Destinations
Day 1: Oslo
As most flights land at the capital city, it was the obvious choice to start from. However, we are not very city people and wanted to explore more of the rugged nature, so we decided to limit our time in Oslo to just 2 days.
The city centre is about 40 kms from the airport; if you plan to stay in the city for a couple of days, it may not be ideal to rent the car from the airport itself as the city centre has parking issues. Take the airport express train from the airport to city centre (best and most convenient way to travel from airport to city, takes 20 min only).
You can read about the best hotels in Oslo here.
Recommended to visit:
Karl Johans Gate(city centre) for street cafes, nightlife. Café Cathedral has a really good ambience and seating, open air, stone building, and corner of the road.
Frogner Park: Buy a full day travel pass at the 7 Eleven store which entitles you to unlimited travel within the day by bus, tram and metro rail within the city. Frogner park is a tranquil park away from the city and is the world’s largest sculpture park. Nice for a walk around.
Bogstad Gard: Not one of the popular places to visit, we saw some pictures and decided to have a look anyway. A beautiful manor by the lake, with amazing gardens, streams, bridges and sheep.
Akershus Fortress: Very close to the city centre. The fortress is old and a pleasure to visit for architecture lovers.
Suggested budget hotel stay in Oslo city centre: Citybox Oslo
Day 2: Train/drive to Flåm
From Oslo, we both decided to take our own journeys. Mohit wanted to do the Trolltunga Hike however I wasn't confident of myself so I took the train from Oslo – Myrdal – Flåm and we decided to meet in Flåm eventually. The train journey from Oslo – Myrdal was absolutely stunning (the latter half). It took approx. 4.5 hours for the journey (I decided to change trains and head to Flam from Myrdal, most people would take this journey all the way to Bergen).
Flåm city centre is very small with hardly 3-4 cafes, restaurants and a few shops. I would not suggest you spend a day here. The only reason for our detour was to take Norway in a Nutshell Tour from here (which can alternatively also be taken from Bergen). The tour included a trip on the Flam Railway from Flåm to Myrdal, a trip on the Bergen Railway from Myrdal to Voss, a bus trip from Voss to Gudvangen and a fjord cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm.
I would NOT suggest Norway in a Nutshell Tour to people who have rented cars; only take the Fjord Cruise from Flåm – Gudvangen (or vice versa). However, if you are not driving around in Norway and have taken the train from Oslo to Bergen, this tour is a good idea.
You can book your Norway in a Nutshell Tour here.
Flåm Town
Recommended to visit:
Fjord Cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen: This 2-hour cruise on a ferry is a good way to experience the fjords. Amidst tall mountains, small villages and green-blue waters, you must take this tour irrespective of the weather.
Fjord Cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen
Stegastein View Point: If time allows, take a return bus trip to this viewpoint which is in Aurland, about 40 min drive from Flåm city centre.
Brekkefosen Waterfall: A medium difficulty trek to a waterfall, which takes about 3 – 4 hours return trip, depending on your fitness and ability. We had decided to do it as per initial plan, but didn't find the time so skipped it.
Click here to book your hotel stay in Flåm.
Day 3 & 4: Bergen
Although a bit overrated, it is one of the few crowded cities we went to; and the last one before heading into absolute remoteness. The seafood street market (fish market) was great for seafood lovers, right in the city centre: a good place to try sea delicacies such as whale meat, monkfish, halibut. The city is lively with a great nightlife.
Recommended to visit:
- City centre and its vibrantly coloured wooden houses, next to the wharf
- Fish market in the city centre, particularly for seafood lovers
- Fantoft stave church
- Ulriken cable car for fantastic views of the city from the top and some interesting hikes
- Fløyen funicular
- For hiking enthusiasts, it is considered a very ‘local’ experience to try the 15-km (red level) Vidden hike from Ulriken to Fløyen. In good weather, a lot of people would take the cable car to Ulriken, hike to Fløyen and then take the funicular down. Although we started the hike from Ulriken, the weather began to deteriorate after 2-3 kms so we planned to return rather than continue the hike
Bergen
Vidden Trail between Floyen and Ulriken
Suggested budget hotel in city centre: Bergen Budget Hotel
Day 5: Balestrand
We stopped at Balestrand for one night only because the drive from Bergen to Jotunheim would have been too long for one day. A very small town but extremely picturesque, on the most popular Norwegian fjord (Sognefjord), Balestrand is about 4-5 hours drive from Bergen. We stayed in a little village called Dragsvik which is about 10 kms away from Balestrand- very remote but extremely beautiful and peaceful. This was also a convenient option as our drive towards Jotunheim was to start from the ferry point in Dragsvik itself.
Suggested budget hotel stay in Balestrand / Dragsvik: Dragsvik Fjordhotel
Recommended to visit:
Our recommendations are for places onward from Balestrand as there aren’t many places to visit in the town itself.
- Sognefjellet road: a very scenic road, this is the name given to Rv 55 that runs from Balestrand to Lom (about 200 kms). Although the entire drive is beautiful, the road begins to get extremely gorgeous passing through snow and blue lakes after Skjolden. Keep enough time during the day to take this pretty drive as you will be stopping every few miles to take pictures!
- Solvorn: about 1.5 hours away from Balestrand and a short (downhill) detour from the Rv 55 road, Solvorn is a very small picturesque and photo-friendly village on emerald green waters
Sognefjellet Road
Solvorn
- Nigardsbreen Glacier: 2.5 hours drive from Balestrand, the impressive glacier comes down the valley into a sparkling blue lake and many companies organize glacier walks on the blue ice, a superb experience we highly recommend
Nigardsbreen Glacier
Glacier Hiking on Nigardsbreen Glacier
- Skjolden: another little village on the Rv 55 road located at the end of a beautiful green water lake; stopover at the Skolden Hotel Lustre’s terrace for a meal/drinks to enjoy the gorgeous views
- Lom stave church: at the end of the Sognefjellet road, this stave church is not much of a detour from the Rv 55
On RV55, between Balestrand and Jotunheim National Park
Dragsvik
Day 6 & 7: Jotunheim National Park
Although there is a lot to do and see in this national park, our main reason for visiting was the iconic Bessegen Hike.
Besseggen Hike
Besseggen Hike views
For those not looking to attempt the extremely tough hike, you may try the simpler one around the Gjende Lake. Be warned: although this one is not as tough as the Bessegen hike, you need to be in a reasonably good shape to attempt it! It’s a medium toughness hike that starts from Gjendesheim and goes around the beautiful long green lake towards Memrubu (about 8 – 10 kms). For people who are reasonably fit, it takes about 3.5-4 hours but has some pretty amazing views to offer!
Lake Gjende
Hiking around Lake Gjende
Be sure to make it to Memrubu before the last boat leaves at 4.30 pm (in the summer) or else you might have to hike the entire way back or worse, stay at Memrubu for the night. A better idea would be to take a boat to Memrubu first and then do the hike back from Memrubu to Gjendesheim so that you can do the hike in leisure and have enough time to stop for pictures.
Suggested stay in Jotunheim: Jotunheimen Feriesenter
Day 8: Olden
We decided to break our journey from Jotunheim National Park to Geiranger with a stopover at Olden. It is no doubt one of the prettiest villages we saw in Norway. The Oldevatnet Lake was arguably one of the most beautiful lakes we have ever seen, despite the heavy cloud cover that refused to leave until we were there. Although the town itself doesn’t have much to offer in terms of things to do, cafes and restaurants, you must visit this little village for some amazing natural beauty and the Oldevatnet and Lovatnet lakes.
Lake Oldevatnet
Lake Oldevatnet Camping
Recommended to visit:
- Oldevatn camping site: absolute bliss! Situated right on the strikingly green and crystal clear Oldevatnet Lake, this campsite is purely delightful to stay in.
- Lovatnet lake: hardly 20-25 min drive from the Oldevatn Lake is this another beautiful and peaceful lake; get ready for some breathtaking pictures
Lake Lovatnet
Day 9: Geiranger
We had heard a lot about this UNESCO protected area so we planned to visit it and spend a night amongst these humongous mountains and waterfalls. Although we were unlucky with the weather, the clouds laying low and not a speck of sunshine to be seen, the beauty of this place was in no way diminished by this. A very small town with hardly a few shops and eating joints, Geiranger is crowded because of the cruises that stop here.
Recommended to do:
- A drive to the zig-zag Trollstigen mountain road, which is only 30 minutes ahead of Geiranger Fjord area
- Hiking up to the famous Seven Sisters Waterfall
- Camping on the lakeside, in the valley amidst the towering fjords
- Kayaking on the calm waters of the lake
Geiranger Fjord
Book your stay in Geiranger here.
Day 10: Drive back from Geiranger - Oslo
As this is a long 7-hour drive, it takes almost the full day.
Here are a few places we would have loved to visit if we had more time. Given a choice, I urge you to include them in your itinerary.
- The Atlantic Ocean Road drive
- Lofoten Islands
- The Nordkapp
Some Tips for Driving in Norway
- Expect a lot of narrow and winding roads, which barely allow two cars to pass by at the same time
- Long tunnels are common
- Speed limits differ so keep an eye out for when they change while driving
- Cameras are usually marked with a warning before you approach, keep an eye out
- Exceeding speed limit by more than 30% can lead to your license being seized by police
- Fuel is expensive. Petrol costs USD 1.78 / L and diesel USD 1.53 / L (usually fuel is cheaper within the city than in the outskirts)
- A lot of towns are not connected by road. In these cases, you will have to ferry yourself and your vehicle across. As this is a common practice, ferries on the common routes or the National Highways are quite frequent through the day
Suggested read: What you need to know BEFORE your trip to Norway
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Johnny O'R
Hey!
I absolutely loved this 10 day itinerary you guys have created and will actually be using this as my own 14 days travel itinerary for a rail-backpacking trip in the summer. You’ve really hit the nail on the head with sightseeing, activities, city life and countryside settings.
Travelling Norway by car seems to be the best way to experience the trip, one can only imagine how incredible it is. I am considering doing so however I fear the costs would be more significant than those by public transport, If only there were more resources out there to differentiate the costs. Would you be so kind as to give a rough indication of the costs that incurred over your trip? – I’m sure this will paint a full picture of how we can achieve the same experience as yourselves!
God bless and look forward to hearing your thoughts
Medha Verma
Hi Johnny, thanks for your message. I did the trip almost 5 years ago so it’s nearly impossible for me to give you an indication of the costs. I imagine public transportation would be a lot cheaper but also would not give you the flexibility that renting a car would.
Alexander Popkov
A good one. you have covered most of the main sights of Norway. All around Oslo and Bergen. I would suggest another way… to get from the North to the South, touching Trondheim and small coastal towns.
Medha Verma
Yeah that’s a good idea too! I also want to make it to Lofoten sometime 🙂
Paige
I’m dying to get to Norway and this post makes me want to go even more! Bergen and Geiranger both look absolutely magical. I’ve gotta ask, is Norway as expensive as everyone says it is? 9 days seems like a good amount of time for this region. Maybe I’ll be able to sneak over there after I visit Sweden this year!
Medha Verma
Unfortunately yes, Norway is as expensive as they say it is. But it’s worth it 🙂
Dorene
Love this post, I have no expectations about Norway, and I tend to see just posts about the cities – but I love the 9 day itinerary, national parks, Oslo, lakes, small towns. Its so picturesque and looks like the drive is half the adventure!
Medha Verma
Oh yes, truly said, the drive is half the adventure 🙂
Sandy N Vyjay
This 10 day itinerary of Norway sounds like a really epic trip. The region and places covered are indeed the stuff that dreams are made of. Though the entire itinerary looks exhilarating. The one thing that attracts me the most is Jotunheim National Park, would love to lose myself in the natural splendours of the Park.
Medha Verma
Jotunheim National Park has some of the most amazing hikes so if you’re a hiking enthusiast, or even if you’re not but you love the nature, it’s a place I would recommend you to visit for sure.
Suruchi
This is a perfect detailed itinerary for Norway. Driving through tunnels and narrow winding roads will be super fun. Reaching through ferries to unconnected place will be adventurous. This is a perfect destination for us. Great pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Medha Verma
Norway has such amazing scenery, you must make it there and try to do it as a road trip 🙂
nicki
Solid Itinerary .. I feel like a lot of people just go to see the Fjords or Northern Lights when there is so much more to Norway. I love your line-up
Medha Verma
Thanks, cheers x
Divyakshi Gupta
The crystal green Oldevatnet Lake looks stunning and camping beside it would be quite an experience! 🙂 Your post gives major travel goals and Norway is one country I so want to visit! The zigzag Trollstigen road looks quite an adventure! There is a seven sisters waterfall in Sikkim as well! Great guide. Very comprehensive and precise!
Medha Verma
Cheers x
Renata Green
Norway is certainly a beautiful destination, but man, is it expensive! But as also your post shows, it’s one of the best destinations in Europe for an undisturbed nature experience with the kayaking, fishing and hiking.
What’s the park with the statues in Oslo called? I’ve been there and liked it a lot, but cannot remember the name.
Medha Verma
It is called Frogner Park 🙂
Danik
I love Norway and currently in Svalbard in the Arctic right now as I write this comment. In the south I have only done Oslo and need to explore more around there. I prefer the north as its truly amazing but Bergen and Flam are on my lists to do 🙂 Great itinerary for first timers to this region.
Medha Verma
I agree, North must be amazing and I plan to go back to explore it. I’ve seen pictures of Lofoten Islands and they’re out of this world!
Natasha Hecher
Wow you covered a lot in those 10 days! I like how you said the petrol was expensive: I lived in Norway for 6 months and found everything to be expensive!
I would also like to commend you on your sensibility to not do the Trolltunga hike when you felt you did not have the right level of fitness. Many people do it without the correct level and find themselves in trouble. It is a greulling hike.
I also agree that Bergen is somewhat overrated.
Medha Verma
I wish I could’ve done Trolltunga, my husband did it and I saw his pictures and they were incredible. But he also said it was a grueling hike and it was right of me to not have done it with an injured foot.
Ghia Lorenzo
Thanks for sharing this post! Such a great itinerary I really love all of the photos, they really looked inviting for they are all stunning and gorgeous! For sure everybody will enjoy these beautiful places in Norway. Again, thanks for these tips!
Medha Verma
Cheers x
wanderlustvlog
What a great itinerary! I have visited Norway a few times, but only the Southern part of it. It’s an amazing country, with a breathtaking nature! And such lovely people!
Medha Verma
In my opinion it gets prettier as you go north! I’ve seen pictures of this beautiful island called Lofoten and it’s in my list for the next time I visit 🙂
Bee
what gorgeous scenery and photos in this post. the countryside def looks like it’s worth spending most of your trip in. I love how there are easy hikes to do too!
Medha Verma
The ‘easy’ hikes aren’t as easy as they sound Bee. They’re easy in the definition of the locals. I had a hard time completing one of the ‘easy walks around the lake’ because I was literally on my knees, crawling on the rocks to avoid slipping and falling off the steep and narrow path!
Globejamun
Wow thanks for all the tips … m keeping this bookmarked. Godwilling will plan Norway soon. Love ur pics
Medha Verma
Thank you!
amit
I have a few friends from Norway and it’s a place like with all Scandinavian countries I would love to visit (I did promise them I would go this year) but they told me about Jotunheim National Park too, looks like such an incredible place. I know it’s a country I will fall in love with 😀
Medha Verma
It sure is a country anyone would fall in love with instantly Amit. It’s the only Scandinavian country I’ve been to, would love to explore the others too.
Claire
Norway is a country me and the other half are constantly talking about taking a road trip around one day. This itinerary is great for our planning. Will be bookmarking. Thanks!
Medha Verma
That’s great Claire, hope you get to go soon!
Shaun
Great itenerary and pictures! I have only been to Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger (and loved it!) and now see it’s time to book a return trip!
Medha Verma
Thanks Shaun. I really want to go again as well, this time to visit the North part.
Melissa
What time of year did you travel. Any Aurora action while you were there?
Medha Verma
Unfortunately no Northern Lights in the summer Melissa, we went in July. I really want to see the lights and plan to visit Iceland next year for that. But Norway was beautiful anyway even during the summer.
Wallis
I’m going to take a trip across Norway next summer so this article is definitely great for me! Thanks for all the suggestions! How is the train system there? Would it be more affordable to take a train than to drive?
Medha Verma
The train system is quite okay (the Bergen Railway is said to cover one of the most scenic routes in Europe). However, there are many amazing places which are not accessible by train. If you’re absolutely unwilling to rent a car (in my opinion, that is the best way to explore Norway), then you will have to rely on a combination of ferries, trains, and buses.
Niti Gupta Verma
This blog has given me some serious #travelgoals
Medha Verma
Haha, glad it inspires you to travel more!
Karyna @ Kosan Travel
I’m hoping to go to Norway soon, and have bookmarked this itinerary for when I do! So many great tips, thanks for sharing.
Zel
This is a great list and itinerary! Norway is gorgeous! I love the view based on the photos you have here. Thanks for sharing!
Medha Verma
Thanks! 🙂
Nathan
Your photos are awesome! I really want to visit Norway. It looks like such a gorgeous country. I know it’s so expensive though!
Medha Verma
Thanks! It really is a gorgeous country. Especially if you like hiking 🙂
Becca Talbot
I went to Oslo back in January 2015 as part of my first solo travel adventure – while I didn’t venture out of the city, I did see a few of the things on your list above, including Frogner Park. Such an interesting place! x
Claire
Norway is def one of those countries I want to explore more of. So far I’ve been to Oslo and Kirkenes so still have a lot more to see! Hoping to do a road trip one summer so will keep these places in mind
Medha Verma
Even after all the cities I have seen, there are so many more I feel I missed on our trip. Will have to go back to visit the Northern part, especially places like Lofoten 🙂
Sheena
Very interesting. This is a detailed post. Adding it to the bucket list ???