Norway Travel Insights

Oslo & the Fjord Region: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, six to eight days are the perfect amount of time for a Norway trip with stops in both Oslo and the Fjord Region. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as four or five days. With more time, you can enjoy additional activities at each stop or a few days in another region, like Tromsø or Geilo, or spend a night on the Hurtigruten coastal ferry. Keep reading for more inspiring Oslo and Fjord Region itineraries.

2 Weeks in Norway - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in Norway on a family holiday, you can visit at least five locations. Younger children will enjoy the Oslo Open-Air Folk Museum and other kid-friendly activities in Southern Norway, while older kids can try the via ferrata on an active adventure. Families eager to experience the midnight sun should choose a summer itinerary, and those that want a two-country trip can add Denmark. Meanwhile, a winter itinerary is best for families keen on snow and cultural experiences, including an overnight at a Sámi camp.

Summer Family Trip to Norway & Denmark - 14 Days

Ready to take your family on a trip bursting with history, cuisine, and theme park adventures, Scandinavian-style? Starting in Oslo, Norway, this two-week itinerary will take you to rural Aurland, Gudvangen, Bergen, and Kristiansand, before you sail to Denmark and continue to Billund and Copenhagen. Along the way, you'll cruise fjords, taste the best of Scandinavian produce, experience Viking life in the flesh, and enjoy Northern Europe's finest attractions.

Southern Norway Family Road Trip - 14 Days

Discover the best of southern Norway's treasures as you and the kids embark on an epic adventure that takes you from the shores of laid-back Kristiansand to cosmopolitan Oslo. Kayak across fjords, ride the whitewater rapids at Voss, and zipline through treetops as you explore the stunning scenery around Bergen. Along the way, you'll unearth 1,000-year-old history as you experience Viking life up close through VR technology and step back in time at Viking Valley.

Norway Winter Family Adventure - 14 Days

Whisk the family away on a thrilling Arctic adventure with this two-week tour of Norway's winter highlights. Perfect for those with older kids, discover the stunning snowcapped peaks and glittering scenery around the Sognefjord and Nærøyfjord as you ride with huskies, snowmobile the icy terrain, and snowshoe hike in Flåm. Finish with a thrilling chase to catch the dancing aurora borealis and make memories to treasure as you experience Sámi hospitality and sled with reindeer.

10 Days in Norway - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Ten days with the family in Norway is enough time to visit four to five destinations. With a mix of nature and urban adventures, the Bergen, Balestrand, Aurland & Oslo trip is perfect for first-timers and families with young children. The Winter Adventure's skiing and snowshoeing activities and the Summer Adventure's zipline excursion make those two itineraries best suited to active families with older children. Animal lovers and culture seekers will appreciate the wildlife safaris and museums on the Cultural and Wildlife trip.

1 Week in Norway - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

In a week, you can experience three to five locations, including Oslo, Geilo, and Aurland. Opt for a more adventurous itinerary encompassing hiking in Ålesund, a kayaking tour in Geiranger, and a boat tour along the Geirangerfjord. Wrap up warm and spend three days in Tromsø and Senja on a winter trip that comprises dogsledding, cruising along fjords, and watching the northern lights. Or concentrate on a small part of the country, such as Bergen and Balestrand, to discover the inspiration behind Disney's "Frozen."

Active Family Adventure in Norway: Oslo, Fjords & Bergen - 14 Days

Perfect for families with older kids, this epic Norway adventure whizzes you across mountains, glaciers, and fjords as you drive from the pint-sized cultural capital of Oslo to the seven peaks of Bergen. Along the way, you'll whitewater raft in Voss, head to the skies via cable car in Loen, and experience the thrill of Trollstigen's famous hairpin bends. Don't worry, there's time for relaxation, too, as you kayak the gentle Aurlandsfjord and experience the unique stillness of Norway's most famous fjords.

Epic Northern Norway & Lofoten Islands Summer Family Adventure - 14 Days

Travel above the Arctic Circle with this relaxed two-week family adventure that starts in Tromsø and whisks you to the island of Senja and the Lofoten archipelago. Travel through northern Norway's dramatic peaks and discover secluded sandy coves as you cruise through breathtaking fjords and experience the phenomenon of the midnight sun. Along the way, hike with huskies, spot gigantic sea eagles, and discover tiny fishing villages where time stands still.

Family Fun in Norway: Relaxed Cultural & Wildlife Adventure - 10 Days

Immerse your family in Norway's cultural history and native wildlife with this effortless 10-day trip. Travel back in time to the medieval ages as you and the kids explore life in centuries past at several living museums, including a 12th-century castle. Explore UNESCO-listed fjords, sail alongside waterfalls, and spend a day on the utterly remote and stunning Runde Island before finishing your trip in elegant Trondheim.

Winter Family Adventure in Northern Norway - 10 Days

Looking for the family-friendly Norwegian adventure of a lifetime? Starting in Tromsø, "Gateway to the Arctic," you and your family will continue to historic Alta and Senja Island. Along the way, you'll get up close to reindeer, huskies, and whales, learn to snowshoe and cross-country ski, tour an igloo hotel, and, of course, hunt the northern lights. This trip will surely give your family more than a few exciting memories and stories to tell!

Family Viking Tour of Norway - 10 Days

Immerse your family in Viking history during this 10-day road trip through picturesque Norway. Begin by walking in the footsteps of the Norse kings on a heritage tour of Bergen. Spend the night at Svanøy Island with the other 70 inhabitants and learn about Norwegian rural life, then eat like a Viking warrior at a microbrewery in Flåm. Finish your trip with a guided hike past waterfalls and fjords to a goat farm where you will make and sample local cheese.

Summer Family Adventure in Northern Norway & the Fjords - 10 Days

For families seeking adventure and wildlife amid the beauty of Norway's fjords and northern shores, look no further than this perfectly curated 10-day trip. Journey through dramatic mountains and waterfalls on one of the world's steepest railways before traveling above the Arctic Circle to experience the midnight sun. Along the way, you'll sail through fjords, spot sea eagles and dolphins, ride cable cars along mountain peaks, and zipline the highest of Bergen's mountains.

Family Trip to Norway: Bergen, Balestrand, Aurland & Oslo - 10 Days

Having toddler-aged children doesn't mean that family adventures have to wait! Norway has plenty to please even the youngest sightseers. Beginning in the regions that inspired the Disney movie "Frozen," you'll cruise from scenic Bergen to quaint Balestrand. Take a ferry to Aurland to experience the best of rural Norway and finish up in Oslo, the country's charismatic little capital. Along the way, you'll experience the beauty of Norway's culture, food, and scenery, all at a family-friendly pace.

Relaxed Family Adventure in Norway: Oslo, Fjords & Bergen - 7 Days

From dramatic fjords to landscapes that inspired the Disney movie "Frozen," this relaxed, seven-day family trip to Norway covers the country's highlights as you journey from the pint-sized cultural capital Oslo to charming child-friendly Bergen. Learn to live like Vikings, experience the "world's most beautiful railway," and cruise through majestic fjords as you set about planning your return trip!

Norway Outdoor Family Adventure: Hiking, Kayaking & Boating - 7 Days

Spend a week experiencing Norway's spectacular beauty on this outdoor-oriented family adventure. Head on kid-friendly hikes around fjords and up mountains, feel the spray of the Seven Sister waterfall on a kayak trip, and take a boat tour to a secluded section of the Sognefjord. All this, while sampling Norway's cuisine at local eateries and visiting museums and aquariums in the country's most charming towns and villages.

Winter Family Trip to Norway: Tromsø & Senja - 7 Days

For a trip to inspire adults and kids alike, spend a week in Norway's wintry north. Starting in historic Tromsø, you'll travel to a Sámi camp and then to the small coastal village of Mefjord Brygge. Along the way, you'll meet the locals, get up close to reindeer, and go dogsledding. You'll even see the spectacular northern lights from some of Norway's best viewing spots—making this holiday the adventure of a lifetime!

Family Trip to Norway: Bergen & Balestrand - 7 Days

Looking for a holiday that immerses you in the beauty of a new culture and stunning natural surroundings—but is still fun with really little kids? A trip to the land that inspired the hit kids' movie "Frozen" is just the thing! Leisurely in pace but jam-packed with memorable experiences, you'll explore the settlements of Bergen and Balestrand and their surrounding fjords as you cruise by ferry and private boat, hike scenic family-friendly trails, and get a taste of Norwegian history, architecture, and cuisine.

Southern Norway Active Adventure - 15 Days

Perfect for sporty travelers, this summertime tour is an excellent and healthy way to experience Norway's stunning scenery. The trip starts in Oslo, where you'll warm up with a walk around the nation's capital. Next, travel west to Flåm and Bergen and pick up your car for a series of scenic activities like zip lining, biking, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking. Finish the adventure with a ferry ride through a UNESCO-listed fjord before looping back to Oslo for one last night on the town.

Epic Norway Camping, Kayaking & Hiking Journey: Oslo to Bergen - 15 Days

From conquering bucket list peaks to paddling UNESCO-protected fjords, this active 15-day Norway itinerary gets you close to the country's spectacular natural beauty. Camp in a cozy transparent dome at the famous Trolltunga, hike along Queen Sonja's Panoramic Trail, and explore the cities of Oslo and Bergen as you dash across the country by train, boat, and shuttle bus. This itinerary is perfect for active hikers, adventure-seeking travelers, and those with a moderate fitness level.

15 Days in Norway - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With more than two weeks in Norway, you can hit all the major stops and delve into what makes Norway so distinctive. Check out the major cities and fjords like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim or stay south and add Ardal and Stavanger to the mix. You can also venture to some lesser-visited Norwegian sites—chase the northern lights through Tromsø and Svolvær, explore the fjords from Bergen to Trondheim, or venture past the Arctic Circle to the Lofoten Islands.

Family Active Adventure in Southern Norway - 15 Days

Perfect for summertime, this epic Norway adventure is ideal for adults and families with little ones aged five and up. It starts in Oslo, where you can hit cultural attractions in the nation's capital. From here, pick up a rental car and meander along the Oslofjord to get to a national park with swimming beaches. Then take the crew and head to Voss, a mountain town known for adrenaline sports (and a new gondola), before finishing in Balestrand with hiking, deep-sea fishing, and ferry trips through the longest fjord in Norway.

Chasing the Northern Lights in Norway's Arctic in Winter - 15 Days

This fast-paced—and very active—winter tour in Norway is not for the faint of heart. Starting and ending in Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic, you'll set course on a 15-day itinerary partaking in horseback riding, dog and reindeer sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cruising the water by kayak, speedboat, and Hurtigruten. Of course, each night provides an opportunity to see the northern lights to round out your arctic adventure.

Western Norway & Oslo Cultural Adventure - 15 Days

Travel by train, hike mountains, boat along a fjord, and mountain bike down a valley on this 15-day journey that's perfect for active, adventure-seeking travelers. Soak up culture and creativity in Oslo before making an epic train journey to the west coast, where the real fun starts. You'll hike Jotunheim National Park, drive the spectacular Atlantic Ocean Road, ride the scenic Flåm Railway, see Art Nouveau houses in Ålesund, and zigzag along 11 twisting hairpin bends on the Trollstigen road.

Western Norway Fjords & Lofoten Islands - 15 Days

This 15-day Norway road trip explores the most beautiful fjords, mountains, and ocean scenes between Bergen and Ålesund before crossing the Arctic Circle to the Lofoten archipelago. Spend over two weeks hiking, boating, kayaking, wildlife-spotting, and feasting as you explore cool and creative cities and quiet fjord-side villages across Norway. This relaxed-pace itinerary is best in the summer months.

Fjord Active Adventure: Bergen to Trondheim - 15 Days

Explore Norway's famous fjords, snow-capped mountains, and stunning waterfalls on this 15-day tour—perfect for active travelers with a love of hiking and the great outdoors—that starts in UNESCO-listed Bergen and finishes at Trondheim. Drive alongside the famous Sognefjord, paddle on glacial lakes in Jostedalsbreen National Park, take a beautiful train journey from Flåm and enjoy the warmer months when Norway's hiking trails are open and the waterfalls are flowing.

Southern Norway Highlights: Oslo, Bergen, Årdal & Stavanger - 15 Days

This active tour is excellent for travelers seeking to experience Norway's stunning fjords and rich Viking culture up close. It starts in Oslo, where you'll spend a few days in the walkable capital before heading west for exciting adventures in and around Bergen and its seven mountains. Then spend two nights at the base of Jotunheimen National Park—home of Northern Europe's two highest peaks—before finishing in Stavanger, where you'll hike to the iconic viewpoint, Preikestolen (Pulpit's Rock).

Discover Norway's Cities & Fjords - 15 Days

Perfect for active adults, this exciting tour of Southern Norway incorporates famous fjords and the country's three most significant cities for an epic adventure. Starting in Oslo, you'll head west for a range of outdoor experiences along the Sognefjord. Next, explore Bergen and its seven mountains before boarding the Hurtigruten for several days at sea, stopping in Ålesund, a beautiful Art Nouveau city, and finishing in Trondheim with Viking culture and a 14th-century Gothic cathedral.

The 6 Best Hotels in Oslo

Choosing among all the great accommodations in Norway's growing capital can be tricky, and we're here to help. Here are six favorite hotels in three categories depending on your budget—standard, mid-range, and luxury—with either new or renovated rooms, standout complimentary breakfasts, and desirable locations steps from Oslo's top attractions.

The 4 Best Hotels near Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

One of the most famous hikes in Norway offers few hotel options (enjoy those uninterrupted views), and you'll want a good night's sleep before and after the adventure. Luckily, Stavanger, Norway's fourth largest city, is less than an hour away from Pulpit Rock, providing a charming base. Here are four hotels in the cobbled center with access to great restaurants and shopping.

The 6 Best Boutique Hotels in Bergen

When choosing a hotel in Norway's charming city of Bergen, consider one of the many boutique options within walking distance of top attractions. These six hotels provide unique decor elements, including a glass ceiling purchased in Amsterdam, wood beams from the Hanseatic period, and motifs inspired by two famous Norwegian composers. Read on and pick your favorite.

The 6 Best Historic Hotels in Bergen

It should be no surprise that Bergen has a bundle of historic hotels given its UNESCO-listed wharf. We've selected six hotels that have stood the test of time, with renovated interiors that blend nicely with the buildings' original details. Even if you're not staying overnight, check out the lounges, bars, and restaurants for a glimpse of the past.

The 3 Best Waterfront Hotels in Stavanger

When choosing a hotel in Norway's charming city of Stavanger, most travelers are drawn to the scenic harbor, steps from top-notch restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions, not to mention boating fjord excursions. Here are three favorite waterfront hotels—standard, mid-range, and luxury—depending on your budget.

The 3 Best Hotels in Bryggen, Bergen's Medieval Wharf

When choosing a hotel in Bergen, some travelers prefer to be as close to the UNESCO-listed wharf, Bryggen, as possible. Here, you'll have immediate access to the photogenic maze of multicolored wooden houses with museums, boutiques, and outdoor cafés spilling toward the waterfront. We've hand-picked three hotels that fit the bill—read on to learn more.

The 5 Best Waterfront Hotels in Bergen

Along an arm of the North Sea, Bergen's waterfront is recognizable for its colorful maze of wooden houses backed by forested mountains—you'll likely want to spend quality time here when visiting. These five hotels are directly on the harbor or steps from it, with easy access to outdoor cafés, a fish market, hiking trails (with sea views), and fjord excursions.

The 6 Best Hotels in Bergen

Norway's second-largest city has a growing hotel scene for travelers who want to explore major highlights like the UNESCO-listed wharf, hiking trails, and nearby fjords. We've hand-picked a few options in each category—standard, mid-range, and luxury—that are located in the city center with some unique perks, like a tranquility pool and a restaurant in a 400-year-old cave, to name a few. Read on to learn more.

The 5 Best Hotel Cocktail Bars in Oslo

Norway's capital gets more sophisticated by the year, and many of its best hotels have atmospheric lounges that draw locals and travelers alike for signature cocktails. These hotels—some are historic properties from the 19th century—are well located in the city center and pair easily with restaurants as well as cultural attractions like the National Theater and Oslo Opera House.

The 9 Best Hotel Restaurants in Oslo

Many of Oslo's top hotels have added new polished restaurants in recent years that aim to draw locals and travelers alike, with unique draws like rooftop settings or large windows facing the Christmas market. These nine hotels—some are restored historic properties from the 19th century—are well located in the city center and pair easily with top attractions like Palace Park and the Munch Museum.

The 7 Best Mid-Range Hotels in Bergen

Norway's second-largest city has many unique hotels, big and small, for travelers who want to explore major highlights like the UNESCO-listed wharf and nearby fjords. A step above standard, these seven mid-range options are well located in central Bergen and offer modern rooms, free breakfasts, and comfy lounge areas or restaurants. Read on to learn more.

The 4 Best Luxury Hotels in Bergen

If you're looking for a splurge hotel in Norway's second-largest city—walking distance from the historic harbor—these four hotels have upscale interiors and possible amenities ranging from spas and tranquility pools to Michelin-starred restaurants. Here are our top picks for the best luxury hotels in Bergen.

The 3 Best Standard Hotels in Bergen

There are affordable hotel options in Bergen, despite being an expensive city. The accommodations on this list have welcoming lounge spaces, complimentary breakfasts, and surprising perks like a romantic restaurant in a 400-year-old cellar. Plus, you'll be within walking distance of all the city offers, including Bryggen's medieval wharf, hiking trails, and fjord excursions.

The 3 Best Luxury Hotels in the Sognefjord

All family-owned, these three luxury hotel options offer beautiful views, elegant decor, and standout food and wine programs. Read on to find out more about our hand-picked luxury properties in Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord.

The 3 Best Fjordside Hotels in Balestrand

When choosing a hotel in the artsy and outdoorsy town of Balestrand, you'll likely prioritize views of the Sognefjord—Norway's longest and deepest fjord. These three hotels not only take advantage of their proximity to the surrounding mountains and sea but have easy access to galleries, challenging hiking trails, and fjord adventures.

The 8 Best Historic Hotels in the Sognefjord

These eight properties—many family-owned and operated for generations—provide plenty of local charm and hospitality after a day's adventures in the Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord.

The 8 Best Mid-Range Hotels in the Sognefjord

Choosing a mid-range hotel while exploring Norway's longest and deepest fjord is ideal for travelers who want a step above the standard category but don't want to spend on luxury. These eight properties offer comfortable interiors and perks, like renovated rooms with local bath products, a fireplace lounge, or an outdoor pool facing the fjord.

The 3 Best Hotels in Aurland

If traveling to Norway's fjord region, the small village of Aurland provides a charming base for exploring the incredibly scenic Aurlandsford (a branch of the Sognefjord). These three hotels—two of which are family-owned—offer easy access to hiking trails, fjord excursions, a beachfront for swimmers, and Stegastein Viewpoint.

The 4 Best Fjordside Hotels in Flåm

When choosing a place to stay in Flåm—a village in Norway's fjord region—views are likely a priority. These four charming hotels are surrounded by steep mountains in the Aurlandsfjord (a branch of the famous Sognefjord) and offer direct access to hiking trails and fjord excursions, plus a vintage-style railway with one of the steepest train routes in the world.

The 12 Best Hotels in the Sognefjord

Given the rugged, remote, and sizable setting in Norway's fjord region, choosing the right hotel (and location) can get tricky, but we're here to help. We've hand-picked a dozen options in the Sognefjord—the country's longest and deepest fjord—and have broken them down into three categories depending on your budget: standard, mid-range, and luxury. Read on for the best hotels in the Sognefjord.

The 4 Best Hotels near the Waterfront in Oslo

Hotels near Oslo's up-and-coming waterfront offer easy access to a deluge of new museums, restaurants, shops, and architectural gems. We've compiled a list of properties that are a short stroll to either Aker Brygge or Bjørvika along the Oslofjord, making it easier to explore Norway's capital.

The 5 Best Standard Hotels in the Sognefjord

Norway's fjord region, like all of Scandinavia, is notoriously expensive, but the Sognefjord—Norway's longest and deepest fjord—has its share of affordable stays surrounded by spectacular scenery. We've hand-picked five simple but charming hotels that don't break the bank, leaving you extra spending money for the area's wide range of outdoor adventures and cultural activities.