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Solo travels in Norway

Travel alone! 

That way, you're the boss…

... and it's easy to make  new friends  along the way.

“ I truly believe that it's something for everyone. Sometimes, you need to take a break and do something for yourself. ”

Mette Solberg Fjeldheim

Freelance journalist and travel writer

Some people love travelling alone, while others have never tried it before. Some might even think that it sounds a bit scary. However, Mette Solberg Fjeldheim believes there is no reason to be scared. Are you up for the challenge?

Fjeldheim has travelled a lot on her own in both Norway and abroad thanks to her career as a travel journalist and blogger for her popular travel blog  Reiselykke . She also sometimes travels solo in her free time. 

"One summer, I took a trip to Odda to hike to Trolltunga. It was a trip I had wanted to take for a long time, but I didn’t have anyone to travel with. So, I went alone. It was a great experience! The weather was beautiful and I had the mountains all to myself that weekend," she says.

Although she mostly travels together with her family when she goes on holiday, she has had many positive experiences when travelling alone. 

"The biggest advantage of travelling alone is that you are the boss," says Fjeldheim.

She also points out that when you go solo you can see, do, and experience whatever you wish – without having to take other people's opinions into account.

Many people may be hesitant about doing certain things alone, such as dining in a restaurant, if they have never tried it before. 

"Bring along something to read. A good book is always good company! You often get a little extra attention from servers who like to chat if they have the time, which is nice," says Solberg Fjeldheim, providing a solo travel tip.

In addition, you always have your phone, if you want to fidget with something. But one of the joys of travelling alone is perhaps to lift your gaze and get to know others and the things around you a bit better. 

"Travelling alone can be a great opportunity to step outside your comfort zone. I think that does us all a great deal of good," she points out.

Mette's top five tips  for travelling solo in Norway:

1. Plan a short trip. It's a nice and easy start when you want to try travelling alone. 

2. Plan well and sign up for some guided tours or group activities. 

3. Bring along a book or some reading material. There's good company in a good book. 

4. Order accommodation in advance and arrive before dark. It's more welcoming that way. 

5. Don't be afraid to ask for help or to approach others.

Some people travel solo because they want to spend some time alone, while others travel to meet people and socialise. 

She has some good tips for how to do the latter. "Even though you are travelling alone, it doesn't mean you need to be lonely when you're travelling. There are a lot of good opportunities out there to sign up for guided tours or take part in group trips and experiences. You can meet other people that way, whether it's a day trip or an entire holiday where everything is organised from start to finish." 

One place she particularly recommends is Svalbard, where she has enjoyed lots of activities together with others. 

"I drove a snowmobile and rode a dog sled, took a guided glacier tour, and went on a northern lights safari – all with different groups of people I didn't know from before. It was really easy to start chatting with people on Svalbard. There was an informal and friendly atmosphere throughout my stay," she says.

Norway is a  safe and friendly country in which to travel. However, you do need to respect the forces of nature when you're exploring the outdoors. 

"If you're travelling alone, it's a good idea to tell someone where you're going, especially if you are going for a hike in the mountains. The weather can change quickly, and it can suddenly become foggy and cold. It's a good idea to learn and always abide by the mountain safety rules," Solheim points out. 

There are also lots of possibilities for those who prefer more urban surroundings. 

"You can just as easily sign up for a guided tour in the cities or at museums, for example."

Where to meet new people

If you like meeting new people, another tip is to stay at a lodge or hostel, or visit a Norwegian Trekking Association cabin. Here, visitors naturally gather around big tables and often cook together in the kitchen. 

Fjeldheim points out that it's easy to get to know Norwegians. Although Norwegians are a somewhat reserved people by nature, most are happy to give travellers tips and advice. Once the ice has been broken, you can make a very good friend.

By the way, did you know that the Norwegian mountains are one of the hottest places for singles to meet in Norway? Put on a green hat the next time you go for a hike (take note: a green hat shows that you're single) and see if you meet someone special!

A safe place for solo travellers

Flashpack.com, which focuses on solo travel around the world, has called Norway a dream destination for first-time solo travellers:

Norway is one of the safest places in the world in which to travel. The country’s crime rates are extremely low.

Norway is an open and welcoming place for all visitors, from women travelling alone to LGBTQ+ travellers.

The country has an  efficient transport system ,with regular train, bus and ferry services connecting even the most remote destinations.

 Norwegians enjoy the outdoors in all seasons , whether hiking in the mountains in summer, or skiing on snow-covered slopes in winter.

Tip: the further away you are from a city , the more quickly Norwegians start talking to you!

Mette's top solo travel destinations in Norway:

For adventure lovers.

Do you dream of climbing iconic mountaintops? Or surfing at one of the world's best beaches, freediving, or doing yoga? There are so many possibilities!  

The Jærstrendene beaches by Stavanger and the beautiful sand beaches on Karmøy near Haugesund provide great opportunities  to learn kiting, surfing, or bouldering, for example. A good local tip is Raw Ocean Lodge, which has everything from accommodation to yoga, bouldering, and guided SUP tours to free diving and surfing.    

Head to Åkrafjorden's Via Ferrata Kyrkjeveggen , one of the best via ferratas in Norway.  At nearby Trolljuv Bungee, you can bungee jump between steep mountain cliffs.  

Hardanger offers lots of adventure , including RIB trips on the fjord and Via Ferrata climbing up iconic Trolltunga. In the summer, visit the Folgefonna glacier, where you can try downhill skiing or take a guided glacier walk.  

Voss, about an hour and a half from Bergen , is known as Norway's extreme sport village. Here, there are lots of activities to get your blood pumping, including parachuting, paragliding, and rafting.   

In Northern Norway, Lofoten has much to offer . Go fishing, sign up for an organised kayaking trip, or take a high-speed ride on a RIB boat. But Northern Norway is so much more than just Lofoten. I would personally like to get to know Finnmark and the Helgelandskysten coast better.

For those  seeking a calm retreat

Sometimes you need to recharge in silence, completely alone. How about staying in a special retreat? Or maybe indulging yourself with a little wellness? 

Sleep comfortably in exciting surroundings close to nature! There has been a huge increase in exciting new types of accommodation in recent years, including everything from seaside lighthouses to treetop cabins and glamping options.   

Are you on a tight budget ? It's safe and easy to pitch a tent most places covered by the right to roam. If you want an extra sense of security, not to mention hot water and social contact, Norwegian campsites offer spaces to pitch your tent at reasonable rates.   

For a little luxury , head to Engø Gård in Telemark, which offers beautiful surroundings, delicious food and an inviting pool area. Historic Dalen Hotel will also give you a memorable experience. Here, you can visit the nearby Vest-Telemark Museum and Eidsborg stave church or take a cruise on the Telemarkskanalen channel.   

Norway is also home to many spa hotels . If you are near Bergen or Oslo, it's easy to catch the train to Geilo, for example, and check in to the Vestlia Resort. Geilo is a mountain village full of stunning scenery and luxurious resorts. It's the ideal place to spoil yourself with a spa treatment and an excellent meal (try Smakeriet Geilo or Hallingstuene).

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17 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Norway

• 1. Norway is a Scandinavian Country

2. Polar Bears do not Walk in the Streets

3. the norwegian currency is nok (norwegian krone), 4. most norwegians speak english, 5. norway is a safe country to visit, 6. winter, spring, summer, fall, 7. always bring an extra layer of clothes, 8. wild camping is allowed in mostly all of norway, 9. national parks and most outdoor locations are free to use, 10. norway has the best salmon, 11. traveling in norway can be expensive if you only eat out.

• 12. Northern lights aren't visible everywhere
• 13. Norway is a Long Country
• 14. There aren't Many Dangers in the Wild

15. Norwegians eat a lot of Taco

16. the difference between southern norway and northern norway is huge.

• 17. The Midnight Sun Isn't a Different Sun

Are you dreaming of visiting Norway one day? Perhaps you've already booked a flight and have begun planning the trip. Regardless of where you are in the process, here are 17 things you should know before visiting Norway:

1. Norway is a Scandinavian Country 

We Norwegians tend to believe that Norway is the center of the earth and everyone knows who we are. The truth is that Norway isn't as large as we want to believe and everyone doesn't even know that Norway even is a country. 

Norway is a Scandinavian country with approximately 5.2 million people and has numerous times been named one of the best places to live and/or visit. 

(For those who don't know: Scandinavia consists of Norway, Sweden and Denmark; 3 nordic countries located in Europe)

A common misconception is that Polar Bears walk the streets in Norway. This is, fortunately, not the case. In fact, there are no wild Polar Bears on mainland Norway. 

Norway is actually a really civilized country and you would be surprised to see how modern it is. We even have cars driving in the streets...!

Svalbard, however, is a Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole where there are more Polar Bears than people. Still, it's rare that there are any incidents between the inhabitants and Polar Bears.

The currency we use in Norway is the Norwegian Krone. So, if you're traveling with only Euro you won't come far. The Norwegian Krone was recently weakened which means that if you're traveling to Norway in the near future it will be cheaper than what it was only one year ago. 

It should be mentioned that Norway is using less and less cash. You can mostly anything with a credit card, even taxis and hot dogs! That means that it's not a crisis if you forgot to bring cash.

Don't know Norwegian? No problem! The majority of Norwegians speaks English. Even though some are a bit shy to have a full conversation, they are able to understand most and to help you with any questions you might have. 

So, don't be afraid of saying hi to a stranger! 

Norway is known to be one of the safest countries in the world. Crime rates are extremely low even in major cities such as Oslo , Bergen , Trondheim , and Stavanger . 

As with any other urban areas, you should take certain precautions but there's not much to be afraid of. Even walking alone during the night is relatively safe and the chances are small that you'll become the victim of a crime.

Most crimes in Norway are related to home and office burglaries. There are some groups of pickpocketers traveling around the most touristic areas during summer so keep an extra eye on your wallet when you're in a crowd (still, the possibilities of anything happening is low).  

There are 4 seasons in Norway: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Be sure to take this into consideration when you're planning to visit Norway . Some attractions are only open during a specific season and certain hikes are unreachable during winter. If your main purpose is to visit one specific location figure out what season is optimal for that. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that the weather changes a lot between seasons. Make sure that you always bring enough clothes when traveling to Norway as it does get cold! Keeping an eye on the weather forecast  is always a good idea.

The weather, as mentioned above, changes a lot between seasons in Norway so you always want to bring enough clothes. Most importantly, if you're planning to go on some hikes during your visit, you need to bring an extra layer of clothes. Even during summer, it's wise to bring a rain jacket and a fleece in your backpack in case the weather changes or the temperatures drop when you reach a higher altitude. 

Due to " Allemannsretten " (every man or woman's right of public access), you can pitch a tent wherever you want in Norway (unless anything else is stated at a specific area). The outdoors is very important for us Norwegians and we do our best to maintain the right of using the outdoors freely. So, make sure that you leave no traces behind and don't do any damage to nature.

There are also several campsites all over Norway that are cheap to stay at. At these sites, you often have the possibility to take a warm shower, clean your clothes and charge any batteries.

Also, due to "Allemannsretten", all public lands are free to access. This means that you don't have to pay an entrance fee for a national park and you're free to go mostly wherever you want. All we ask is that you treat nature with respect and do your best not to leave any traces behind.

It's true, Norway has the best salmon. In fact, it was Norwegians who introduced the Japanese to Salmon Sushi in the 1980's. That's how good our salmon is. 

While salmon isn't cheap, make sure that you have at least one proper salmon meal in Norway even if you're traveling on a budget.

It's no secret that Norway is an expensive country to visit. Even though it's less expensive now that the Norwegian Krone is weak, it's not cheap. One way to avoid spending too much money during your travels in Norway is to eat less at restaurants. Purchasing your own food at a supermarket is much cheaper than going out every day. Unlike many other countries, Norway doesn't have a culture of going out to eat. 

If you are traveling on a budget make sure that you read through our Norway on a Budget Guide .

12. Northern lights aren't visible everywhere

Are you dreaming of seeing the northern lights? Well, Norway is the right place to do it!

There's something magical about watching the sky turn into a green and purple formation dancing all over. I still remember the first time I saw it for myself, it was a moment that changed my life...

Many tourists come to Norway with the intent to see the northern lights . However, the northern lights (or Aurora Borealis) isn't visible all over Norway.

Since Norway is a long country you're normally only able to see the lady in green in the northern parts of Norway. The further south you go, the fewer lights you will see. Places such as Lofoten, Bodø and Tromsø are popular areas to watch the northern lights .

You should also remember that the northern lights won't be visible during the summer as it is too bright during that season. Typically, you've got the best chance of seeing some activity between October and April.

13. Norway is a Long Country 

Another large misconception about Norway is that it's a small country which is easy to travel around. This isn't the case. Even though only 5 million people live here, it’s a large country by area (148 718 square miles) that stretches from 57° to 81° North. This means that you're not able to spend a couple of days in Norway and see both the west coast, capital and northern parts. In fact, driving from Kristiansand in southern Norway to Nordkapp in Northern Norway takes about 38 hours non-stop.

Therefore, you should plan your trip carefully and look at the distances between the places you want to go. If you want to see places in all regions I strongly suggest you spend some days extra or plan more than one trip. 

• Press here for self-drive itineraries in Norway
• Press here for self-drive tours in Norway

14. There aren't Many Dangers in the Wild

Besides the Polar Bears on Svalbard, there are no dangerous animals waiting to attack you in the Norwegian wild. Either you're in the woods, on a mountain or on a glacier, you have nothing to fear. 

There are animals that you want to avoid but they will typically run away before you even see them. You can read more about wildlife and animals in Norway here . 

If you visit a Norwegian family on a Friday evening the possibility is high that they are having Tacos for dinner. As a joke, it's said that Tex-Mex is Norway's national food. Yes, it really is that popular - even my grandma makes Tacos on Fridays!

(Ok, you might not have  needed  to know this but it's a fun fact that might work as an awkward icebreaker!)

Since Norway is such a long country it goes without saying that the differences are quite significant. In the southern Norway, you have beautiful coasts and warm (not tropical!) weather, the East has large areas of woods and the capital, the West has the fjords and mountains while the north has the arctic landscapes. 

You might also notice that the dialects spoken throughout Norway are quite different and if you're just learning to speak some Norwegian it might be a bit confusing. 

17. The Midnight Sun Isn't a Different Sun

During winter, northern Norway has polar nights; a period where the sun never rises above the horizon and you have 24 hours of dark. During summer, however, it's the exact opposite; the sun never sets. 

You might have heard of the  Midnight Sun  before. Unlike what a few tend to believe, the midnight sun is actually not a different sun...it's just the same sun as during the rest of the year but it doesn't go down; meaning 24 hours of daylight. 

• Press here for things to do in Oslo
• Press here for things to do in Lofoten
• Press here for things to do in Tromsø

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Home » Europe » Norway » Backpacking Norway Travel Guide 2024

Backpacking Norway Travel Guide 2024

Epic Fjords, crisp, fresh air and the sparkling majestic Northern Lights. This is what Backpacking Norway offers to travellers. Despite being one of the most expensive countries on earth, Norway remains a dream travel destination and each year welcomes over 33 million visitors.

Norway’s charms are abundant, unique and unforgettable. Whether you fancy taking in the design aesthetics of Oslo, dog sledging in Tromso, or sipping wine on a Fjord cruise Norway has something for everybody.

With so much on offer, it can be hard deciding where to go to Norway. Also, being notoriously expensive it can also put a lot of strain on your budget.

This is why we made this kick-ass Norway backpacking guide.

Why Go Backpacking in Norway?

Norway is unique, beautiful and altogether special. However, it is also seriously, painfully expensive to travel Norway and to get the most out of it you will need a pretty generous budget. The trick is not to linger too long in the country and to try and cram your itinerary in as fast as possible to save cash. 

You may also wish to go easy on nights out and meals in restaurants. Instead, make your Nordic adventure all about the great nature and breathtaking outdoors which you can enjoy for free.

Before you book your trip to Norway you really need to decide what it is you want to do and see and plan carefully. You also need to be mindful of what time of year you go. Not only does the weather change dramatically between summer and winter, but so does the daylight situation. 

In the far North (Tromso/Lapland) the sun doesn’t really set during high summer and on the other hand, during winter the sun never really rises – the eerie “blue light” of winter is something to experience.

We will go into further detail about all of these points in this backpacking Norway guide.

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Norway

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There are endless different ways to explore Norway. You can do weekend break to the cities, fly to Lapland for Christmas or take a Fjord Cruise. However, here are a couple of ideas for Norwegian itineraries.

Backpacking Noway 7 Day Itinerary – An Introduction

This Norwegian itinerary begins in Stavanger which is located at the Southern end of the country and is well connected to Europe and Oslo. After getting acquainted with the town take in the Pulpit Rock hike and if you have an extra day, the Kjeragbolten hike.

After that head to pretty Bergen and take in the harbour and the classic Stave Church . If you have time and energy then there are great hiking options including Trolltunga.

From Bergen, make the incredibly photogenic drive to the little town of Geiranger where you can admire the Fjord from land, from kayak or leisure boat. The next drive from Geiranger to Andalsnes takes in the stunning “Trolls Ladder” switchback road.

From here make your way to Oslo and be sure to visit Munch’s The Scream in the National Museum. If you have money, Oslo has a great bar and club scene and it also has an airport to fly you home!

Backpacking Norway 10 Day Itinerary – The Highlights

This whirlwind tour of Norway is the best of both worlds: you make an epic Norwegian road trip , do plenty of hiking, and experience a wide variety of different landscapes, towns, and cities.

Ever wonder where those epic photographs of people standing on cliffs in Norway with an amazing view of the mountains and fjords perfectly positioned in the backdrop were taken?  The answer: most definitely somewhere along this backpacking route. Though, I can say with certainty that Pulpit Rock and Trolltunga are likely the images of Norway you have in your mind’s eye.

This is an action-packed itinerary with plenty of those “wow” moments occurring on a daily basis.

If you have slightly longer than two days, I suggest going on a few longer hikes, going on a sea-kayaking overnight trip through the fjords, camping in a Norway national park or two, and getting to know the tiny villages scattered along the way.

Backpacking Norway 2 week Itinerary – The Arctic North

If you’re not afraid of the cold (or of 24-hour daylight if you come in summer) then head to Norway’s Northernmost never-regions for a true glimpse of the Arctic.

Start in pretty Tromsø , a university town with a young, welcoming populace. Visit the Ice Cathedral and maybe try to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights . You can also visit lovely Senja from here.

Next head east for the rock carvings of Alta, then Nordkapp which is as far north as you can go in Norway by land. Spend some time with the native Sami people over at Karasjok and Kautokeino .

Then, catch a flight to Svalbard which remains one of the most unique places I have ever been to. Spend 3/4 nights here before departing.

Norway covers a pretty long landmass and stretches the full length of Scandinavia. Therefore, the climate, geography and culture do vary as you go. Where exactly you go backpacking in Norway will depend on what you want to get out of the experience and what time of year you intend to visit.

Norway’s capital is an elegant, clean and friendly city of 680,000 people. In terms of Norwegian geography, it is pretty far to the south and is actually nearer to London than it is to Svalbard. This means that the weather and daylight situations never get too extreme either way.

The city feels like other Northern European cities except for the Scandinavian design aesthetics of Oslo’s neighbourhoods and mighty harbour looking onto the Fjords.

There is a thriving coffee shop scene as well as plenty of lively bars and clubs – however, eating out and socialising here is seriously pricey, and the locals are definitely not the most welcoming in Europe. Instead, why not hang out in one of Oslo’s cool hostels and drink the free tea?!

The Oslo Art museum also houses a few Edward Munch’s including the legendary “The Scream” which looks even more amazing in real life and cannot be missed – the best thing in Oslo to do .

Oslo is well connected to the rest of Europe and Norway and you will probably pass through the capital. Luckily there are plenty of amazing Airbnbs in Oslo . However, the city itself is probably not quite the romantic vision Norway you are searching for so I do not advise lingering too long. Instead, head for the Fjords, the woods or the Northern territories as soon as you can.

Svalbard is a Norwegian territory located some 2000 North of the mainland and is actually inside the arctic circle. It was once a mining colony and now exists as a research facility and a hub for adventure tourism. To reach Svalbard you will need to take a flight from Tromso/Oslo or Northern Finland.

Svalbard is dramatic. It is pretty much the end of human civilization. It is the final, icy frontier before the great apocalyptic winter wasteland. Think of it as a combination between Game of Thrones’ “The Wall” and some futuristic colony on an ice planet. The international, transient population only numbers 2000 meaning there are more polar bears here than people.

Note that in mid-summer, it stays light 24 hours and in the depths of winter it is 24 hours pure darkness. Waking up at 9 am in darkness is unsettling but is one of the most unique travel experiences of my life. For obvious reasons, Svalbard is most popular during shoulder seasons (March/Apr & Oct/Nov).

There is quite a lot to do up in Svalbard including hikes, caving and Northern Lights tours. However, if you want to see the Northern Lights we suggest sitting in a bar and keeping an eye on the Northern Lights forecast (shown on TV screens) – when you get the go-ahead, take a taxi to Mine 7 and watch the horizon. You will have to fly to get to Svalbard and accommodation is pricey . However, tax breaks mean that food, drink and booze is cheaper than on the mainline. 

Stavanger is the gateway to some of the most spectacular scenery in Norway. It is a 7 hour+ drive from Oslo FYI. Most people opt to fly here, and if you are short on time, taking a flight is definitely the way to go. You can manage with the train easy enough if you don’t plan on renting a car in Norway .

Stavanger is pleasant enough, though really it will just be your base. The real draw of the area lies in the surrounding regions. One must do the classic hike to Pulpit Rock , which you can get to from Stavanger via public transit.

After arriving in the village of Tau, there is a bus service that drives backpackers to the start of the Pulpit Rock hike. The hikes is about four miles return. This is a classic Norwegian hike and by definition is very popular. I advise coming as early as you can to try and escape the crowds.

Kjeragbolten

The  Kjeragbolten hike is one of the most iconic and beautiful hikes to be found in Norway . I know, I know, everything is beautiful in Norway, right? But Kjeragbolten is something special still. You’ll see.

The start of the Kjeragbolten hike is roughly two hours from Stavanger. This 12 km hike will take between 6-7 hours from start to finish. The views along the way are truly incredible. Again, the Kjeragbolten hike is very popular so do your best to start earlier in the day.

Bear in mind that this hike is a bit more intense than the Pulpit Rock hike. The Kjeragbolten hike is also home to the now-famous (thanks Instagram) massive rock that is wedged between two cliffs a great distance from the ground (several thousand feet!). Please don’t be the next backpacker to fall to his/her death from this boulder for the sole sake of taking an epic photo.

Charming Bergen is actually the 2nd largest city in Norway and yet it wonderfully retains the feel of a small, harbourside town. It’s surrounded by mountains and fjords, including Sognefjord, the country’s longest and deepest. There are a few hostels in Bergen as well as some campsites if you are on a tight budget.

If you are visiting Norway for a short break or a weekend, staying in Bergen is ideal. The lovely spot is well connected by air and offers a true glimpse of Norway which you may not quite get in cosmopolitan Oslo.

The  Hanseatic Wharf , first established in the 14th century, is a welcomed sight upon first arriving in Bergen. Apart from being very easy on the eyes, the wharf is now a  UNESCO World Heritage site .

There is plenty to eat and drink along the wharf so come hungry. The  Bergen Fish Market  is another quintessential Bergen experience. There is plenty of things to eat and taste along the way.

The mountains nearby are indeed very close and accessible. The most accessible mountain directly from town is Fløyen. You can take the Fløibanen cable car to the top. Once there you are blessed with incredible views in all directions. You can carry on hiking and explore further into the mountains if you’re keen.

As well as climbing the Fjords and dining on fish, you can pass time in Bergen by visiting its cool museums and visiting the unique “Stave Church” which originally dates from 1152 – although it was totally destroyed and rebuilt in 1992. 

Damn it Norway. The beautiful hikes just keep on coming in an endless glaciated stream. The Trolltunga hike begins from the village of  Tyssedal .

There are basically two ways to tackle the Trolltunga hike. The first option: you can opt to hike the undulating switchbacks to the top. For the Second option: The Sky Ladder tour offers up a mixture of mountain biking and via ferrata style climbing to reach the top. Making the Sky Ladder Tour sounds more interesting, though I did not personally do it.

In total, the Trolltunga hike is about 23 km and will take you all day (8-10 hours). By day’s end, you will have successfully experienced one of the true highlights of backpacking Norway.

Balestrand and Geiranger

Your drive to Balestrand will take you across the stunning  Aurlandsvegen Snow Road. There are several worth while viewpoints along the road so take your time and enjoy it. Backpacking Norway is filled with these sorts of opportunities and if you rush you will simply miss them!

An alternative is heading to a lower elevation road and driving the  Lærdalstunnelen tunnel , the longest tunnel in the world (24.5 km or 15.2 miles).

Once in Balestrand, be sure to pop into  Ciderhuset . They make some very tasty local cider, jams, and other fruit-based products.  Gekkens is the best spot in town to grab lunch or a coffee.

Geiranger is another one of Norway’s magical outdoor playgrounds. The main activities here center around the fjords and surrounding mountains.

Rent a kayak an explore some of the fjords. Or alternatively, you can go for a mountain bike ride. Indeed, there is also plenty of awesome hikes in the area as well. In Geiranger, there are a few shops and places to eat when you need to refuel.

Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord .

If you have a day or two to just chill out, Alesund is a good place to do that. A hike to the Aksla Viewpoint is a good place to get to grips with the layout of the land.

I know, I mentioned Alesund is a good place to rest, and it is! Though if you have some extra energy be sure to get into the epic Sunnmore Alps. You will find a stunning array of walking trails and the typical mind-blowing Norwegian scenery.

Tromso is situated on the Northernmost tip of mainland Norway. Its Northern extremity means that it gets the phenomena of the midnight sun in summer and the eerie blu arctic light in mid-winter. The city itself is like a Christmas card of wooden houses and pine forests.

The main attractions of the town are the Ice Cathedral and the panorama view from Mountain Floya. 

The city is a very popular staging point for Northern Lights tours and they leave every night during the dark months. However, you can probably arrange the same experience yourself at a fraction of the cost.

There are also loads of dog sledging opportunities and other winter activities. There are no hostels in the city so finding a place to stay in Tromso is tricky if you are on a budget – booking a room via Airbnb is what I did.

Tromso airport also handles 2 flights a week to Svalbard.

Lofoten and Nordland

The Lofoten Islands are like a compact version of Norway offering midnight sun in the summertime and the Northern Lights the rest of the year. The mountains are spectacular and whilst not exactly high they offer vantage onto the beautiful fjords, crystal clear waters and white beaches. The locals are also very friendly, welcoming and used to tourists.

If you are short on time then the Lofoten Islands can be visited in a single day trip from Svolvær. Most day trips visit Kabelvåg, Henningsvær and Gimsøya beach.

The Norwegian Fjords are the stuff of traveler legend and for many, a visit is a once in a lifetime experience. However, there is no single place known as “The Fjords” and they can be found across Norway stretching the length and breadth of the nation.

There are in fact over 1000 of them although some are more spectacular than others. Oslo, Bergen and Tromso all have Fjords surrounding them for you to gaze into or try to climb.

Eidfjord is a small, attractive village positioned near Hardangerfjord . if you have a car, take the route that goes by Steinsdalsfossen . It’s kind of pretty, I guess (sarcasm). The village is about a 3 hour drive from Bergen if you make a few stops.

Eidfjord will be your base of operations for exploring the surrounding area. Specifically, for hiking the epic  Trolltunga . Be sure to make it to the  Vøringfossen Waterfall .

If you are not vibing with Eiffjord, you can also stay in  Tyssedal or  Odda .

Fjord Cruises are very popular as a way to really up close with the Fjords and also take in quite a bit of Norway. They are however very expensive.

No, it’s not lap dancing club (imagine how expensive that would be in Norway!). Lapland is perhaps best known as the fictional home of Santa Claus and every December teems with the children of wealthy parents on a once in a childhood trip to meet Santa and his Elves. Lapland actually straddles Norway, Finland, Sweden and even Russia. 

Lapland is a truly beautiful, magical and pretty wild part of Norway which remains home of the indigenous people, some of whom still live a semi-nomadic way of life.

If you wish to visit Norwegian Lapland then head for Alta and Kirkenes as both connect to Oslo.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Norway

The tourist trail in Norway is pretty slim to be honest and finding a quiet corner is very easy. The best way to experience the Norway less traveled is to get a car and drive through the Fjords and check out the smaller towns.

Another golden idea is to randomly pick towns and villages to visit based on the availability of Couchsurfing hosts – finding hosts in Oslo can be hard as users are cynical but if you pick a lesser known town, the host may well have never had a request before!

I have tried this technique all overt he works and ended up in some lovely places I would never have found otherwise.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Norway offers endless opportunities for getting out into nature, cultural immersion, and generally having your mind blown. But let’s look at some of the definitive things to do in Norway.

1. Northern Lights Tour

The poster boy of Nordic tourism is surely the majestic Northern Lights or ‘Aurora Borealis’. Witnessing the almost supernatural natural phenomena for yourself can certainly be a soul-stirring experience.

If you are headed to Norway then you absolutely should try and see them yourself. The best time is between October – March and they cannot be seen at all during summer. Note that you have a better chance of seeing them the further North you go. 

However, please note that you are not guaranteed to see them, if it is cloudy or if the solar activity is wrong they will not be visible. Also, if you do see them, note that they may not exactly be what you expected, and a few travelers have returned underwhelmed by the experience.

There are loads of Northern Lights toys operating across Norway. Note that all they essentially do is charge you $50+ to pack you onto a coach, drive outside of town and wait. It is therefore worth trying to do it for yourself either by renting a car or simply walking up a hill as far away from light pollution as you can get.

2. Fjord Cruise

The Norwegian Fjords are steep and beautiful sea cliffs that trace pretty much the full length of the country. Whilst you can take a trip to the nearest Fjord from anywhere in Norway, the quintessential way to take them in is via a Fjord Cruise. Some Fjord Cruises also cross the Bering Sea and go all the way to Svalbard.

Note that Fjord Cruises are NOT cheap and there is no way to cut costs. It will however be the trip of a lifetime.

3. Trekking Glaciers

Norway is all about the great outdoors and the natives just love to get into the forests, mountains or nearest cabin for some fresh, crisp Northern air.

There are plenty of National Parks across Norway where you can hike or trek til your hearts contents. Even most towns and cities have a great hiking trail on their doorstep. In Tromso, for example, you can follow the path along the Fjordal Coast and you’ll feel transported.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Accommodation in Norway is pricey. Hostel dorms can set you back $30 and there aren’t any hostels at all in Svalbard, Tromso or a lot of popular spots. Hotels and guest-houses are also expensive so your best option is to try and find a spare room on Airbnb.

You can obviously try Couchsurfing but I never had any luck – too many savvy locals realised they could make a few bucks renting that couch real estate out to travellers and switched to Airbnb.

Some hostels charge extra for letting you use kitchen facilities. For this reason, Airbnb is often a better option. Check-in advance. Shame on your Norwegian hostels!

Best Places To Stay in Norway

A Daily Budget in Norway

Obviously your daily budget will vary depending on your travel style, what you do and how hard you hunt for bargains. However, these loose averages are a pretty guide to use a starting point.

Money in Norway

Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Cash points are widely available. Card payments are also widely accepted if not preferred, including in taxi’s or on busses.

As of July 2020, $1 USD =  9.12 NOK

Travel Tips – Norway on a Budget

Norway is seriously expensive. It is one of the most expensive countries in the world and unless you are rich, you feel the pain of this. However, there are a few things you can do to try and cut your costs.

Take as much food with you from home as you can. Pack dried noodles, pasta and tinned goods and cook them in your Airbnb or hostel.

Note that wild camping in open country is enshrined in Norwegian law.

Avoid eating out or drinking as much as possible. Even alcohol in a supermarket carries very high taxes.

Also, try to avoid tours unless they are necessary. You can usually seek out the Northern Lights yourself – you just need to get away from excess light pollution and find a good vantage point.

Why Should You Travel to Norway with a Water Bottle?

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful!

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller.

STOP USING SINGLE-USE PLASTIC! If you’d like some more tips on how to save the world .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

The time of year you visit Norway will inform your experience of it. If you visit in summer expect pleasant, long days. Summer is a great time to go camping and hiking the long trails. Note that if you do visit in summer you won’t see the “Christmas card perfect” side of Norway and the Northern Lights will probably not be visible.

Winter is the exact opposite of the above. The weather can be dangerously cold if you don’t wrap up (see the packing section, proper winter gear is necessary) and the nights can be endless. In Oslo and the South, there will be 4 to 5 hours of daylight each day. In Tromso and the North, the sun never rises but you get the spooky, beguiling blue light between 12 – 3. In Svalbard, it says pitch-black 24/7 during December and January.

To try and get the best of both, it may be worth visiting in October to March. This is also the prime Northern Lights spotting period. However, accommodation prices will spike at this time.

Festivals in Norway

Nordlysfestivalen (Northern Lights Festival) is a celebration of music in all its forms, from opera to jazz, and from chamber music and symphonic orchestras to modern tunes. Taking place late in January each year, this festival is special for both the music and the locations chosen for the concerts. 

Northern Troms – The Sami are the indigenous people of Northern Scandinavia with a vibrant culture and their own language (that’s also recognized as one of Norway’s official languages). Riddu Riu Festivàla ,  (“little storm on the coast”) in Sami, is an international indigenous festival that’s been happening each July for 25 years. Expect a pretty diverse program ranging from music and films to workshops, literature, and performances. 

Midnight Sun Festival – Island of Værøy  – A truly underground, psychedelic festival set on a stunning beach in Northern Norway. Expect 3 days of Psytrance and dancing under the never-setting sun.

What to Pack for Norway

If you are visiting in summer, expect pleasant days, cool nights and occasional rain. Therefore we suggest packing a combo of long and short sleeves, pants and a good rain jacket. Norwegian’s generally dress well and smartly so do make an effort (we’re talking to you, American readers!).

Winter is cold and you will need to pack properly. If you are going North, bring thermal undergarments, wool socks, thick gloves, a thick ski hat and a thick, warm, waterproof jacket. Here is my tip: when I visited I bought an old ex-rental ski-jacket from an outdoor rental shop in my home-town. Failure to prepare will ruin your trip.

Also, try to bring everything you need for your trip with you as buying toiletries or adapters on the ground in Norway will be far more expensive than back at home. I also recommend packing your bag with as many packs of dried noodles and pasta as you can to save food costs.

Norway is a prosperous and peaceful land peopled with mild natives. Crime is relatively rare except for the odd drunken scrape and the child-eating Trolls which once plagued the villages have been hunted out of existence.

The biggest dangers facing travellers to Norway are natural ones. The cold can be deadly if you are unprepared – wrap up warm and do not get too drunk as falling asleep in the snow can kill you.

Driving can also be hazardous if you are not used to icy roads. Also, do not stop your car in the road to watch the Northern Lights as this is illegal.

If you visit Svalbard, polar bears are also a danger although they rarely venture inside the town limits. Do not stray outside of the town limits without either a guide or a gun.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll in Norway

Scandinavians have a reputation for being a little more reserved than us “Southerners” but my God, they do like a drink! There are plenty of bars and pubs across Norway serving whatever tipple takes your fancy. There is also an established club scene in Oslo and other big cities.

Drugs in Norway are now decriminalised meaning you will not be prosecuted for use. However, this does not mean that they are legal or socially acceptable. Like anywhere in Europe, you can find weed, MDMA and cocaine in cities if you know where to look. Prices can be very expensive though.

Psychedelic mushrooms also grow abundantly in the forests but unless you know exactly what you are looking for, we do advise against foraging.

World Nomads Travel Insurance For Norway

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

If you have an accident in Norway, your medical bill may require a remortgage to pay. Therefore we suggest getting insured before you set out.

Norway is well connected by air to the rest of Europe and Oslo handles daily flights from all over the world. A lot of budget airlines also stop at Stavanger, Bergen, Oslo and even Tromso meaning you can usually fly into Norway pretty cheaply. Land borders with Finland, Sweden are porous and you may not even realise you have crossed them.

Entry Requirements for Norway

Norway is NOT in the EU but is in the EEC meaning it has adopted the EU entry and immigration policies and is part of the Schengen Zone. EU citizens do not need a visa to enter. You may need a Schengen Visa to enter Norway although citizens of many nations do not even need this.

Most nationalities can enter the Schengen zone visa-free for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days, but to stay longer than 90 days requires a bit more planning.

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Norway covers a very large, long landmass and distances between towns and cities are pretty big. There is an extensive and handy train network connecting the country and some of the journeys are very scenic.

However, train travel in Norway is expensive. Perhaps counter-intuitively, it can often be cheaper to fly between destinations especially if you are going from far North to South.

Traveling by Bus in Norway

In terms of inner-city travel, bus networks are efficient and reliable. Many prefer card payment over cash. Taxies are regulated making them fair and honest and take card payment too – however, they are expensive. 

Petrol costs are also the highest in Europe. Driving to Norway also means you have to drive through some other, expensive Scandinavian countries.

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Hitchhiking in Norway

Hitchhiking in Norway is certainly possible. It works best away from big cities in rural and semi-rural areas and in the Northern parts is often a legitimate way to commute! However, some travellers have commented that they sometimes found it hard to find a ride. Non-white visitors may also particularly struggle to find a ride.

Onwards Travel from Norway

As we said, Oslo airport connects to the whole world and there are budget flights to either European destinations from Bergen & Stavanger too. Land borders are with Finland and Sweden and can be easily crossed by bus, train or private vehicle.

There is also a border with Russia. This is not porous and you will need a Russian visa to cross.

There is no legal minimum wage in Norway but in practice, the base line is $12.50 per hour. “Unskilled” workers do comparatively well in Norway and  it is a temping place for some ex-pats to live and work. However, note that living costs are very high so this does need to be factored in.

To work in Norway, you will need to have a good go at speaking Norwegian which is not the easiest to learn. However, my British friend did find work as a postman with only a basic grasp of Norwegian.

A notable alternative is tourism work in Svalbard – the default language in Svalbard and many comers head there seeing work as bar tenders, cooks and tour guides.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Work Visa’s in Norway

Citizens of the EU and EEA can live and work in Norway freely. Everybody else will need a residency and residence permit. The type of permit you need will vary depending on what job you are intending to do and employments must be secured in advance.  

Teaching English in Norway

Teaching English in Norway is an option for native speakers. However you will need a TEFL, a degree and possibly even a university teaching qualification. 

Volunteering in Norway

Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst helping your host community. There are plenty of different volunteer projects in Norway including teaching, construction, agriculture and pretty much anything.

Norway may not need as much support from volunteers as other less-developed nations, but there are still opportunities available. Hospitality, farming, and gardening are all areas where travelers can offer up some time and skills. Other opportunities include social work and taking tours. If you’re not an EEA citizen, then you’ll need to obtain a permit in order to volunteer. 

Want to find some awesome volunteering opportunities in Norway? Then signup for Worldpackers , a platform that connects local hosts with volunteer travelers. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll also get a special discount of $10. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Programs run through reputable work exchange programs , like Worldpackers, are generally very well-managed and highly reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant especially when working with animals or children.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Norwegian specialities include reindeer meat which can be dried and turned into jerky, eaten as steak or made into a burger. Seafood is also ubiquitous and delicious. Norwegian rye bread and crackers are a staple but can be a bit dry and bland for visitors.

Pizza and sandwiches are also available from 7/11’s and can be useful for those eating on a budget.

Kjøttkaker – This simple dish remains a staple of Norwegian family meals. It’s seasoned, kneaded mincemeat with a variety of ingredients, such as onions or rusk, pan-fried in cakes.  Best served with either mashed peas or creamed cabbage.

Smalahove – Salted, smoked sheep’s head, boiled and served with potatoes and the omnipresent kohlrabi mash. Not for the faint-hearted and best washed down with some good ale – as this is often served in pubs rather than a restaurant that won’t be a problem.

Bergensk fiskesuppe – Norwegians eat a lot of seafood but this one is worth a special mention. It’s a subtle fish soup of Bergen. Usually made from Pollock and stock, double cream is added for added creaminess. Perfect on a cold day (of which there is no shortage when backpacking Norway.

Norwegians are for the most part friendly, hospitable and humble. They are not naturally outgoing like some other Europeans and can sometimes come across as frosty. However, if you persevere you will find them quite warm and very happy to celebrate and show off their county.

Useful Travel Phrases for Norway

Many Norwegians (especially the young ones) speak English very well and will be happy to do so. However, English proficiency is less common in rural areas. Also note that in some areas efforts to speak a little Norwegian will be very highly appreciated.

Here are some helpful Norwegian Phrases;

Thank you – Takk

Thank you very much – Tusen takk

You’re welcome – Vær så god

Please – Vær så snill

Excuse me – Unnskyld meg

Where is …? – Hvor er …?

How much is the fare? – Hvor mye koster billetten?

One ticket to …, please. – En billett til …, takk.

How do you say this in Norwegian? – Hvordan sier man dette på norsk?

A polar bear ate my friend – En isbjørn spiste vennen min

Books to Read about Norway

These are some of my favorite travel reads and books set in Norway, which you should consider picking up before you begin your backpacking adventure…

Phillip Pullman – Northern Lights   – This children’s fantasy book also appeals to adults, I read it when I was 18 and loved it. It is a fantasy theological masterpiece set across parallel universes.

Fellowship of Ghosts: A Journey Through the Mountains of Norway –Join the author as he hikes through the mountainous terrain of central Norway and recounts the tales of those who have walked before him.

Jo Nesbo – The Snowman – Noric Noir probably needs no introduction to you. Scandinavian crime novels are now world famous and have spawned countless film and TV adaptations. Jo Nesbo is one the genres leading proponents. 

A Brief History of Norway

The earliest agricultural settlements of Norway appeared between 4000 – 5000 BC. From the late 8th century the Norwegian sea-faring and Viking ages began which also saw the first unification of Norway. Christianity arrived in the 11th century which is when the first Stave Churches were built.

In 1397, Norway entered into the Kalmar Union with Sweden and Denmark and remained a part of this until the end of the Napoleonic wars in 1814. However, it took a short war with Sweden before Norwegian independence was fully recognised & realised.

Nazi Germany occupied Norway in WWII from 1940 until 1945 although a bitter and heroic campaign of resistance was waged throughout.

Oil was discovered in Norway in 1969 which began its modern period of prosperity. Today it remains one of the wealthiest countries on earth.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

So there we have it. Whilst it will be expensive, Backpacking Norway is an experience you will never forget. You will remember the crisp air and majestic nights for years to come.

Just remember my usual harping advice: don’t be an asshole on holiday – drink only what you can handle, be respectful, and don’t be a shit-stirrer.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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Is it possible to save on accomodations by camping/staying in a tent in Norway? Is tent/camping allowed?

The good news is that Free camping in Open Country, is enshrined in Norwegian law.

I am not sure what the deal is in populated areas (ie city parks) but I would imagine free camping is probably NOT permitted in these areas.

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Ultimate Norway Travel Guide with 20 Essential Norway Travel Tips for 2024

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: February 20, 2024

Categories Europe

Oh hello! Me again!!! I know, too soon but what can I say, I like to write, especially when it comes to a super-savvy Norway travel guide filled with uber useful Norway travel tips that you’re gonna love!

Because right now, the cosmos are telling me that you’re trying to plan the perfect Norway itinerary (furiously waving hands mystically so I look like a psychic).

Well, Fab! Because t rust me, you’re gonna love it. And you don’t need to go broke when you travel to Norway either, contrary to popular belief.

But, let’s keep it real. Because whenever you visit a new country, you make mistakes. It’s inevitable. You have no idea how traveling to Norway works and will have some epic, “whoopsie” moments in the process.

Which is good. Because I mean who wants to vacation in a place that is exactly like home? Well, maybe some people but not this chick right here. I like to take chances, make mistakes, and let things happen (a la the Magic School Bus).

And although some mistakes are cute and totally innocent, some are Grand Canyon level problems that will needlessly stress you out as you travel through Norway.

And in good old, Girl with the Passport fashion…I made a ton of Norway travel mistakes and stressed out about them for you (Hello anxiety, we meet again).  Shocking… to no one ever since I attract catastrophe like cheese attracts a mouse.

Actually, wait. That’s a lie. Mice don’t actually like cheese but whatev. You know what I’m throwin’ down. I digress though.

Basically ,  I’m about to get down and dirty and reveal my biggest travel blunders while I was destroying, I mean touring, the insanely beautiful, safe, and friendly Scandinavian country of…Norway (insert drum roll here).

So onwards and upwards, to some Norway travel tips that don’t suck! And, a warm welcome to the whimsical world of Norway travel. Because there are so many beautiful places in Norway that it’s kind of hard to know where to start when planning a trip to Norway.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my  disclosure  for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

1. Underestimating the Sheer Size of Norway

With a population of just 5.3 million people, it’s easy to think that Norway is a tiny country that is super easy to get around.

But that assumption would be totally wrong! Yeah, that’s a total lie, as you can clearly see in the detailed Norway map above.

In reality, all those gorgeous Norwegian fjords and mountains, that make for exquisite Instagram selfies (kidding), are the same geographic boundaries that impede all of your attempts to travel Norway.

Therefore, when planning a trip to Norway, a lways give yourself plenty of time to get from one Norwe gian town to the next. I mean, between ferry rides across fjords and epic train journeys, you may spend your entire vacation actively traveling in Norway and not actually seeing anything.

And as much I love traveling, sleeping on a train for the duration of my vacation is not my idea of a good time.

I mean, did you know that the distance between Oslo and the Northernmost portions of Norwegian Lapland, is the same as the distance between Oslo and  Rome Italy ?

Yeah, I didn’t know that either!! So, the moral of the story? Give yourself plenty of time to travel Norway and plan accordingly.

Fun Little Factoid: Just in case you’re not in the know, Norway is a country in Scandanavia (A sub-region of Europe that includes Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. It’s also sometimes defined more broadly to include Finland and Iceland too) and has a population of around 5.2 million people – a place that is routinely named one of the top countries to visit/live in the world.

2. Assuming Everything in Norway is Insanely Expensive

When reading a Norway travel guide and planning a trip to Norway, the first thing that people wonder is, “ Is Norway expensive to travel to ?”

And while I don’t consider Norway to be cheap, which is why you’ll definitely need this guide to Oslo on a budget , I also wasn’t dumpster diving just to find my next meal.

So what’s the truth? Is Norway expensive? Well no, if you use common sense and these money-saving tips.

So instead of taking a taxi, use public transportation. Instead of eating out for lunch, buy something at the supermarket Instead of renting a hotel room, try and book an overnight train trip. Instead of buying water, bring a water bottle.

Get the Idea?

In fairness though, I may be a bit bias since I live in New York and everything there is like Richie Rich level expensive.

However ,  I was able to find a hotel room for $70 a night, at one of the best hotels in Bergen Norway (Augustin hotel) so clearly, a soda doesn’t always cost $10 a can.

Full disclosure though? That was at the end of April which is still considered the offseason. So things are probably very different during the high season when Bergen is flooded with four cruise ships daily.

Pro Tip: Eating out in Norway can get expensive fast! Therefore, one of my top Norway travel tips is to do like the locals do and get some meals from the local grocery store.

Unlike many other European countries, Norway doesn’t have a culture where they go out to eat ALL THE TIME. Also watch out when buying those souvenirs from Norway . They can be pricey.

3. Buying Food at a Convenience Store or Gas Station when Roadtripping Norway

No, no, a thousand times no. This is honestly one of my biggest Norway travel tips.

Whatever you do, back away from the store, unless you need some gas. Then buy away,

But Seriously. The prices of food and drinks at these places are not convenient in any way, shape, or form. And by no means are they helping you travel Norway cheap.

Therefore, when traveling through Norway, Stock up on goodies at the supermarket so that you can avoid the insanely inflated prices that these places offer.

Unless of course,  you’re Mr. Monopoly and have money to burn when planning a trip to Norway. Then my friend, stay classy and rock on.

4. Not Wearing Sunscreen

I feel like most people assume that when you’re in Nordic countries, the sun doesn’t really exist. It’s almost like you believe that the sun won’t hurt you because you are at such a high latitude.

Sorry, wrong answer. That’s why my general rule is that if you can see the sun, then it can burn you. At least, that’s true for me. Although, I’m so pale that I’m practically see-through. So I may be an exception.

But in general, It’s always a good idea to wear sunscreen when you’re out in the sun all day, even if it’s cloudy because yes, you can get burned through the clouds (been there, done that. It’s a talent really).

I mean, you don’t have to bathe in sunscreen but a little extra never hurts. And if you hate sunscreen (the fewer liquids I travel with the better), you can always rock a super awesome hat like this.

5. Not Considering Winter Closures

Between the roads and attractions, a lot of things can be shut down during the winter.

And it makes sense. Because if you have 3 hours of sunlight and 12 feet of snow outside then chances are, no one is gonna risk life and limb just to hang out at a local museum.

But, this general Norway travel tip applies to off-season too! Because technically speaking, high season runs from the beginning of May through the end of September.

Therefore, travel through Norway during high season and you can expect large crowds, although everything will be open.

However, If you’re like me and visit in April, even if the weather is nice, most attractions will be closed or running on a more limited, winter schedule.

This means that while the crowds will be light and the hotel prices will be cheap, you won’t get to see as much. But a much better scenario than the soul-crushing hordes of tourists that descend, like locusts, upon Bergen in the summer.

That’s why for me, t he best time to travel to Norway is in the off-season (October – April) because yes, I am an anti-social, recluse of sorts. Not Howard Highs bad, but on that spectrum.

Another added perk is that depending on where you go, you might even be able to see the northern lights while travelling in Norway.

6. Assuming You’ll Only Eat Fish

Okay, so while Norway is known for its love of fish , especially the dried and salted variety, Norwegian cuisine has come a long way since the days of old.

Yes, my friends.If you are a vegan or a vegetarian or just hate eating fish, you’re in luck (dollar, dollar bills y’all) because there are still a ton of things for you to eat.

Why? Most restaurants have hopped on the pop-culture bandwagon and embrace current dietary trends. That’s why many restaurants now offer at least a veggie burger of sorts on their menu.

Me? I’m the vegetarian weirdo who travels to Norway and tries Ethiopian food for the first time.

No regrets though. I loved eating with my hands and yes, the food was amazing (nom, nom, nom). So head to the Horn of Africa (in Bergen) because it’s worth it (dare I say finger-licking good?).

Pro Tip: Although I personally am not into the fishy goodness, Norway is known for having the BEST salmon and actually introduced the food to the Japanese in the 1980s. Therefore, be sure to try some quality salmon as you travel through Norway. Sure, it’s not cheap. But it’s delicious and will be a truly authentic Norwegian meal.

7. Taking Your Bag Into a Museum With You

Yeah no. This is a total party foul. In Norway, you do NOT take your backpack with you, into a museum.

Nope! Instead, you place your bag in a locker and walk around the museum empty-handed.

Why? No idea. I bet it has something to do with not damaging priceless artifacts around you. Just heed this Norway travel advice and don’t be like me and go all the way to the basement to pee, come back up to the entrance, to just to go right back down to the basement because you forgot to put your belongings in a locker.

Some other sage advice when planning a trip to Norway? In most hotels, the electricity will only go on when you place your keycard in the designated keycard holder.

Seriously. I don’t know how many times I almost broke my toe while frantically feeling my way to the door. Yeah, crashing into door frames and sporting black eyes at breakfast is not the way you want to start your trip to Norway.

Therefore, don’t scramble around trying to, go towards the light (LoL. Terrible but I had to). Just place your keycard in the holder and all will be right with the world.

8. Not Considering How Long (or short) the Days Are

Now, this all depends on how far north you go, but no matter where you are in Norway, the days are probably way shorter, or longer than you’re used to.

Yup, t ypically in the winter, the sun will rise around 10 am and set around 3 pm. Therefore, this natural occurrence can really cramp your style if you’re doing a bunch of outdoor activities.

Therefore, use this list of Norway travel tips to help you plan accordingly and do anything outdoors during daylight hours.

Also, remember that some people’s moods can be affected by the lack of light. Me? Not so much.

Truth be told though, I think I’d have a harder time in the summer, trying to sleep when the sun was still up.

Asa result, just be aware of it and you should be totally fine. It just really throws off your sense of time and you generally feel like it’s way earlier or later than it actually is.

9. Not Booking Hotels or Train Tickets in Advance

When I was booking my tickets planning a trip to Norway, I was shocked at how quickly everything filled up.

I mean sure, this would be no surprise during the busy summer months, but I was going in the offseason!

Well, guess what?  A lot of other people think this way too. As a result, train tickets and hotel rooms can book up fast.

That’s why, one of my Norway travel tips is to try and book your train tickets/hotel rooms at least 90 days in advance, just to be safe.

Plus, if you do this, you’ll score cheaper train tickets since you’re planning so far in advance. Actually, you can really only buy train tickets up to 90 days in advance but whatever.

Just remember that the quicker you book things, the better.

10. Not Cleaning Up After Yourself

So I feel like, in Norway, there is more social consciousness. People just seem to be more aware of their actions and how they affect society as a whole.

The result? Lights will only turn on when someone is in the room, people at buffets are encouraged not to waste food, and people actually clean up food they drop on public transportation.

Crazy Right? Maybe I’m just used to the inability of New Yorkers to take care of communal spaces, but I was stunned to see some dude actually picking up bits of his sandwich that fell on the tram floor.

Legit, I felt like I was on another planet where total slobs are shamed into appreciating and yes, even caring for public spaces (Not a bad thing to conform to).

Seriously, New Yorkers need to step up their game because we’re disgusting. Instead of cleanliness, we have rats the size of cats just chillin’ in our subway stations like, “Yo ma, pass me that pizza would ya?”

That’s why, if you’re travelling in Norway, be prepared to clean up after yourself.

11. Cash Is Optional

I’ve noticed this before, but you really don’t need cash in Norway, at least not in the populated areas where I was.

A Debit card? You betcha since some transactions require a pin number. But in general, I didn’t exchange any cash because I didn’t need to. I mean, even the public transportation ticket machines take cards. So yeah, I kind of felt like, “Ehh…what’s the point?”

Therefore, no need to exchange cash you’ll never need again (I know you’ll really miss those insanely high fees for transferring from one currency to the next).

Instead, embrace this ever-growing no cash trend and feel the financial freedom (I sound like a cheesy credit card commercial).

In truth though, there was one locker that required change, but I borrowed a coin from the museum admission desk and it was totally fine.

Pro Tip: Just in case you’re not sure, Norway does NOT use the Euro as its currency since they are a part of the EEA or European Economic Area. Therefore, don’t try to pay for things in Euros. Instead, use the local currency of the Norwegian Kroner (NDK). But as I said, you can use a card to pay for just about everything.

12. Trying to See Fjords and the Northern Lights in Oslo

Yeah, I hate to burst your bubble, but the Northern Lights won’t be dancing around the entirety of Norway in the winter.

One of those Norway travel tips that is sad but totally true. Especially since not only do you need clear skies, but you also need to be near the Arctic Circle in places like Tromso to see the Northern Lights , at least if you want to see them at their most vibrant.

But just know that even if you are near the Arctic Circle, this still doesn’t guarantee that you will see these natural beauties.

I mean, sure, I was personally above the Arctic Circle. But,the Northern Lights I saw were kind of crappy. Nothing like the advertisements that leave you in awe of all the vibrant colors and lights magically swirling through the sky (we call this photo editing).

Similarly, you also won’t be seeing any jaw-droppingly beautiful fjords in Oslo either.

Sorry but fjords and the stunning topography that they create are only found on the Western coast of Norway (Bergen is a great place to see them).

Therefore, when planning a trip to Norway, you can’t just fly into Oslo and witness a stunning array of fjords that stretch out as far as the eye can see. Sorry but I just don’t want you to be totally disappointed when you get to Oslo and find no fjords insight.

13. Trolls are Everywhere!

Between the playgrounds, street art, statues, and souvenir shops, you will literally find a troll around every corner.

And they are super creepy! Trust me these aren’t the cute, 90s troll dolls with jewels in their belly that you could rub and make a wish.

Nope. They must be found in some traditional, Norwegian folklore because they are everywhere.

Sure ,  I find them totally weird, but clearly, other people do not. Plus, people generally consider most of what I do pretty odd so who am I to judge?

 14. Say No to Tipping

Norwegians are so nice that I literally had a waiter return the tip I left him.

Shocking but true!

And then when I tried to convince him to take it, he just smiled and told me that if people do tip, it’s only 5%.

But, he quickly reiterated to me that no tip was necessary and graciously thanked me for my patronage.

Yeah, talk about being a world away from waiters in New York City who will practically spit on you if you leave them anything less than 20%. But lesson learned.

15. Not Spending Enough Time in Nature

Look, Norway is known for a plethora of things, but its magnificent cities aren’t one of them.

Don’t get me wrong! I’m not knocking the cities in Norway. They have their own distinctive charm and appeal. But if they were totally chaotic mega centers of urban life then Norway would lose some of its natural appeal.

No, on the whole, Norway is known for its stunning natural beauty, which is why you should definitely do a Norway in a Nutshell tour while you are in the region.

Between the fjords, majestic rivers, and snow-capped mountains, this country is truly a playground for any and all outdoor enthusiasts.

Therefore, get out of the city and experience all of the best hikes in Norway ! Because no matter what you like, there is something for you in this stunning landscape.

I mean, you name it and they have it since you can go zip-lining, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, not so strenuous hiking (for this chick right here), river cruising, and so much more.

And trust me, if this city slicker can find a way to enjoy nature then anyone can!

You’ll also love the fact that most national parks and outdoor locations are totally free for visitors to use since Norwegians believe that all people should have free access to public lands.

Yup, three solid cheers for Norway. Hip, hip, hooray!

Pro Tip: Because of the very Norwegian idea of  “Allemannsretten”, or the fundamental right of every person to public access, you can pretty much pitch a tent just about anywhere you want in Norway – unless a sign explicitly says not to. So, one of my many Norway travel tips would be to live it up, go wild camping and embrace the Norwegian love of the great outdoors. Just be respectful, clean up after yourself, and leave no trace behind.

16. Polar Bears Will NOT Be Wandering With You Through the Streets

Umm, I feel like this is one of those Norway travel tips that didn’t need to be explicitly stated. But I guess I do since I’ve had more than one person ask me if they will meet any polar bears as they frolic through the streets of Norway.

So yeah, obviously I need to clarify a few things when planning a trip to Norway. Actually, I don’t need to clarify much since there’s a pretty short answer to the above question.

And that answer is no. In fact, there aren’t any wild polar bears on the mainland of Norway at all! Yeah, if you actually want to see some polar bears in their natural habitat, then you’ll need to fly all the way to Svalbard, a super cool archipelago that sits smack dab in between mainland Norway and the North Pole.

Because in this place? Well, there are actually more polar bears than people. That being said though, polar bears still like to steer clear of people, and incidents of polar bears actually mauling people is super rare.

17. Assuming Nobody Speaks English

Although English may not be widely spoken in many other parts of the world, it’s definitely spoken just about everywhere in Norway.

Therefore, when planning a trip to Norway, don’t feel like you HAVE to know Norwegian to chat with the locals.

Is it nice to know a few phrases and to show respect for people’s culture? Absolutely. So one of my many Norway travel tips would be to learn at least a few common Norwegian phrases before traveling to Norway.

But don’t feel intimidated and like you can’t chat with people if you don’t know Norwegian because the vast majority of Norwegians know English.

They may be a little shy about chatting with you in their non-native language, but most locals can probably understand you and help you with any questions you might have.

18. Don’t Be Scared! Norway is Super Safe!

Like most of the countries in Scandinavia, Norway is super safe. In fact, Norway is known for being one of the safest countries in the world since crime rates are exceptionally low – even in major urban centers like Bergan, Oslo, and Stavanger.

Does that mean you should wander around flashing large wads of cash and throw caution to the wind? No. Still take all the usual precautions when visiting a major urban area.

But, you definitely don’t need to gird your loins and freak out if you have to walk alone down the street in the middle of the night. Yeah, the vast majority of crimes in Norway are non-violent burglaries, so no need to worry, especially if you are traveling alone.

Pro Tip: Like in most major European cities, when planning a trip to Norway, watch out for pickpockets when traveling to large, touristy areas throughout the summer months. It’s still safe but it’s not unheard of for people to get pickpocketed.

19. Don’t Get A Taxi If You Are On A Budget

In Norway locals will very rarely take a taxi and with good reason. Before you ask, it isn’t because the taxis are not safe. Quite the contrary. Taxis in Norway are safe and clean. They are also easily accessible from the airports. The problem however is the cost associated with the taxi. 

A short drive could run up a tab of over 50 euros and in some cases that could even cross 150 euros. Now if you don’t mind the splurge that’s fine but for many locals, they prefer not to. Another reason why Norwegians don’t bother with the cabs is because the public transport is excellent and so much cheaper!

20. Be Flexible When Planning Your Itinerary

No matter whether you plan your itinerary during the peak season or during the shoulder season (or even off season) you will find that the weather in Norway is rather unpredictable. You may have checked the forecast the day before and have woken up to pouring rain. Obviously outdoor activities in this kind of weather would not really be fun.

Given how unpredictable the weather is, it is always good to have a backup plan. Museums and indoor activities are always a good bet. Another good tip is to add an extra day or two to your itinerary in a place that you really want to do something. That way if it does rain, you know you still have time to catch your bucket list item the next day.

This is also very true when it comes to spotting the Northern lights. You can’t always be certain you will see them, so give yourself a few days so that you don’t miss the view of a lifetime!

Must-See Attractions in Norway

1. vikingskipshuset.

Located in Oslo, this amazing museum showcases three Viking ships that were hauled ashore 1,100 years ago and used in elaborate burial riituals.

These ceremonial burial sites were the final resting place of the vessels and a trove of worldly possessions meant to serve the deceased in the afterlife.

So, items found at the site include food, clothes, furniture, chariots, weapons, and even dogs for companionship.

Excavated in the region of Oslofjord during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these artifacts, along with the ships, were meticulously conserved.

They sit inside this gorgeous museum and stand as a poignant window into the world of the Vikings.

Among the trio of ships, each named for their discovery sites—Oseberg, Gokstad, and Tune—the Oseberg ship is the most grand since is home to a ton of cool Viking-age artifacts.

The Gokstad measures 24 meters in length and was crafted around 890. It is well-preserved and is the quintessential model of a Viking longship.

Then there’s the smaller Tune ship, with only fragments remaining.

So, be sure to visit when you are in Oslo and use a complimentary audio guide to get the most out of your visit. Just know that the museum isn’t set to reopen until 2026.

2. Trollstigen

Another one of the most beautiful places in Norway is Trollstigen. Meaning “Troll’s ladder” in English, this iconic road is a marvel of engineering that zigzags dramatically through 11 switchbacks with a steep 1:12 incline.

Opened in 1936 and built over eight years, it traverses the mountainside, offering motorists a thrilling drive—especially when rain transforms the cliffs into a veil of waterfalls.

Traffic often narrows to a single lane, adding to the appeal of this journey for adrenaline junkies who are looking for the most scenic drives in Norway.

At its peak, architectural wonders of rusted steel and concrete have been erected, providing a stark contrast to the wild terrain.

Visitors can even stand on one of the seemingly floating platforms that sit along the road and enjoy sweeping views of the area.

Spanning a distance of about 38km, the drive connects Valldal to Andalsnes and meanders through Reinheimen National Park.

This park is another must-see place in Norway since wild reindeer roam throughout the area. Just know that the road is only open seasonally from late May through mid-October, depending on the snow.

3. Magdalenefjord

The stunning bay of Magdalenefjord in Nordvest Spitsbergen is encircled by a series of majestic peaks and gorgeous glaciers that make it a great place to stop along the western coast of Spitsbergen in Svalbard.

Visit on a day when the sun shines bright, or during the onset of storm clouds, and you might just feel like you’re in Arctic heaven.

Most of the time, the area is visited during extended cruise excursions. After all, visitors love learning about Magdalenefjord’s links to the Dutch whaling industry in the 17th century.

In fact, remnants of old blubber-boiling stations can still be seen at Graveneset, near the fjord’s entrance. You can also marvel at the well-preserved graves of whalers that are dotted around the area.

4. Nidaros Domkirke

Stop by Trondheim and experience the awesome beauty of Nidaros Domkirke.

It is the most extensive medieval structure in Scandinavia and represents the northernmost extension of Gothic architecture in Europe.

The cathedral’s external west wall is a marvel of ornamentation, featuring Biblical statues depicting scripture alongside notable Norwegian bishops and monarchs.

Many of these are recreations of original medieval works, now preserved in a nearby museum.

A notable element of the church is the colorful stained glass adorning the rose window on the cathedral’s western side.

Central to the cathedral is the altar, marking the burial site of St. Olav, the former Viking ruler who introduced Christianity to largely pagan Norwegians.

The initial stone cathedral dates back to 1153, with the existing crossing and chapter house being completed between 1130 and 1180.

Below, the crypt there are an array of medieval gravestones, with most restored from fragments.

Visitors are free to explore, with guided tours offered from early June through August. I suggest doing one since it will allow you to better appreciate the historical significance of this magical place.

If you can, visit during an organ recital so that you can enjoy some beautiful music. Afterward, climb the tower’s 172 steps (open from mid-June through mid-August) for excellent views of Trondheim.

5. Atlanterhavsveien

The Atlantic Ocean Road, a short stretch of highway that is barely 8km long. It marries engineering prowess with natural grandeur while connecting 17 islets via bridges above the churning sea below.

The route features sweeping views that are only enhanced by vibrant fall foliage during the autumn season. You can also see whales and seals just off-shore if you visit at the right time of year

So, whether you start from Molde, and go through the town of Bud, or start from the north, and go through Kristiansund via a subsea tunnel, it’s one of the most beautiful drives in Norway.

Plus, the route is dotted with elegant viewpoints at Eldhusøya’s walkable island and Askevågen’s glass-fronted platform.

However, the real highlight of any visit is the Storseisund Bridge since it contorts elegantly across a dramatic stretch of road from Eide to Averøy.

Expert Tip: If you don’t want to drive along the road then you can use Eide Auto buses to visit. They run all year long and connect Molde with Kristiansund all year long.

Five buses operate daily from Monday to Friday, with two on Saturday, and one on Sunday. The trip will take a little over two hours.

Norway Travel Guide FAQs

What is the best month to go to norway.

The best months to go to Norway are June, July, and August. This is when most roads and hiking trails are open for the summer.

Plus, the days are longer and the temperatures are warm, allowing you to head outside and enjoy the stunning landscape all around you.

How Many Days in Norway is Enough?

If you’re planning a Norway itinerary try to spend at least 5 days in the country. This way you can enjoy some of the best things to do in Norway without feeling overwhelmed and rushed.

Is Norway Friendly to Americans?

Yes, Norway is friendly to Americans. Americans are more than welcome and most people in Norway speak fluent English.

Plus, most locals are happy to help you if you get a little lost or have a question about something.

Is Norway Expensive to Visit?

Yes, Norway is a very expensive place to visit. However, you can save money by doing a lot of hiking or by enjoying some of the free things in Norway.

You could also rent a campervan and save money on hotels that way.

Well cool kids, that just about wraps up this epic Norway travel guide and my 18 super sweet Norway travel tips.

I hope you now have everything you need for planning a trip to norway and feel like you’re ready to travel through norway like a total pro.   , and if you found this post even a little bit useful, feel free to pin this now so that you can read it again later.

Jonny Gridseth

Monday 3rd of May 2021

A well written article. I´m Norwegian, from outskirt of Aalesund. Now retired in Portugal. It´s a good idea to book hotel or Airbnb in advance. When covid-19 is over everyting, probably full booked. As you say, avoid food from gas stations. Very expencive and bad. If you are on the road, buy food at supermakets with discount. You find a listing of them on internet. Enjoy Norway without ruin yourself

girlwiththepassport

Thank you so much Jonny! Such great advice and I always love visiting Norway! I hope I can visit again some day soon!

Benzini Campers

Saturday 20th of February 2021

Finally different and unique content about travelling Norway! Thank you for sharing your tips. I think I´m gonna share it further since everybody should know this before visiting.

Tuesday 23rd of February 2021

Thanks so much for reading.

Tuesday 30th of June 2020

Thanks! Hoping to travel there for the first time this year.

Also sorry that some people think it’s ok to be so ridiculously rude to you when all you’re doing is trying to help people have a good trip.

Thanks again for your help!

Thursday 2nd of July 2020

Aww, thanks Ness. That is so nice to hear. And I hope you have an amazing trip. I absolutely loved Norway. And yeah, I don't really get it since it's free and if they don't like it they 100% do not have to read my blog. Hope your trip works out and stay safe!

Ilnorme Phillips

Saturday 15th of February 2020

Beautiful Country

Sunday 16th of February 2020

totally agree!

AnotherSoloFemaleTravelerButWhoCares

Sunday 19th of January 2020

I mean, sure, you do like to travel and give tips but man, those things are on Captain Obvious level. I am sure you can do better than "Oh btw you need to plan in advance" and that you should find supermarkets for lower prices. Who could have guessed that they could save money by not eating out every day? And who goes to a country without looking at the map to determine the best route and how much would it take to get around? If you go there to see the Northern Lights, the first thing you google is "where to see Northern Lights" in case you've missed your 3rd grade Geography classes, so unless you have no common sense whatsoever, you know they don't have fjords and NL in Oslo. Most of the things are valid for the majority of the European countries, so it would be a good tip to clean-up after yourself no matter where you are, you know - good ol' manners and shite. And really - you are giving tips on how not be broke after Norway and don't even mention Airbnb and Couchsurfing? If you want to be useful you don't write vague BS, you include specific details. Even describing how to open Google Street View to check the route between your drop off point and your place to stay would have been more useful.

Sunday 12th of June 2022

@AnotherSoloFemaleTravelerButWhoCares, Wow! Why are you so rude? I've travelled all over the world for years and still found useful info in this blog.

Sunday 3rd of January 2021

Hi... have you ever heard the golden rule.. do unto others as you have them do to you”? Offhand, I would say no since the way you responded to the authors work.

I have read MANY articles that give suggestions on touring Norway. I have a friend there who has helped a lot as well. Yet the author of this article mentioned MANY things I wasn’t yet aware of. The article was therefore helpful and written in a great informal style. I have made a few changes to my upcoming trip because of her article.

Friday 10th of July 2020

You're upset because a free blog post didn't cover everything you personally think it should have? That's a pretty high horse you're on. I know that some things seem self-explanatory, but not everyone has the benefit of the same education level, or life experiences as you, so these tips are great for everyone.

Wednesday 8th of July 2020

Obviously you do care, leaving a 10000 words comment.

And not everyone is good at planing or maybe they are more of spontaneous and think everything will be fine, while tips like this actually makes your holiday fine. You get to know what is expected and how to fix the situation without go into panic.

Novice in Norway ??

Saturday 7th of March 2020

Wowza! That was really awful “Solo traveler”. If it didn’t help you that’s really ok and nothing to be hateful about. ? You didn’t pay her to plan your trip. You are welcome to start your own blog.

Thanks for sharing Passport. I forgot that many museums don’t allow back packs and I’m traveling with a 4 & 5 yo so any reminder that helps avoid extra trips up the stairs/on the elevator is welcomed! I love Ethiopian food so will look into that restaurant.

? Looking forward to my April trip to Bergen/Oslo.

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The Best One Week Norway Winter Itinerary – From a Local!

April 1, 2021 by Silvia 16 Comments

Living in Tromsø I’m lucky to experience some of Norway’s most incredible winter views and northern lights every single day. But I also really love a good Norway road trip! And while I usually spend a few weeks on my road trips, I thought I could put together a one week Norway winter itinerary for people with less time. And of course I had to test out the Norway itinerary before publishing, and wow, what a trip. 

I’ve published about thirty Norway itineraries based on my travels around Norway over the past six years I’ve been living here, but this is probably my favorite Norway winter itinerary. 

Norway in winter is incredibly magical, and surprisingly not as cold as you might think, thanks to the Gulf Stream. I have a complete guide to the best time to visit Norway here, but if you’re interested in seeing the northern lights and snow covered landscapes then winter is an excellent choice. 

And if you’re interested in seeing the northern lights, I’ve also put together a full northern lights ebook covering absolutely everything you need to know about planning an epic northern lights trip, which you can purchase here . 

I spent seven days traveling up and down northern Norway and I have to say, I was impressed with how much ground I managed to cover in such a short space of time. Mountain hikes, coastal walks, sea eagles, horseback riding, reindeer, whales, and Northern Lights – it turns out you can experience a lot of Norway in just one week.

And if you’re wondering if you need to go all the way up to northern Norway instead of exploring around Oslo, if you want a chance of seeing the northern lights then you want to go north of the Arctic Circle. It’s quite rare to see the northern lights as far south as Oslo. So definitely head up north! 

I did this trip during the winter so I’m writing it as a winter itinerary, but this itinerary would be equally wonderful during other times of the year. In the spring and summer instead of the Northern Lights you would have a lot more daylight (and the midnight sun in the summer), you’d be able to go on more hikes, and it would be warmer for outdoor activities. And in the autumn you’d have Northern Lights but still more daylight and less snow. 

Table of Contents

Day 1: Bodø & Støtt

I flew into Bodø from Tromsø the night before, but you could also arrive in the morning or early afternoon of your official first day.

And the great thing about using Bodø as a starting point for your Norway trip is that both the airport and train station are right in the city center. So you could either fly in and walk straight into town or, my personal preference, get the train up to Bodø.

The train journey from Oslo is super long – as in about 17 hours with an hour stop in Trondheim – but it’s also a beautiful way to get to see Norway’s countryside. The last four hours before arriving in Bodø are the most beautiful, so try to be awake for that portion of the journey, when you’re going over the mountain. It’s even more beautiful than the drive, so this is definitely something to stare out the window for.

Like seriously, the famous train journey from Oslo to Bergen has nothing on this train ride when it comes to stunning scenery.  Trondheim has more international flights than Bodø, so you could also look at flying into Trondheim and getting the train up from there, as it’s the prettiest part of the journey anyway.

Do try to make some time to explore Bodø before getting the express boat in the evening. The boat terminal has lockers if you need to store your luggage. You can read more about things to in Bodø here , as well as in this post about my visit to Bodø last summer .

Bodø only has 50,000 people, which for some countries would make it a really small city, but actually it’s the second biggest cities in Northern Norway (Tromsø is the largest city in Northern Norway with just under 80,000 people lol). Plus it’s a student city, which means there’s always a lot going on.

Bodø has also grown a lot in recent years and now is one of the “it” places for young people to move, with lots of start ups and quirky restaurants and cafés, street art, concerts, and events. Plus the surrounding nature is seriously stunning – you will be amazed.

And then in the evening you’ll get the express boat to Støtt. The boat terminal is downtown, next to the Scandic Havet. When I did the journey my boat left at 16:15, but you can find the updated boat schedule for  Bodø  (Sentrumsterminalen båt) to  Støtt hurtigbåtkai (Meløy)  here .

You can reserve your ticket from Bodø online if you want, and then when you arrive at the boat terminal go to the desk and they’ll scan your ticket and give you a boarding pass (or you can simply buy your ticket there). On the way back to Bodø you buy your ticket on board.

Where to stay on Støtt

There’s only one place to stay at Støtt: Støtt Brygge. You can stay in one of their authentic rorbuer (fisherman cabins), or in a room or small apartment in the old bakery building. You can check all the accommodation options and prices here .

And I’m not even exagerrating when I say that Støtt Brygge is one of the loveliest places I’ve stayed in all of Norway. The history is amazing, and you’ll learn so much about Norwegian culture and history while staying here. And the views are  amazing .

Day 2: Støtt (Meløy)

To be honest, I would have loved to have had an extra day on Støtt. So if you have time to add another night to your Norway itinerary, consider doing so here.

Støtt itself is a small, quiet island, but there’s loads to do in the area. You can talk to Støtt Brygge about the activities you’d like to do when booking your accommodation. I know they offer arctic kayaking and watching for the Northern Lights in a lavvu tent, but they’ll also arrange other activities for you.

I went on a hike with Meløy Adventure, one of Støtt Brygge’s partners, and that allowed me to see a bit more of the Helgeland coast. You can read more about things to do in Støtt and the Meløy region here .

Day 3: Støtt to Lofoten

After breakfast and checking out from Støtt Brygge, get the 10 am boat to Bodø, which arrives in town at 11:30.

Then you can store your luggage in the lockers at the boat terminal if you like and spend a few hours in town, or you can just head straight to the airport. It’s about a ten minute walk uphill (I did it with a big suitcase with no problems).

And then you can catch the 5:20 pm flight from Bodø to Svolvær.

Once in Svolvær pick up a rental car at the airport. I rented mine through Avis, but you can compare prices on RentalCars.com . Just try to book as far in advance as possible, as rates usually do go up.

And then drive about ten minutes down the road to Svinøya Rorbuer .

You are going to  love it here. I stayed in a fisherman cabin right on the water and woke up to the most amazing mountain views.

The cabins have kitchens so you can either pick something up at a supermarket for dinner, or see if you can have dinner at their restaurant, Børsen Spiseri.

And then at 8:30 pm meet up with Lofoten Aktiv for some serious aurora chasing! You can book your tour here .

First accommodation on Lofoten

Tonight you’ll stay at Svinøya Rorbuer – you can check rates and availability here .

Day 4: Lofoten

Today is going to be packed, but so much fun.

You’ll start off the day with a sea eagle safari into Trollfjorden for some amazing views of Lofoten’s landscape, as well as a chance to watch eagles. To be honest I was most excited just to get to take a boat into Trollfjord, but actually seeing the sea eagles turned out to be a highlight of the entire week for me. You can book the trip here .

You can get a bit of a preview in this video from my boat trip:

The safari lasts about two hours. You can read more about my experience chasing the Northern Lights with Lofoten Aktiv and on the RIB safari here .

Then you’ll drive to Hov on Gimsøy, which is known as one of the best places in Lofoten to see the Northern Lights. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Svolvær to Hov.

You can have dinner here (either buy food at a supermarket in Svolvær to cook in your cabin or eat at their restaurant), and then go horseback riding under the Northern Lights! You can read more about my experience with the horses here .

Accommodation

You’ll spend the night at Lofoten Links Lodges , which are beautiful cabins right by the horse farm. Each cabin has big windows facing north so you’ll be in the perfect position to watch for the Northern Lights. You can book your accommodation here .

Day 5: Vesterålen

You have a bit of a drive today, but it’s a beautiful one.

First you’ll drive about two and a half hours up to Sortland to see the reindeer at Inga Sami Siida. You need to book this in advance here . Try to get there early so that you still have some daylight afterwards, as the drive up to Andenes is really beautiful. Take the scenic route via Bleik.

You can read more about my time on Vesterålen here .

Vesterålen is really special because it’s still fairly undiscovered, at least compared to the nearby Lofoten Islands. You can drive for an hour here without seeing any other cars, and the views really are stunning. Plus this is one of the best places in Norway to see the Northern Lights, and one of the only places in the area where you can hang out with reindeer.

Accommodation in Andenes

In Andenes I recommend staying at the Thon Hotel Andrikken, which you can book here .

Day 6: Vesterålen to Bodø

After breakfast drive down the road to Sea Safari Andenes, where you’ll start your whale watching tour! These do book up well in advance, so try to book your tour as soon as possible here .

And then after your whale safari it’s time to drive back down to Svolvær, return your rental car, and fly back to Bodø.

My flight was at 22:45, so I got dinner in Svolvær and then drove out along the coast to see my last glimpse of the Northern Lights for the trip.

Accommodation in Bodø

The Thon Hotel Nordlys is one of my favorite hotels in Norway, partly because of the views of Bodø’s harbor, but mostly because of their epic breakfast buffet. You can check rates and availability here .

Day 7: Bodø -> Home

If you can get an evening flight or train out of Bodø then you’ll have the day to explore more of Bodø!

On my last day I enjoyed the best breakfast of the trip at Thon Hotel Nordlys and then headed into town. In the afternoon I went for an arctic coastal walk with Stella Polaris , after which I warmed up with lunch at Berbusmel .

And then in the evening I caught the 5:30 pm train home to Mosjøen.

Optional Addition: Senja & Dyrøy

So I actually combined this trip with a trip farther north to meet up with my friends Catriona and Viv. They flew into Tromsø and then we spent two nights on Senja and two nights on Dyrøy. You can see our Senja itinerary here and our Dyrøy itinerary here .

Adding this onto your trip would increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, as more time in Norway means more chances of clear skies, plus you’d get to check off another Norway bucket list experience: husky sledding! And then depending on how you’re booking your flights, you could fly home directly from Tromsø.

What to pack for Norway in winter

And if you’re wondering what to pack for winter in Norway, you can find my full Norway winter packing guide here .

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February 1, 2019 at 3:51 pm

It sounds hectic but great! I think I’d especially like hunting for the Northern lights on horseback (if you don’t see any, you’ll still have had a unique experience!) and staying in one of those cabins where you can actually see the northern lights from your window 🙂

Silvia says

February 2, 2019 at 3:18 pm

That’s exactly what I thought! It’s always the best when the aurora hunting activities are fun in themselves, regardless of whether you see the lights or not.

February 3, 2019 at 6:06 pm

Hi Silvia, I’m interested in this partnership thing, could you maybe write a post how it works? Like, they contact u, u say yes and then what? They pay for your trip, everything? Do they let u choose where u wanna be or where you wanna stay? Do they plan EVERYTHING for you? Don’t get me wrong, it’s really interesting, it’s a shame that not much of bloggers/youtubers talk about it. I follow lots of ytb makeup influencers, but it’s always “i have sponsorship with this and that”, but never about how it really works. I recently bought tickets to Norway, I’m gonna spend three weeks in the north, so I really love posts like this, they always get me more and more ideas! Silv, did u ever spent some time on a trip, sleeping in tent? Or did u always stayed in hotels?

February 4, 2019 at 12:15 pm

That sounds like it will be a great trip! I’ve only done a trip with a tent once in Norway as I found it a bit too cold, but you can read about it here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/aurlandsfjellet-sognefjellet-bergen-road-trip/ And I’ve written more about how these partnerships work here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/blogging/make-money-travel-blog/

Thomas Johnson says

February 15, 2019 at 7:11 pm

Hey Silvia,

I visited Europe back in 2017 and have made it my mission (more like my promise) to visit Europe once a year moving forward. I recently took my dad in 2018 for his first trip across the Atlantic and now I am planning a trip with my mom (slightly jealous from last year’s father and son trip) for her very own first trip across the Atlantic, in which she wants to see Norway and the Scandinavian lands. I have had trouble trying to fit everything I want to see (Oslo, Bergen, Lofoten/Leknes, and Tromso) into the time frame we are working with. Now my mom isn’t the most athletic but she would die to get some high vantage viewpoints (easy hikes) as well as see all sorts of areas in Norway. Do you have any suggestions as to what to see with her? Can we indeed do Oslo, Bergen, Leknes, and Tromso in 10 days? Do you think that is way to much? etc…. The planned travel dates are June 20th, 2019 – June 30th, 2019.

Thanks, Tom

June 13, 2019 at 1:30 pm

Hi Silvia, Thanks for this! I’m planning a trip with my friend for winter and this is absolutely perfect. 🙂

Meggie says

August 20, 2019 at 7:49 pm

I’m planning a two week trip to Norway Sept 26-October 10 this year. I’ve been reading your posts about Autumn in Norway and different travel itineraries. I can’t tell you how excited we are. This was a last minute trip because we found amazing flights. My husband and I want to experience beautiful scenery, hiking, picking mushrooms and maybe a few cozy cafes! You have convinced me to focus on heading north for our trip from your blog posts, but I’m worried the time of year might be bad. I was set on heading to Lofoten until I read your post where your Norwegian friends “shook their heads” at you for mentioning fall in Lofoten. Which of your travel itineraries would you suggest for that time of year? We like to spend some time our time exploring, so I was thinking of lengthening a 7 day itinerary. I don’t like to feel like I can’t spot and enjoy myself because I’ve got to move into the next place. Thank you!

September 2, 2019 at 5:36 pm

Hm actually despite the unpredictable weather I would still go for Lofoten! It’s so much quieter in October. I think this entire itinerary would still be perfect. You’ll still have a chance to see the Northern Lights, but it will be lighter and warmer than when I did it in December!

Shruti says

August 26, 2019 at 10:47 am

Hi Silvia, I am Shruti. I am travelling from India to Norway for the 3rd and 4th week of october. I am so eager to going around norway after reading your blog. Its very Will I be able to drive around or will the weather be difficult to drive? As I come from a place where the winters are mild, I would like to know from you.

September 2, 2019 at 4:10 pm

I think you should be okay driving, depending on where you are. Most places don’t get much (or any) snow in October, except for the mountains.

September 3, 2019 at 2:33 pm

Thanks a lot for the help. I have decided on going to lofoten and andenes and driving around there.

Aayush Sheth says

October 31, 2021 at 2:18 pm

Hey Silvia, your blogs are super amazing!! Thank you for putting them together. Would you suggest me covering northern Norway in late November? Asking in terms of how harsh will the weather be and of course the chances to catch the northern light sightings. Thankss 🙂

November 6, 2021 at 9:16 pm

Late November is a great time for northern lights! It will be quite dark, but you will still get a few hours of daylight to see the sights.

December 13, 2022 at 11:38 pm

Hi Silvia, I am planning my trip right now for Feb 2023. I LOVE this 1 week winter trip idea. I’ve never been to Norway. I was thinking of flying in to Trondheim and doing your itinerary , and taking the train to Oslo, explore for a few days and then return home. I would love to see Tromso but this might be too much flying for us. I don’t mind trains, but too many flights can get ahhh. after many hours from to/from the US + one to Bodo, it could be too much. Am I missing out not adding Tromso?? Any suggestions?? Thank you so much for your time. Tara

Harshada says

August 7, 2023 at 7:51 pm

Your article and itinerary looks very interesting. We are planning to visit Norway in February 2024. Is this a good time of the year to see Aurora Borealis still? Any additional advice, suggestions, recommendations would be very much appreciated Thank you in advance for your time and writing back to us

Regards, Harshada

August 8, 2023 at 11:42 am

Yes, February is a perfect time for the northern lights!

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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 !

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Norway Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Visit Norway!

Psst! Some links in my posts may be affiliate links, which means that I get paid a fee if you chose to purchase something through it. This doesn't cost you anything, but makes a huge difference for me! Thanks for your support!

Being born and raised by the beautiful Norwegian fjords, I often get asked to share my best travel tips for Norway . Through my years as a travel blogger I have written several helpful guides to visiting Norway, but I realised I’ve never actually created one, massive resource for travelling to Norway – kind of like an ultimate Norway travel guide!

So, that’s what this is.

In this post, I aim to share EVERYTHING you need to know before your trip to Norway, including the best places to visit in Norway, when to visit Norway, and what the expectations are when it comes to tipping in Norway.

And more, of course.

I’ll also link to all my best Norway resources and articles where they are relevant, which you can also find by heading to the Norway travel category where I have collected all posts about travelling to Norway. 

Don’t forget to join my Norway Travel Tips Facebook group to connect with others who are currently planning their trips, discover new Norway travel hacks and share inspiration to make the most of your travel plans!

Since this post turned out to be massive, feel free to use th table of contents to navigate ! Just click the little button on the right of it to expand and click your way through my guide!

Table of Contents

Norway Travel Guide: Welcome!

The photo above is the view from my house. I’m serious. This is what Norway looks like, and it’s no wonder publications and travellers alike call Norway one of the most beautiful countries in the world .

I grew up by the fjords, and not just any fjord. The Aurlandsfjord, with Flåm at its end and the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Nærøyfjord as one of its ‘arms’, is one of the most popular fjords in Norway.

This means that my little municipality of 1700 people (my village has around 600 inhabitants) is visited by over 1,5 million tourists a year.

Side note: having grown up where I have, I also run a blog dedicated to Flåm and the area – head this way to read!

It wasn’t until I moved to Wales at 17, followed by London and Florida that I started realising just how beautiful and special Norway is, and now I love sharing my Norway travel tips and guides with visitors from all over the world.

Do you have suggestions or questions?

As mentioned, I want to share EVERYTHING you need for visiting Norway in this post, and in order to do that, I need your help .

If you were hoping to find the answer to a specific question here, but you couldn’t; please leave a comment or send me an email so I can update the post to include it!

I really mean it when I want this post to be the ultimate Norway travel guide, and so I want to make sure I haven’t left anything out. So do let me know if anything is missing.

3 Things to know about Norway before visiting

In order to cover all the best places to visit in Norway, I’d first like to point out that there are a few things you should know before you book a trip to Norway. 

#1 The Cost of Things

One of those things is that Norway is expensive as hell .

There’s no denying it, and you’ll be better off by knowing this in advance. By saving and budgeting, your trip to Norway will go a lot smoother, and being prepared for high prices will save you any frustration during your trip.

Especially in the more touristy areas you’ll find that the prices are quite high.

#2 The Language

Another thing to know about Norway is that the Norwegian language can come across as quite rude . This is not to say that Norwegians are rude, but a result of the lack of ‘polite filler words’ in our day-to-day language.

By this, I mean that we don’t add ‘please’ to the end of a sentence when ordering food or asking for something, we very rarely say ‘excuse me’ if interrupting someone, and the language generally lacks the politeness of English.

You may come across exceptions to this rule, but it’s still worth being aware of so you don’t get offended when someone bumps into you on the street without apologising.

It’s not that we are being rude, it is just our culture and the way of our language.

One last thing worth knowing before you visit Norway is that in general, Norwegians speak and understand English very well .

This is something we are aware of and are proud of, and I believe it is a result of all English/American TV shows and movies aired in Norway simply being subtitled, and not dubbed.

This means that a Norwegian might get offended or annoyed if you speak English as if we don’t understand you, by over- pronouncing or speaking extremely slowly.

I have personally gotten slightly defensive when a tourist once was extremely surprised by the fact that I speak English.

So ask us politely and normally if we speak English, don’t act surprised when we say ‘of course’. If you comment on how Norwegians speak very good English in general, make sure to do just so. Don’t say it in a surprised tone on how one specific person speaks it so well.

There you have some of the things I think you should know before visiting Norway. Now, let’s get down to business!

The 8 Best places to visit in Norway

Norway is quite a large country, in spite of only having a little over 5 million inhabitants.

Out of all the great places to visit in Norway , you’ll find that some are more popular than others.

Most travellers, unless they are on a cruise, will arrive by plane into one of the two main airports in the country; Oslo or Bergen.

From there, they’ll either have a packed itinerary taking them through all the best places to visit in Norway or play it by ear.

Those visiting by cruise will often dock in destinations such as Flåm , Olden or Geiranger.

In this section, I have tried to break down the most popular places to visit in Norway. In no particular order.

Naturally, Oslo is one of the top places to visit in Norway.

The capital of Norway has a variety of fun attractions, and you’ll find that there are a plethora of fun things to do and see. You can enjoy a boat ride or go swimming in the Oslo fjord, take a stroll through one of the city’s many parks, or rent a bike and explore Oslo on a budget.

The Akerselva River runs through the city, and the path alongside it makes for a lovely stroll.

Head this way to read the ultimate guide to things to do in Oslo . You’ll need more than a day to get through all the 30+ activities on the list!

#2 The fjords

Obviously, I couldn’t write a list of the best places to visit in Norway and not include the famous fjords.

However, they are in need of their very own section, as there are several of them worth visiting. Norway is actually the country in the world with the highest density of fjords ! Considering that the word itself is Norwegian, I’m not surprised.

I have covered the fjords in a separate section below, as well as this post about the best fjords in Norway .

The second largest city in Norway is a very popular destination for travellers to Norway due to its proximity to the famous fjords.

This is also where I currently live!

Bergen is famous for the wooden houses along the docks of the city; Bryggen , great local restaurants , and some incredible hikes overlooking the city.

Many tours to the fjords start in Bergen, and it is the perfect starting point for a Norwegian holiday.

Bergen is not only one of Norway’s major cities, but it is also the largest cruise port in the country. So if you are visiting Norway on a cruise you are very likely to be dropping by Bergen.

When you are visiting Bergen, don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in the city , this overview of some great Bergen tours , or even these Bergen fjord cruises (to help you make the most of your trip)!

Bergen Hotel Deals

#4 trondheim.

Trondheim is known amongst Norwegians for their killer student community, and amongst visitors for the beautiful Nidaros Cathedral.

This is the perfect city for a stroll, and both the main square and the pathways along the Nidelva River are beautiful areas to visit.

#5 Lillehammer

Lillehammer gets an honourable mention on this list of places to visit in Norway thanks to the hilarious Netflix show Lilyhammer .

Lillehammer was also the host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, which many Norwegians still remember and remind people that they hosted.

Most travellers will visit Lillehammer as a day trip from Oslo.

#6 Northern Norway

I’m sorry to put this as one item on the list, as I know that there are many beautiful places to visit in Northern Norway.

Alta , Bodø, Tromsø and Lofoten are amongst popular destinations in Northern Norway, and visitors from all over the world travel to Norway to head up North in the winter in order to see the Northern Lights, as well as experience incredible activities such as dog sledding, learning about Sami culture and sleeping in an igloo hotel .

Northern Norway is actually where you’ll find several of the world’s best places to see the Northern lights .

Personally, I think Alta might be one of my favourite destinations in Norway! Just make sure to pack well .

Heading up north? Don’t miss my guide to shooting the Northern lights with a GoPro !

Northern Norway Hotel Deals

#7 the lofoten islands.

The Lofoten Islands (or just Lofoten) is an archipelago of islands located in Nordland county in Northern Norway.

It is an incredibly popular destination for photography enthusiasts, and with good reason. These islands boast of incredible nature with steep, alp-like mountains, stunning white-sand beaches, and even some killer waves for anyone who’s into surfing.

I couldn’t possibly write a Norway travel guide without mentioning this place (even though I have a separate section for Northern Norway right above it).

I didn’t visit Lofoten until I was 28, and I couldn’t believe I had taken that long to explore the place. Absolutely stunning, is the only way to describe it.

Curious about visiting Lofoten? Here are 23 reasons you need to visit Lofoten now!

In my collection of itineraries, I have now added self-drive Lofoten itineraries (it is a place where a rental car is a must)! Head this way to find them!

#8 Stavanger

Stavanger is an incredibly pretty city, and one I didn’t actually visit until I was in my twenties. I wish I had sooner because it really took my breath away!

From the pretty Fargegaten (the coloured street pictured below) to walking through the Old Town, Stavanger has plenty of reasons to visit.

Head this way to read my favourite things to do in Stavanger !

The best fjords to visit in Norway

Below is an overview of which fjords to visit in Norway, but you can also head this way to read my extensive guide to the 5 best fjords to visit in Norway!

I told you the fjords deserved their own section in this post. Basically, most people who travel to Norway come to experience the Norwegian fjords, and with good reason.

The fjords offer breathtaking scenery, majestic mountains and a landscape that will stay in your memory forever.

First things first.

What is a fjord?

You’ll be surprised with the amount of people who arrive in Norway with no clue what a fjord actually is.

Some think it’s a lake, others think it’s the name for Norwegian mountains. We have had people ask us if we drain the fjords in the winter (?) or if we turn off the waterfalls at all (??).

My friend once got asked if we built the visiting cruise ship on the fjord in order to get it there , because apparently , it was too hard to believe that it had sailed its way there.

A fjord is a body of water that fills a deep and narrow valley created by a glacier, often with steep, dramatic mountains surrounding it. As it is connected to the ocean, it is not a lake. As it is not flowing anywhere, it is not a river. It is a fjord.

How do I use ‘fjord’ in a sentence?

I wanted to mention this briefly as I have heard (and read) too many fun variations of sentences including the fjords. Here’s my low-down of how to use the fjords in a s entence;

• You are by the fjords, not at the fjords when you are in the area surrounding it, such as in my village Aurland.
• You are only on the fjord if you are on a boat, on the fjord . If you are going for a swim, you are in the fjord.
• The mountains are not fjords, so you cannot ‘ hike a fjord ‘. You can hike by or near a fjord. However, you can hike in the fjord landscape.
• The fjords as a plural is used to describe several of the fjords in Norway, which are mainly found in the west. Thus, the term ‘the fjords’ could also just mean ‘the area in Western Norway spreading across the Lysefjord, the Sognefjord and the Geirangerfjord. Don’t ever call it the fjords (plural) if you are only talking about one of them.

Now that we’ve got the technical stuff covered, let me share the best fjords in Norway with you. There are only 3 you need to know, in my opinion.

#1 The Lysefjord – Lysefjorden

Lysefjorden is a small fjord near Stavanger, and it is the location of the famous Pulpit Rock and Kjerag/Kjeragbolden. These two popular hikes have incredible views of the fjord below and are both worth a try if you are in the area. 

The Lysefjord ends in Lysebotn, a small village at the bottom of the mountain and at the end of the fjord.

The fjord can be explored by ferry, and there are also car ferries running there in the summertime, allowing you to bring your own car on the fjord adventure.

Along the Lysefjord you’ll also find Flørli, which is the last ferry stop before Lysebotn. Here you can hike the famous Flørli 4444, which is the world’s longest wooden stairs.

They consist of (you guessed it) 4444 wooden steps going up the mountainside along the old water pipes.  The pipes are reminders of Flørli’s rich hydro energy history.

Please note that there are limited schedules for the ferries on Lysefjorden in the winter, and so I advise you to do your research before heading to the pier for pickup.

#2 The Geiranger fjord – Geirangerfjorden

One of the busiest little villages in Norway, mainly thanks to the cruise traffic visiting this fjord, is Geiranger.

This quaint little place is neatly nestled at the bottom of a mountain, and looks tiny when pictured with the majestic fjord landscape surrounding it.

The Geiranger fjord is one of two fjords in Norway (the other one is next) that have been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The area surrounding Geiranger boasts some incredible viewpoints, such as Dalsnibba and Ørneredet (the Eagle’s Nest). A popular hike overlooking the fjord goes to Westerås Farm, where you can even spend the night if you book in advance.

Going on a fjord cruise in Geiranger is a must if you want to see the famous waterfalls ‘De Syv Søstre’ (the Seven Sisters) or ‘Friaren’ (the Suitor).

These waterfalls face each other along the fjord, and have a pretty interesting backstory , which I’ll tell you if you ask!

#3 The Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord

These two fjords, the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord, are actually ‘fjord arms’ of the Sognefjord, which is the largest fjord in Norway.

A fjord arm is simply a smaller fjord connected to the main fjord, which is connected to the ocean. I really should be a teacher with these amazing explanations.

The Aurlandsfjord is the name of the fjord where you’ll find my village, Aurland, as well as the famous neighbouring village Flåm.

Flåm is one of Norway’s largest cruise ports, after Stavanger, Bergen and Geiranger. You can imagine how busy it gets in a village of 300 inhabitants when 5000 cruise passengers embark.

One of the best activities in the area is the newly opened Flåm Zipline, which is Scandinavia’s longest (and fastest)! Read my review (and watch my video) here !

Flåm is home to the famous Flåm Railway, one of the world’s most scenic railways. Aurland is home to the impressive Stegastein Viewpoint , a viewing platform built 650 metres above sea level and offering panoramic views of the fjord below. It’s with good reason that I love this area.

The Nærøyfjord is a fjord arm of the Aurlandsfjord, and has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status along with the Geiranger fjord (above). This is where the Sognefjord is at its narrowest, which provides for some impressive sceneries.

Before heading to the Aurlandsfjord area, don’t miss the travel guide I have written about it! It’s a 30+ page eBook , and I am so excited to have finally published it!

The 4 Best Things to do in Norway

Now that we have covered the different places to visit in Norway (and I’m sure I’ve missed a few), it’s time to cover another important topic; what is there to do in Norway?

Naturally, each of the places above will have their own distinct activities and things to do, and some are very location specific.

However, there are some experiences in Norway that are more popular than others, and they are worth knowing about before visiting Norway.

I also have separate posts on what to do in Oslo , Bergen , Stavanger , Lofoten , Flåm and Olden specifically.

#1 Hiking in Norway

There are many popular hikes in Norway, and you’ll see photos of them everywhere and anywhere you turn online.

The most famous ones are Pulpit Rock, and the dreaded 10-hour hike Trolltunga (which some tourists still manage to complete in sandals and jeans), but there are loads of great lesser known hikes in Norway too!

Here are two of my favourite unknown hikes in Norway!

#2 Explore the fjords by boat

As mentioned above, the fjords are some of the main reasons people visit Norway. Naturally, heading out on the fjords by boat is a must during your trip to Norway, and luckily there are several ways to cross this on your list!

On all three of the fjords I’ve listed in this post you can go on a fjord cruise which will take you through the fjords so you can enjoy the scenery.

Most of the companies have classic car ferries covering the routes, but if you go on a fjord cruise in the Nærøyfjord from Flåm to Gudvangen or back) you can travel on fully electric vessels, which is an experience on its own.

Another fun way to explore the fjords is to go out on a FjordSafari, which is in a smaller boat allowing you to get much closer to nature. These tours are popular in Flåm and Geiranger.

If you prefer a more active approach, kayaking on the fjords is always an option, and you can choose between renting your own or joining a kayaking tour.

There are even tours that include an overnight stay along the fjord, giving you a fjord experience to remember for life.

#3 The Flam Railway – Flåmsbana (and other train journeys)

Named one of the most scenic train rides in the world, this is at the top of many people’s Norway bucket list. The Flåm Railway runs between Myrdal and Flåm, and takes approximately one hour each way.

This is the #1 attraction in Flåm, and tickets sell out extremely fast, so do make sure to book early.

Originally, the Flåm Railway was constructed with the purpose of connecting the Oslo-Bergen Railway with the boats coming into the Sognefjord (Flåm is literally at the end of it), but today its main job is transporting almost 10’000 tourists a day to the top of the Flåm Valley and back down to the fjord.

If you are one of those travellers, do read this sarcastic mini guide by yours truly on how to be a tourist in Norway.   Remember that offence is taken, not given.

#4 Norway in a Nutshell

This isn’t technically a ‘thing to do in Norway’, but more like a way to explore Norway. Norway in a Nutshell is a popular non-guided tour, starting in either Oslo or Bergen.

Basically, it takes you from either city via train, connecting you to the famous Flåm Railway at Myrdal. On the train to Myrdal you will have already seen some of Norway’s beautiful nature, and experienced the impressively poor w ifi they advertise on the NSB trains.

From Myrdal to Flåm you not only get no wifi at all, you also won’t have any phone signal. So grab your camera and enjoy the stunning views of the Flåm Valley.

One of the most impressive things about the Flåm Railway, in my opinion, is the fact that in one of the tunnels the train turns almost 180 degrees, and you’ll exit the tunnel with the view you had on one side of the train on the opposite side. That’s all happening inside a mountain, guys!

The next step of the classic Norway in a Nutshell itinerary is to get on a fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen. On this cruise you’ll sail through the Nærøyfjord, and get to cross off the UNESCO listed area from your list. From Gudvangen you continue on to Voss by bus, where you will jump on a train back to either Oslo or Bergen.

Do note that this is mainly the classic Norway in a Nutshell itinerary, and that there are many variations of it, for example allowing you to end in a different city from where you started.

Here’s my guide to booking the Norway in a Nutshell tour on your own (saving you quite a bit of $$$)!

What to see in Norway

Okay, I understand that some of these could have been included on the ‘things to do’ list, but as they are more on the scenic side,  it made sense to add them in their own category. Naturally, the Norwegian nature is a big reason many people come to visit, and so naturally, these things are mostly natural phenomenon, with a few buildings sprinkled in.

In no particular order, these are the things people come to see in Norway:

• The fjords, mainly the Nærøyfjord, the Geiranger fjord and the Lysefjord
• The Northern Lights
• Famous mountains such as Trolltunga, Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten
• Snow (seriously)
• Impressive structures such as the Opera House in Oslo and the Stegastein Viewpoint
• Historic buildings such as Bryggen in Bergen and the ships at the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo

The Best Time to Visit Norway

This is another question I get a lot; when is the best time to visit Norway? I have dedicated an entire blog post to it here , but you can also keep reading for an overview.

Side note : if you are planning your trip to Norway around the Aurora Borealis/northern lights, read my post covering the best times to see the Northern Lights in Norway !

Naturally, every season has its charms, and there are pros and cons for visiting Norway at any time of year. Visiting Norway in the summer is naturally the most popular time to visit Norway.

This is when it is warmest, and many would say the country is at its prettiest in the summer. Summer is high season for tourism in Norway, and this also means that there are more people. Everywhere.

Visiting Norway in the winter is becoming increasingly popular, as people want to venture away from everyone else and experience something unique.

Norway in the winter is cold, dark and quiet, and that’s exactly what many people are looking for. I have also written a complete guide to visiting the fjords in the winter , which I update yearly to ensure that all the latest info is there.

Don’t miss this complete packing list for visiting Norway in winter!

Onto spring, which is when many locals will advise you to visit Norway. April is still considered to be shoulder season in Norway, but more and more tour companies and providers are offering high season opening hours and schedules.

It is a little colder than summer, so you’ll have to dress well if you visit in the spring (seriously, we sometimes have snow in May!). but it’s worth it to beat the crowds.

The same can be said for visiting in the autumn, which is personally my favourite season. If you visit in September you’ll enjoy similar opening hours as August, and still catch the end of summer beauty of the country.

Unfortunately, there is no right answer to the question of when to visit Norway, and it is a decision that has to be made by each traveller.

If your priority is to have the most off-the-beaten-track experience of Norway, I would say autumn, while if it’s really important to you to have the green grass and good weather, you may have to brave the crowds of July. Either way, I hope you’ll have an amazing time in Norway!

Visiting Norway on a budget

Now onto something else completely. Is it possible to visit Norway on a budget? Well, it depends on how you define budget.

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Norway on a backpacker budget, simply because you won’t get the real experience of the country if you can’t afford to join any of the activities on offer and have to spend half your trip trying to hitch-hike a ride and finding a spot to set up your tent.

Visiting Norway on a budget in the sense that you can be smart about your money and not break the bank completely, however, is completely doable!

Here’s how you can visit Oslo on a budget , with tips that are valid for any of the Norwegian cities .

It’s all about doing your research in advance, checking for price increases and asking locals for tips. For example, in both Bergen and Oslo you can skip the expensive airport express and go by local transportation, paying less than half the price.

Instead of joining the Norway in a Nutshell tour, why not set it up on your own? As you saw above from my outline of the itinerary, it’s pretty straight forward, and completely doable to book separately. Here’s exactly how to do it on your own !

The Best Hotels in Norway

There are lots of great places to stay in Norway, from the ultimate luxury hotels to budget-friendly Bed & Breakfasts. You’ll find that there are many historic hotels across the country, offering unique experiences and fun stories to share with their visitors.

These are often members of De Historiske , which is a collection of historic hotels, and an affiliate of Historic Hotels of Europe.

Some of my favourite hotels in Norway are hotels that have a story to tell, whether they are part of De Historiske or not. Such as Amerikalinjen in Oslo, Vangsgaarden in Aurland, Hotel Union in Geiranger and Hotel Norge in Bergen.

Here are some of my favourite hotels in Oslo , specifically.

Oslo Hotel Deals

Below you will find some specific hotel deals for Oslo – courtesy of Booking.com! Hotels in Norway (and especially Oslo) fill up fast, so as soon as you have your travel dates I highly recommend booking your stay.

Travelling in Norway – How to get around

When visiting Norway you’ll want to get around in the most efficient (and budget friendly) way.

There are three main modes of transport in Norway , in addition to each city having their own system.

If you are visiting Oslo, the public transport system is called #Ruter ( yes, with the hashtag ), and in Bergen it’s called Skyss.

Both companies have apps where you can check schedules, plan your trip and buy your tickets, so I suggest downloading these before you leave. Just search for their names in your respective App store.

Want specifics? Here’s how to travel from Bergen to Flåm (and back) , and here’s how to get from Oslo to the fjords !

Note that in Spring 2019, NSB (the national rail company) and Nettbuss (my favourite bus company) announced that they were joining forces and rebranding as Vy .

Nettbuss was already owned by NSB, so by “joining forces”, I mainly mean that they are to be seen as one company publicly.

This has been a long process, and now you can book bus and train transportation (schedules, prices and tickets) on their websites; Vy and VyBuss .

Ideally, they want to merge their websites, so that you can book both bus and train tickets in the same spot – but so far it hasn’t been working greatly. So my advice is to use the separate websites for now.

Travelling Norway by car

Many people decide to rent a car in Norway and getting around that way. Renting your own car is a great way to explore the country, as it will allow you to take things at your own pace and set your own itinerary.

There are also so many great places to stop on a road trip in Norway .

Most car rentals are found near the major airports, and so it’s quite common to rent your car where you first arrive in Norway.

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN NORWAY

I’m sorry to have to caps lock that heading, but this is important. If you are renting a car in Norway and driving yourself, please read my advice very carefully.

• Do not use the emergency blinkers for anything other an emergency.  In Norway drivers are legally required to stop for vehicles with their emergency lights on, and you can only imagine the amount of times I’ve stopped and worriedly ask someone of they are okay, only to have them smile and hold up their camera and tell me that “they were only taking photos”. The emergency light does not allow you to stop in the middle of the road or in someone’s driveway. Please drive safely and keep this in mind.
• Do not drive slower than 10km/h below the speed limit. It fucking kills to be stuck behind an idiot who is too busy taking photos of the mountain to look at the road. Now before you call me insensitive, I’ve been there and I know how it feels to be insecure of the roads and not comfortable to drive faster. But that’s when I pull over and let other cars past. So please, if you are not comfortable following the speed limits, or you want to take in the scenery as you drive, please pull over whenever you can to let people past . Too many accidents are caused by a mix of insecure tourists and impatient locals.
• Calculate for extra time , no matter where you are going. The Norwegian roads, especially by the fjords, are narrow, windy, and often end in a ferry port to get you to the other side of the fjord. On our more popular tourist routes, such as the Snow Road (Aurlandsvegen) to the Stegastein Viewpoint, there are several hairpin turns to get through before you’re at the top, and most areas of the road only have space for one car at the time. Then think of the hundreds of other drivers you’ll be meeting on these narrow roads and plan accordingly. 
• Don’t overestimate yourself  or be cocky. i’m sure you’re the man and have a big car back home, but these roads can be insane. It’s not uncommon for locals to to have to get out of their cars in order to help visitors reverse theirs.

Excuse my French above, but I’ve seen too many near-accidents (and actually fatal accidents) caused by people who don’t follow these tips.

Travelling Norway by bus

There are several major bus companies with routes crossing Norway in this or that direction. Personally, I prefer travelling by bus over train, and love to get comfortable in my seat and watching the houses and farms fly by outside the window. 

The major bus companies to note in Norway, and to check if you are planning on travelling by bus in Norway are;

• VyBuss (formerly Nettbuss)
• Nor-Way Bussekspress

Travelling Norway by train

This one doesn’t require a lot of explaining, because there is only one major train company in Norway; Vy. It’s government funded, and so it is basically the national rail company. Super simple. All train tickets in Norway can be booked on their website , with few exceptions.

One of those exceptions is that SJ, a Swedish company, is currently operating certain train lines in eastern Norway. However, tickets are still sold by Vy on their website, so as a visitor you won’t really notice the difference.

As mentioned above, NSB and Nettbuss announced in early 2019 that they will be rebranding into a new company called Vy (and old Norwegian word for ‘view’). So, if you see either names or logos anywhere when traveling, you’ll know why.

Some train routes are owned by private companies, mainly when the purpose of the train is tourism and it’s considered a ‘tour’, and not simply transportation.

The Flåm Railway is a perfect example of this, all though Vy does own a percentage of it and will sell one way tickets to the Flåm Railway on their website.

Tipping in Norway

Out of all the Norway travel tips I’m ask ed to share, how tipping in Norway works is a big one.

Tipping in Oslo is a little different from tipping in Norway generally, so I’ve split them up below in order to make it easier for you.

This is mainly because Oslo is a major city with more international influences than the rest of the country. Bear in mind, however, that some of the Oslo tipping guidelines can be used in most of the other major cities in Norway as well, such as Bergen, Trondheim or Stavanger.

It’s worth noting that Norwegians generally do not tip when they are out in Norway , but with the influx of tourism the country has had in the past few  years it has become more and more common to expect a tip from visitors.

Especially if you are American, as Norwegians are well aware of the American tipping culture. Sorry about that, but at least you’re warned.

Please note that these are guidelines only , and that you should always tip what you are comfortable with. However, I hope this little tipping in Norway guide makes it a little easier for you to decide.

Tipping in Oslo

As mentioned, tipping is not very common practice for Norwegians, other than rounding up the bill to not have to carry change. As a tourist, however, it is more common to round up the bill at restaurants in Oslo to the nearest 100 NOK. This is about the extent of the tipping practices in Oslo.

Norway is a very expensive country, and so the wages of employees are quite high to match, including waiters and bartenders. So don’t feel responsible for paying their ways, as they are more than fine on their own.

But, like I said above, due to the many tourists visiting Oslo, tipping in restaurants has become more common practice. Simply round up to the nearest 100 NOK if the meal is more than 500 NOK (or the nearest 50 NOK if it’s below).

It is not common to tip taxi drivers or hotel staff when it comes to tipping in Norway. The exception is private drivers or tour guides that you have hired yourself.

Tipping in the rest of Norway

It’s not necessary to tip, and in many places they’ll follow you to let you know that you forgot your change. If you got outstanding service, feel free to leave a tip, as it will be appreciated. It’s just not necessary.

Personally, I worked as a waitress for a couple of summers by the fjords, and was incredibly glad when customers were happy enough to tip me, all though the 50 kroner they left wasn’t even a third of my hourly pay.

But still, I saved all my tip money and bought return tickets to New York at the end of summer! Score.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Norway

Still have questions about Norway? Well, keep reading. I have answered some commonly asked questions about Norway and travelling to Norway below. If you have a question that’s missing; leave it in the comments!

Surprisingly enough, this is quite a common question and shows up rather often on the list of Googled questions about Norway. If you are one of the people who made it to this post by searching ‘Where is Norway?’, then you’ll want to read this. Norway is a country located in Northern Europe, and borders Sweden along most of its borders, and Finland and Russia in the North. It is surrounded by water on 3 sides, and (you guessed it) Sweden on the 4th. If you are looking at a map of Europe and want to find Norway, just go as far North as you can on the map. If you hit Svalbard or Greenland, you’ve gone too far (all though Svalbard is actually a part of Norway, so you wouldn’t be wrong). Heading to Finland or stopping over in Helsinki? Don’t miss my guide to one day in Helsinki !

The largest city in Norway is the capital, Oslo. The second largest city in Norway is Bergen, which also used to be the capital, back when it had its original name; Bjørgvin. Heading to Oslo? Don’t miss this guide!

This has been answered in detail earlier on in the post, but if you’ve simply scrolled down to the FAQ, I’ll give you a brief answer. Each of the seasons have their charm, and I believe there is no right or wrong time to visit Norway. Personally, however, I think the best time to visit Norway is the autumn, due to the beautiful colours, and the fact that there are less people in the shoulder season. I am also an advocate for visiting Norway in the winter. Head this way for a month by month breakdown of the best time to visit Norway.

The highest mountain in Norway is Galdhøpiggen. Fun fact : it is not only the highest mountain in Norway, but also in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, with its 2469 metres above sea level. You’ll find it in the mountain range Jotunheimen, which has inspired many a song and fairytale. You may remember the ‘Jotuns’ that Thor and Loki fought in one of the Thor movies? They are the troll creatures said to inhabit Jotunheimen.

I am loving these questions! And well done for wanting to figure this out before your trip. You have no idea the amount of people that come to the fjord wondering what the hell they are there for. Norway is famous for its stunning nature, which is quite unique due to its fjord landscape. A fjord is a narrow inlet of water deep into the country, often with steep mountains surrounding it. The word ‘fjord’ is Norwegian, and used in the English language as well. If you scroll up to one of the earlier sections of this post, you’ll find a nifty little guide to how you can use the word in a sentence. Norway is also known for its expensive beer, beautiful people and for winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009. We also hosted the Winter Olympics in 1994. But, as mentioned, its the breathtaking nature of Norway that draws the most people, and is what Norway is famous for. Oh, and the Northern Lights.

Final Norway Travel Tips

You’ve almost made it to the end, my friend! Now that you have finished the guide, I hope you are feeling better equipped to visit Norway! It’s such a beautiful country, and one that should be on your list.

My final, and most important, tip for anyone travelling to Norway is make sure to stop and take it all in as often as you can during your trip.

The fjords are incredible, and the Northern Lights are nothing short of spectacular. On your trip to Norway you’ll see nature like you’ve never seen before, so please don’t miss it.

All My Norway travel guides

Below you will find every single post, guide and article I have written on visiting Norway! I add to this list every time I publish a new post, and hope you will find it helpful.

• eBook: Flåm and the fjords – Travel guide written by yours truly!
• Easy-to-follow Norway Itineraries (for Oslo, Bergen, the fjords, Lofoten and more)
• How to get from Bergen Airport to the city centre
• 18 Things you’ll only understand if you grew up in Norway
• The Ultimate Norway Winter Packing List
• 23 reasons (with photo proof) you need to visit Lofoten (in winter)
• The best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway
• How to photograph the Northern Lights using a GoPro
• 30+ fun things to do in Oslo
• Things to do in Stavanger + List of Stavanger restaurants
• Guide to spending a weekend by the fjords
• The best hikes in Norway
• Visiting Oslo on a budget
• Visiting the fjords in the Winter
• The best hotels in Oslo
• A guide to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, Oslo
• Things to consider when visiting Norway
• Visiting the Norwegian Palace in Oslo
• How to be a tourist in Norway
• A free Oslo activity: The Akerselva walk
• Hilarious Norwegian Christmas Traditions & How we Celebrate Christmas in Norway
• How to travel from Bergen to Flåm
• How to travel from Oslo to Flåm
• How to book the Norway in a Nutshell tour on your own
• A complete list of hotels in Flåm (and nearby)
• The 13 Most Beautiful Places in Norway , as told by travellers who have been there
• Fun and sustainable experiences in Aurland, Norway
• 8 great Bergen tours (including self-guided, Segway tours, and trips to the fjords!)
• 44 Things to do in Bergen
• 10 ridiculous questions asked by tourists in Norway
• Where to stop on a road trip in Norway
• A guide to the famous Flåm Zipline (+ video)
• A guide to visiting Stegastein Viewpoint, Aurland
• 25 Nordic Sweaters You’ll Love (for your trip to Scandinavia)!
• How to plan a trip to Norway (Step-by-step guide)
• The ultimate guide to hiking Pulpit Rock
• Guide to hiking Ulriken, Bergen
• The best time to visit Norway (month-by-month breakdown)
• A guide to the 5 best fjords in Norway
• The Perfect 10 Day Norway Itinerary
• The Best Restaurants in Bergen
• 17 Great things to do in Olden, Norway
• What is Norway famous for?
• Epic Things to do in Alta, Norway
• The 5 Best Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø
• 21 Unique Things to do in Tromsø
• The 5 Best Fjord Cruises from Bergen
• The 10 best cafes in Bergen
• The 5 Best Dog Sledding Tours in Tromsø
• The Best Beaches in Norway
• Nordic Symbols and their meanings

Thank you so much for reading my Norway travel guide! Was anything missing? Do you still have questions about visiting Norway? Leave them in the comments so I can answer you and add it to the blog post for the future!

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Home » Itineraries » Norway Itinerary

Norway Itinerary

With soaring stave churches, stirring landscapes, medieval history, and plenty of modern attractions to keep you entertained, its no wonder that the popularity of Norway has grown in recent years. It’s a destination that offers a wide mix of attractions both indoors and outdoors, and everything has a uniquely Norwegian twist. While we tend to seek out beaches more than snow, Norway in winter offers a special appeal we couldn’t turn down—the chance to see the Northern Lights, ice-covered fjords, sled dogs at work, and the glory of Norway’s largest cities.

At more than 1500 miles north to south, Norway is a huge country full of an endless array of gorgeous things to see. It’s impossible to experience everything on a short visit. Our goal was to pack in everything possible into our one week in Norway itinerary without feeling extremely rushed. Here’s a look at how we spent our time.

If you are considering a trip to Norway in winter, check out our packing list on what to take and what to wear. This will keep you warm and comfortable.

One-Week Norway in Winter Itinerary

Day 1: take norway in a nutshell route to flam, day 2: flam to the fjords and bergen, days 3 & 4: visit bergen, days 5 & 6 – see the northern lights in tromso, day 7: visit oslo.

One of the most popular ways to see the southern part of the country is the Norway in a Nutshell tour. This route takes you from Oslo to Mydral followed by one of the most famous train journeys in the world on the historic Flam railway. From Flam, you continue on to an amazing ferry journey through the fjords, ultimately ending in Bergen (more on this second leg in day 2 below).

Because the entire route from Oslo to Bergen is more than 12 hours—and much would be in the dark in the winter—we opted to break it up over two days. We’ve written in much more detail about how to plan your own Norway in a Nutshell trip here .

On the first day, the train left Oslo at 8:25am headed for Myrdal. The journey to Myrdal was pretty but simple countryside until we approached Flam. If you’re tired from the early morning start or jetlag (or both), you can nap for a couple of hours without missing anything special.

As we approached Myrdal, the scenery began to shift. Bright red houses appeared by lakes, the terrain became more mountainous. As we traveled, we spotted snowmobilers and skiers, some even zooming along with kites strapped to their backs to catch the wind.

After a brief stop at Myrdal, we boarded the Flam railway for the next leg of the trip. This is where the landscape became truly impressive.

The Flam Railway, a 12-mile stretch of the Bergen Line, is often called one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. One of the highlights of our Norway itinerary, the route of this old-fashioned steam train winds through 20 tunnels, passed ravines, waterfalls, and tiny villages as you descend nearly 3000 feet to Flam.

The village of Flam is tiny—just 350 residents—so it’s a very quiet place during the winter in Norway (in the summer, it’s flooded with people). Even when tourists descend upon the area when the train arrives, people have a tendency to spread out. Flam has a couple of restaurants and shops, but the surrounding scenery is the attraction. If people stay overnight, there are options for hiking, snowshoeing, and other outdoor winter activities, but we just wanted to enjoy the serenity. And the beer at Aegir BrewPub, of course.

Where to stay in Flam

There are two hotel options in Flam which are both popular and can be pricey. In the summer, they book up well in advance. For our winter trip to Norway, we booked about one month in advance.

• We opted for the Flamsbrygga Hotel , which is attached to the Aegir BrewPub. The hotel looks a bit like a stave church and fits in perfectly surrounded by the fjord ( Read reviews and book a room ).
• The Fretheim Hotel , a refurbished 1800s manor house, is another good option ( Read reviews and book a room ).

The second part of the Norway in a Nutshell trip to Bergen has even more dramatic scenery.

Setting out on the 9:30am ferry from Flam we ventured into Naeroyfjord, one of the longest and deepest fjords in the world. In the winter in Norway the sun is still low on the horizon, so throughout our ferry trip we watched the colors turn from deep greens and blacks to bright blues as the sky lit up.

For two hours, we sliced our way across the frigid water as the landscape changed around us. We passed tiny fishing huts splashed in bright colors and watched waterfalls gush their way down the 5000-foot-tall mountains around us. It was everything we could have hoped for.

Our visit to the fjords ended in Gudvangen where we stopped for a quick snack before transferring to the bus to Voss. The 75-minute bus ride through the countryside took us by even more splendid houses and had waterfalls that seemed nearly to end at the road’s edge. From Voss, we took the train to Bergen, one of the most popular Norway destinations and our base for the next two days of our 7 days in Norway.

Bergen is Norway’s second largest city, but it feels much smaller. One of the best places to visit in Norway, Bergen has a compact Old Town and excellent public transportation to move around quickly, which makes it easy for visitors to see a lot in a short time.

The weather in Bergen can be quite unpredictable, especially in winter, so we were thrilled when the sun cooperated with us almost every moment. We didn’t take it for granted and wanted to make the most of our visit.

Our first day in Bergen started with an easy tram ride a couple of miles outside of the city center to the Fantoft Stave Church. Norway is known for its soaring wooden churches that look like they came straight from a fairy tale, and this one is an excellent example.

After the church, we headed back to the harbor to visit Bryggen, a row of merchant houses and shops that have their roots in the Hanseatic League. Since we’re suckers for bright colors and UNESCO World Heritage sites, this fit the bill in every way. Making our own street art tour of the nearby streets capped off day one.

Our second day was all about the mountains. First, we took the quick 8-minute ride up Mount Floyen on the Bergen funicular. Then we took full advantage of the sunny weather by riding the cable car to the top of Mount Ulriken. Although the activities sound similar, they provide completely different views of Bergen and the surrounding area. Most people with limited time will probably find the funicular to be the most convenient option.

An afternoon of museum hopping and more street art rounded out our day. We’ve written in more detail about our days in beautiful Bergen .

Where to stay in Bergen

• In the heart of Bergen’s city center, Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz is the top-rated hotel in Bergen ( Read reviews and book a room ).
• The stylish, modern Hotel No 13 is within easy walking distance of everything ( Read reviews and book a room ).
• A fashionable luxury hotel, the Bergen Bors Hotel is located in the city’s stately old stock exchange ( Read reviews and book a room ).

The idea of going above the Arctic Circle in winter brought one word to mind—“cold.” And while it was certainly cold, Tromso was so much more than that.

Flying from Bergen to Tromso was easy. We arrived around lunch and spent some time wandering the cute streets. We stopped by Mack, the world’s northernmost brewery, and its adjacent brewpub Olhallen. The brewpub has 67 beers and ciders on tap and was a perfect respite from the winter weather.

In the evening, we turned our attention to the primary reason for our visit to Tromso—to fulfill Lance’s long-standing dream of seeing the Northern Lights.

Seeing the Northern Lights is entirely weather-dependent and can be unpredictable. As we planned our Norway trip, we knew there would be a chance of going all the way to Tromso and not seeing the Lights at all. As a result, we allotted two nights of our 1 week in Norway to chasing the Lights to give ourselves an additional chance of see these purple and green flares dance their way across the sky. (Check out our Northern Lights FAQ for everything you ever wanted to know about the Aurora.)

Our decision to allow two nights in Tromso in our schedule turned out to be the right call. Our visibility the first night was limited, but it gave us an opportunity to practice our photography skills because capturing the Northern Lights takes a little bit of work. We were perfectly prepared for our second night when the Lights unveiled themselves in all their glory. We have written in detail about chasing the Northern Lights, photographing them, and all the details of our experience here . Also read our tips for photographing the Aurora Borealis .

To fill our time in between the Northern Lights excursions (the trips often last from about 7:00pm to 2am), we tried another typical winter activity for northern Norway— dog sledding . Zooming across the frozen plains behind a team of blue-eyed huskies was surreal. Although we were frozen, we loved every minute.

Where to Stay in Tromso

• With views of the bay and the mountains, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromso , is an excellent option ( Read reviews and book a room ).
• The Comfort Hotel Xpress has small but expertly designed rooms for good value in a convenient location ( Read reviews and book a room ).
• The Scandic Grand Tromso is a great base for your Arctic adventures ( Read reviews and book a room ).

Our last day in Norway began with a flight from Tromso to Olso. We were tired from our wonderfully busy week and two late nights watching the Northern Lights, but we wanted to get in some sightseeing time in the capital city.

Oslo’s waterfront has been undergoing a massive redevelopment for years (hence the many cranes in our photos), so we decided that would be the focus of our time in the city. The Opera House is the crown jewel of the new construction and is quickly becoming one of the most iconic modern buildings in Scandinavia. Designed to resemble a glacier, the Opera House is meant to be a work of art—you can even walk on top of it.

From there we headed to another of the best places to see in Oslo, the Akershus Fortress. The castle here was completed around 1300 at the time that the capital moved from Bergen to Oslo. We strolled the grounds, visiting different memorials and watching as the winter afternoon light turned the thick fortress walls golden.

After touring the inspiring Nobel Peace Center, we visited Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen, two areas known for their great restaurants, shops, art installations, and harborside views. There’s even an outdoors “bath,” but with snow still on the ground, we passed on that experience. We’ll have to leave that for our next trip to Norway.

Where to Stay in Oslo

• Right by the Opera House and 2 minutes from Oslo’s high street, the Thon Opera Hotel is perfectly located ( Read reviews and book a room ).
• The Clarion Collection Hotel Folketeateret is a great option in the city center near shops and some of the city’s best restaurants ( Read reviews and book a room ).
• With a great restaurant and wine bar and well-appointed rooms, Hotel Christiania Teater is ideal for a visit to Oslo ( Read reviews and book a room ).

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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.

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.

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

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July 20, 2020 at 11:07 pm

Excellent overview of the route. Thank you!

August 5, 2020 at 6:59 am

Dear Jessica, thank you so much for this itinerary! My husband and I just came back from our fantastic road trip in Norway. Oh my God I just fell in love with Norway. We live in the south of Sweden, so both our region and Norway were ok regarding corona, this is why we decided to do this trip. We adjusted the itinerary: coming from the south of Sweden, we drove in i Norway and stayed one night in Fredrikstad, then drove through all the south coast to Stavanger (beautiful scenery!) and from Stavanger we mainly followed your itinerary, excluding Preikestolen which we didn't do because neither my husband or I wanted to hike in our holidays, so we saw Preikestolen from Lysefjord, we took the boat trip. It was a good idea since it was raining and cloudy and I don't think Preikestolen was worth it with such weather.

We followed everything else and at the end we didn't drive to Ålesunds, we were too tired and decided to drive back to Oslo, where we spent 1 night (we've been in Oslo before) and then drove back to Sweden.

Because of corona, 95% of tourists we saw were Norwegians, some Germans and some French. Not crowdy at all in the Lookouts, this was such a blessing! 🙂 we even did an extra Lookout that wasn't included in the itinerary.

The weather was cloudy sometimes but the sun came out often so our photos have gorgeous sky in the background! I loved this!

An update is that everything (including all possible ferries) is paid with AutoPass now. We felt home since the Norwegian language is veeery similar to the Swedish so it was easy to communicate.

Finally, since I know you really loved Norway, I would like to suggest you take a road trip in summer time in Switzerland. We spent 10 days road trip in Switzerland and drove only in the country side, no highways at all. Oh my God, Switzerland is the most beautiful country I've ever seen, and now Norway in absolute 2nd place now 🙂 and we've travelled quite a lot too, though not as much as you 🙂 We got our itinerary in Switzerland from the website: thegrandtourofswitzerland…Amazing! But of course, it is maybe 4 times more expensive than Norway and the rest of Europe (something to be considered when planning).

Thanks a lot again! Your itinerary gave us some wonderful days in Norway! Keep travelling and posting!

August 6, 2020 at 10:23 am

Sounds like you had such an amazing trip! And thanks for the updates on the ferries! I can't wait to get back to Europe once it is safe again! I was actually hoping to spend some time in Switzerland this summer but the universe had other plans!

October 27, 2020 at 12:38 pm

Thank you for sharing those wonderful things to do in Norway. I would love to try the Norwegian food one day. Your information in driving and other tips will be really helpful for me when I plan my trip later:)

November 11, 2020 at 1:22 am

thank you! very clear and helpful

March 24, 2022 at 10:01 am

Hello! Love your detailed itinerary. Thank you for sharing it. We will be going there this June and plan to drive from Bergen to Gudvangen for the 2 hours Naeroyjford Fjord cruise. I was wondering if there is an alternative to driving all the way from here to get to Gamle Strynefjellsvegen. We want to try and skip the driving of the Aurlandsfjellet route and the Sognefjellet route as we will be with kids. But would love to do the scenic route of Gamle Strynefjellsvegen. Would you know How do we get on that route the fastest possible way? Thanks so much.

March 24, 2022 at 7:08 pm

Ack I really don’t know! Do you think it’d be too much driving with the kids? I always like to play around with Google Maps and see what I can come up with.

Have a great time — Norway is absolutely spectacular!

May 9, 2022 at 3:23 pm

Greetings, Beautiful Norway and splendid itinerary. Could we do this itinerary without a car in 10-12days? Any suggestions is greatly appreciated. Kind regards, Argie

May 10, 2022 at 11:42 am

I’m not entirely sure but I don’t think you’d be able to get to the more off the beaten path spots. I’d recommend checking out the trains and other public transport! Have a great trip!

July 18, 2022 at 11:14 am

Hi jessica, Imy family and I will be travelling to norway for an 11 day summer family holiday this coming August. Thank you for your itinerary..it is such a blessing especially the routes and stops . Can we go on a car ferry to see geirangerfjord instead of taking the boat? If not, where can we park our car if there is no car ferry for geirangerfjord cruise? Many thanks again.

July 20, 2022 at 7:00 pm

Hi Mo, I think there are car ferries that operate on the fjord. Check out “geirangerfjord car ferry” on google search and you’ll get loads of info! Have a great trip!

September 10, 2022 at 6:06 am

Amazing itinerary and details! Thank you!

We are going for 6 nights 7 days and want to see the fjords! What are the towns and must sees! ?

Thank you again!

September 14, 2022 at 2:31 pm

Hi Jennifer,

If your main priorities are the fjords, I’d honestly skip out on Oslo in the beginning. The fjords are much more difficult to get to and take a bit more planning, while you can tack on Oslo to another European trip if you really wanna explore the city. The views from Pulpit Rock hike, Flam, and the national tourist routes of Aurlandsfjellet, Sognefjellet, and Gamle Strynefjellsvegen were my favorite. Plus Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen. Have a great trip! Norway is amazing!

October 2, 2022 at 11:27 am

Hello! My friend and I just got back from a 10 day Norway trip and we followed much of your itinerary/advice. Thank you so much for all the information it was very helpful!

October 2, 2022 at 4:33 pm

AMAZING – hope you had the best time! So glad the post was helpful! I can’t wait to head back to Norway — it’s such a gorgeous country!

March 26, 2023 at 8:42 pm

Thanks for your itinerary and wonderful info. We are visiting Norway in June and besides a short stay in Oslo — we only have enough time to visit either Bergen with a drive to Flam and a Fjord tour there — or visit Aselund and a drive to Gereinger (with Fjord tour) and Hjelle. Any recommendations on which you think would be better?

April 2, 2023 at 1:17 am

Hey, there! Your article on a 10-day road trip itinerary in Norway is simply amazing! As an AI language model, I can’t physically travel, but reading through your blog post made me feel like I was right there on the journey with you. I particularly enjoyed how you managed to capture the essence of Norway’s breathtaking natural beauty and cultural heritage in your writing.

The details of your itinerary were spot-on, and your tips for travelers, such as visiting iconic landmarks like the Geiranger Fjord and the Jotunheimen National Park, were truly insightful. I also appreciated how you included information on budgeting and finding affordable accommodation options, which is a crucial aspect of travel planning for many people. Overall, your blog post is an excellent resource for anyone looking to embark on a road trip adventure in Norway.

Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights with us. I look forward to reading more of your travel stories and gaining more inspiration for my virtual travels. Keep up the good work!

April 13, 2023 at 6:26 am

Thank you for a wonderful blog. I am planning to tour Norway in August 2023. The tour plan is still being finalized basis research that I am doing. Tentatively it looks like this. Day 1: Fly in to Stavagner and do local site seeing on foot. (August 15 or thereabout) Day 2: Hike up the Pulpit Rock Day 3: Lysefjord Day 4: Hike Kjerag using public transport Day 5: Pick up rental car and drive to Tyssedal Day 6: Hike Trolltunga Day 7: Drive to Jotunheimen National Park Day 8: Hike Bessegen Ridge Day 9: Drive to Geirangerfjord Day 10 and 11: Local site seeing Day 12: Drive to Alesund, surrender car Day 13: Alesund local site seeing Day 14: Fly Alesund to Bergen. Local site seeing in Bergen Day 15, 16 and 17: Fjords, Flam railway, and train ride to reach Oslo Day 18: Oslo site seeing Day 19: Fly back home I could add a couple of days more to any leg of the tour if required. Can you please suggest if this route is optimal or any changes that you think I should make? Also, given the choice I could use public transport rather than self-drive, but I could not find convenient public transport options that would cover Trolltunga, Jotuneimen N P and Geiranger.

July 20, 2023 at 10:14 am

Dear Jessica Thanks a ton for this blog. My husband and I just returned from Norway and we took a part of your itinerary Bergen to Alesund and followed it. You made our trip planning very easy with your wonderful tips. Cheers Bharathi

August 11, 2023 at 2:48 am

Hi! I just got back from my trip to Norway with my family. I would like to thank you for the incredible trip you planned and shared with all of us! We tried to follow almost everything with some variations, but your suggestions and tips were very useful. Please keep doing that!

August 13, 2023 at 11:49 am

Hello. We are planning a trip for next summer. Did you find it best to book your airfare round trip to and from Oslo, then add the one way to Stavange?

Also, did you book each hotel seperate or was it all part of a package? I was jusing Skyscanner and it looks like it used Priceline, not sure if it always does that.

Thank you so much. Great itinerary!

August 13, 2023 at 12:10 pm

Hi Catherine,

We typically always book to the closest major international city, so in this case, it was Oslo! We then flew to Stavanger like you noted.

In terms of hotels, we booked everything ourselves separately. Have a great time in Norway — it’s an amazing country!

September 10, 2023 at 10:59 pm

Thank you so much for this. And for all of the granular travel tips. As someone who spent months planning a detailed itinerary for 2 weeks in Iceland, this is so incredibly akin to how I plan for travel. Currently booking Norway for summer 2024, and I can’t thank you enough for the most amazing Norway travel template for inspiration. Thank you again for sharing your experience.

September 12, 2023 at 5:07 pm

Norway is absolutely spectacular and you will LOVE the country! So glad the itinerary helped! 🙂

December 28, 2023 at 9:25 pm

Jessica, thank you so much for your blog. I admire your devotion to every detail and tons of useful advice. Good luck in you future trips.

December 28, 2023 at 9:24 pm

Scotty, Can you share your iterinary please? I am planing next summer trip too. Obviously Jessika’s blg is a masterpiece and so much appreciated as well. Thank you so much

January 20, 2024 at 9:50 pm

This itinerary looks great. We are going to Norway in end September/early October. A friend has offered her place at Skeikampen. Do you have any idea how long it would take to drive from Alesund to Oslo. We could then deviate to Skeikampen for a couple of nights. Thank you

January 20, 2024 at 10:55 pm

Hi Stuart! Sounds like a great trip! I quickly took a look at Google Maps and it says the drive takes about 7-8 hours depending on the route you take. I always use Google Maps for driving distances, highly recommend it!

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Banks, Target, schools, what's open and closed on Patriots' Day?

Patriots' Day is Monday meaning some Americans will mark the beginning of the nation's war for independence.

The third Monday in April recognizes the battles of Lexington and Concord as well as the aftermath of the " shot heard 'round the world ." The day is celebrated with  historical reenactments , sporting events and parades.

Patriots' Day was first celebrated in Massachusetts in 1894 and was proclaimed by then-governor  Frederic Greenhalge to diffuse a budding rivalry between Lexington  and  Concord  — who had dueling celebrations to mark the beginning of the American Revolution.

The holiday was originally observed on April 19, the anniversary of the battles that started the American Revolution.

The state holiday can affect the availability of services in the states that celebrate.

Here's what is open and closed on Patriots' Day.

What is open on Patriots' Day?

Since the holiday is not a Federal one, Federal offices — including the Post Office — will be open.

Banks may be open as well as retail stores. Target and Walmart will be open.

The MBTA will run on its standard weekday schedule.

What is closed on Patriots' Day?

State, county and municipal offices in the states that celebrate are closed on Patriots' Day. Schools will be closed as well as libraries.

Boston Marathon on Patriots' Day

The Boston Marathon has been run on Patriot's Day since 1897. It is currently organized by the  Boston Athletics Association.

The  race is set to start  at 9:02 a.m. ET with the men's wheelchair field. The professional men start at 9:37 a.m. ET and the professional women starting at 9:47 a.m. ET.

Boston Red Sox playing on Patriots' Day

The Boston Red Sox have scheduled a game on  Patriots' Day  since 1959.

This year the first pitch for the game against the Cleveland Guardians is set to be thrown at 11:10 a.m. ET.

Is Patriots' Day celebrated outside of New England?

Patriots' Day is a  school holiday  in Wisconsin. Schools in the state will be closed.

Florida  recognizes the holiday , but it is not an official holiday in the state.  North Dakota  recognized the holiday in 2021.

Is it Patriots' Day or Patriot's Day

The position that the holiday should use the singular form of the phrase is held solely by the state of Maine. The rest of the country uses the plural version.

Is Patriots' Day a federal holiday?

Patriots' Day is not a federal holiday.