This ultimate itinerary uncovers the best of Norway in 10 days, covering breathtaking landscapes from bustling Oslo to the stunning fjords.
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ByShaili Shah Published: Aug 21, 2024 12:00 PM UTC11 min read
Norway, a Scandinavian kingdom that seems like a magical realm with its fairytale-like landscapes, grand fjords and mountains, enchanting midnight sun, and majestic Northern Lights, is a dream location for globetrotters. Adventure geeks and nature lovers, it’s time to turn that trip you’ve been planning to Norway into reality. Immerse yourself in the unique Norwegian ‘friluftsliv’ (which translates to appreciating outdoor life without disturbing it) with this 10-day Norway itinerary.
Best time to visit Norway
Summer (May to August) is considered the best time to visit Norway for pleasant weather. This is also the peak season, so make sure to secure your bookings in advance. The best time to visit Norway for the Northern Lights is post-summer, from late September to late winter (December).
Explore more with our guide to a slow summer in Tromso.
Oslo Airport & Norway visa requirements
Oslo Airport (OSL) is the recommended international gateway for booking flights. Other than the European nations, citizens of the United States Of America, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, among others, do not need a visa to travel to Norway. Travellers holding an Indian or Thai passport, however, require a visa to enter Norway.
Norway itinerary days 1-2 – Hei, Oslo!
On day 1 of your Norway itinerary, explore Oslo, the vibrant capital city. Head towards Karl Johans Gate, the main street of Norway housing multiple cafes and street shops. Grab lunch at Café Cathedral and visit the Oslo Opera House, a cultural hub and stunning building structure resembling a glacier. Walk a few minutes to SALT, a unique harbourfront cultural venue that hosts events and exhibitions, housing coffee shops and several bars to spend a relaxed evening over a pint of local beer or specialty coffee, or soak in the relaxed vibe by the shore.
For dinner, you can head to Vippa, an uber-cool food court space only a 10-minute walk from SALT, for traditional Norwegian dishes or international street food.
Here’s how to spendone perfect day in Oslo.
Start day 2 of your Norway itinerary with a wholesome breakfast at Baker Hansen, or Kaffebrenneriet. Get started with museum-hopping and choose from the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, Fram Museum, Norwegian Folk Museum, Viking Ship Museum, and Norwegian Maritime Museum.Spend the early afternoon exploring Frogner Park (the world’s largest sculpture park), Royal Palace (for panoramic city views), and the medieval Akershus Fortress. Grab lunch at Lorry, a historic restaurant near the Royal Palace serving traditional Norwegian dishes like fish soup, meatballs, and reindeer stew.
During the late evening, opt for a boat tour to explore the Oslo Fjord, one of the best ways to soak in Oslo’s coastal charm and a mesmerising sunset. For a wholesome dinner experience, head to The Thief Rooftop for fine dining and waterfront views.
Best hotels in Oslo: Grand Hotel Oslo, Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Karl Johans Hotel, K7 Hotel Oslo, and Grand Hotel Oslo.
Book your stay at Grand Hotel Oslo via Booking.com
Book your stay at Grand Hotel via Agoda.com
Norway itinerary days 3-5: Flam, Bergen, and Loen
On day 3, head to Flam, a picturesque village in the heart of the Norwegian fjords. You can get there via a scenic train journey of approximately six hours. The most recommended experience in Flam is the Fjord cruise to Gudvangen, taking you through two UNESCO-listed fjords, the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord. Both offer narrow passages, cascading waterfalls, steep mountains, and crystal-clear waters.
Other popular natural attractions to include in your Norway itinerary include Stegastein View Point and a hike to Brekkefossen waterfall.
Wellness tip: Fjord Sauna in Flam is a unique wellness experience to relax and enjoy traditional Scandinavian sauna rituals.
Best hotels in Flam: Flamsbrygga Hotel, Fretheim Hotel and Aurland Fjordhytter.
Book your stay at Flåmsbrygga Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Flamsbrygga Hotel via Agoda.com
Start early on day 4and board the earliest train (3 hours) from Flam to Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city. Start with a hearty traditional lunch at Bryggeloftet & Stuene. Next, walk to Bryggen, a colourful wharf area and UNESCO World Heritage site, finding a mention in every Norway itinerary. Explore its Hanseatic buildings, narrow cobblestone alleyway, and shops selling local crafts and souvenirs.
Bergen’s fish market (aka Fisketorget) is another tourist magnet for sampling local seafood delicacies like fish soup and whale meat. Soak in the city’s culture by visiting attractions like Bergenhus Fortress, Gamle Bergen Museum, KODE Art Museums, and Edvard Grieg Museum. During the evening, take the Floibanen funicular (cable railway system) up to Mount Floyen for panoramic views of Bergen.
End your day with a fancy dinner at restaurants like BARE Restaurant or Bryggen Tracteursted.
Best hotels in Bergen: Radisson Blu, Scandic Ørnen, Det Hanseatiske Hotel, and Thon Hotel.
Book your stay at Det Hanseatiske Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Det Hanseatiske Hotel via Agoda.com
On day 5 of your Norway itinerary, embark on a beautiful journey to Loen, a pretty hamlet surrounded by breathtaking vistas. A paradise for adventure geeks, Loen offers a perfect blend of nature and thrill.
The most popular attraction is the Loen Skylift, one of the world’s steepest cable cars that takes you from the fjord to Mount Hoven (1011 m above sea level), promising a beautiful journey packed with splendour views of mountains, glaciers, and crystal-clear waters. Additionally, you can opt for an array of adventure sports including paragliding, ziplining, skiing, kayaking, sledging, etc.
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Next, visit the Briksdal Glacier, one of Norway’s most accessible glaciers. Be ready to be greeted by a postcard-worthy view where icy blue hues contrast against the majestic mountains. Spend the rest of the evening around Lake Lovatnet.
Best hotels in Loen: Hotel Loenfjord, Hotel Alexandra, and Hoven Loen.
Book your stay at Hotel Loenfjord via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hotel Loenfjord via Agoda.com
Norway itinerary days 6-7: Geirangerfjord
On day 6, embark on a roughly 1.5-hour drive from Loen to Geirangerfjord, one of the most impressive fjords and probably the prettiest stop in your Norway itinerary. Make a stop at Dalsnibba Skywalk, the highest fjord viewpoint by road perched on top of Mount Dalsnibba.
Also read | The Most Beautiful Cities To Visit In Europe
Explore the charming hamlet of Geirangerfjord and leave the attractions for the next day. You can start with the Norwegian Fjord Centre, a museum on the fjord’s history and significance. Around the hamlet, you’ll also find many shops to buy local souvenirs, handicrafts, and Norwegian specialities. End your day with a meal at Hotel Utsikten and visit Geiranger Sjokolade for a sweet treat post-dinner.
Start day 7 with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Ole, and get set for yet another cruise, the best way to explore Geirangerfjord’s beauty. Surrounded by majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil waters, the fjord will captivate you with its picture-perfect landscape. For an offbeat experience, you can skip the traditional cruise and rent a kayak to explore the fjords at your own pace.
Explore some of the many waterfalls in Geirangerfjord like the Seven Sisters, Storseterfossen, Bridal Veil, and Suitors.
Best hotels in Geirangerfjord: Hotel Utsikten (highly recommended), Hotel Union Geiranger, and Hotel Geiranger.
Book your stay at Hotel Union Geiranger Bad & Spa via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hotel Union Geiranger Bad & Spa via Agoda.com
Norway itinerary days 8-10: Ørnevegen, Jotunheimen and more
On day 8, drive through Eagle Road (aka Ørnevegen), one of the most scenic drives on your Norway itinerary, featuring 11 hairpin bends and a viewpoint called the Eagle’s Nest, offering breathtaking views of Geirangerfjord. Have lunch on top of the Ørnevegen at Geiranger Fjordbuda to soak in the mesmerising views with local delicacies. Drive back to the Geirangerfjord and enjoy a range of craft beers at Geiranger Brewery.
Start early on day 9 and drive towards Jotunheimen National Park, home to about 200 mountain peaks. For hikers, there are a couple of popular hikes including Besseggen Ridge, Galdhøpiggen (Norway’s highest peak), Jotunheimen Triangle, Memurubu, and Leirvassbu. If not hiking, go for glacier tours to explore the icy realms of Jotunheimen’s glaciers like Styggebreen and Smørstabbreen.
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Best hotels in Jotunheimen: Gjendesheim Turisthytte, Memurubu Lodge, Leirvassbu Lodge, and Jotunheimen Fjellstue.
Book your stay at Gjendesheim Turisthytte via Booking.com
On day 10 of your Norway itinerary, start for Oslo to catch your flight back home. While you can go directly to the airport, it’s recommended to stop by Lillehammer, popularly termed as the ski resort town of Southern Norway, if you have the time. Depending on your interests, there’s a lot you can pack in a half-day stop. Need to buy last-minute souvenirs? Head to the Storgata, a popular street with gift shops, cafes, restaurants, and charming wooden houses. Make a super quick visit to Lysgårdsbakkene ski jumping arena to see the impressive ski jumps used during the Winter Olympics.
Things to remember while travelling to Norway
- Pack for multiple weather conditions, as weather is not predictable in Norway.
- Cards are widely used across the country. However, it’s always a good idea to keep some cash handy.
- Norway is expensive!
- When planning, know the midnight sun and polar night months.
shop the best travel experiences here
(Feature Image Credit: dibrova/Shutterstock)
Related: The Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Norway
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How many days are enough to explore Norway?
Ten to 14 days are enough to explore the main cities and attractions in Norway.
What are the best things to buy from Norway?
Knitwear and woolens, Norwegian brown cheese and chocolate, and cloudberry jam are some of the best things to buy from Norway,
What should I pack for my trip to Norway?
A waterproof jacket, warm clothing, adapters for Norwegian sockets, and a first aid kit are some essential things to pack.
How do I get around in Norway?
While the country is well-connected via public trains and buses, renting a car is the best way to explore remote locations.
What is the process to obtain a Norway visa?
To apply for a Noway visa, you will have to submit an application online and visit the nearest Embassy.
What are some adventure activities to do in Norway?
Hiking, trekking, snowboarding, skiing, kayaking, and glacier hikes are some adventure activities to do in Norway.
What are the must-try food items in Norway?
Salmon, Brunost (brown cheese), Rømmegrøt (traditional porridge), Lutefisk (dried white fish), and Fiskeboller are some must-try food items in Norway.
What are the cultural attractions in Norway?
The Viking Ship Museum, Bergenhus Fortress, Bryggen, Rock Art of Alta, and Oslo City Hall are some cultural attractions in Norway.
What are the offbeat experiences in Norway?
Stay in a Sami Lavvu (tents), Ski in Svalbard, visit to the Urnes Stave Church, and Uredd Resy Area (maybe the world’s most beautiful public washroom) are offbeat experiences in Norway.
What are the best hotels to stay in Norway?
The Thief, Radisson Blu, Sorrisniva, Arctic Dome Gudbrandsdalen, and Nordic Romance Chalet are some of the best hotels to stay in Norway.
What are the best restaurants in Norway?
Maaemo, Kontrast, Renaa Matbaren, Re-naa, Under (a one-of-a-kind underwater restaurant), and Credo are some of the best restaurants in Norway.
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- europe
- Itinerary
- norway
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