I’ve made so many trips around Norway in the past nine years I’ve been living here, so I thought it could be helpful for me to gather all of my itineraries in one place. I also find that I often get questions from people trying to organize their Norway trips that I’ve already answered in past itineraries, so I wanted to make it easier to find all the information in one place.
Okay, so here’s a collection of all my top Norway itineraries, organized in order of length.
I’ve started with weekend trips, where I’m just giving suggestions for single places to visit, but if you scroll farther down I’ve linked my longer one and two week+ itineraries later in the post.
And of course if you have lots of time you can mix and match these destinations and itineraries to fit your schedule! Just keep in mind that Norway is really big. Like I think people way underestimate its size because we’re only five million people here.
I can’t tell you how many people have come to me saying they have five days in Norway and will start in Oslo, then get the train over to Bergen and then drive up to Tromsø to see the Northern Lights. Um, Bergen is an overnight train journey from Oslo, and driving from Bergen to Tromsø will take you 28 hours without stops.
And no, sadly Norway’s train line does not go all the way up to Tromsø – it ends in Bodø.
If you want more in depth advice, I’ve also gathered all my best tips for planning an incredible trip through southern Norway (from the far south up to Trondheim) in a 93-page ebook that covers my top recommendations for places to visit (both on and off the beaten path), the best times of year to visit, how long to visit for, the best accommodation choices, transportation, what to eat, what to pack, and a sample itinerary that covers my personal favorite route through the south. You can purchase The Southern Norway Travel Guide here.
And if you’re coming to Norway for the northern lights, I’ve written an in depth ebook covering all aspects of planning your northern lights trip, including the best places in Norway (and the Nordics) to see the northern lights, the best time to see the northern lights, my top northern lights accommodation choices, tour options, how to chase the northern lights (including which apps I use), how to photograph and film the northern lights, what to pack for your trip, and other exciting Arctic activities to try on your trip up North.
If you want to ensure you have the best northern lights trip possible, you can purchase the ebook here.
Norway Weekend Itineraries
If you’re coming to Norway for just a weekend I’d really recommend sticking to one place. Norway is a big country, public transport doesn’t run that often and can have delays, and moving around to a bunch of places in a short time frame can get expensive.
That said, you could also consider renting a car and exploring a bit of the area if you can, as the best part of Norway is getting out of the cities and towns and seeing some of the beautiful nature here. Norway is also an easy country to drive in, as there is so little traffic here. I’ve shared my guide for driving in Norway here, and you can compare prices and book your rental car here.
Though if you get motion sickness definitely bring some tablets or Sea Bands, as the winding roads here can do a number on your stomach! I’ve written a more detailed guide to things to know when planning a road trip in Norway here.
Oslo
Sometimes I feel guilty when I’m in Oslo because it’s such a fun city, but I am always telling visitors to Norway to skip it, or at least cut their time there short.
Why?
Oslo is fun for locals and the only city in Norway that actually feels like a big city, but there are a lot of other cities in Europe that do what Oslo does best even better. In other words, Oslo is a great city for Norway, but I wouldn’t necessarily consider it one of Europe’s great cities.
And that’s totally fine, because Norway isn’t really about cities.
Okay, maybe I’m being harsh, and maybe it’s because I’ve received too many messages from people telling me how disappointed by Oslo’s “fjord.” Yes Oslo is technically on a fjord, but if you’re looking for those famous mountainous fjords you’re going to need to head west or north.
But if you do have your heart set on Oslo, it does have some great shopping, amazing restaurants, sort of okay nightlife (lol), and lots of museums. You won’t be bored. I’ve written about things to do in Oslo here, the Oslo Christmas markets here, and a guide to finding the best Oslo accommodation for your budget here.
Rjukan
If you’ve found a cheap flight to Oslo for a weekend trip but now I’ve scared you off spending all your time there, consider spending a night or two in Rjukan! You can book a bus to Rjukan here, but I’d really recommend renting a car if you can, as the drive to Rjukan via Gaustatoppen is truly spectacular.
Rjukan is a quirky mountain town with an important World War II history. It’s also listed as a UNESCO Industrial Heritage Site and it’s really cool to see the old factories and worker accommodation.
But I also love that it’s at the foot of both Gaustatoppen, one of Norway’s most beautiful mountains, and Hardangervidda, Northern Europe’s largest high mountain plateau (which is also home to Norway’s largest herd of wild reindeer).
I used to live half an hour from Rjukan so I visited the town many times (and even briefly considered moving there), and I’ve written a guide to things to do and where to stay in Rjukan here.
This would be an especially great place to visit with kids, with lots of fun sites like the Krossobanen cable car, the Gaustabanen funicular, and the Vemork WWII museum.
Bergen
Bergen is probably the most popular destination for a weekend trip to Norway – and for good reason. The city is gorgeous (sorry Oslo, but Bergen is way prettier), and there are loads of international flights here. Of course I’m a bit biased because I live in Bergen, but even before I moved here I loved visiting.
This is also an easy base from which to take a day trip out to the fjords, and as it’s a big tourist hub there are lots of activities and tours organized out of Bergen. I’ve written a complete guide to Bergen here and a guide to planning a road trip from Bergen here.
This is also where you can take the famous Norway in a Nutshell tour, which goes up the Flåm Railway and through the gorgeous Aurlandsfjord. But! Before you book the tour, read this to find out how you can save tons of money on Norway in a Nutshell.
If you want any easy weekend destination in Norway, Bergen is perfect. You’ll get a very Norwegian experience and everything is set up perfect for tourists, from all the lovely hotels here to the unique activities and adventure tours offered here.
Hardangerfjord
If you fly into Bergen, you could also rent a car and drive down to Hardangerfjord to spend a night or two.
Hardangerfjord is beautiful and so peaceful, especially in the spring when the orchards are in bloom. I’ve written more about driving through Hardangerfjord here.
And if you do spend the night here, I can recommend staying at Utne Hotel, which dates back to 1722 and is perfect for anyone who enjoys unique, historical accommodation. Check current rates and availability here
Or if you want something a bit cheaper but equally lovely, stay at Ullensvang Gjesteheim, which is in the prettiest part of Hardangerfjord. Check current rates and availability here
A lot of people head here to hike Trolltunga, or the famous Troll’s Tongue that you’ve probably seen all over Instagram and Facebook. Just be aware that it’s an advanced level hike and extremely popular – these days you’ll usually find a long line of people waiting to take photos on the rock. You can read more about hiking Trolltunga here.
Ålesund
Whenever someone asks me where they should go in Norway if they only have a few days, I tell them to go to Ålesund or Lofoten.
Ålesund really gives the best introduction to Norway, because you get to experience a Norwegian city and then you can drive up to Trollstigen for those amazing mountain views, and then over to Geirangerfjord to see Norway’s most beautiful fjord!
Ålesund is such a beautiful city, and the surrounding nature is seriously stunning. Like, I definitely think this is one of the prettiest corners of Norway, and I’m always shocked that most tourists choose to visit Oslo and Bergen instead. I’ll never understand.
But that’s also good news for you if you like to get off the beaten path a bit!
Ideally I would recommend spending a night or two in Ålesund and then renting a car and spending a night or two in a quieter area on the fjords. I’ve written a guide to things to do and where to stay in Ålesund here, nearby Hjørundfjord here, and where to stay around Geirangerfjord here.
Trondheim
Another great weekend destination in Norway is Trondheim – my old home!
Trondheim has a rich history and in fact at over 1,000 years old Trondheim is the oldest of Norway’s major cities. It was the religious center of Northern Europe during the Middle ages and has a beautiful old town and Norway’s most impressive cathedral, Nidaros Cathedral.
It’s a really walkable city and the airport is just a short bus or train journey away, so it’s definitely one of the easiest places to spend a weekend in Norway.
Trondheim is a big foodie city with several award-winning restaurants, so if you like to go out to eat, Trondheim is perfect.
It’s also a university city so there’s a great young vibe here and lively night life. And then of course the old town area Bakklandet is one of the prettiest corners of Norway.
I’ve written a guide for things to do in Trondheim here, and where to stay in Trondheim here.
Trondheim – Oppdal
I’d say the only thing missing with a weekend trip to Trondheim is that you don’t really get to experience Norway’s beautiful landscapes. I mean, the city is on the coast and there is a lovely park area to go hiking in above the city, but it’s not the sort of dramatic landscape that Norway is so famous for.
But if you wanted you could spend a night or two in Trondheim (I’d say one full day in Trondheim is plenty to see the main sights) and then rent a car and drive down to Oppdal. I spent a weekend here while living in Trondheim and it’s one of my favorite memories from my time there.
The drive is beautiful and the scenery there is amazing as you climb up into the mountains. This is the perfect place to experience Norwegian cabin life, just relaxing inside at night and hiking or skiing during the day.
Trondheim – Røros
Another great combination with Trondheim would be to take the train down to Røros. This old copper mining town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and truly like nowhere else in Norway. It’s especially beautiful in the winter, as it gets lots of snow and is even known as Norway’s “Christmas town,” but I’ve also visited in late spring and loved it then too.
I’ve written more about visiting Røros here, including where to stay and eat.
Lofoten
Like I already said, when someone says they only have time to visit one place in Norway, Lofoten is one of my top choices.
I mean, Lofoten sort of has it all. Okay, it doesn’t have any big cities, but Svolvær is quite a large town with a lot going on, and then you’ll find mountains, beaches, fjords – you’ll even find people surfing here!
It also has a historical significance as a center for fishing, which is why the islands are covered in those iconic red fisherman cabins. You’ll get a great sense of Norway’s fishing history here, as well as the Viking history here.
But mostly, the Lofoten Islands are just really, really beautiful. In fact probably most Norwegians would say Lofoten is the most beautiful place in Norway, and I wouldn’t argue.
Lofoten has also grown in popularity in the past few years, and they’ve done a good job of keeping up with the increase in tourism by establishing more unique accommodation options and tour activities. There’s seriously so much to do here, and so many cool places to stay.
You could either fly into Bodø, rent a car there and take the ferry over to Lofoten, or fly into Svolvær and rent a car from there. It is possible to explore Lofoten by public transport, but you will be limited by bus schedules and will end up missing out on a few of the more off the beaten path areas.
I’ve written a guide to planning a Lofoten road trip here, a sea eagle RIB safari and Northern Lights chasing here, and horseback riding here. And here are 11 things to know before visiting the Lofoten Islands.
Helgeland Coast
I love the Helgeland coast and while you would need more than a weekend to properly explore it, you could very easily visit just one of the islands.
The Helgeland coast has the same dramatic landscape and fisherman cabins of Lofoten, without all the tourists. This is seriously such a hidden gem in Norway. I lived in Helgeland for two years, and I believe the friendliest people in all of Norway are on the Helgeland coast. You will be warmly welcomed here!
I’ve written a complete guide to visiting the Helgeland coast here.
This would be a really unique weekend trip to Norway, as not many foreign tourists plan trips here. So if you like to get off the beaten path and discover the local culture, and if you love beautiful landscapes, definitely consider spending a weekend on one (or a couple) of these islands.
Tromsø, Senja & Dyrøy
After Bergen Tromsø might just be the second most popular weekend destination for tourists coming to Norway – at least in the winter during the Northern Lights season!
I’ve written more about things to do in Tromsø and where to stay here. To be honest I didn’t super click with Tromsø when I visited last summer and this past December, and I’ve heard so many locals complain that now it’s getting way too full of tourists. Then again I know a lot of people who absolutely adore Tromsø, so you might love it.
Update: it’s funny that I once wrote that, because I actually ended up moving to Tromsø and living there for two years!
But what I really loved was flying into Tromsø and then driving down to Senja and Dyrøy. The drive is beautiful and both islands are so magical.
You’ll probably only have time to go to one unless you take a long weekend (we had four nights so we flew into Tromsø and then spent two nights on Senja and two on Dyrøy). Senja has more dramatic scenery and famous hikes, while Dyrøy is the loveliest quiet escape into nature.
I’d say Senja will give you those big bucket list experiences with its Instagram famous hikes, whereas Dyrøy would give you a really authentic, off the beaten path local experience in Norway. I’ve written about visiting Senja here and visiting Dyrøy here.
There are lots of other nice places to spend a weekend in Norway as well, but these are the main ones I’d recommend, especially if you’re new to the country and want to see a highlight. I do include other spots in my longer itineraries for when you have more time to spend in Norway.
So I’m sorry if I missed out on your favorite spot – don’t be mad at me!
Five Days to One Week in Norway Itineraries
Bodø – Helgeland – Lofoten – Vesterålen
If you only have a week in Norway, I really recommend sticking to the north and skipping Oslo and Bergen altogether.
Okay, you might think I’m biased because I lived in the north for four years, but actually I chose to move to the north largely because it’s the most beautiful part of Norway and is the region I’m most excited to write about and photograph. I love the open spaces here, there are fewer people (and tourists), and the landscape is much more dramatic than in the south.
If you want to cover a lot of ground, this Bodø – Helgeland – Lofoten – Vesterålen itinerary will show you the best of Northern Norway. It’s a busy schedule, but if you want to see as much as you possible can in one week, this is for you! I did this in the winter, but it would be equally amazing in other seasons as well.
You’ll spend a couple of nights on a quiet island on the Helgeland coast, a day or two experiencing city life in Norway, you’ll get to explore the famous Lofoten islands with their mountains and fjords, and then go up to quieter Vesterålen to see reindeer and whales. So you’ll really get to see all of the highlights of Norway within one week.
Tromsø – Senja – Dyrøy
If you want to head even farther north, I also love a Tromsø – Senja – Dyrøy trip.
You can fly into Tromsø and then drive straight to Senja, where you can spend two nights, and then head to the island of Dyrøy for another two nights. If you have a full week you could spend a night or two in Tromsø as well.
I’ve visited Senja both in the summer and winter and love each season there. Senja is a great hiking destination in the summer, plus in the summer you could stop by Sommarøy to see the amazing beaches there. And in the winter of course you get the chance to see the northern lights.
Lofoten
If you want a less hectic itinerary without so much driving, just spend a week on Lofoten!
The first time I visited Lofoten I stayed one week, and even after returning several times over the past few years I still feel like I have so much left to see on Lofoten. So you definitely won’t get bored.
This way you’ll be able to really explore the island, go on hikes, and get into the nature. I’d actually love to spend a full month on Lofoten one day, as there really is so much to explore there.
Narvik – Kiruna – Vesterålen – Lofoten
If you’re looking for those big Arctic bucket list experiences, this Narvik – Kiruna – Vesterålen – Lofoten itinerary is for you. You’ll get to see reindeer, huskies, and whales, and in the summer the midnight sun and in the winter the Northern Lights, and you’ll even get to sleep in an Arctic Dome – one of the best experiences I’ve had in Norway.
When my friend who hates the cold came to visit me in Norway in January, this was the itinerary I made to win her over – and it did!
Bodø – Helgeland Coast
The Helgeland coast is so dreamy, and still relatively undiscovered, especially amongst foreign tourists. Plus the people here are so, so friendly. It’s a totally different experience than visiting the super crowded and touristy areas of southern Norway (where the locals don’t always love all the tourists).
I would suggest flying or taking a train to Bodø and spending a day there, and then getting the express boat to Støtt, Træna and maybe Lovund. If you stick to the small islands you won’t need to rent a car, as you can get around them by foot or by renting a bicycle.
Plus the small islands are so special. You’ll get an immediate sense of Norway’s culture and history here, and the locals really are so friendly.
Alternatively you could get the train or fly to Mosjøen and then rent a car there and explore the coast by car.
I’m going to try to do this trip both with and without a car and report back this summer!
Mosjøen – Helgeland Coast
When I lived in Mosjøen, I loved driving from Mosjøen out to the islands of Dønna and Herøy. I drove from Mosjøen to Sandnessjøen and then would catch a ferry to Dønna from there, but you could also fly directly to Sandnessjøen and then you wouldn’t even necessarily need to rent a car, because the islands are so small. Or it would be really fun to rent a bicycle in Sandnessjøen to explore the islands by bike!
Tromsø – Lyngen – Alta – Kokelv – North Cape
This Tromsø – Lyngen – Alta – Kokelv – North Cape itinerary is one of my favorite northern lights itineraries, as it includes some of Norway’s best northern lights hotels.
Kiruna – Hammerfest – Hamningberg – Kirkenes – Rovaniemi
This is one of the most recent one week trips I’ve taken, and it was one of my all time favorites! And as a bonus, this will also take you through Sweden and Finland, so you get three countries in one trip.
This Kiruna – Hammerfest – Hamningberg – Kirkenes – Rovaniemi itinerary will take you to the very top of Europe, the border of Russia, and through some of the most beautiful spots in the Arctic. I did this trip in the summer under the midnight sun, but you would have an equally amazing trip in the winter under the Northern Lights.
Bergen – Aurland – Jotunheimen – Fjærland – Balestrand – Bergen
If you want to see the best of fjord Norway, this is the trip for you.
Spend one night at Hotel Aurlandsfjord in Aurland, then take both the Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route and Sognefjellet Scenic Route and drive up to Jotunheimen National Park and spend a night at Leirvassbu Fjellstue. Add an extra night here if you want to take a day to hike in Jotunheimen.
Then drive down to Fjærland for a night at Fjærland Fjordstue. Then take the Gaularfjellet Scenic Route and loop back to Balestrand for a night at Kviknes Hotel. Then drive back to Bergen the next day.
Read more details about this itinerary here.
Oslo – Rjukan – Odda – Hardangerfjord – Bergen
If you want to do the traditional Oslo – Bergen – fjord loop but add in some special stops along the way, this Oslo – Rjukan – Odda – Hardangerfjord – Bergen itinerary is probably my favorite one week itinerary for southern Norway. This is the first itinerary listed in the blog post.
You’ll start in Oslo, then spend a night in the lovely town of Rjukan, drive along Hardangerfjord, and get to see Bergen. This is a busy itinerary with quite a bit of driving, but I think you will love it!
Oslo – Kristiansand – Stavanger – Bergen – Hardangervidda
If you want to do the famous hikes like Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten (the rock stuck between two cliffs), then this Oslo – Kristiansand – Bergen – Hardangervidda itinerary is for you! This is the second itinerary listed in the blog post.
You’ll take a train from Oslo to Kristiansand, which is known as Norway’s “riviera,” and then you’ll head through some amazing mountain and coastal scenery through Stavanger towards Bergen. Then from Bergen you’ll drive over Hardangervidda, Northern Europe’s largest high mountain plateau, and through Telemark back down towards Kristiansand. You’ll see a huge variety of landscapes, as well as both villages and cities, so it makes for a great introduction to Norway.
Oslo – Røros – Trondheim – Kristiansund – Alesund by public transport
Most of the itineraries I’ve mentioned require you to rent a car, partly because I always love a good road trip, and partly because a lot of areas of Norway don’t have frequent public transport. But this Oslo – Røros – Trondheim – Kristiansund – Alesund itinerary uses only public transport, with a combination of trains, ferries, and buses. This is the third itinerary listed in the blog post.
So usually when people want to see Norway by public transport they do the famous Oslo – Bergen Norway in a Nutshell route. But there’s a reason I’m not recommending that itinerary here.
I mean, if you really want to do it you can read more about how to plan Norway in a Nutshell here, but to be honest I really don’t think that route shows off the best of Norway, or the most beautiful sites. It’s a good route if you want something really easy, because you’ll basically be following the same route as everyone else on the buses, trains, and ferries, so you can just follow the crowd.
But if you’re a little more independent and want to get off the beaten path a bit and see even more impressive views, do this itinerary instead. It’s so much better, I promise!
You’ll get to see Røros, a really beautiful historic town, Trondheim and Ålesund, which are my top two favorite cities in Norway, and you’ll see some of the most stunning landscapes in southern Norway.
Ten Days to Two Weeks in Norway Itineraries
All of the one week itineraries I mentioned above could easily be stretched out longer. In fact the Odda – Hardangerfjord – Bergen itinerary mentions an optional extension by adding Ålesund and the Atlantic Ocean Road.
But otherwise I recommend one of the itineraries below!
Bergen – Aurland – Balestrand – Fjærland – Jotunheimen – Geiranger – Trollstigen – Ålesund – Hjørundfjord – Stryn – Bergen
Spend one night at Hotel Aurlandsfjord in Aurland, then take the Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route and drive to Balestrand for a night at Kviknes Hotel. From Balestrand take the Gaularfjellet Scenic Route and then drive to Fjærland for a night at Fjærland Fjordstue. Then take the Sognefjellet Scenic Route and drive into Jotunheimen National Park. Spend a night or two at Leirvassbu Fjellstue.
Then drive to Geiranger and spend a night at Hotel Union Geiranger. Then take the Geiranger – Trollstigen Scenic Route to Åndalsnes and spend a night at Grand Hotel. Then drive to Ålesund and spend a night or two at Hotel 1904. Then drive along Hjørundfjorden to Sæbø and stay at Sagafjord Hotel. Then drive to Stryn and spend a night at Hjelle Hotel. Then either drive all the way back to Bergen, or split up the drive with a night at ThonPartner Hotel Førde.
Read more details about this itinerary here.
Røros – Trondheim – Kristiansund – Atlantic Ocean Road – Molde – Romsdalsfjord – Hotel Union Øye – Hjørundfjord – Hoddevik – Stryn – Hitra – Golden Detour
This is one of my all time favorite Norway itineraries, but you’ll need at least two weeks for this – it will be even better with three weeks. This fjord and culture itinerary takes you through Norway’s most beautiful fjords as well as some Norwegian cultural heritage sites.
Oslo – Bodø – Helgeland – Narvik – Tromsø – Lyngen – Alta – Lofoten
I absolutely loved this Oslo – Bodø – Helgeland – Narvik – Tromsø – Lyngen – Alta – Lofoten itinerary. You’ll get to see a huge portion of the country on the train ride up from Oslo to Bodø, and all of the stops on the way are some of my favorite places in Norway.
And if you have any longer, I would definitely consider adding a detour to Senja and even Dyrøy to your itinerary when you’re driving from Narvik up to Tromsø. You could also stop for a day in Oslo and Trondheim on your way up north.
And then if you have even more time, drive all the way up to the North Cape from Alta. It’s an extra 3 and a half hours of driving, but since you’ve made it this far north in Norway you might as well go as north as you can get!
Narvik – Kiruna – Vesterålen – Lofoten – Bodø – Mosjøen – Trondheim
If you want to check off a bunch of arctic bucket list experiences like husky sledding, staying with reindeer, overnighting in an Arctic dome, and whale watching, take a look at this Narvik – Kiruna – Vesterålen – Lofoten – Bodø – Mosjøen – Trondheim itinerary.
Plus you’ll get to go to Sweden as well!
This is the full trip that my friend Danielle and I did when she visited me in Norway, so if you’re wondering what I personally recommend to my friends coming to Norway for the first time, this is it!
I wanted to include Narvik for a stay in an Arctic Dome, which is Norway’s answer to the glass igloo, and then Kiruna has both the husky and reindeer Airbnbs which I love so much.
And then Vesterålen is amazing for whales, reindeer, and nature views, and Lofoten is one of the most beautiful places in Norway. The train ride from Bodø to Mosjøen is the most beautiful train ride in all of Norway, and you’ll end up in Trondheim to see big city life in Norway.
In Trondheim we went to a bunch of fancy restaurants and quirky cafés, and then Danielle flew straight out of Trondheim Airport instead of having to go back down to Oslo.
Trondheim – Mosjøen – Vega – Lovund – Lofoten
When my two travel blogger friends Sam and Sher came to visit I knew I had to put together an epic itinerary for us, and I think I succeeded with this Trondheim – Mosjøen – Vega – Lovund – Lofoten itinerary.
This trip covers the best of Norway, in my opinion, with one of Norway’s most beautiful big cities, Trondheim, gorgeous islands along the Helgeland coast, and then the iconic Lofoten islands.
Tromsø – Storslett – Kokelv – Hammerfest – Sørøya – Porsangerfjord – Vardø – Tana – Karasjok – Kautokeino – Alta – Lyngen – Tromsø (pet friendly!)
Okay this is a long one, but I actually did do it in two weeks and didn’t feel rushed. This Arctic itinerary includes stops in all of my favorite spots in the far north of Norway, including Lyngen, Hammerfest, and Vardø. It also takes you deep into Sami country in eastern Finnmark, to learn more about local Sami culture. Oh and this itinerary is totally pet friendly, as I did it with a dog!
Norway
Getting to Norway
Lots of airlines fly into Oslo, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding good flights.
And if you’re on a budget you’re in luck – Norwegian is a budget airline with some of the cheapest connections between the US and Europe.
I fly Norwegian all the time, but just remember that it is a budget airline so you’ll have to pay extra for checked luggage, meals on board, and even water during your flight. I always bring several sandwiches and lots of snacks and a big water bottle that I refill at the airport (after security of course!) to tide me over.
But the planes are really nice with big windows, lots of overhead space, and they’ve designed the lighting to help combat jet lag (not really sure how or if it really works, but I like to think that it does!). There’s also an option to fly their premium class, which I believe comes with meals and maybe checked luggage – I’ve never flown premium on Norwegian though so I can’t say if it’s worth it or not. I do know that it’s not as fancy as business class on other airlines.
Oh and be sure not to exceed the carry on luggage limit if you don’t pay for checked luggage with Norwegian, because they are super strict. My friend recently flew Norwegian to visit me in Norway and she had to pay $200 to check her bag at the airport, which was about how much her flight had cost! I mean, at least her flight had been super cheap to start with, but it was still a bit of a blow.
I do love Norwegian, but sometimes you can find even better deals with other airlines, and if you do it’s definitely nicer to fly a non-budget airline. Luggage fees add up and it’s so much nicer to fly an airline with meals and drinks included. I often fly KLM and Finnair as well.
I’ve also flown Icelandair directly out of Trondheim, though they’re also a budget airline and super strict with luggage – a flight attendant once really yelled at me for having two bags with me, even though my second bag fit under the seat in front of me and my larger bag was a backpack that was smaller than most of the suitcases other people had brought on as carry ons. I definitely hadn’t broken any rules but she was so mean about it anyway, and clearly I’m still feeling very bitter about the whole experience, haha.
So yeah, try to find a flight with a non-budget airline if you don’t want the added stress.
My go-to for finding flights are Skyscanner and Kiwi.com. Kiwi.com especially is a sneaky travel hack tool that can find great connections that other search engines don’t include – I’ve written more about Kiwi.com and how to use it here.
You’ll probably be flying into and out of Oslo Gardermoen Airport which seriously is one of the nicest airports in the world. And guys, I travel for a living so I spend a lot of time in airports.
Pro tip #1: if you want to look like a local, head straight to the Tax Free shop once you land. It’s always funny getting off flights in Oslo because every Norwegian will go straight to Tax Free to buy alcohol, and it’s only the tourists that skip it, haha. But seriously, if you do want to drink in Norway and are on a budget, you’ll save a lot of money by picking up something here.
Pro tip #2: Don’t get the Flytoget, or Airport Express Train, into Oslo from the Airport. It’s only three minutes faster than the regional train and costs twice as much!
Again, it’s only ever tourists who get the express (“express”) train while all Norwegians get the Vy train. You’ll see the Vy (formerly NSB) ticket machines on your right once you exit customs and you can buy your tickets there. You can also check the train schedule at vy.no.
What to Pack for Norway
The most important thing about packing for Norway is to bring lots of layers. The weather here is really unpredictable so it’s important to be ready for lots of different temperatures throughout the day.
Oh and you’ll definitely want waterproof shoes here, whether that’s hiking boots in the summer or winter boots in the winter.
I’ve written a complete guide for what to pack for winter in Norway here, and a guide to what to pack for summer in Norway here.
The Best Way to Get from Bergen to Oslo
Riley - Riley's Roves says
SERIOUSLY cannot wait to get to Norway one day. Thanks for posting these! It’ll help me plan when the time comes.
Silvia says
I hope you love it as much as I do when you do come!
Alberto says
Hi Silvia
Hope this note finds you well
I have been reading your blog and I have to say that is really great, I love it, honestly speaking
I am writing to you as even though your blog has plenty of information about different routes and places to visit taking into account the amount of time that a person will be spending in Norway, my case is a bit special as I am traveling:
For a whole week, from Saturday 8th to Saturday 15th of June (we are arriving in Oslo around 10am on the 8th, and we will be leaving around 12pm on the 15th)
With my girlfriend and our son, who is nearly three years old
He doesn’t do long car trips very well
He does not do bus journeys very well either…
He likes trains and planes though
I would personally like combining the southwest with the north, if possible
Basically our idea is to see Oslo (we’ll be there for a day), Bergen (I guess we should…), some fjords (obviously :)), and maybe go to the north (fly to Tromso…)
Bearing in mind those facts, what route – option would you recommend me?
I don’t mind taking trains and flights (especially I prefer taking flights, if possible…)
Please let me know, and apologies for bothering you as I am sure you are busy with your blog and answering lots of questions from different people
Thanks very much in advance
Alberto
P.S.: By the way I also wrote to you an email just in case you would not read this comment… 🙂
Norm says
These look great and are very helpful! I am heading to Norway solo for the second time in April. I decided to mix it up a little by spending 4 days in Bergen and then taking public transportation to Odda for three days. I didn’t want to stress my time too thin and travel too much by public transit, plus I wasn’t sure of all of the options, but it looks like you really can get around with your Oslo – Røros etc. route.
Francesco Trebbi says
Absolutely great posting. I actually happy when i done this topic. I am excited world have a excellent author. Always i am waiting for next reading. Thanks a lot for great posting share.
Kym Channell says
Thanks for all this info – it’s a fantastic blog! I’ve just booked for 11 days total in Norway, including flying in and out days in June and will be definitely taking into consideration some of the itineraries you have discussed. Wasn’t sure about booking to go there initially as only considered it when cheaper flights to Iceland got booked out, but after reading your blogs starting to feel super excited about it! Your efforts in doing the blog are much appreciated – thanks!
Silvia says
I’m so happy to hear that – I personally prefer Norway over Iceland 🙂
Marco says
So I’m seeing mixed reviews. Is it bad to travel in mid May? I will be there from May 17-June 3 and after reviewing these itineraries I’m starting to get a bit nervous. I picked Norway because it was on the best travel destinations for May. If anyone knows anything please help me ease my mind.
Anna says
I think that’s a perfect time to come! Just bring layers in case it’s still cold. It will be beautiful though, and far less crowded.
Jenny says
Incredible pictures on this post! I have been to about half of these places, but totally inspired to go to the others. I wonder if you have a favorite.
Florencia Coldman says
Hello, how are you? We are a party of six, we where planning on going from Tromso to Senja and then Lofoten around Christmas. Do you think it’s too dangerous that Rout in late December taking into consideration that we would be driving a Car for six passengers?
We would really appreciate your take on this matter
Kind Regards
Florencia
Amber Hill says
Hi Silvia, your blog is amazing! I am sitting here at 10pm with many hours of reading ahead of me!! I am struggling to put together an itinerary for Norway so all your blog posts will be a great help. I am especially excited by all the ‘off the tourist trail’ information. This is what I am looking forward to exploring. We are a family of 4. Kids are great little travellers. We are looking at September (2020) as I want to avoid the crowds over June/July (when our winter school hol’s are). The Lonely Planet says that many places close down in September? Do you agree? Or will we be ok to find accommodation?? We are coming from Melbourne – it’s a long way!! Many thanks, Amber
Tamara D says
Hi Silvia!!! Your blog is amazing!!!!! Thank you for taking the time to give so many details and tips! My friends and I plan to take a girls trip March 28-April 4, 2020. What towns do you recommend seeing with that time frame during that time of year?
Kedar says
Silvia, really great post with all details, pictures and very helpful to plan our tour to Norway. Thank you for such a wonderful article!
Anoushka Sivaraman says
Hey!
Really enjoyed reading your blog. I’m travelling in April and flying into Oslo. Can you please suggest a 5 day itinerary which would include public transport? Is it reasonable to do Oslo Bergen and Alesund in that time? Do let me know!
Silvia says
Ålesund is quite far from Bergen so it would be hard to fit it in, unless you fly. Best 5-day public transport itinerary would probably be a diy Norway in a nutshell: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/nutshell-tour-diy-review/
Suzie S Russell says
Hi Silvia,
I am so jealous that you have gotten to travel all these places you’ve been. My daughter and I are hoping to come to Norway either this fall (early November) or next March. The things we want to see and do are 2-3 of the southwestern fjords, Sognefjord, Lysefjord, Hardangerfjord. I don’t know how far apart they are but is it possible to take a ferry to view these wonders? Is it possible to do just a day trip? Also, we want to do a husky sled ride , reindeer encounter/contact and possible sledge ride, spend one night in the arctic dome in Narvik, visit Lofoten with an overnight stay and head to Senja/Trosmo and if we have time maybe head to Kiruna, Sweden and maybe see the ice hotel. We have about 9 days and we’d like to fly in and out of Bergen. We are having a hard time coming up with a suitable itinerary because the distances are so vast and everything is super expensive. Could you help us?
Silvia says
First of all I would map out how you are going to get between all of these places, as the distances are quite large – you might want to cut out a couple of places so you’re not super rushed. If I were you I might actually cut out the southwestern fjords altogether and just stick to Northern Norway/Sweden. You could fly into Svolvær in Lofoten, or Narvik, or Tromsø. Plus that way you’ll have more of a chance to see the northern lights!
Suzy Zid says
Thank you for the wonderful posts, what an amazing blog! I have a question; I saw a few times in different posts on your blog that if you’d have to choose between southwestern Norway and northern Norway, you’d prefer the northern part. However, I am curious because if I were to google the attractions in Norway, there are not much in the north compared to in the southwest – which has plenty!
I also read a lot on sites like TripAdvisor that locals would recommend a longer time in the north, but wouldn’t really go into specifics. The places that the locals actually mentioned are Lofoten, Senja, and maybe Vesteralen. Tromsø, Alta and Narvik are said to be meh, and nobody really suggested Bodø.
So the thing is, I want to believe the locals saying the northern part is better than the southwestern, because my friends and I are splitting our 17 day-roadtrip in Norway into these two parts and I want to convince my travel mates that we should spend more time in north than the other, but google searches are not really helping!
What ratio of days would you suggest we do? I was thinking 7 in southwest and 10 in north, but maybe you have a better advise. Also could you elaborate a little bit as to why you’d choose the northern part rather than southwestern part? Thank you so much if you decided to reply to my comment!
Silvia says
Travel in Norway isn’t really about attractions. At least I find that the best experiences here are ones with nature, and honestly the entire country is beautiful. You can find a beautiful hike anywhere here, so the famous ones actually end up being the least appealing, because they’re filled with lots of tourists and souvenir shops. I think it depends a bit on what time of year you are visiting, but I think your plan to spend 7 days in the south and 10 in the north is perfect. I mean personally I would prefer spending all the time in the north, but the south is a bit different so it would be worth experiencing as well if you have the time. The landscape in the north is more dramatic – the mountains are more jagged and the beaches clearer – there tend to be fewer tourists, and then we also have more reindeer here. And if you come in the summer you can experience the midnight sun, and in the winter the northern lights – neither of which you can experience in southern Norway (unless you’re very lucky with the northern lights). Senja and Vesterålen are beautiful, as well as the whole Helgeland region. I also love the Lyngen Alps and Finnmark – you can find my posts from all of those places here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/life-travel-norway/ Hope that helps and have a great trip!
Jyoti says
Silvia,
Thanks for maintaining this sight. Very informative.
In 2022 summer I will be traveling Norway from USA for 2 weeks. This will be my first visit to the country and like to cover the key scenic spots along with hiking to the major picturesque rocks. Main purpose of the trip is nature photography. Mostly I like to drive (wherever possible) to explore the areas at my own pace. Can you pls suggest a feasible itinerary? Thanks
Suzanne says
Hello, I hope you trip goes great! I am traveling there for the 1st time in Oct. Did Silvia answer you? I would love to know if she did and share the info. Where are all the places you will see?
Bao Nguyen says
Hi,
I’m traveling to Norway 2022 for the End of Jan- early Feb. The Aurora Borealis is my main attraction so I’ll Be landing in Tromso, but wish to visit places like Sommaroy, Lofoten, and Bodo.
You filled this blog with so many insightful details! I was wondering if you a car was necessary for all these places or if the public transportation would suffice?
Lisa Rubin says
Hi Silvia,
I am planning a trip with my husband and two grown daughters. We would like to try and combine Fiords and Lofoten and possibly hike Kjeragbolten. This would be about a two week road trip. Do you have an itinerary you would recommend? Also, trying to decide between early July or mid August ? We want to see the best scenery, but in a less touristy way if possible. I would appreciate any advice.
Thanks !
Lisa
Stamatis says
Hello Silvia,
I just bought your Southern Norway Travel Guide, which is very helpful, but now I’m torn between two itineraries, so I thought that you might be able to help. I arrive at Oslo and I will be using public transportation.
1) A version of your public transportation itinerary for 11 days.
Day 1: Oslo – Roros
Day 2: Roros – Trondheim
Day 3: Trondheim – Kristiansund
Day 4: Kristiansund – Alesund
Day 5: Alesund (Hjorundfjord Cruise)
Day 6: Alesund
Day 7: Alesund – Geiranger – Andaslnes
Day 8: Andaslnes (Hike Trollstigen)
Day 9: Andaslnes – Oslo
Day 10-11: Oslo
2) My original idea
Day 1: Oslo – Andaslnes
Day 2: Andaslnes (Hike Trollstigen)
Day 3: Andaslnes – Geiranger – Alesund
Day 4: Alesund (Hjorundfjord Cruise)
Day 5: Alesund
Day 6: Alesund – Stryn
Day 7: Stryn (Glacier Hike)
Day 8: Stryn – Lom (or Lillehammer)
Day 9: Lom (or Lillehammer) – Oslo
Day 10-11: Oslo
As you can see my two main goals are to visit Alesund and Trollstigen! The first itinerary allows me to visit Trondheim and Kristiansund (and the Atlantic Road) but the second is a little more relaxed and allows me to enjoy more of Norway’s nature. On day 9 I’ve added a stop to one of these two towns because I don’t want to travel for 8 hours straight and I’ve heard that they are charming. What’s your suggestion?
P.S. I understand, having read your blog thoroughly, that Northern Norway is better but I have the impression that moving around in the north using public transportation is more difficult and that’s why I chose to visit the south. At least I took your advice and focused on your favourite fjords…
Thanks in advance and keep up the good work
Stamatis
Silvia says
You’ll see more with the first itinerary (I especially do love Røros) but if you would prefer a more relaxed itinerary I would definitely go with the second one! And you’re right, southern Norway has much better public transportation connections, so that’s a good choice for you.
Stamatis says
Thanks for the reply!
I think I’ll go for the second idea and try to be a little more relaxed, you can’t see everything in one trip after all. After my research, and reading your blog, I started planning a Helgeland road trip, I just need to persuade some friends to follow the plan, and Trondheim (and Roros) would be a great starting point for that…
Ceci says
Hi Silvia! Have been reading most of your articles on Norway road trips (& I really want to thank you cause they are amazing and very informative!). You inspired me to organize a road trip at the end of June. I’m also planning to purchase your Southern Norway Travel Guide, but I’d first like to define a topline tour (cause I’m indecisive between the below and planning something around Lofoten).
For now I’m planning:
Day 1- visit Bergen
Day 2 – drive to Hardangerfjord (& explore)
Day 3 – Trolltunga Hike
Day 4 – Drive until Stegastein (& sleep somewhere in the area)
Day 5 – Drive to Geirangerfjord
Day 6 – Explore from Geiranderfjord to Trolltunga (morning) & then drive to Ålesund (in the afternoon)
Day 7 – Explore Ålesund
Day 8 – not sure, potentially drive north until the Atlantic Ocean Road, or take a fjords cruise from Ålesund (though I’m not a fan of crowded cruises)
Day 9 – Way back to Bergen (do you recommend taking the 7hours drive from Ålesund to Bergen? Any must-see spots that you’d suggest to stop by?)
Do you think this is a feasible plan? Any must-see spots that I have missed?
Especially the last 2 days are not very clear how to best use the time.
Would love to hear your thoughts, it would help a lot!
Thank you in advance,
Ceci
Bhagya says
Hi Sylvia,
First off, Congratulations on this very extensive and eminently readable blog.
Wish you many more journeys!
I am thinking of spending twelve days in Norway, between the 30th of August and 12th of September.
We are 3 of us, myself (57), my husband (62) and son (23) from India.
We were wanting to do the Fjords and the natural wonders and the Great Atlantic Road in a car after visiting the Myskoxcentrum in Harjadalen.
I will go through your blog for details and suggestions.
There is one bit of information, I would be very grateful to have from you.
I am recovering from a knee injury and so long hikes and walks to view points are not going to be possible.
In this context can you tell me the places that need a lot of walking that we should or can avoid.
This will help greatly in framing our itinerary.
Many thanks
Silvia says
You should be fine with your itinerary – the views will be beautiful from the road as well!
Nilesh says
Can u send me ur Norway itnery for route this August I am planning for three weeks.
Thanks in advance 🙏
Mussi says
Hey! Thanks for all this info!
I’m trying to gauge the cost of a 10 day/2 week road trip in Norway. I haven’t planned any details yet, but I’d probably follow one of the itineraries posted above.
Do you have any approximation for how much gas would cost? (Or around how many miles such a road trip would cover) thanks!
Nicole Wahlgren says
Hello, I have been reading your blogs for three months now because I am going to Norway for two weeks in October. I want to see both some of the south and some of the north. Is it reasonable to cover Bergen, Alesund, Trondheim, Bodo, Lofoton, etc. all in two weeks? I am solo traveling, so my schedule is very flexible. Also, I am currently trying to find my family who lives in Norway via family contacts & ancestory. I know we had some family outside of Trondheim for awhile, but it would be cool to meet them if I get a chance. They were originally from the Namsos area. Just curious what your thoughts are because I want to see a lot of the country, but also not be overwhelmed by my schedule.
Mel says
Hello,
I just stumbled across your page and it is great to see you are not focused on the normal touristy things and more about seeing the “real” country. Which is the way I prefer to travel.
I have spent the last several hours trawling through your page and will no doubt spend a lot more time. But I wanted to ask: Can you recommend a place to do a horse trek or even just several days of riding.
I will be travelling in either May or June of next year, I am thinking I will stick to public transport and will more than likely be in the Southern region (as it is my first trip to Norway and treating this as a taster, because will be going back in winter at some stage to do Northern.
Ideally somewhere where I can ride to experience the beauty of Norway.
Also interested to hear what you think it would be like travelling solo in Norway.
Thank you
Thank you
Marlene LeGates says
Your web site is awesome but now I’m totally bewildered as to where to go for our 3-week trip to Norway in June.We like to trave leisurely, so we don’t want to drive (rental car) more than 3 hrs per day (and hpefully many days with no driving at all) and we liike to do gentle hikes and perhaps some kayaking. Fly in and out of Bergen and stick to the south? Fly in and out of Narvik and stick to the north? It doesn’t seem reasonable to try to co a combo. (We are coming from Canada but it’s much cheaper to fly into the UK and then pick up Norwegian Air, kgives us more flexibility as well). Most itineraries are much too rushed. So, some specific questions: I guess you would rate the northern scenery as even more spectacular than int he south, right? I’ve heard that the Lofoten Islands are very poular now with long fery waits; is that true? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Silvia says
If this is your first trip to Norway I would recommend flying in and out of Bergen and sticking to the south. That way you can explore Norway’s most beautiful fjords, and you won’t have as long distances to cover as in the north. Have fun!
nwa-non says
Hi Silvia,
First of all, a wonderful blog and a fantastic resource for visitors to Norway!! Thank you!
I’m planning for an 8-day trip to Norway in August. Flying in and out of Oslo. Mainly want to visit Northern part (but realize that Tromso/Lofoton Islands will not be possible).
Here is my tentative itinerary. Will be renting a car and driving around everywhere.
Day 1 – Fly in to OSL, stay the night at Oslo
Day 2 – Start for Lillehammer. Spend night at Oppdal.
Day 3 – Start for Trondheim, spend night
Day 4 – Start for Ålesund, spend night
Day 5 – Visit Geirangerfjord. Spend night at Ålesund
Day 6 – Start for Flåm, spend night
Day 7 – Start for Oslo, spend night
Day 8 – Fly out of OSL
Do you think this is doable without being overwhelmed? If I rent an EV, are chargers readily available? I’m used to driving long distances so that’s not a concern.
Silvia says
Hm I think it would make a lot more sense to fly from Oslo to Bergen and rent a car there, but if you really I want to leave from Oslo I think the trip is doable. I would skip Trondheim and head straight to Ålesund instead. And it doesn’t really make sense to drive back to Ålesund after Geirangerfjord, so I would stay somewhere along the fjord instead (here are my suggestions: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/best-geirangerfjord-hotels/). Or you could stay somewhere along Hjørundfjord instead (https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/hjorundfjord-norway-beautiful-fjord/). Instead of staying in Flåm I might consider the Kviknes Hotel in Balestrand or Fjærland Hotel, depending on if you like a big grand hotel (Kviknes) or smaller cute hotel (Fjaerland) as they’re both a lot nicer than Flåm. I’ve written about both here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/best-sognefjord-accommodation/ and here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/aurlandsfjellet-sognefjellet-bergen-road-trip/
nwa-non says
Thanks for your response!! I’ll look into your recommendations.
Aljoša Gabor says
Hi! I tried to purchase your Southern Norway tour guide, but for some reason Gumroad does not want to accept my credit card. Is there any other way to purchase the guide?
Fisher Ahsan says
Last year i visited Lofoten . a really lovely place
Holly Taylor says
Hello thank you for this amazing blog!! I’m curious if we have 5 nights and are going to Norway on Nov 10 this year. I’ve read a lot about staying south due to the weather and shorter daylight. Would you have recommendations for 5 days in Nov? I want to be sure we plan where we can see the most. My husband & I are traveling with our 22 year old son and we are more interested in seeing all of the beautiful scenery and fjords etc. We will be coming from 7 days in Iceland.
Silvia says
If you want to see the fjords I would recommend flying to Ålesund and basing yourself there: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/alesund-travel-guide/ You could rent a car and explore Hjørundfjord: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/hjorundfjord-norway-beautiful-fjord/. Or if you want a chance to see the northern lights, you could go to Lofoten: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/lofoten-road-trip/ or Vesterålen: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/vesteralen-whales-reindeer/ or Tromsø + Lyngenfjord: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/lyngen-alps-blaisvatnet-fjord-cabins/
Maya says
Hello Silvia! I appreciate all of information you’ve provided! My friends and I are in the early stages of planning a six-day trip to Northern Norway in February. We’re specifically interested in itineraries that rely solely on public transportation. Here are a couple of options we’re considering:
Option 1:
Fly to Trondheim
Take the Nordland line from Trondheim to Bodø
Board the express boat Nordlandsekspressen (NEX1) from Bodø towards Sandnessjøen
Explore various islands along the way
Eventually reach Sandnessjøen for hiking and exploration
Fly back to Oslo from Sandnessjøen
Option 2:
Take a bus from Bodø to Hamarøy
Continue by bus from Hamarøy to Narvik
Travel by bus from Narvik to Tromsø
Conclude the trip by flying back from Tromsø
Option 3:
Start in Bodø
Take a Hurtigruten ship to Tromsø
Participate in organized trips/excursions from Tromsø
Considering our status as students and budget constraints, which option would you recommend? Your insights would be immensely helpful. Thank you!
Silvia says
Six days is such a short time, I think I wouldn’t try to do quite as much. I would maybe fly into Bodø, take the express boat down to Træna, Støtt, etc. Then return to Bodø and fly back to Oslo. If you really wanted to see another area as well you could take the ferry to Lofoten.
Owen says
Hello! I am going to be visiting Norway for the first time in late April. I want to work from North to South with the end destination being Copenhagen. How difficult would it be during this time to take public transport from Trondheim to Oslo and see all the southern fjords along the way? Oslo to Copenhagen via ferry would be the final move.
Silvia says
The most direct public transport from Trondheim to Oslo would be by train, but then you’d miss all the fjords. You could instead take the express boat to Kristiansund and then take buses and/or ferries down to Bergen, and then the train from Bergen to Oslo. Buses in Norway are a bit of a pain and expensive, but certainly doable!
Sarah says
Hello Silvia, Thank you for all the useful information on your blog. I would appreciate some advice on journey times to get to Tromsø. I’m visiting Norway with my family this August for 19 days, including returning to Hoek Van Holland. We are driving our campervan from the UK (via Harwich / Hoek van Holland overnight ferry), and want to head straight to Tromsø, with some time for stopping to sleep/eat on the way. We’ll spend a few days there and then head back, stopping to camp, explore the countryside and also possibly visit Bergen/Oslo/beaches. Would it be best to head up to Tromsø via Sweden, then back down through Norway with more time to explore? Can you recommend some route ideas with rough travel times/good places to stop on the way? Thank you 🙂
Silvia says
Driving up through Sweden will be quicker, and much less scenic, so I think driving back down through Norway is a great idea. Spend some time on the Helgeland Coast (https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/helgeland-coast-road-trip/) and then you can drive down the west coast through Ålesund (https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/alesund-travel-guide/) and Bergen (https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/top-29-things-to-do-in-bergen-norway/) as well. From Tromsø to Bergen, via Ålesund, is about 30 hours of driving. You can follow this road trip plan for the west coast, except in reverse (ending in Bergen instead of beginning in Bergen): https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/aurlandsfjellet-sognefjellet-bergen-road-trip/
John Wiser says
Hi Silvia
Great website with a lot of wonderful information.
I am planning a trip to see the wonderful sights in Norway and I wanted to get some advice. My wife and I are seniors and are planning to visit for 45 days in late August/early Sept 2025. We will be staying in hotels and like to hike (6K to 8K max), and see the beautiful sights. We would rent a car and like to stay in a few cities/towns for 5-7 days and do day trips to different sights/hikes and return at night. Then move to another base area. We are interested in West and North Norway. Here is our plan but with many questions:
1) Arrive in Oslo and spend a few days
2) Train to Bergen, rent a car and base there for a week. Visit Flam and surrounding areas.
3) Drive to Alesund/Molde/Geiranger/Olden area. But not sure if we base in Alesund or base in another town
4) Drive North to Trondheim and spend several nights here
5) I read that the Helgeland coast is spectacular. Is this worth driving? If so, best place to stay
6) Plan is to fly to Tromso and spend 2 weeks visiting Segna, Lofoten. Should we stay 3-5 nights in each area
7) Fly back to Oslo
I apologize for so many questions but the challenge for me is to book the hotels in the areas where we can base for 3-7 days. It is difficult to stay in a new place every 1-2 days so I wanted to stay a little longer. There are so many beautiful sights and I am practical enough to know we will not be able to see everything.
Best Regards
John
Silvia says
It’s very expensive to pick up a rental car in one location and return it somewhere else, so be sure to check rental car prices before planning the road trip. I try to always return my car where I pick it up. I love Ålesund, so I would base there, or maybe somewhere along Hjørundjord like Sæbø or the Hotel Union Øye. The Helgeland coast is definitely worth visiting. You can find my guide here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/helgeland-coast-road-trip/. Also be aware that Lofoten is quite a long drive from Tromsø, so it might make more sense to fly to Lofoten, or drive or take the train (to Bodø, then ferry) from Helgeland. Then you can fly from Lofoten to Tromsø. Have fun!
Sonia says
Hi Silvia
I could really use some help here! I planned my Norway trip as a last minute thing as I have to be in Sweden for some work. I have about a week, and given all the constrains, I like to see as much of a country as possible. I arrive in Oslo and have booked the Oslo to Bergen NIN (didn’t come across your blog then!). I want to stay the final two days in Tromso. My options are:
1. From Bergen- Odda and Trolltunga Hike, back to Bergen for another day and then fly to Tromso
2. Bergen to Stavanger, hikes, fjords, fly to Tromso
3. From Bergen overnight ferry to Alesund, rent a car and drive around Briksdal, Griengerfjord, Stryn
As you can see, I am very confused…what would you recommend? I like hiking, but probably have opportunity for that wherever I go in Norway.
Silvia says
Personally I would choose option 3! Rent a car and drive to Hotel Union Øye, via the Hellesylt view of Geirangerfjord. Then explore Hjørundfjord – Trandal, Sæbø, etc. https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/hjorundfjord-norway-beautiful-fjord/