Did you know a perfect Norway travel itinerary can cover about 2,800km (1,740 miles) and last two or more weeks? Norway is not just beautiful cities and towns; Norway is where you’ll see stunning fjords, high mountains, and amazing scenery. Norway is one of the biggest countries in Europe in terms of size (7th biggest), with amazing coastlines and extremely long roads, so planning the perfect Norway travel itinerary takes work.
The first thing to consider when planning your Norway trip is to think about the season and weather. After all, Norway and the Nordics are famous for their bad weather. Summer months, from June to September, have temperatures of 14-16°C in southwestern Norway. October’s average is around 7°C. Also, the southern fjords get over 200 rainy days a year. Bergen, the second biggest city in Norway – and one of the most beautiful – has Europe’s highest rain per year.
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Norway isn’t just beautiful scenery and mountains, though. You can have many activities like hiking, kayaking, cultural visits, and food tours. Some cities and towns worth visiting are Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Geirangerfjord, and the Lofoten Islands. It’s a lot. However, with the right Norway travel itinerary, you can see the most important and beautiful ones. I’ll try to guide you the best way I can.
What is the Best of Norway?
Norway, home to about five million people, is a place of stunning beauty and rich culture. Even though it’s beautiful and has a lot to offer, it’s also one of the most expensive countries in Europe. Yet, its landscapes and unique experiences make it a top spot for adventure, and it’s definitely worth the money. Fjords, small towns, and the coastline are some of the best things in Norway.
Fjords, Mountains, Glaciers, and Scenic Routes
Norway’s fjords are breathtaking. These long, narrow inlets were carved by glaciers. Famous fjords like Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord offer unforgettable views. When you plan a trip to Norway, fjords are the first thing to see and plan for. They are breathtaking. Norway also has impressive mountains and glaciers. The Jotunheimen mountains are the highest in Northern Europe. The Jostedalsbreen glacier is the largest in continental Europe. It’s not just that they are big, they are also spectacular, like Fjords.
With all these fjords, mountains, and glaciers, it’s impossible to not have scenic roads. Almost every road you take in the countryside will be magnificent, but The Atlantic Ocean Road and Trollstigen are highlights. You can also take scenic train rides, like from Oslo to Myrdhal and then to Flåm. These journeys perfectly show you the beauty of Norway.
Seasons and Weather Conditions
Norway’s landscapes and attractions change with the seasons. Summer has the longest days (sun sets at around 10–11 PM and sometimes after midnight), warm weather, and the midnight sun in Northern Norway. Places like Hamningberg are great for seeing this phenomenon.
Summer is the peak tourist time, so expect more people and higher prices. In Norway, winter is extremely hard for hiking, walking, and doing activities. It has a harsh winter with a lot of snow, rain, and cold weather. However, it is amazing for winter sports and seeing the Northern Lights.
Spring and autumn are a mix of winter and summer. You can get heavy rain and sometimes snowfall, but sometimes the weather will be sunny and warm. There will be fewer tourists than in summer.
Accommodations, Transportation, and Activities
Norway is expensive; even hostels or budget hotels are expensive compared to the rest of Europe. You can always camp at campsites in a tent, or if you are with a campervan or RV, you can always sleep in the forest or by the ocean. I suggest planning ahead if you are going to stay in hotels or hostels. You can get deals.
Norway has many transportation choices, including trains, buses, ferries, and cars. People generally recommend renting a car in Northern Norway for the scenic roads. I am not sure if it’s the best way because the mountains and fjords don’t allow for nice roads. However, it’s a must for certain regions, and fuel prices are around 1.5-1.6 euros.
Transportation
- Renting a Car for Flexibility and Scenic Drives: For those who love to explore freely, renting a car in Norway is a great choice. Norway has many scenic drives, like the Atlantic Ocean Road and the Trollstigen. These drives offer amazing views. But, some roads are narrow or closed in winter, so plan carefully, and that’s when you should consider ferries with the car. Or stick to a specific region with the car and return it before moving on to the next area.
- Public Transportation: Trains, Buses, and Ferries: Norway’s public transportation system is reliable and efficient. You can use trains to see most of the bigger cities and areas like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim. The Bergen Railway is part of the Norway in a Nutshell tour. It passes through beautiful villages, so you have to take the train here and there for scenic rides. They also have The Flåm Railway, which is one of the steepest railways worldwide. It shows off stunning mountain and fjord views. Buses reach smaller towns and remote spots, so you can use them to access these areas. Great way to do it. Ferries connect fjords and islands, with stunning views along the way. Again, you can get Norway in a Nutshell tour that combines train rides, fjord cruises, and bus trips for a whole Norway experience.
- An RV Trip: Campervans or RVs have become popular lately in Norway. I also love it, so my suggestion out of all these is renting an RV. You have a home wherever you go, and you can be budget-friendly by cooking everything.
Accommodation Choices for Your Norway Trip
Choosing the right place to stay in Norway is key for a great trip. You can find everything from cozy hotels and hostels to unique spots like lighthouses and ice hotels. Norway is pricey, but you can find deals from €27 for a hostel bed to €400 for luxury. I suggest going for higher-end accommodation only for unique places like ice hotels or lighthouse hotels. Having an RV is great for the accommodation, and you don’t have to pay for anything.
- Hotels and Hostels: Hotels and hostels are familiar and easy choices for many. You can find them even in remote areas in Norway. Dorms cost about €30 a night, and doubles range from €60 to €80. In central areas, private rooms can be €120 to €200 a night. In cities like Oslo and Bergen, hostels start at €27 for dorms and €55-€70 for singles or doubles.
- Cabin Rentals and Camping: For a real Norwegian feel, try a cabin rental or “hyttes.” They’re in beautiful spots like mountains and fjords. This way, you can enjoy nature on a budget. They tend to be cheaper than hotels, of course. Camping is also popular, either with a tent or with an RV. Some even have cabins or glamping tents for extra comfort.
- Unique Stays: Lighthouses, Treehouses, and Ice Hotels: Norway has unique places to stay that are unforgettable. Lighthouses offer stunning coastal views. Treehouses let you sleep in the forest. Ice hotels are a one-of-a-kind experience. You can find them generally in the countryside. If you come across one, definitely stay in it, no matter the cost – which are not as expensive as hotels.
Must-Visit Destinations for Your Norway Travel Itinerary
I mentioned the accommodation, season, and other important things. Now it’s time to deep dive into the places to see. They are the must-sees, and in a Norway travel itinerary, you must add a few of them. It depends on how many days of Norway trip you are doing and which region.
Oslo: The Vibrant Capital City
Oslo is the capital. I’ve been to Oslo many times, and I love it every time I am here, no matter the weather. It’s different from the normal European capitals you are used to. It’s small, cute, and calm. You can see great museums here, like the Munch Museum, modern buildings, and green parks. Don’t miss the Oslo Opera House, the Viking Ship Museum, and Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Bergen: Gateway to the Fjords
The city with the most rainy days in a year in Europe is Bergen. It’s probably got the worst weather, but the views, the city itself, and the surroundings are spectacular. This is the city by the fjords. You can walk through Bryggen, a UNESCO site. From here, you can see the Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, Norway’s famous fjords. In December, the sun in Bergen rises at 9:45 AM.
Stavanger: Hiking Paradise and Scenic Landscapes
If you are going to Norway for good hiking and activities, Stavanger is great for hikers. It’s the paradise for this kind of stuff. It has trails to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and Kjeragbolten. The city also has a lovely old town and a great food scene. It’s quite small, though, so don’t expect to spend a few days and see new things every day. A few hours is enough to see the city.
Geirangerfjord: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO site. It’s known for its cliffs, waterfalls, and green views. A fjord cruise is unforgettable, showing Norway’s beauty up close. You should go here if you want to do activities and not much else. Great spot, though.
Lofoten Islands: Picturesque Fishing Villages and Midnight Sun
If you have been planning a trip to Norway, you probably have heard of or seen the Lofoten Islands. It’s a unique experience with its peaks, beaches, and fishing villages. In summer, this is where you can see the midnight sun. The sun sets at or after midnight in the summer. And, in winter, you can watch the Northern Lights. It’s got everything!
Sample Norway Travel Itinerary
As I mentioned, there are many different Norway travel itineraries based on the days and type of trip you want to take. You can choose from a Norway South itinerary, a Norway Fjords itinerary, or a Norway Cities itinerary. Also, the days play a crucial role. I’ll give you three sample Norway travel itineraries.
7-Day Norway Itinerary: Highlights of the South
A 7-day trip is perfect for seeing southern Norway. Start in Oslo, the lively capital. Visit the Royal Palace, Oslofjord Cruise, and Bygdøy Peninsula. You can spend one or two days in Oslo, maybe more, depending on what you like. Don’t miss the Kon-Tiki Museum and Vigeland Park while you’re there. Also, try the saunas!
Oslo has a fjord, but you can go west or north for mountainous fjords. This is where you can shape your trip. Next, visiting Stavanger for hiking and scenic views like Pulpit Rock can be a good idea. Then, head to Bergen for fjord adventures and the Flåm Railway. You can either end your trip there and come back or try to squeeze in a few more countryside cities.
10-Day Norway Itinerary: Fjords, Mountains, and Cities
A 10-day trip lets you see more of Norway, and it’s the perfect balance between a short and long trip. A long one in Norway can be wallet-draining! Same here, you can start in Oslo, then go to Stavanger and Bergen. From Bergen, this is where you can add more. Drive to Gudvangen and Sogndal for fjord views, and maybe you can rent a car in Bergen to drive around for the extra three days.
14-Day Norway Itinerary: Complete Exploration
For a full Norway experience, choose a 14-day trip. I think 14 days can even be short because Norway is just too big. However, with 14-day, you can really capture the main idea. Follow the 10-day plan, then visit Trondheim for its history and culture. See the Nidaros Cathedral and enjoy the city’s food and nightlife.
If time allows, add the Lofoten Islands for fishing villages and midnight sun. To Northern Norway, I recommend flying. Otherwise, you will spend at least a day on the roads to Trondheim from Bergen. You can rent a car in specific regions and not for the entire duration of the trip.
Conclusion
Norway is a country of beauty, with long coastlines, fjords, mountains, and scenic roads. Every road you take is scenic, and every city you go to has fjords or mountains. It’s an amazing place. It’s also expensive, and the weather is bad most of the time. If you are planning a trip to Norway and creating your Norway travel itinerary, you have to be extremely careful.
Whether you choose a short trip to Oslo and Bergen or explore the fjords and mountains, your plan must be within the right timeframe and must use the right transportation methods because you can’t drive everywhere. The main type of Norway travel itinerary is based on days and the region of the country.
Generally, a 7-day Norway travel itinerary focuses on the capital and the south, like Bergen. If you do a 10-day Norway travel itinerary or a 14-day Norway travel itinerary, or maybe even more, you can add more regions and cities as you go.
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Norway?
The best time to visit Norway depends on what you like to do. Summer (June to August) has long days and nice weather. It’s great for seeing the midnight sun. Winter (December to February) is perfect for seeing the Northern Lights and enjoying winter sports. It also offers a unique charm with snow-covered landscapes.
What are the must-visit destinations in Norway?
You should see Oslo, the lively capital city and it’s one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe, in my opinion. Bergen is the best place to start your fjord adventure. Stavanger is a paradise for hikers with its beautiful views. Don’t miss Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Lofoten Islands are also a must-see for their fishing villages and the midnight sun.
What are the best transportation options for exploring Norway?
Norway has many ways to get around. Renting a car lets you explore at your own pace. The public transport system of trains, buses, and ferries is efficient. For a different experience, try an RV trip.
How many days do I need for a Norway trip?
How long you stay in Norway depends on what you want to see. A 7-day Norway travel itinerary can cover southern Norway’s highlights. A 10-day Norway trip lets you see fjords, mountains, and cities. For a full experience, a 14-day Norway travel itinerary to explore Norway’s diverse landscapes is a good choice.
What are some essential tips for planning a Norway travel itinerary?
The right season and weather are a must. You must go when the weather allows it – mostly during the summer months. Budget for where you’ll stay, how you’ll get around, and what you’ll do. Being flexible lets you enjoy Norway’s culture and natural beauty.