norway travel blog

Work with Me
Start a Blog
Yearly Roundups
101 in 1001 Goals
how to start a travel blog
tips for new bloggers
write me a guest post!
Work With Me

A Passion and A Passport

Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5

10 days in Norway: A Complete Norway Road Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

Norway Road Trip Itinerary: All the stops you'll want to make if you've got 10 days in Norway!

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

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

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

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

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

Norway Road Trip Itinerary Overview + Map

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

Day 10: Alesund

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

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

Pre-Travel Guide to Norway

Getting around norway.

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

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

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

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

Renting a Car

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Driving tips in Norway:

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

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

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

Other random tips for your Norway Road Trip:

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

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

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

What to bring:

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

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

Money and Exchange Rates

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

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

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

When to Visit Norway

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health and Safety

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

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

Visas and Passports

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

How to Get to Norway

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Norway

more info on each one throughout Norway itinerary below

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

And now what you’ve been waiting for:

The Ultimate 10 Day Norway Road Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

Day 0: Fly into Oslo!

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

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

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

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

Days 1-2: Explore Oslo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Oslo : Saga Poshtel Central Oslo

Day 3: Fly to Stavanger and Explore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Stavanger : Clarion Hotel Stavanger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to get to Pulpit Rock/Preikestolen from Stavanger:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5: Road Trip Time + LOTS of Waterfalls!

Driving Hours: 8

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended route and stops along the way:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay: Bergen Harbor Hotel

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

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

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

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

Day 6: Bergen!

Driving Hours: 0

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

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

Be sure to not miss:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 7: Nærøyfjord Fjord Cruise and Flam Railway

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

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

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

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

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

Book the Nærøyfjord Fjord Cruise here.

Book the Flam Railway here (called the Flamsbana)

You’re welcome. 😀

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

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

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

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

Fjord Cruise: 10am-12pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stalheimskleiva

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

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

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

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

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

Day 8: Drive the National Tourist Routes

Hours of Driving: 9

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

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

1) Stegastein Lookout

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

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

2) Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route (Road 243)

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

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

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

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

4) Sognefjellet National Tourist Route (Road 55)

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

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

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

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

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

5) Gamle Strynefjellsvegen National Tourist Route (Road 258)

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

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

Where to Stay : Hjelle Hotel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 9: Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen

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

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

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

1. Dalsnibba

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

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

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

2. Flydalsjuvet Lookout Point

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

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

3. Geiranger

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

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

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

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

4. Ørnesvingen and The Eagle Road

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

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

5. FERRY time: Eidsdal-Linge/Fv63 ferry

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

6. Trollstigen, The Trolls Road

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Alesund: Thon Hotel Ålesund

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TRAVELING TO NORWAY SOON? Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a big fan of SafetyWing when traveling abroad. Be sure to protect yourself from possible injury and theft before it happens. Learn more and Sign up here.

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

You may also love...

Subscribe To The Newsletter

FOR TRAVEL INSPO and FUN

No spam, only fun!

Favorite Destinations

About Jessica
How to Plan a Trip
Fave Travel Companies
Shop My Faves

Destinations

World Travel
San Francisco
Northern California
Southern California
Central Coast

Norway Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Norway and not sure where to start? This guide contains an overview of all our articles about visiting some of the most popular destinations all over Norway.

We have been to Norway several times. And every time again, we want to go back before the trip is even over!

The first time we traveled to Norway was in summer when we did a road trip through some of Norway’s most beautiful fjords and charming towns. The second time was just a few months later, in winter, when I visited Tromsø in Northern Norway to experience some of the incredible winter activities like dog sledding, northern lights, and more.

After that, I also visited Svalbard in winter and started planning a summer trip to Lofoten before I was even home…

In this Norway travel guide, you can find all the blog posts from our trips. They are filled with travel inspiration and lots of practical tips to help you plan your own unforgettable trip to Norway.

Whether you are visiting Norway with family or alone, in summer or in winter – these guides should be a good starting point in deciding where to go, the best places to see, and the best activities not to miss.

This is by no means a complete guide to Norway. It’s such a big country with so much more to see and do, and we just scratched the surface. But if you are visiting Norway for the first time and want to see some of the very best places, then this is a good place to start. Read on!

Florli village as seen from the boat at Lysefjord in Norway

*This page contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a qualifying purchase through such a link. More info: Disclosure.

Norway Travel Tips & Destination Guides

Planning a trip to norway.

Norway Itinerary (2-week summer road trip visiting the most beautiful fjords)
Northern Norway Itinerary (Lofoten Islands, Vesteralen, Senja, Tromso)
Norway Cruise (why visit Norway by cruise)

Stavanger Region (Southwestern Norway)

Best Things To Do in Stavanger
Lysefjord Cruise and Pulpit Rock Hike in One Day
The Norwegian Canning Museum in Stavanger
Flørli 4444 Hike
Preikestolen – Pulpit Rock Hike
Stavanger Hotels & Accommodation

Flam (Southwestern Norway)

Best Things To Do in Flam
Meet The Real Vikings in Norway – Viking village Njardarheimr

Lofoten (Northern Norway)

Lofoten Travel Tips
Best Things to Do in Lofoten
Where to Stay in Lofoten
Lofoten in Summer (weather, packing tips, and helpful info)
Lofoten Rorbuer (& the best ones to stay in)

Tromsø Region (Northern Norway)

Best Things To Do in Tromsø in Winter
Tromso Itinerary – 3 Days in Winter
Chasing The Northern Lights in Tromsø
Tromsø Ice Domes – The Ice Hotel of Tromso Norway
Dog Sledding in Tromso (All Your Questions Answered)
Best Tromso Tours and Excursions
Tromso Hotel Guide & Where to Stay in Tromso

Svalbard – Spitsbergen (Arctic Region)

Svalbard Travel Guide
Svalbard in Winter
Svalbard in February – What to Expect
Snowmobile Tour with Better Moments Svalbard
Dog Sledding in Svalbard & Ice Caves Tour
Svalbard Fjord Cruise & Tips for Your Boat Trip
What to Wear in Svalbard: Winter Packing Tips
Svalbard Hotels

How to Plan Your Trip to Norway

Budget your trip to norway.

Norway is not cheap, but there are many ways to make your trip more affordable. Travel in shoulder season if you can, book everything (hotels, car rental, tours) in advance, etc.

How Expensive is Norway

Packing for Norway

Here’s the most complete packing guide for Norway in summer (winter list to follow soon):

What To Wear and What To Pack for Norway in Summer
What To Wear in Norway in Winter – Packing List and Tips

Accommodation in Norway

In general, I advise booking your accommodation for Norway as soon as you know your travel dates. Especially if you travel to Norway’s fjords in July or August or toTromsø in February-March, book your accommodation well in advance.

Find the best deals for accommodation in Norway here

Many places in Norway can easily be visited on your own. Some others require booking tours. Boat tours are very popular, especially in the coastal regions where you’ll find the most beautiful fjords. No trip to Norway would be complete without exploring its fjords!

Often, you can just book tours upon arrival. However, many popular excursions get sold out weeks in advance. So if you know your travel dates and what you want to do, you can just as well book it upfront.

TIP: For our own trips, we book pretty much all our day tours and organized activities via GetYourGuide . It’s our favorite one-stop shop for all organized tours because they have the best customer service and cancelation policy we have ever seen. Booking directly with a local company usually means that you can’t cancel for free, let alone get a refund in case something goes wrong. For that, it’s always helpful to have a strong intermediary and GYG is the best one we know.

Getting Around & Car Rental

Norway is a big country, so don’t get misled thinking you can drive and see the best of Norway in just a week or two. Renting a car is the best way to explore different regions, but for the big distances, it’s best to fly. Here you can find the best deals for Norway car rental .

Often, you have to take car ferries between places. In most cases, there is no need/possibility to reserve; you can just show up, get a ticket, and go on the next ferry. However, some car ferries for bigger distances are better booked in advance. So make sure to do your research!

TIP: Join our Facebook Group for Iceland and Scandinavia Travel . We have lots of members who know the region quite well and should be able to help you with the practical side of planning a trip to Norway and other Nordic Countries.

READ ALSO: Nordic Gifts (from and inspired by Scandinavian countries)

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Three Days in Bergen: The Perfect Introduction to Norway

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Norway. One of the most beautiful countries in the world. One of the most expensive countries in the world. A unique and cold and clear and precise destination — yet one that until recently had been out of my price range.

But I finally had an opportunity. Norwegian Air is now flying to New York, and at this time, I’ve found it to be the cheapest way to get across the Atlantic. I booked myself two one-way flights: London to Bergen for about $75 (not including luggage) and Bergen to New York three days later for about $350 (not including luggage).

A three-day trip to Bergen would be the perfect opportunity to get a taste of what Norway had to offer.

Once I had booked my flights, I reached out to Visit Norway and they offered to host me in Bergen for a few days, providing me with accommodation, a Norway in a Nutshell day tour , and a Bergen city press pass.

It turns out that three days is the ideal amount of time to visit Bergen. Being a small city, you can cover its main attractions on foot and still have time left over, yet not so much time that you get bored. I spent my first day sightseeing, my second day on a self-guided Norway in a Nutshell tour , and my third day relaxing and exploring on foot before jumping on the bus to the airport.

Table of Contents

A Beautiful Waterfront City

Bergen’s old town is built right on the water and on the edge of mountains. In my opinion, it’s one of the world’s most beautifully situated cities (along with Cape Town and Sydney!).

One of my greatest pleasures in traveling is simply wandering and getting a feel for the place. (Though if you’d rather learn more from a guide, there are plenty of city walking tours .) Here’s what you might see on a walk through Bergen.

Wandering Bergen made my heart swell with happiness. It made me realize how much I adore the Nordic countries — their beauty, their design, their architecture, their colors.

Things to Do in Bergen

Bergen’s most famous site is the Bryggen — its World Heritage-listed Hanseatic wharf, whose brightly painted wooden buildings have been standing for hundreds of years.

The Bryggen is a beautiful place to explore. Try to see it from the inside, too.

Catch it at different times of day if you can. The light is beautiful.

The Fish Market is located right by the Bryggen and is a nice place to window-shop or grab a bite to eat. They sell far more than just fish! Just keep in mind that this is one of the biggest tourist attractions in town and thus extremely overpriced, even by Norwegian standards.

Whale steak, anyone?

I didn’t partake this time around, though I did try whale in Iceland a few years ago.

I was extremely disappointed that the Leprosy Museum was closed — it’s only open from May through August.

But I did discover its pretty courtyard.

There are two options to view Bergen from above: the Fløibanen Funicular and the Mount Ulriken Cable Car .

The Fløibanen Funicular is located in the center of town and a short journey to the top. The view is pictured above.

The cable car is about a 20-minute drive outside of town, and the ticket includes a ride from near the Fish Market. I went in the afternoon, and as you can see, it was the worst time for light. Go early in the day for better photos. The light was perfect in the other direction, though!

Want more of a workout? Consider hiking up Mount Floyen. You can join a guided hike or rent a bike to explore on your own .

Between the two of them, I preferred the Fløibanen Funicular. Even though it didn’t go as high, I thought the view was prettier and being right in the center of town, it was less of a journey to get there.

Finally, I allowed myself one splurge — a four-course dinner with wine pairings at To Kokker , a restaurant literally inside the Bryggen. The place feels like a time capsule, with low ceilings and slanted wooden floors.

If you ever head far north, you have to try reindeer. It’s my favorite exotic meat — rich yet lean and extremely tender. At To Kokker, the best course was an absurdly soft reindeer steak in a berry and brown cheese sauce. Also on the menu: elk carpaccio, mussels and turbot, and panna cotta.

Still, though, I’m not sure I would recommend it unless you’re really into food. It’s pricey at 395/595 NOK ($60/91 USD), though I had a 50% press discount) and though it was delicious, it wasn’t quite the rhapsody I expected. I’d rather spend big bucks on a meal in France, Italy, or Spain.

Cafe-Hopping

One of my priorities when traveling is to get in some cafe time. Taking a break with a coffee is my favorite way to decompress in between rounds of sightseeing. Popping into Starbucks will get the job done, but I’d rather find an independent cafe if possible.

When I walked past Bar Barista , I had to go in. I mean, look at it!

Despite the lack of wifi, it was a cool spot to take a break. Nice soundtrack, too — the owner is passionate about vinyl records.

Another cafe I loved was the very Nordic Kaffemisjonen . They served one of the best lattes I’ve ever had. With a side of wifi.

Norway in a Nutshell

I spent a full day on the Norway in a Nutshell tour, taking in the most beautiful landscapes in western Norway’s fjords by train, boat, and bus. If you’re in Norway for a limited time, this is the absolute best way to get a taste of the country’s dramatic landscapes in a single day.

How much does it cost to travel to Norway?

Two years ago, I was in Stockholm and aghast at how expensive everything was. As I chomped away on my $18 margherita pizza, two older couples at a nearby table were laughing, eating, and ordering bottle after bottle of wine.

“They’re from Norway,” the waiter told me. “They come here because it’s so cheap.”

?!?!?!!!?!!

That, right there, gives you an idea of just how expensive Norway is.

Here are some of the costs I paid:

One-way ticket on the Flybus (Bergen Airport to Bergen city, about 20 minutes): 90 NOK, or $14 USD
Raspberry smoothie at a cafe: 66 NOK, or $10 USD
Cup of berries at the market: 39 NOK, or $6 USD
Four-course meal with wine pairings at To Kokker: 595 NOK, or $91 USD
Bottle of water at the train station: 27 NOK, or $4 USD
Reindeer burger and cappuccino at a casual restaurant in Flåm: 192 NOK, or $29 USD
Toilet at the train station: 10 NOK, or $1.50 USD
Two cheeseburgers and a small fries at McDonald’s (no judgment!): 49 NOK, or $7.50 USD
Double latte at a cafe: 49 NOK, or $7.50 USD
Hot dog and water at a convenience store: 52 NOK, or $8 USD

I found Norway to be the most expensive place I’ve been in Europe, even more expensive than Switzerland, Sweden, Iceland, and Finland. That said, I found it to be worth it — for a short weekend trip in a city as beautiful as Bergen, anyway!

I stayed at the Thon Hotel Bristol , a beautiful mid-range city center hotel that I loved. With low-season rates starting at about $170 per night and high-season rates much higher, it would have been out of my price range if I hadn’t been hosted (then again, most nice city center hotels are out of my price range); however, if it’s in your price range, I highly recommend it.

The cheapest city center accommodation in Bergen’s city center I could find is at the Bergen YMCA , where dorms start at about $30 USD; Marken Gjesthus is a more upmarket hostel with dorms from around $40 USD and doubles from around $110 USD.

Bergan has an excellent selection of rentals on Airbnb. See all Bergen’s Airbnb rentals here.

A three-day trip to Norway will do considerably less damage to your wallet than a two-week trip. With all there is to do in Bergen, I couldn’t think of a better destination to try Norway out for the first time.

Bergen: The Takeaway

Bergen is one of my new favorite cities of Europe, and if I fly Norwegian Air again, I see myself working in another stopover here in the future! Three days was the perfect amount of time to explore it.

If you’re in Europe — or even in New York, if you don’t mind a seven-hour flight and six-hour time difference — I recommend that you consider Bergen for a long weekend trip. I hope you love it as much as I did.

Quick Links

Visiting norway.

Norway Guides & Articles

Norway Itineraries

Other Travel Guides

All Destinations

Beach Guides

Travel Planning

Airline Reviews & Upgrade Hacks

Wine & Food

Welcome to Fjords and Beaches!

I’m Lisa, a travel blogger and writer from Norway, and this is my travel blog. I grew up by the beautiful fjords of western Norway, and write about my travels in Norway and the rest of the world here. So, if you are looking for Norway travel tips, city guides and posts about travel planning and inspiration, this is the place for you!

A girl in a white top and blue long skirt smiling at the camera with her arms down along her sides, on a viewpoint overlooking a Norwegian fjord. This is Lisa Stentvedt, author and travel blogger from Norway

My intention is for Fjords & Beaches to be a serious resource for the curious-minded travelers out there.

The tagline ’Stay young, keep moving’ points out the blog’s emphasis on never tiring of life and staying young at any age – through constant exploring of the beautiful planet we live on! You are never too old to travel and to explore the world, whether your preferred method is relaxing on a cruise ship, drinking beer on a beach or zip lining through a rainforest.

You can learn more about me and my blog here !

If you are a brand or destination looking to work with me, head this way !

Latest posts

How to be a Tourist in Norway 23/04/2024
10 Ridiculous Questions Tourists in Norway Have *Actually* Asked 12/04/2024
How to Plan a Trip to Norway [A Local’s Step-by-Step Guide] 11/04/2024
5 Fun Things To Do in Oslo with Kids [A Local’s Guide] 10/04/2024
Top Things to do in Oslo, Norway [A Local’s Guide] 10/04/2024
15 FREE Attractions in Oslo [A Local’s Guide] 10/04/2024
The Best Museums in Oslo, Norway [A Local’s Guide] 10/04/2024
The Best Beaches of Punta Cana 04/04/2024
Is Alcohol Served in Qatar Airways? 04/04/2024
The 7 Best Emerald Coast Beaches [Florida] 02/04/2024
The Best Hotels in Oslo, Norway [Budget to Luxury] 30/03/2024
5 BEST Fjord Cruises from Bergen, Norway [A Local’s Guide] 30/03/2024
Eurowings Discover Premium Economy Review [Discover Airlines] 23/03/2024

Complete guide to visiting Bergen in Norway

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2022

Discover the best things to do when visiting Bergen Norway plus practical information and tips to help you plan to make the most of your visit.

Bergen is a beautiful Norwegian city and also a designated UNESCO World Heritage City, a European City of Culture and the Gateway to the Fjords!

Bergen was founded in 1070 and is Norway’s second largest city with a population of approximately 280,000. It is situated on the south western coast of Norway and is surrounded by the beautiful seven mountains and of course wonderful fjords.

If you are starting your exploration of Norway in Bergen (or simply visiting for a weekend break) I have chosen all the must-see places and must-do experiences to help you plan an incredible trip to this lovely Norwegian city.

2. Bergen Fish Market – Torget I Bergen

3. mount fløyen and the funicular (fløibanen), 4. fantoft stave church, 5. ulriken cable car, 6. museums in bergen, norway fact file, arriving in bergen – how to get from bergen airport into the city centre, the bergen card, when is the best time of year to visit bergen what is the weather like in bergen in winter and summer, radisson blu royal hotel bergen – luxury option, best western plus hotel hordaheimen – mid range option, hotel norge by scandic, bergen: guided full-day tour to nærøyfjord & flåmsbanen, from bergen: private tour to sognefjord, gudvangen, & flåm, bergen: private tour with a local, bergen: city walking tour, plan your visit to norway, things to do in bergen.

Bryggen is one of the main attractions in Bergen and is the site of the beautiful old Hanseatic wharf and buildings. In the middle ages this area was the hub of all trade after the Hanseatic League established an office here.

It is a charming area with lots of pretty wooden buildings to admire. The buildings along the harbour front are probably some of the most photographed in Norway and were built after the great fire of 1702.

I recommend wandering the beautiful narrow streets to soak in the atmosphere of this historical area. The wooden houses are charming and there are some lovely shops to stop and browse in.

Many of which sell traditional gifts. In particular we discovered a cosy coffee and book shop with comfy chairs where we spent some time warming up and sipping hot chocolate.

Bryggen in Bergen Norway a must see when visiting Bergen

The fish market – Torget I Bergen – is located in the heart of the city. The market has existed since the 1200s and was an important place for trading in Bergen. Today the market sells seafood, fruit and vegetables.

There is plenty of choice of seafood to buy here (and seafood restaurants) the prices are fairly expensive. I don’t eat fish so didn’t buy (or try) anything!

Although the fish market seems to be very tourist orientated it is still worth a walk around in my opinion!

If you are feeling energetic (which the entire population of Bergen seem to be on Sunday mornings) a walk (or a run) up to Mount Fløyen is to be recommended.

The views of Bergen from the top (320 metres above sea level) are amazing. If you don’t want to walk (or run) there is a funicular which will take you to the top in about 6 minutes.

Catch the funicular from the city centre only a few minutes walk from Bryggen and the Fish Market.

The Fløibanen line was built in 1918 and consists of a single track with a central passing loop. There are only two cars that travel up and down the mountain and six stops on the way to the top.

Once at the top enjoy the beautiful view of Bergen that lies below you. There is also a restaurant, cafe, shop and play area for children at Fløyen

If you enjoy walking or hiking there are some great options detailed on the Mount Fløyen official website . Hiking is a popular pastime in Norway with some such as the famous Trolltunga hike in the Hardangerfjord region of Norway on many bucket lists.

TOP TIP – If you are planning to take the furnicular up Mount Floyen try to avoid the weekend when most of Bergen will be there! Also go on a clear day to get a fabulous aerial view of Bergen.

Mount Fløyen and the Funicular (Fløibanen)

6 kms from the city centre you can find the Fantoft Stave Church . Although the original which was built in 1150 and moved to Fantoft in 1883 burnt down in 1993 it has been rebuilt.

The wooden stave church is one of the last remaining in Europe though we did visit another near Laerdal – the Borgund Stave Church.

If you are particularly interested in seeing more of the stave churches left in Norway you may enjoy reading my post about Laerdal!

Free entry for Bergen card holders otherwise a fee applies.

Fantoft Stave Church a must see when visiting Bergen

Take the cable car to the highest of the seven mountains that surround Bergen. At a height of 643 metres above sea level you get views of Bergen and the surrounding fjords and mountains.

For more information including up-to-date costs and weather reports visit the official Ulriken Cable car website.

If you enjoy visiting museums to learn more about the history and culture of a destination you will find some great options in Bergen.

These include the Hanseatic Museum, Bryggens Museum, the Bergen Kunsthall and the Bergen Maritime Museum.

Find out more about Norwegian Viking history, admire Norwegian traditional costumes or simply while away a morning admiring Norwegian art.

Logistics and FAQs for visiting Bergen

The unit of currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krona called NOK.
The language spoken is Norwegian but you will find English is widely spoken and understood.
Norway is not a cheap country to visit so budget accordingly. Eating out is in particularly expensive. There is a McDonalds in Bergen – we know as we ate there quite a lot!
If you are planning to purchase alcohol from a supermarket you need to do this before 6pm on a weekend as they will not sell it to you afterwards! And it is a LOT cheaper from a supermarket than in the minibar in your hotel so buy before 6pm!

Norwegian food to sample when visiting Norway

When I visited Bergen I flew from Heathrow Airport in London. The flight took 2 hours. Once in Norway, I didn’t hire a car in favour of travelling around the country by bus or train.
The public transport system is excellent including free wi-fi on the buses! There are various options to get from Bergen airport into the city centre which is 12 km away.
Catch the airport bus (Flybussen) which costs NOK125 from directly outside the airport building and takes approximately 30 minutes. (Buy tickets in advance for a 20% reduction) Alternatively, a quicker option is to catch the Bergen light rail. This takes 50 minutes but is a lot cheaper at 37 NOK per adult.
If you have a Bergen card you can travel for free on the City Light Rail and all Skyss buses in Bergen and the surrounding region. There are also taxis available if you prefer but at 4-500 NOK I know what option I would choose (and did!)

The Bergen card gives you free entry or discounted admission to museums and attractions as well as events and sightseeing tours.

As I mentioned above it will also enable you to travel from the airport into Bergen city centre for free. The cards are issued in 24/48 and 72 hour options and cost in 2019

Adult/child (3-15 years old): 24h: NOK 280/100 48h: NOK 360/130 72h: NOK 430/160

Student /senior / Eurail: 24h: NOK 224 48h: NOK 288 72t: NOK 344

Click to buy the Bergen card

It can be extremely cold if you are visiting during the winter months so make sure your packing list reflects this. I purchased a furry hat with flaps to cover my ears which proved invaluable.

The icy wind can be quite cutting! Check out my packing list and tips for traveling Europe in winter for ideas of essential purchases.

If you are visiting Bergen in winter look out for the special outdoor candles places outside homes and businesses to guide visitors! They look so pretty!

Where to stay in Bergen

There are a myriad of places to stay in Bergen. Bergen is not a cheap city so prepare to budget accordingly especially if you choose to stay near the historic Bryggen district.

An excellent mid-range option in Bergen is the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel . This is the hotel we chose and it is perfectly located to see the best of Bergen during your stay.

I would recommend including breakfast when you book. Eating out is not cheap in Norway and if you start the day with a good breakfast it will reduce those costs. We found it so expensive that we actually ate in McDonalds on more than one occasion.

Other options in Bergen include the Best Western Plus Hotel Hordaheimen which is located near the train station and is a more luxury option.

For those seeking a true Nordic experience why not book a stay at the Hotel Norge by Scandic. With beautiful decor and furniture this hotel is cited as one of the best in Bergen.

This was our choice when we stayed in Bergen. Ideally located in the heart of Bryggen Wharf and just 300 meters from the fish market this is a great choice for visitors to Bergen.

Take a stroll to the Floibanen Funicular which is only 250 meters away. The Airport Shuttle bus stops right in front of the hotel too so transfers are easy.

The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated. There was a wide variety of choice at breakfast too – try the caramel cheese!

Another centrally located hotel the Hordaheimen offers guests free WiFi, cable TV and a rich buffet breakfast. Only a few minutes from all the sights of Bergen this is a popular hotel with travelers wishing to explore the city.

For lovers of Scandinavian style this hotel has it in abundance. Offering contemporary design and some rooms offering views over the city and Mount Ulriken the Hotel Norge by Scandic is located in the heart of Bergen.

With restaurants, shopping and cultural attractions all within walking distance including Bryggen (10 minutes walk) this is another great choice of accommodation in Bergen.

Read – Area and accommodation guide for Bergen

Best day trips from Bergen to the Fjords and Flam Railway

I would highly recommend visiting the fjords in the part of Norway. Some of the most beautiful are within a few hours of Bergen and are definitely do-able in a day even by public transport.

You can read my guide to the best things to do in Flam and Gudvangen which includes an itinerary for a day trip.

This is a popular trip which features in the famous “Norway in a Nutshell” tour.

If you are able to add more days into your Norway itinerary I would suggest travelling to Flam via the Bergen to Oslo train line and spending a few days exploring Flam, Gudvangen, and nearby Laerdal .

This is all easily doable by public transport or if you are hiring a car add it into your Norway road trip itinerary.

If you prefer to take a tour there are some excellent options from Get Your Guide (my tour company of choice) including

Embark on a 1-day tour of Norwegian’s countryside which takes you through some of the most beautiful sceneries.

Experience the Nærøyfjord, one of the narrowest fjords in the world and travel by road, rail, and water while admiring the panoramic views.

This tour includes

A guided tour to Nærøyfjord & Flåmsbanen from Bergen
A bus trip down the dramatic Stalheimskleiva to Gudvangen and see the beautiful Tvindefossen Waterfall
Exploration of the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord on an all-electric ferry called the Future of The Fjords
A trip on one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world on the Flåm Railway

You will experience the best of the Norwegian fjords, mountains, and valleys on this private 11-hour tour to Sognefjord, Gudvangen, and Flåm. Travel through the Norwegian countryside by road, rail, and water, and admire amazing panoramic views.

Your itinerary is flexible and can be personalized to your interests.

Recommended tours in Bergen

Discover Bergen with a local guide who will show you the city’s hidden gems. A great way to experience this popular destination like a real local.

Choose from 2/3/4/5/ or 6-hour options.

Embark on a journey of discovery through Bergen with an informative and inspiring local guide.

Get to know the most important sights of the city including the fortress Bergenhus, the Hanseatic quarter (Bryggen), and St.Mary’s Church during the 2 1/2 hour tour.

I am sure you will love Norway as much as I do. It really is one of my favourite countries to visit anywhere in the world.

Hopefully, this guide to things to do in Bergen as well as all the practical tips will help you make the most of your time in the city.

Happy travels!

For more information about Laerdal (which I mentioned in this article) and why you should include a visit to this beautiful Norwegian village read the following posts.

Books to read before you visit Norway
5 reasons why Laerdal should be on your Norwegian itinerary
Best Norwegian TV shows on Netflix
Best Nordic Noir fiction 2022

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

Travel Update
Search Suggested Results View All Results
EUR (€)
GBP (£)
Self-Drive i
Privately Guided i
Guided Small Groups i
Northern Lights i
Honeymoon & Romance i
Ice & Snow Hotels i
Multi-Country Tours i
All Travel Styles
Show all tours
Best Sellers
Special Offers
Scandinavia
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Book With Confidence i
Why book with us i
Booking Terms i
Sustainability Policy i
Manage Booking
Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

Category: Norway

7 top things to do in svalbard.

Imagine snowmobiling or dog sledding across crisp, white landscapes and spotting polar bears or beluga whales. Or even staying in a wilderness hotel in one of the most remote corners of the planet. Welcome to Svalbard, where you can do all of this and more. A glacier-studded archipelago deep in the Arctic Circle, Svalbard is Norway’s northernmost region. Sparsely populated and with avera..

7 Scandinavian Cities You Need to Visit

Blogs , Nordic , Scandinavia , Sweden , Norway , Finland , Denmark , Guides

Best Group Tours in Europe for Solo Travellers

Nordic , Iceland , Scandinavia , Sweden , Norway , Denmark , Scotland , Guides , Ireland

Top Norway Honeymoons & Romantic Getaways

Blogs , Northern Lights , Scandinavia , Norway , Svalbard , Guides , Romance , Things to Do

7 Best Cruise Journeys in Norway

Blogs , Scandinavia , Norway , In Focus , Guides

What to See and Do in Norway’s Geirangerfjord

Blogs , Nordic , Scandinavia , Norway , Guides , Things to Do

The Nordic Countries: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Blogs , Nordic , Iceland , Northern Lights , Scandinavia , Lapland , Sweden , Norway , Greenland , Svalbard , Finland , Denmark

Best Destinations in Europe for a Unique Honeymoon

Blogs , Nordic , Iceland , Scandinavia , Lapland , Sweden , Norway , Greenland , Finland , Denmark , Scotland , Guides , Romance

Best Norway Vacation Spots & Ideas

Blogs , Northern Lights , Norway , Svalbard , Guides , Things to Do

2 Week Road Trips Through Scandinavia: Your Guide

Iceland , Scandinavia , Sweden , Norway , Denmark , Road Trips , Guides , Things to Do

Top Sweden Road Trips: Ideas for Scenic Swedish Drives

Blogs , Nordic , Scandinavia , Sweden , Norway , Denmark , Road Trips , Guides

The Best Ice Hotel in Norway

Blogs , Nordic , Northern Lights , Scandinavia , Norway

What Are the Northern Lights? Aurora Borealis Explained

Blogs , Nordic , Iceland , Northern Lights , Scandinavia , Lapland , Sweden , Norway , Svalbard , Finland , Destinations

Scandinavia in Winter: What to Do & Where to Go

Blogs , Nordic , Iceland , Scandinavia , Lapland , Sweden , Norway , Svalbard , Finland , Guides , Things to Do

Amazing Adventure Honeymoons in Europe That They'll Love

Blogs , Activity , Iceland , Northern Lights , Scandinavia , Lapland , Sweden , Norway , Greenland , Svalbard , Denmark , Destinations , Scotland , Guides , Romance , Things to Do , Ireland

How to See the Northern Lights: Viewing Tips

Blogs , Activity , Iceland , Northern Lights , Scandinavia , Lapland , Norway , Svalbard , Destinations , Guides

Best Times & Places to See the Northern Lights in Europe

Blogs , Nordic , Iceland , Northern Lights , Scandinavia , Lapland , Sweden , Norway , Svalbard , Finland , Guides

Ice Hotels: The Complete Nordic Guide

Blogs , Nordic , Scandinavia , Lapland , Sweden , Norway , Finland , Guides , Romance , Things to Do

Disney Movies Set in Europe

Blogs , Nordic , Scandinavia , Lapland , Sweden , Norway , Scotland , TV and Movies

10 Cool Facts About Norway

Blogs , Norway , In Brief

8 Best Road Trips in Europe to Add to Your Wish List

Iceland , Scandinavia , Sweden , Norway , Denmark , Scotland , Road Trips , Ireland , Switzerland , United Kingdom , Alps

Nordic Spa and Wellness Traditions

Blogs , Nordic , Iceland , Scandinavia , Lapland , Sweden , Norway , Finland , Things to Do

Why Bergen is Called the “Gateway to Norway’s Fjords”

Blogs , Scandinavia , Norway , Guides , Things to Do

Best Nordic Countries & Places to Visit

Blogs , Nordic , Iceland , Scandinavia , Lapland , Sweden , Norway , Finland , Denmark , Destinations , Guides

Northern Europe: Best Places to Go in 2024

Blogs , Nordic , Iceland , Scandinavia , Lapland , Sweden , Norway , Greenland , Finland , Denmark , Destinations , Scotland , Ireland , Switzerland , United Kingdom , Alps

5 Top Norway Road Trips: A Local Expert’s View

Blogs , Scandinavia , Norway , Road Trips , Guides

When is the Best Time to Go and Visit Norway?

Blogs , Activity , Scandinavia , Norway , Guides , Things to Do

7 Brilliant Reasons to Go on a European Group Tour

Blogs , Iceland , Scandinavia , Sweden , Norway , Finland , Denmark

The Ultimate Scandinavia Guide: The Best Times & Places to Visit

Blogs , Scandinavia , Sweden , Norway , Finland , Denmark , Things to Do

In Focus: Norway’s Best Instagram Spots

Blogs , Northern Lights , Norway , In Focus

6 Bucket List Holidays You'll Want to Explore

Blogs , Activity , Iceland , Northern Lights , Scandinavia , Lapland , Sweden , Norway , Greenland , Svalbard , Finland , Road Trips

7 Incredible Things to See and Do in Norway

Blogs , Scandinavia , Norway , Svalbard , Guides , Things to Do

7 Amazing Scandinavia Tour Ideas for First-Time Visitors

Blogs , Scandinavia , Sweden , Norway , Finland , Denmark , Guides , Things to Do

The Best and Most Beautiful Fjords in Norway

Blogs , Scandinavia , Norway , Destinations , Guides

Best Time & Place to See Northern Lights in Norway

Blogs , Northern Lights , Scandinavia , Norway , Svalbard

Norway in Focus: The UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord

Blogs , Scandinavia , Norway , In Focus

10 Things to Do in Norway in Winter

Blogs , Activity , Scandinavia , Norway , Svalbard , Guides , Things to Do

A Little Something about the Northern Lights

Blogs , Iceland , Northern Lights , Scandinavia , Lapland , Sweden , Norway , A little something about , Finland

Want Great Views in Bergen? Head to Mount Fløyen

Who is the 'dancing waterfall woman' of norway's flåm railway.

Scandinavia , Norway , A little something about

In Focus: 10 Must-Sees in Norway

Blogs , Norway , In Focus , Guides , Things to Do

Traveller Stories: A Pirate Finds Treasure in Norway

Northern Lights , Norway

Words of Inspiration: A Letter to Nordic Visitor

Miscellaneous , Norway , Reviews & Travel Stories , Scotland

My Lofoten: Charming Villages & Dramatic Landscapes

Scandinavia , Norway , My Destination

Christmas Traditions in the Nordics

Nordic , Iceland , Scandinavia , Lapland , Sweden , Norway , A little something about , Finland , Denmark

First Hurtigruten Cruise? Tips for your Maiden Voyage

Scandinavia , Norway , In Focus

How to Celebrate the Summer Solstice in the Nordics

Iceland , Scandinavia , Sweden , Norway , A little something about , Finland , Denmark

Photo of the Month: Norway on a Whim

General , Scandinavia , Norway , Reviews & Travel Stories , Nordic Photo of the Month

Our Favourite Social Snaps of the Week

General , Iceland , Sweden , Norway , Friday Photo Roundup , Destinations

So you want to go to Svalbard?

Nordic , Our People , Norway , Svalbard , In Focus , We Tried It

Tips & Tricks: Dressing for Northern Lights Viewing

Iceland , Northern Lights , Lapland , Sweden , Norway , Greenland , Svalbard , Finland

My Norway: Fjords, Goats & Bikes

General , Scandinavia , Norway , My Destination

In Focus: Northern Lights

Iceland , Northern Lights , Lapland , Sweden , Norway , Greenland , Svalbard , In Focus , Finland

Photo of the Month: Hiking on top of the world

General , Contests , Norway

Norway Cruises in Focus: Get on a boat!

In brief: what to do in bergen.

Scandinavia , Norway , In Brief

Norway in Focus: Get Over Your Fear of Heights

In focus: norway’s amazing unesco sites.

General , Norway , In Focus

Tromsø: One of Lonely Planet's Best in Europe 2015

General , Nordic , Norway , In Focus

10 Things to Love about the Midnight Sun

General , Iceland , Scandinavia , Sweden , Norway , Our Favourite

Nordic Eats: What's the Deal with Licorice?

General , Miscellaneous , Nordic , Iceland , Scandinavia , Sweden , Norway , Finland , Denmark

QUIZ: What is Your Nordic City Break Style?

General , Iceland , Northern Lights , Scandinavia , Sweden , Norway , Finland , Quiz

A Little Something About Easter in the Nordics

General , Iceland , Scandinavia , Sweden , Norway , A little something about , Finland

In Brief: 24 Hours in Oslo

Norway , In Brief

In Focus: Eat Like a King in Arctic Norway

Norway , In Focus , Food

How to Visit Svalbard: Layers, Layers, Layers!

Norway , Svalbard , My Destination

Northern Lights in Norway: Always a Winning Memory

General , Northern Lights , Contests , Scandinavia , Norway

Photo of the Month - August 2014 Winner

General , Contests , Scandinavia , Norway

Photo of the Month – June 2014 Winner

Hiking the pulpit rock in norway.

Blogs , Activity , Norway , Guides , Things to Do

Norway Travel Blog

Join me in discovering the endless beauty, rich culture and long history of Norway. Traveling should be educational, fun and memorable. Dig in and enjoy Norway with me.

Popular / Featured Posts

The best time to visit oslo – and when to avoid it, taking the ferry from copenhagen to oslo (mini cruise), saving money on norway in a nutshell diy.

Travel In Norway
Norwegian Culture

A mother and daughter shopping for traditional souvenirs in Norway.

Is Norway Expensive? Here’s How to Visit Norway on any Budget

Your Complete Norway Packing List: Seasonal Must-Haves

How to Make a Norwegian Matpakke (packed lunch)

Discover the Best Hotels in Bergen: My Top Recommendations

Seamless Travel: Bus Between Bergen, Haugesund, and Stavanger in Norway

Exploring Flåm Fjord Area: Hotels for Your Stay in Norway

What to Wear in Norway: A Travelers Guide

Why Norway Celebrates the 17th of May

A Guide to Norway’s Must-Do Train Rides

Norwegian Waffles: A Delicious and Timeless Treat

Planning your trip to Norway

Discovering Oslo’s Top Attractions: What is Oslo Famous For?

How to Use Public Transportation in Oslo (a guide)

How to Make Fastelavnsboller Norwegian Sweet Buns

Free Travel Guides = An Enjoyable, Easy, Fun Trip!

Learn the best time to visit, where to stay, how to get around, things to do, and lots more!

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Oslo Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 17, 2023

The skyline of Oslo, Norway in a relaxing sunny day

Oslo makes for an excellent base to explore southern Norway as well as a fun weekend getaway destination. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails nearby, as well as ample opportunities to swim, fish, go boating, and ski.

While not the cheapest city in the world (it’s actually one of the most expensive), it’s nevertheless worth a visit to see the incredible fjords and take in the relaxed place of Scandinavian life. There are lots of free and cheap things to do as well, so you don’t have to break the bank.

I love my visits here and I’m confident you will too!

This travel guide to Oslo can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in the city.

Things to See and Do
Typical Costs
Suggested Budget
Money-Saving Tips
Where to Stay
How to Get Around
How to Stay Safe
Best Places to Book Your Trip
Related Blogs on Oslo

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Oslo

The iconic opera building on the shore of Oslo, Norway during a colorful sunset

1. Hang out at the Opera

Norway’s largest performing arts institution is home to the world’s first opera house rooftop. Opened in 2007, the building itself is composed of multiple flat levels that essentially act as small plazas, allowing visitors to walk on the roof and enjoy the view of the harbor and city. It’s a popular spot to watch the sunset when the weather is nice. Ticket prices for the opera and ballet vary for each production but expect to pay at least 200 NOK. If you don’t mind standing, there are some tickets available for 100 NOK. There are also occasional “balcony concerts” performed by students, which are free and a great way to enjoy music on a budget. Daily guided tours of the building are available in English. They last 50 minutes and cost 120 NOK.

2. Explore Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress is a medieval fortress originally commissioned in 1299 that later evolved into a Renaissance palace under Danish King Christian IV. In World War II, the Germans used the fort to execute dissidents. After the war, Nazi collaborators were executed here. Today, it’s a temporary office for the Prime Minister. There is a small museum inside that highlights the fort’s turbulent history. Admission is free.

3. Wander Vigeland Sculpture Park

Located in Frogner Park, is the world’s largest display of sculptures created by a single artist. Gustav Vigeland (1869–1943) created over 200 bronze, iron, and granite statues that now stand in the open-air “gallery” (which covers a whopping 80 acres). The crying baby statue is the most famous. In the summer, there are often events held here as well. It’s open daily and free to visit.

4. Go swimming

Oslo has many outdoor areas that are ideal for swimming, from rivers to lakes to the Oslo fjord itself. The water here is clean and safe too. Tjuvholmen City Beach, Sørenga Seawater Pool, and Huk (Oslo’s popular beach for a younger crowd) are three places worth checking out if you’re looking to take a dip. You’ll usually see plenty of locals enjoying the water — even in the winter!

5. Explore Nordmarka Wilderness Area

Spanning over 430 acres and just 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Oslo’s city center, you can find everything from biking to swimming to skiing in the Nordmarka Wilderness Area. There are huts available for overnight stays too. For a challenging day hike, try the “Voksenkollen til Bjørnsjøen” trail. It’s around 25 kilometers (15 miles) and takes just over 8 hours to complete. For something shorter, try the moderate “Frognerseteren til Sognsvann” trail, which is around 11 kilometers (8 miles) and takes 3.5-4 hours.

Other Things to See and Do in Oslo

1. take a free walking tour.

One of the best ways to learn about a new destination is to take a free walking tour. You’ll get to see the main sights while having an expert local guide on hand to answer your questions. I always start my trips off with a free walking tour as they are the best way to get oriented and learn a little bit about the local history and culture. Free Tour Oslo offers an insightful 90-minute tour around the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

2. Visit the Blomqvist Auction House Gallery

Established in 1870, Blomqvist is one of the oldest and largest auction houses in Norway. Located in the city center, it is an excellent place to stop to see traditional Norwegian art and antiques such as glass, silver, china, furniture, carpets, and even jewelry. Sure, you may not want to fork out a fortune on art or antiques at their auctions but it’s a nice gallery to spend some time exploring. You can also visit their website to see what is available for auction as there is an ever-rotating list of art and antiques on offer.

3. Learn some Norwegian history at Norsk Folkemuseum

There are many museums throughout Oslo showcasing Norwegian history and Viking tales, but this is the most interesting. Home to over 150 buildings, this open-air museum lets you immerse yourself in the history of the country. The biggest attraction is the Gol Stave Church, which dates to 1200 CE. Other incredible sights to see are the 14th-century farmhouses and the 18th-century tenement buildings. This is a fun activity that blends entertainment and education, so it’s a great choice for anyone traveling with children. Admission is 140 NOK in winter and 180 NOK in summer.

4. Check out the Viking museum

The Viking Age was a period of time from around 800-1066 that saw a massive expansion of Scandinavian conquests and exploration (they traveled as far as Canada in the west and to modern-day Turkey in the east). This museum is home to the world’s best-preserved Viking ships, which date to the 9th century. It’s also home to the largest Viking burial ship in the world. There is an array of preserved boats and carts that date back to the Middle Ages as well. Admission is 179 NOK.

5. Visit Kampen Ecological Children’s Farm

Located in Eastern Oslo, “Kampen Barnebondegård” is an urban ecological farm that was set up for children to learn about vegetables, herbs, and animals (they have horses, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, and more!). On weekends, there’s a small cafe available with homemade treats. It’s a great stop for a laid-back, kid-friendly afternoon that’s both fun and educational. Hours are limited outside of the summer so be sure to check their website and/or social media before you go.

6. Shop in Grünerløkka

Located slightly north of Oslo’s city center, Grünerløkka is ideal for an afternoon of perusing independent shops. You can expect to find artisanal handicrafts, clothing, pottery, and various other trinkets, in addition to record shops and second-hand bookstores. There are cafes, flea markets, and bakeries here too, making it ideal for a relaxing day of exploring the city on foot. There are also a few clubs here so at night the area livens up even more.

7. See the National Gallery

The National Gallery contains Edvard Munch’s famous painting “The Scream” (which was made in 1893 and has been stolen twice). The gallery is small, but there are a lot of artists on display. It has some Impressionist and Dutch works, as well as some pieces by Picasso and El Greco. It’s not the most expansive collection, but it is still worth a visit, especially if you’re a fan of more classical art styles (like me).

8. Stroll along Aker Brygge wharf

Perfect for an afternoon stroll and host to the largest concentration of restaurants in Oslo, Aker Brygge is located southeast of Oslo’s city center. Enjoy a wide array of foods ranging from French cuisine to traditional Nordic dishes, or a simple day of window shopping and architectural admiration. There are also lots of food trucks around here in the summer. The wharf has something for everyone and is a great place to spend a couple of hours window shopping, people-watching, and admiring the view of the fjord.

9. Wander through the Botanical Garden

The perfect place to relax after exploring the city, Oslo’s Botanical Garden has over 1,800 different plants. Largely set up as an Arboretum, the Botanical Garden also offers two greenhouses of exotic plants (which date to 1868 and 1876 respectively) and a “Scent Garden” designed specifically for the blind so they could enjoy a sensory experience. There are lots of benches so you can sit down with a book and relax, as well as works of art throughout the garden. Entry is free.

10. Join the Korketrekkeren Toboggan run

The toboggan run begins in Frognerseteren and is an exciting way to take part in a traditional Norwegian winter activity. The track is over 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) long and sleds are available for rent (including helmets) for 100-150 NOK per day. You can take as many rides down the track as you like as it’s free to ride. The ride itself takes almost 10 minutes and then it takes about 15 minutes to get back to the top. The track is only available when there is snow so the schedule varies, but it’s incredibly fun and popular with the locals!

11. Visit the Fram Museum

Located on the Bygdøy Peninsula, this museum is all about Norwegian polar exploration. Opened in 1936, the museum honors explorers like Roald Amundsen (who led the first expedition to the south pole in 1911) and Fridtjof Nansen (who crossed the Greenland interior on skis in 1888). You’ll learn about the expeditions and how the people (and their animals) survived the harsh conditions. The museum also has exhibits of the animals of the polar regions, such as penguins and polar bears, as well as a Northern Lights show to give you a sense of what the Aurora Borealis actually looks like. Admission 140 NOK for adults and 50 NOK for kids.

12. See the Kon Tiki Museum

Another museum about exploration, the Kon Tiki museum highlights the adventures of Thor Heyerdahl, the 20th-century explorer and anthropologist. In 1947, Thor sailed from Peru to the Polynesian islands on a balsa wood raft to prove that Polynesians migrated from South America, not Asia. (While he succeeded in his journey, his theory was ultimately proven incorrect). He also sailed from Morocco to Barbados on another traditional raft to prove that the Egyptians could have crossed the Atlantic. At the museum, you’ll get to see his two boats and learn about his voyages, discoveries, and challenges. Admission is 140 NOK.

13. Take a fjord cruise

Oslo travel costs.

The beautiful wilderness area just outside of Oslo, Norway during a sunny summer day

Hostel prices – Accommodation (much like everything in Norway) is not cheap. Hostels start around 390 NOK per night for a 6-8-person dorm. Private rooms cost around 800-900 NOK. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Free breakfast is rare, though it is offered by a couple of hostels in the city.

Additionally, most hostels in Norway charge a 50 NOK surcharge for linens, as is the custom in Scandinavia. You can bring your own, however, you cannot use a sleeping bag instead.

For those traveling with a tent, wild camping is legal (and free). Norway has ‘Freedom to Roam’ laws (called “Allemannsretten”) that allow anyone to camp anywhere for up to two nights as long as it’s not on cultivated land. You’ll need to make sure you are not camping near someone’s house, that you take all trash with you when you leave, and that you aren’t in a farmer’s field or garden. But other than that, you can pretty much pitch your tent anywhere!

If wild camping is not your thing, campgrounds are also common though many require a Camping Key Europe card. You can purchase it at your campsite for 210 NOK or online (for a discount). Most campsites have modern facilities, including toilets and showers. Expect a basic tent plot with space for two people to cost around 200 NOK per night.

Budget hotel prices – A three-star budget hotel (there are no two-star budget hotels in Oslo) starts around 600-800 NOK for a double room. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea makers, and a TV. Some hotels include a basic free breakfast too. For a hotel with a pool, expect to pay at least 1,200 NOK per night.

Private rooms on Airbnb start around 480 NOK per night while an entire house/apartment costs at least 800-1,000 NOK per night. Be sure to book early, otherwise, prices can double (or even triple).

Food – Food is expensive in Oslo — there are just no two ways about it. A lot of food has to be imported so anything that isn’t grown here is going to be pricey. Seafood is incredibly popular, with smoked salmon being one of the country’s staples. Cod is also super popular, as are prawns and crab (locals host “crab parties” when they are in season). Lamb is the most popular meat, and open-faced sandwiches are the go-to choice for both breakfast and lunch (usually composed of dark bread, cheese, and either meat, seafood, or vegetable topping).

Street food like hot dogs costs between 25-45 NOK and you can usually find “cheap” meals of traditional cuisine for just under 200 NOK at inexpensive casual restaurants. For a multi-course meal with table service, expect to pay double that.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 120 NOK for a combo meal while Chinese food starts at 150 NOK for a main dish. A basic large pizza starts at 110 NOK (140 NOK for one with more toppings).

Beer at the bar costs around 97 NOK though you can get it for less than half that price if you buy it at the store. Lattes/cappuccinos cost around 45 NOK while bottled water is 30 NOK.

Grocery shopping here is the cheapest way to get by on a budget. Expect a week’s worth of groceries to cost around 725 NOK. This includes basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Oslo Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 600 NOK per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, take public transportation to get around, limit your drinking, and do free activities like swimming and hiking. If you plan on drinking, add 50-150 NOK per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of 1,500 NOK per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out for some meals, take the occasional taxi to get around, enjoy a couple of drinks, and do paid activities like museum visits or opera performances.

On a “luxury” budget of 2,600 NOK or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do more paid activities and guided tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in NOK.

Oslo Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Oslo is an expensive city in an expensive country. It takes some work to save money. Even McDonald’s costs a lot of money. Saving money here takes a lot of work and vigilance but it can be done! Here are some tips to save money in the city:

Cook your own food – Food is very, very expensive in Norway so the best thing you can do is cook your own meals. Go grocery shopping and stick to buying local and seasonal food. it’s not fancy but it can save you a ton!
Eat cheap – If you do decide to eat out, your cheapest options are shawarma and pizza. They can be found all around the city.
Stay with a local – The best way to avoid expensive hostels is to not stay in them! Couchsurfing can connect you with local hosts who offer free accommodation (usually just on a couch). It’s not fancy, but you’ll get insider tips and a free place to stay — all while making a new friend!
Camp – Free public camping laws allow you to camp in the parks and public lands for free as long as you have your own tent. You can stay up to two nights in an area as long as you are quiet and respectful. Make sure to leave the area as you found it! If you plan on camping a lot, make sure to get the Camping Key Europe card. It offers discounts to most of Norway’s campgrounds.
Get the Oslo Pass – If you plan on visiting lots of museums and using public transportation, this pass is going to save you money. The 24-hour pass is 445 NOK while you can also get a 48-hour pass for 655 NOK and a 72-hour pass for 820 NOK.
Take advantage of Oslo’s free activities – Stick to free places like the Botanical Garden, Church ruins in Maridalen, Ekebergparken Sculpture Park, Akershus Fortress, Oslo Cathedral, Intercultural Museum, and Monastery Ruins at Hovedøya. If you’re into art, check out Kunsthall Oslo, Gallery LNM, Fineart Oslo, Gallery TM51, Gallery, and Semmingsen.
Stay sober – At around 100 NOK per drink (often more!), going out destroys your budget. While Norwegians love to go out and have a good time, if you are on a tight budget, skip the drinks. Better to save your money for sailing around the fjords.
Buy your drinks at the store – If you do plan on drinking, buy your drinks at the Vinmonopolet (the state-run chain of stores that sell alcohol). You’ll save 50% or more doing this!
Travel with friends – If you rent a car to get out of the city (which is the best way to see the surrounding areas), try to find people to join you to share costs. You can use the Couchsurfing app or just ask around in hostels to find people. This will help you save money on gas and rental prices — which can eat into your budget quickly!
Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is super clean, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and lower your plastic usage. LifeStraw makes a bottle with a built-in filter so you can always ensure your water is clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Oslo

Oslo only has a few hostels worth staying at. Here are my recommended places to stay:

Anker Hostel
Cochs Pensjonat

How to Get Around Oslo

People cycling and driving around downtown Oslo, Norway

You can buy your ticket onboard, however, it is more expensive that way. To save time and money, download the RuterBillett app. It’s the city’s app for public transportation.

Additionally, free public transportation is included with the Oslo Pass, which can save you money if you plan on seeing a lot of sights.

While you can get on most buses and trams without showing a ticket, ticket patrols are common and the fines are heavy. Don’t risk it — always purchase a ticket!

Oslo is the only city in the country with a metro system (known as the “T-Bane”). Tickets are 39 NOK and the passes above also work for the metro system. There are 5 lines and around 100 stops with service beginning between 5:30am-6am and ending between 12:30am-1am. It’s fast, reliable and an easy way to get across the city.

Taxi – Taxis are prohibitively expensive here. Rates start at 103 NOK and are 15 NOK per kilometer. Avoid them!

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Oslo (it’s the only city in the country where they operate). However, it’s comparable to the taxis here so there’s not much savings.

Bicycle – Cycling is a great way to get around the city as everything is compact and lots of locals cycle as well. You can find rentals for 69 NOK per day from Oslo City Bike. It’s the city’s bike-sharing program and there are over 250 stations around the city where you can get a bike. You just need to download the app to sign up and pay.

Car rental – Car rentals start at around 360 NOK per day for a multi-day rental. If you’re just staying in the city, you won’t need a vehicle, however, having one will let you explore the many parks and forests outside the city.

When to Go to Oslo

The ideal time to visit Oslo is from June to August when the weather is warm and the days are (really) long. The country is at its liveliest during this time and locals take advantage of the good weather at every opportunity. The parks are always full and there are always fun events happening around town. Temperatures hover around the 20s°C (60s and 70s°F) — not too hot, but warm enough to swim, hike, and lounge about.

The downside to visiting in the summer is that, since Norway has a very short summer, Oslo can get busy so be sure to book your accommodation in advance. That being said, “busy” in Oslo is a far cry from “busy” in cities like Paris or London.

The shoulder season makes for a good time to visit as well, with temperatures ranging from 4-10°C (40-50°F). May typically has decent weather with occasional rain, while September gives you cooler temperatures and changing leaves. You’ll beat the crowds and still be able to explore the city on foot without the weather getting in your way (too much).

Attractions begin to close around late September/early October, or at the very least reduce their hours. The days begin to get dark early in October and temperatures start dropping around this time too. However, prices also decrease, and you’re likely to find cheaper airfares and accommodations. Be sure to pack layers if you plan on visiting during this time of year as it can be quite cool — even during the day.

The winter is very cold and sees a lot of snow and darkness. In the depths of the winter, you only get a few hours of light each day, and temperatures plummet below freezing. The plus side of traveling during the off-season, however, is that you’ll be offered the cheapest accommodations, and fees for certain attractions are lower as well. You can also take advantage of all the winter sports, such as cross-country skiing and downhill skiing. This is also the prime time to see the northern lights.

How to Stay Safe in Oslo

Norway is one of the safest countries in the world. In fact, it ranks 17th on the list of the world’s safest countries! Oslo is no exception. However, it’s still good to keep an eye out for pickpockets, especially around the train stations and on public transportation. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure and out of reach just to be safe.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.) but it’s unlikely anything will occur. Check out one of the solo female travel blogs on the web for more specific information on safety.

The tap water in Oslo is safe and clean so you can safely trick the water. There is also no real risk of natural disasters or terrorism here either. If you go hiking, always bring water and sunscreen. Be sure to check the weather before you go as well.

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. While break-ins are rare, it never hurts to be safe!

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for police, 110 for fire, and 113 for ambulance services.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Oslo Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Oslo Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Norway and continue planning your trip:

How to Spend 48 Hours in Oslo

The 22 Best Things to Do in Oslo

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bergen, Norway

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

Where To Stay
Transportation
Booking Resources
Related Blogs

South Africa
Afghanistan
North Korea
Adventure + Outdoors
Amusement Parks
Backpacking Trips
Boating + Cruises
Budget Travel
Bus + Train Travel
Coasts + Islands
Country Trips
Fall Vacations
Family Vacations
Green Travel
Heritage + History
Honeymoons + Romance
Inspiration + Guide
Landmarks + Attractions
LGBT Travel
Markets + Bazaars
National Parks + Reserves
Nature + Wildlife
Parks + Gardens
Pets + Animals
Photography
Airlines + Airports
Budgeting + Currency
Business Travel
Celebrity Travel
Customs + Immigration
Deals + Rewards
Family Travel
Hotels + Resorts
Luggage + Packing Tips
Offbeat News
Photography Tips
Responsible Travel
Solo Travel
Tech + Gear
Travel Etiquette
Travel Warnings
Bars + Clubs
Celebrity Chefs
Restaurants + Cafés
Wine + Vineyards
Beach Hotels
Boutique Hotels
Hotel Openings
Hotel Reviews
Luxury Hotels
Mountain + Ski Resorts
Spa Resorts
Vacation Rentals
Asia Cruises
European Cruises
Festivals + Events
Museums + Galleries
Style + Design
Travel’s Best
Hotel with Agoda.com
Hotel with Booking.com

What to buy in Indonesia 2024? — Top +9 famous gifts,…

What to buy in Kyoto 2024? — 31+ must-buy Kyoto souvenirs,…

What to buy in India 2024? — 29+ best gifts from…

What to buy in Korea 2024? — Top +23 cheap, famous…

India trip tips — 9+ things to know before going to…

All about tips in Nepal — How much to tip in…

Cambodia travel tips — 15+ what to know & things to…

When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best,…

Must eat in Hong Kong — 7+ must eat & must…

Must eat in Georgetown — 10+ famous, must-eat & best street…

Must eat in Melaka — 10+ famous Malacca street food &…

chan hon meng is chopping the chicken in his small local street food vendor

Hong Kong Soya sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles — The first…

belmond-la-residence-d-angkor-siem-reap-cambodia-prod

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

Top hotels in shanghai — 15+ best hotels in Shanghai

Top hotels in Malacca — 10+ good & best hotels in…

Amankila, Bali, Indonesia. © Amanresorts

Top places to stay in Bali — Top 10 best areas…

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Syrena Cruises, luxury cruises, halong bay, vietnam

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

national palace museum shilin district taipei city taiwan,

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

mekong delta travel blog tips southern vietnam (2)

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

Real-life experience-enhance-traveling-things to do at young age

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

tanuki-statue-ratel-symbol of lucky-japan

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

living in cave houses in andalucia southern spain (1)

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

koda-walking-concrete, Tallinn, Estonia, tiny homes

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

Trip Inspiration

My trip to Norway — Exploring the world of fjords

Norway is known as the head of the Scandinavian peninsula which has the shape as a tiger. It is now famous in the world for its thousands of small and large fjords. Norway is considered one of the world’s most beautiful places to discover the great beauty of the natural wonders dating from the ice age. Norway is the 61st largest country in the world by area, but the population of Norway is just over 5 million. Many of the lands here are not severely impacted by human beings, so it still preserves the wild beauty. Let’s discover the beautiful nation through my trip to Norway blog (Norway trip blog) — Explore Norway: The world of fjords.

My trip to Nepal blog — A journey to the sacred land of the world
My trip to Bergen — The promised land of peace of Norway
Melaka food blog — Experience Melaka delicacies, arrived at by Trishaw
Salzburg blog — Sleeping heaven of Austria
Penang itinerary — How to spend 3 days in Penang?

After referring the popular “Norway in a Nutshell tour” in Norway, we decided to do a “dust tour” to avoid being “bagged” where the living standard of the people is very high. All costs are quite expensive compared to the UK and France.

Norway city norway travel blog norway trip blog

Bergen – The peaceful capital

Bergen was known as the capital of Norway during the thirteenth century. It has many beautiful natural landscapes as the picture and featured culture. Bergen is the second largest city (just behind Oslo) which is located on the West Coast. The harbor is frequented by fishing boats and cruise ships. It is also the gateway to Norway’s most famous fjords.

Bergen, Norway norway travel blog norway trip blog

Surrounded by seven mountains, the highest is the Floyen mountain, Bergen is also known as Europe’s largest rainfall city. The old town of Bergen is romantic with steep and small streets which are very quiet. The houses along the slopes are beautiful with the Scandinavian style which is bright and eye catching colors.

Bergen, Norway5 norway travel blog norway trip blog

In Bergen, there is the Bryggen harbor area, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1979. There are still colorful and featured houses from the early 12th to the 17th centuries. The huts are built opposite the harbor with the frontage facing the wharf, while the back has its own courtyard.

It is said that at the beginning of time, these houses were built of wood, later expanded and built of stone to preserve the goods. Since Bergen suffered many fires, most of the buildings were severely damaged. Bryggen also suffered the same fate. By 1702, there was only about a quarter of the houses and warehouses after the fire. Most of the houses are now built in the twentieth century by the architect Jens Zetlitz Monrad Kielland. Only a few stone basements dating back to the 15th century are retained.

Bergen11 norway travel blog norway trip blog

By 1955, a part of Bryggen was again destroyed. Currently, the land is used to build museums and shopping malls, catering to tourists. The city has many ancient buildings such as Saint Mary’s Church (built in the 12th century), Bergenhus Fortress, Håkonl Building, University of Bergen and conservatory.

Right next to the harbor is the Fisketorget fish market which has daily activity from morning to late night. Born in about 1200, this is one of the most famous outdoor markets in Norway. At first, we were a bit confused because there were two fish markets, one in the house and one outside. Because of the time, we visited both markets. It is also wonderful for you to enjoy the fresh seafood and performances of street musicians if you prefer.

Walking along the fish market, we were invited to sample a variety of dishes, from the smoked salmon to whale meat. We decided to wait for the grilled fish in the cold North Western wind to see what was different about Norwegian grilled fish and grilled fish. The difference is clear because the fish here are marine fish, while the additives are completely different and very new.

To see Bergen from above, many people take the Floibanen tram to Floyen Mountain, which is one of the seven highest mountains in Bergen. It took tens of minutes to reach the summit of Floyen which is 320 meters above sea level. It is interesting to see the panoramic view of the peaceful city of Bergen below. It feels like a fairy kingdom in Andersen’s fairy tales to come out. The most impressive things are the tiny roofs in the golden afternoon sun.

Floyen-in-Bergen-Norway2 norway travel blog norway trip blog

After eye-catching with Bergen panorama, instead of getting down to the foothills with a tram, trekking is the choice of many visitors this weekend. In the romantic forest scene when the sun shines brightly on the ancient old canopy, occasionally show the tiny wild berries on both sides of the path. We are free to breathe the fresh air, we also enjoy the sweet taste of the forest in the north.

After an interesting jungle walk, the group decided to turn into a restaurant on the harbor. Outside the wharf, the seagulls were calling each other. The guests sat seated the roadside restaurants to enjoy the cold beer, watch the sunset gradually hidden behind the sea surface which is sparkling golden light.

Meeting Huldra on the world’s most beautiful railway

Norwegian railways are considered to be one of the nicest in the world, so the travelers are encouraged to experience. It has been in operation for more than a century, but the railways are still good. The ships are well equipped with the most modern equipment, making the guests feel very comfortable. The railroad runs through hills, plains, and rivers which allow the visitors to enjoy a variety of peaceful scenery.

Norwegian railways2 norway travel blog norway trip blog

After about three hours on the train, we arrived at Flam. The terrain consists of high cliffs up to a thousand meters, standing like solid stone walls. The foothills of the mountains are narrow bays. It is the result of geological changes since the Ice Age. As the thick ice deposits dissolve and slide at a very rapid rate, the gaps between the slopes are formed and then filled with seawater. It becomes narrow, deep-watered and ingrained inland bays which Norwegian people call a fjord.

From the Flam station, we started our journey on a train about 20 kilometers long in about an hour. The train goes from a height of 59 meters above sea level to the Myrdal station at an altitude of 867 meters. The difference in altitude makes the scene change dramatically. If in Flåm, the trees and scenery of the road have germinated good green. On the contrary, in Myrdal, the snow still covered the sides of the mountain. There is a white color which dazzles our eyes along the roadside. Lurking in the sloping woods are ski resorts and many wooden houses for summer vacations.

At the Kjosfossen station, the train stops about five minutes to allow visitors to go out and take pictures. Within the short five minutes, in the rumbling sound of the waterfall, we found out where the melodious song came from. Then suddenly, in the middle of the waterfall falls, there is a woman in a red shirt, singing, and dancing.

According to the legend of Northern Europe, there is a woman living in the forest named Huldra. She is very beautiful but has an ugly cow tail in the back so no man will dare to approach. She used her beauty and sweet voice to attract the lonely hunters in the forest and get married. We do not know when the train stopped at Kjosfossen, that red Huldra whether seductively attract the visitors or not.

From Myrdal, you can either connect to Bergen or go to Oslo. Shock and air pressure caused some visitors to be slightly stunned as soon as they stepped out of the carriage. However, it takes only a few minutes to breathe fresh air. We took the opportunity to take a few more souvenirs and return to Flam.

At the end of the journey, we chose to rent a 12-seat small boat to visit the Naeroyfjord. It is a small branch of the Sognefjord with its 1,400-meter high cliffs, which have also been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. Then we returned to Bergen by the cruise to pass through the 204 km long Sognefjord, which is the largest and the deepest in the world. The driver and tour guide will occasionally announce highlights so that visitors know where to shoot. Everyone has five cameras in hand ready as a professional photographer.

This season, the sky of Northern Europe is very blue and clear, while the water which prints the mountain shadow and clouds drift is flat like a mirror. The boat passes through many beautiful towns with colorful houses, surrounded by fresh green mountains. The wonderful scenery makes almost passengers on the ship be quiet to admire as if they fear that a strong breathing can also blur the scene before the eyes.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Oslo you can refer to

Oslo City and Viking Ship Museum Private Walking Tour
Oslo City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass
The Viking Planet Digital Museum Ticket in Oslo
Oslo City Highlights Walking Tour
Oslo Must-Sees Walking Tour
Oslo Fjord 2-Hour Sightseeing Cruise
Oslo Off the Beaten Path Bike Tour

Are you looking for more top things to do in Oslo: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.

Bergen travel blog — The fullest Bergen travel guide & suggested how to spend 3 days in Bergen perfectly?

What to buy in USA 2024? — 17+ must buy in USA & best things to buy in USA

What to buy in Italy 2024? — 19+ top souvenirs & best things to buy in Italy

What to buy in Guangzhou 2024? — 11+ best things to buy in Guangzhou & best shopping places in Guangzhou

What to buy in Tibet 2024? — Top 9+ tibet souvenirs, gifts & best things to buy in Tibet

What to buy in Turkey 2024? — Top 26+ must-buy & best things to buy in Turkey

What to buy in Indonesia 2024? — Top +9 famous gifts,...

What to buy in Kyoto 2024? — 31+ must-buy Kyoto souvenirs,...

What to buy in India 2024? — 29+ best gifts from...

What to buy in USA 2024? — 17+ must buy in...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

What to buy in Korea 2024? — Top +23 cheap, famous...

Popular category.

Inspiration + Guide 1461
Trip Inspiration 468
Thailand 209
Food + Drink 208
Coasts + Islands 193
South Korea 168
Vietnam 166
Travel Photos 144
Work for Us
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy

Skip to primary navigation
Skip to content
Skip to footer

Once a full-time backpacker, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway.

I've now traveled through over 80 countries and have a soft spot for pretty landscapes, the Nordics, anywhere I can practice my Russian, and venturing off the tourist trail.

I've been living in Norway since 2015, and I've made it my mission to share all the tips I can about travel in Norway - on any budget!

Traveling definitely changes you, and sometimes it can be difficult to return home. Join me as I try to balance my love of travel with making a home in Norway!

GET UPDATES!

Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive updates and stories from my travels around the world + how I'm settling into life in the far north of Norway:

Travel off the Beaten Path

Life + Travel in Norway

Life after Travel

LATEST BLOG POSTS

Where to Stay in Corsica

41 Fantastic Things to Do in Corsica

16 Things to Do in Ålesund, Norway – The Most Beautiful Fjord City

35 Unique Things to Do in Mallorca Away from the Resorts

CHOOSE A COUNTRY!

brown: countries I’ve visited and written about // green: visited // pink: guest posts

Alone in Iran – What Was I Thinking?

How Travel Killed My Ambition

sahara independent camel trek tour merzouga morocco

How I Saved $44,000 to Travel the World

19 Awkward Things That Happen When You Return From Backpacking

ALL ABOUT NORWAY

Norway in a Nutshell Review – Is It Worth It?

7 Ways Norway Travel Isn’t as Expensive as You Think

roligheten ana-sira norway in fall autumn

Norway Says No to Tourists, This is Where You Should Go Instead

How to Plan an Epic Road Trip in Norway

THE ONES WITH ALL THE FEELINGS

Why I’d Never Move to Japan Again

Wait. Is Travel Blogging Embarrassing?

Confession: I Travel Like A Girl

12 Wonderful and Horrible Things That Happened Because I Started a Travel Blog

More confessions

Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

COME AND GET IT!

Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive updates and stories from my world travels and life in Norway:

IMAGES

13 best places to visit in Norway
8 Gorgeous Places To Visit In Norway
15 Best Places In Norway You Have To Visit
From Mountains to Fjords, These are the 15 Things You Must See in Norway
These Are The 8 Fjords You HAVE To Visit In Norway!
14 Best Hikes In Norway To Experience

VIDEO

Voss, Norway
1km / 4k ft high free camping in Norway. Sea, mountains & drone flight. Trip in van conversion #4
Эффект бабочки или лестница в небо. Норвегия #Hamaren #Fyresdal. Приятное путешествие. И нежданчик
Lofoten islands from drone. All day rains & phone stop working. Norway van conversion trip #10
Exploring Oslo
Nusfjord village, Uttakleiv & Haukland beaches, Lofotens from drone. Norway campervan trip #10

COMMENTS

The Ultimate Norway Travel Guide
Visit polar bears, historic mining towns, and the town Longyearbyen. Bergen. Bergen is the second largest city in Norway. Eat fish caught fresh from the ocean, visit Bryggen, the Hanseatic houses that dominate the harbor, and get a bird's eye view of the city from the funicular. Pulpit Rock.
My Top 30 Norway Itineraries
I just bought your Southern Norway Travel Guide, which is very helpful, but now I'm torn between two itineraries, so I thought that you might be able to help. I arrive at Oslo and I will be using public transportation. 1) A version of your public transportation itinerary for 11 days. Day 1: Oslo - Roros Day 2: Roros - Trondheim
The perfect Norway itinerary for first time visitors
She has visited hundreds of destinations and has lived in 7 different countries. Cory is multilingual and an alumna from The University of Manchester. Norway Itinerary: Day 1 - Oslo to Lillehammer, Day 2 - Dombås, Day 3 - Trondheim, Day 4 - Atlantic Road, Day 5 - Valldal, Day 6 - Olden.
Norway Budget Travel Guide (Updated 2024)
Backpacking Norway Suggested Budgets. On a backpacking budget of 600 NOK per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, take public transportation to get around, limit your drinking, and do free activities like swimming and hiking. If you plan on drinking, add 50-150 NOK per day to your budget.
10 Days in Norway: A Complete Norway Road Trip Itinerary
FERRY time: Eidsdal-Linge/Fv63 ferry. This one's a short one, only taking about 10 minutes and costing 79 NOK (~10) for a small sedan and 2 passengers. As all the other ferries on this Norway itinerary, don't worry about booking in advance because you can just show up on the port and fall in line with the other cars.
NORWAY MAP & TRAVEL GUIDE
A travel blog by a Norwegian-American who shares her tips and experiences on life and travel in Norway. Find out where to visit, how to plan your trip, what to pack, and more in this comprehensive guide to Norway's regions and attractions.
How To Spend One Week In Norway: My 3 Top Norway Itineraries
Luxury. Fossheim Hotel is a historic hotel from 1897 in Lom, with a restaurant featuring gourmet dishes with local produce. Check availability and current rates here. The Elveseter Hotel is a family-run mountain lodge in Boverdalen full of traditional Norwegian art, wood carvings, and cozy fireplaces in the lobby area.
Norway Travel Guide
In this Norway travel guide, you can find all the blog posts from our trips. They are filled with travel inspiration and lots of practical tips to help you plan your own unforgettable trip to Norway. Whether you are visiting Norway with family or alone, in summer or in winter - these guides should be a good starting point in deciding where to ...
10 Day Lofoten Islands and Northern Norway Itinerary
Day 4: Senja. Day 5: Vesteralen Islands. Day 6: Lofoten Islands. Day 7: Lofoten Islands. Day 8: Lofoten Islands. Day 9: Lofoten Islands. Day 10: Fly Home. How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers (places to visit, hiking trails, and driving routes).
Three Days in Bergen: The Perfect Introduction to Norway
Don't visit Norway without travel insurance. It could save you if you get ill, injured, or lose your luggage. ... At age 26, I quit my job to travel the world alone. I spent six fantastic months in Southeast Asia and turned my travel blog into a full-time business. 12 years later, I'm still traveling -- 83 countries and 7 continents -- and ...
The Perfect 7-Day Norway Itinerary for an Epic Winter Trip
Being one of the northernmost cities in all of Norway, the only quick way to get from Oslo to Alta in the winter is to fly. Luckily, there is one direct flight from Oslo (OSL) to Alta (ALF) and back on Norwegian Airlines per day, plus 2-3 others with stops. Each flight from Oslo to Alta takes 2-3 hours, and prices range from $100-300+ each way.
Norway Travel Guide: Everything to Know Before You Go • Megan Starr
This Norway travel blog aims to help you book your trip to the country ... These Norway travel guides will detail the best places to visit in Norway and how to plan your trip. I break down by city, region, town, etc. As you can tell, I have focused my efforts on Oslo, Bergen, and the Arctic. However, I am constantly creating new content and ...
Home Page
Welcome to Fjords and Beaches! I'm Lisa, a travel blogger and writer from Norway, and this is my travel blog. I grew up by the beautiful fjords of western Norway, and write about my travels in Norway and the rest of the world here. So, if you are looking for Norway travel tips, city guides and posts about travel planning and inspiration, this ...
Complete guide to visiting Bergen in Norway (Itinerary guide)
Bergen is a beautiful Norwegian city and also a designated UNESCO World Heritage City, a European City of Culture and the Gateway to the Fjords!. Bergen was founded in 1070 and is Norway's second largest city with a population of approximately 280,000. It is situated on the south western coast of Norway and is surrounded by the beautiful seven mountains and of course wonderful fjords.
Norway Travel Blog : Inspiration & Advice : Nordic Visitor
The Nordic Countries: Your Ultimate Travel Guide. Blogs, Nordic, Iceland, Northern Lights, Scandinavia, Lapland, Sweden, Norway, Greenland, Svalbard, Finland, Denmark. Get travel deals & tips. Join our regular newsletter. If you change your mind, you can unsubscribe at any time. Find out what to expect on your Norway holiday with these useful ...
The Best One Week Norway Winter Itinerary
And in the autumn you'd have Northern Lights but still more daylight and less snow. Day 1: Bodø & Støtt. Day 2: Støtt (Meløy) Day 3: Støtt to Lofoten. Day 4: Lofoten. Day 5: Vesterålen. Day 6: Vesterålen to Bodø.
Norway Travel Blog
Free Travel Guides = An Enjoyable, Easy, Fun Trip! Learn the best time to visit, where to stay, how to get around, things to do, and lots more! Discover Norwegian culture, traditional food, learn about history, language, and get travel tips from veteran tour guide and local, Pål. Enjoy learning all about Norway!
Oslo Travel Guide (Updated 2024)
Oslo Travel Guide. The picturesque, cosmopolitan city of Oslo is the capital of Norway. Located in the southeast corner of the country, this coastal city is bursting with greenery and outdoor activities, cool museums, lots of art, amazing seafood, and more. Oslo makes for an excellent base to explore southern Norway as well as a fun weekend ...
The Ultimate Guide to Norway's Fjord Region (2024)
This travel guide to Norway's fjord region includes our best tips for traveling Norway: how to get there, where to stay, ... Woodrow is a travel photographer and professional blogger based in San Diego, California. She started this adventure travel blog in 2010 to provide trip ideas and helpful travel tips for people with limited vacation time.
My trip to Norway
Photo by: Norway travel itinerary blog. At the end of the journey, we chose to rent a 12-seat small boat to visit the Naeroyfjord. It is a small branch of the Sognefjord with its 1,400-meter high cliffs, which have also been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. Then we returned to Bergen by the cruise to pass through the 204 km long ...
7 Ways Norway Travel Isn't as Expensive as You Think
follow me on Instagram here. 4. You can camp anywhere. Yes, even hostels in Norway are laughably expensive, but if you really want to visit and can come in the summer, just bring a tent. You can camp basically anywhere here (as long as it's 150 meters from the nearest house or cabin) which makes travel so much easier.
Home
I've been living in Norway since 2015, and I've made it my mission to share all the tips I can about travel in Norway - on any budget! READ MORE. Traveling definitely changes you, and sometimes it can be difficult to return home. ... LATEST BLOG POSTS Where to Stay in Corsica 41 Fantastic Things to Do in Corsica 16 Things to Do in Ålesund ...