With such a wide range of options to explore, Norway can easily keep most travelers occupied for weeks, if not months. That said, an epic itinerary can be covered in less time; at least five days to delve into Norway is recommended. Don't worry if you have less time, though. Shorter visits are feasible but should focus on one or two specific areas. If you have more than a week, you can include remote regions like the Lofoten Islands or Svalbard.
Norway may have 63,000 miles of coastline and endless countryside to explore, but you don't need to see it all to have an amazing experience. Whether your priorities lie in the dramatic southern fjords, coastal islands, cultural cities, or small fishing villages, it's easy to craft a satisfying itinerary that takes less than a week to complete. Get inspired by these unique itineraries for your 5-day trip to Norway.
With six days in a country as vast and varied as Norway, pick one general region and stick to it. Summer travelers can choose from a number of active road trips that involve hiking, whitewater rafting, and incredible scenery, while those visiting in winter can stay in an igloo above the Arctic Circle or spot wildlife in the Lofoten Islands. And pairing city tours of Oslo and Bergen, with a ride on the famed Flåm Railway in between, is great in any season.
It's hard to imagine a more quintessential winter wonderland experience than exploring snow-covered Norway by car, train, or boat with the Northern Lights dancing overhead. Norway's northern latitude, with a significant portion of the country above the Arctic Circle, makes for cold and short days, so careful planning is required to make sure the logistics of your Norway winter trip run like clockwork. Read on for great winter itinerary suggestions, and tips to help you make the most of your winter visit to the land of fjords.
From down in the fjords up to the mountain peaks, Norway is full of sweeping vistas and stirring Viking tales. How to capture it all in a week? Hone in on your favorite region or travel style with these itineraries.
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."
With just over a week to explore Norway's incredible scenery, you can pick a region and pair it with some urban fun in the country’s best transit cities: Oslo, Bergen, and Tromsø. Summer travelers can choose from a number of active trips—often traveling by ferry, train, and bus—while those visiting in winter can stay in a luxury lodge above the Arctic Circle while searching for the Northern Lights. For more relaxation, check out the ultimate scenic road trip that includes views of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen, or 'Troll's Ladder'.
Nine days is a great amount of time to explore one or two regions in Norway, allowing for a few days of scenic transit without feeling too rushed. In Northern Norway, you can start the trip in cultural Tromsø, with separate multi-day excursions in the wilderness at both Trapper's Farm (inland) and the island of Senja (coastal). Or start further south Oslo and end in Bergen, traveling by train, ferry, fjordcruise, Hurtigruten, or rental car. Learn more about your options below.
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.
With 10 days to explore nearly 60,000 miles of coastline, you'll want to make sure you're equipped with a plan to tackle Norway's wide-ranging scenery, wildlife, and culture. Figure out where to start with these 10-day itineraries.
Having more than 10 days to travel in a country as beautiful as Norway is a real luxury, allowing you to see a few different regions without having to rush. Summer travelers can choose from a number of active or relaxing fjord trips that include one or more means of transportation (rental car, fjordcruise, train, and Hurtigruten), while those visiting in cooler months can head above the Arctic Circle for dramatic islands, Northern Lights, and fewer crowds. Most trips start and end in Oslo and/or Bergen, injecting the perfect amount of urban adventure.
With 12 days in Norway, travelers can mix and match multiple major cities and regions. Activity options will depend largely on the season: In summer you can explore verdant mountains and dramatic fjords with various scenic modes of transport (rental car, fjordcruise, and train), while winter visitors can cruise above the Arctic Circle, go dogsledding, spot Northern Lights, and enjoy fewer crowds. And every trip below includes plenty of cultural exploration in one of Norway's vibrant urban centers: Oslo, Bergen, and Tromsø.
Having nearly two weeks in Norway allows you to see up to three different regions without having to rush. Summer travelers can choose from a number of active fjord trips that include several means of transportation (rental car, train, and Hurtigruten), while those visiting in winter months can head above the Arctic Circle for dramatic islands, Northern Lights, and fewer crowds. All adventures start and end in Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø or Bodø for a dose of Scandinavian urban culture.
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.
You could spend a whole year in Norway and barely scratch the surface of its expansive beauty. If you've only got two weeks to try and do so, give one of these itineraries a try. You'll scope out Norwegian nature, culture, and more through the seasons.
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.
Dog sledding through the wonderland of Norway's winter landscape is a classic Scandinavian experience. Combine this uniquely thrilling activity with overnight camping the traditional Sami way for an unforgettable adventure—all during the best season for spotting the Northern Lights.
