norway, you’ll receive a welcome bag with hard copies of your itinerary, attraction and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor Norway Travel Guide and more.

So when do you check in? And what can you expect upon landing in Norway?

After picking up your luggage, you’ll collect your rental vehicle or head directly to your accommodation. Your personalised itinerary will be clear on your car rental details, pick up and drop off.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2–4 PM.

You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel if you have to wait. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your arrival if you’d like an early check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will usually need to check out from your room around 10–11 AM. If you’re staying in town longer, you will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before making your way to the airport.

All bookings are billed in Euro (EUR). Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. This means conversions from EUR to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

These pictures may be small, but Norway’s mountains & fjords are massive.

Sognefjellet road

Seven Sisters Waterfall in Geirangerfjord

Geiranger in Norway

Viewing platform over Trollstigen

Sognefjord in Norway

Bergen in Norway

+8 more from this tour

Floibanen Funicular at Mount Floyen in Norway

Gaularfjellet in Norway

Dalsnibba mountain viewpoint

Aurlandsfjorden in Norway

Voss in Norway

Loen River in Norway

Road in Norway ©visitnorway

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

Very attentive

Every time we sent an email we were quickly replied to. One of my travel mates had an accident and was not able to travel with us at the last minute. Your team worked with us quickly on this issue and were very attentive to our issue.

Nancy, United States

Norway fjord route by car - classic, september 2023, fantastic trip.

An absolutely fantastic trip to a beautiful country.

Michael, Australia

Norway fjord route by car - classic, july 2023, nordic visitor were amazing.

Great tour - there was one day though where it was almost impossible to do the optional hike and drive and I don't think this was really considered. We needed to change one hotel towards the end (our choice) and Nordic Visitor were amazing at helping with this.

Louise, United Kingdom

A wonderful tour overall.

All communication with Nordic Visitor has been very prompt and professional. On holiday, communication re: ferry problems was also very helpful. Overall a wonderful tour, hotels were very good.

Timothy, United Kingdom

I enjoyed every minute.

Queries were answered quickly with clear and detailed responses. Tour was excellent with high standard of accommodation and a reliable vehicle. The itinerary was very good, although the days were long but I enjoyed every minute exploring this beautiful region.

Paul, Australia

Very convenient.

Very convenient and easy to use. Our representative was very prompt and responsive to questions. All of the hotels were very nice, and we only booked the standard hotels, not premium. Very conveniently located for our itinerary.

Catherine, United States

Norway fjord route by car - classic, june 2023, accommodation.

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

Standard rooms in good quality and comfortable three-star hotels in combination with charming country hotels.

Standard rooms in four-star hotels in combination with Superior rooms in premium three-star hotels.

Enjoy the journey, in the rental car of your choice.

VW Polo (Automatic) or similar

• Description: Economy
• Passengers: 5
• Suitcases: 2
• Operation: Automatic

Suzuki Vitara (Automatic) or similar

• Description: Compact

Toyota Corolla station wagon (Automatic) or similar

• Description: Intermediate Wagon
• Suitcases: 4

VW Passat station wagon (Automatic) or similar

• Description: Standard Wagon
• Suitcases: 3

Toyota RAV4 (Automatic) or similar

• Description: Intermediate SUV

Price per person from

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Norway Fjord Route by Car - Classic / Included

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The top 10 richest people in the world (may 2024), toyota s suv lineup is new and refreshed which one is right for you, check your accommodation thoroughly.

As soon as you enter your cabin, inspect everything to ensure it meets your expectations and everything is in working order. Check that all facilities, such as the shower, toilet flush, lights, and electrical outlets, function properly.

If there is anything amiss, this is the time to contact guest services. You should expect a long queue on embarkation day, but the sooner you identify an issue, the higher the chance of a quick resolution, especially if an alternative cabin may be required.

You should check your cruise ship cabin and meet your room steward as soon as you can on embarkation ... [+] day.

This time also gives you an opportunity to stow your valuables in the cabin safe, and freshen up if desired.

Meet Your Cabin Steward

Introduce yourself to your cabin steward . They are key to ensuring your stay is comfortable, and will most likely call on you as soon as they realize you have arrived.

Discuss any specific preferences or needs you might have, such as extra pillows or allergies, or mention if you are late sleepers, for example. If you have any queries about room service or laundry options, now is the time to ask.

Cabin stewards are always professional, but getting to know yours early can enhance your onboard experience significantly.

Book Everything

Modern cruise ships are home to a dazzling range of entertainment and dining options. Early booking is crucial for popular onboard activities, dining reservations, and shore excursions.

In some cases, popular activities may have sold out prior to the cruise. For those that need to be booked on board, visit the relevant information desk or use the onboard app to make all your bookings as soon as possible.

You should also check your allocated dining time, if you are on a ship that operates a fixed dining concept. If you’re unhappy with the allocation, visit the maitre’d to request a change.

Attend Muster

The only absolute must-do on the first day is the muster drill. Prior to the pandemic, many cruise lines still required physical attendance in the theater or other large venue to go through the cruise safety procedures .

Nowadays, almost all cruise lines offer a virtual muster experience. Typically, a safety video is available on the cabin TV (which must be watched before accessing other functions) or even on the cruise line app.

You may still need to attend your designated lifeboat station to have your name taken, but this is straightforward and takes mere minutes.

Take Advantage Of Ship Tours

When you arrive in your cabin, check your daily planner to see if there are any introductory tours or sessions offered by the cruise line.

Embarkation day can be hectic and overwhelming. Join a guided tour to get your bearings.

Ship tours are ideal for first-time cruisers unfamiliar with the ship’s layout and generally how things work on board.

Keep an eye out for embarkation day tours or introductory sessions at the spa, fitness center, or casino. These often include special promotions or offers to kickstart your cruise experience.

Airplane Mode

To avoid hefty roaming charges, switch your phone to airplane mode. While at sea, your device could inadvertently connect to a cellular maritime network , which incurs high costs or data.

Even if you don't actively use your phone, you might accrue a significant bill from background data usage by your apps before you even receive an SMS notification—if you receive one at all.

Most cruise ships offer Wi-Fi packages, so consider purchasing one if you need to stay connected. Remember, cruise line apps typically require connection to the ship’s Wi-Fi network, but you can use them without buying an internet package.

Alternatively, use this time to disconnect and enjoy the break from constant connectivity. If so, use the time before sailaway to send some farewell messages.

Enjoy Sailaway

The sailaway party is a cruise tradition not to be missed. On many lines, the top decks will host live music and festivities as the ship departs.

It’s the perfect time to grab a drink, meet other travelers, and take in the stunning views as you set sail on your adventure. If you want to toast the sailaway, be sure to get a drink in good time, as the bars will all be busy.

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7 epic day trips you can take by train from Union Station

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Unpopular opinion: The train is the best mode of vacation transportation.

I’ll take the ease of ticket purchasing, relaxed atmosphere in the stations and breathtaking scenery of train travel over the stress of flying and angst of driving any day. I’ve ridden the train up and down the Southern California coast, taken the three-day Amtrak journey from L.A. to Seattle (twice!), spent a couple of days in a scenic car over the Canadian Rockies and traveled by rail in Europe and Japan. My observation is that people are just nicer when they’re traveling by train — except for that one guy who glared at me when my coffee splashed near him as we went over a particularly bumpy bridge in Oregon.

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Dennis Mukai, an artist who lives in Ojai and travels frequently to San Juan Capistrano, San Diego and San Luis Obispo, started taking the train in 2018 when the horrific Montecito mudslides closed the 101 Freeway. “It’s now been six years,” he said. “ I rarely opt to drive as the train gives me the opportunity to read, catch up on my work or catch up on sleep.”

Taking a day trip via Amtrak is a great way to get a taste of train travel without committing to a multiday trip. In this guide, I highlight seven trips that start at Union Station, take three hours or less each way and have plenty of fun things to do within walking distance of the stations.

First, some travel tips:

• Make your time at Union Station part of your itinerary. There’s nothing like walking through the majestic entrance and halls to experience all the romanticism of train travel. You can even kick off your trip at with a celebratory Bloody Mary at classic restaurant and bar Traxx . There are several parking options. Lot B, which is right in front of the entrance, usually has plenty of open spots and is $16 for the entire day. Other lots will get you closer to the tracks, but you’ll miss out on walking through the beautiful lobby.
• You might consider upgrading to business class, as the price difference is not that significant (a recent search for a fare from L.A. to Santa Barbara was only $16 more than coach). The upsell will get you benefits such as priority boarding, less crowded cars, more leg room, a dedicated attendant, complimentary drinks and coffee and a surprisingly substantial snack box (mine had crackers, cheese, hummus, dried fruit, a beef stick and brownie crisps).
• You can bring your own food on the train — unlike with air travel, no one will throw out your $20 smoothie. There’s also the Market Café on the Pacific Surfliner, which sells snacks, light meals and beverages including coffee, beer and wine.

If you’re hoping to catch the most stunning scenery, where you sit makes a difference. If you’re heading north of L.A., try to snag a seat on the left side of the train. After leaving Union Station, you’ll roll through city stops like Glendale, and the Bob Hope Airport, and then start seeing some lush valley and agricultural views. After that, you’ll ride through the tunnels of the Santa Susana Pass and get a glimpse of the craggy rock formations in Chatsworth. Once you hit Oxnard, you’ll be in for some breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and beaches.

Heading south, a seat on the right side of the train will get you some great views once you pass San Juan Capistrano. Up until this point you’ll be inland and rolling through city stops, but some of the stations are beautiful and should be noted. You might recognize the massive Mediterranean-style station in Santa Ana from the TV series “True Detective” and the movie “Rain Man,” and the stop at the Anaheim station gives you a perfect view of Anaheim Stadium. After San Juan Capistrano, you’ll be treated to gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and beaches, and destinations for future trips, like the San Clemente Pier.

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Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .