Norway Travel Insights

3 Weeks in Scandinavia - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Three weeks in Scandinavia is a generous amount of time to discover the unspoiled landscapes and welcoming towns and cities of 3-4 countries. Summer travelers eager to get behind the wheel will find Iceland the perfect road-tripping destination, while Sweden and Norway provide the opportunity to pass along the reins and travel by train, bike, and ferry. Alternatively, if experiencing the northern lights tops your list, narrow your focus to the Lappland region in winter.

Nordic Harmony: Ultimate Summer Journey to Norway, Iceland & Greenland - 21 Days

While there's something to be said for the snowy bliss of Nordic countries in winter, the best time to experience their full majesty is during the warmer months. So spend this summer enjoying three scenic northern nations, starting with a dinner cruise in Norway's dynamic capital of Oslo, followed by fjord tours, kayak trips, and mountain hikes. Then, fly north for a grand tour of Iceland, road-tripping to waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic beaches—you'll even hop over to Greenland for thrilling helicopter flights.

Discover Scandinavia Like a Local: Finland, Sweden, Norway & Denmark - 21 Days

Dive deep into northern Europe's fabulous Scandi culture over three packed weeks. Up first is Helsinki, where you'll get an insider's glimpse into Finland's capital before striking out to the west coast for food tours and luxurious spa sessions. That's a mere appetizer compared to the rest of the journey, which includes hopping around Sweden, Norway, and Denmark as you enjoy epic cycling tours, sunset cruises, beer tasting, and scenic train rides around shimmering fjords.

10 Days in Norway - 6 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Norway, you can experience exactly how nature and luxury go hand in hand. Head to the western fjords for a classic tour featuring cozy retreats and quintessential Norway activities. Or, opt for a rental car and lazily navigate between rural villages. Adventure seekers will find Norway's Arctic an excellent place to chase the northern lights or take full advantage of the midnight sun, while the Lofoten Islands provide an idyllic sanctuary to rejuvenate amid unspoiled landscapes.

1 Week in Norway - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

One week in Norway is an excellent amount of time to experience the country's dramatic landscapes and premium accommodations. Join a classic tour to discover glassy fjords and soaring mountains. Or, hire a rental car and hop between the charming countryside villages. Northern lights enthusiasts will find the Arctic Circle the perfect place to explore by snowmobile and dogsled, while the Lofoten Islands inspire both winter and summer travelers with remote landscapes and luxury lodges.

Luxury Scenic Drive Through Rural Norway - 7 Days

Mix the highlights of Norway with off-the-beaten-path adventures on this luxury-infused tour of the southern countryside. Experience the best of Oslo with a private guide before getting behind the wheel for the journey north to postcard towns like Nes and Storefoss, where you'll enjoy waterfall hikes and horseback rides. Then, continue west and kayak on Norway's famous fjords in Aurland before finishing the trip on the UNESCO-listed waterfront in the historic city of Bergen.

Luxury Under the Midnight Sun in Northern Norway - 10 Days

Escape to Norway's far north this summer for 10 days of luxury and adventure under the midnight sun. The journey begins above the Arctic Circle in Bodø, a scenic coastal town where you'll zip across fjords in a Zodiac and soar over glaciers in a helicopter. Continue the Arctic expedition to the snowcapped Lyngen Alps and the UNESCO-listed Lofoten Islands to visit the world's northernmost whisky distillery, go surfing (that's right), and meet the local Sámi Indigenous people and their trusty reindeer.

Luxury Scenic Drive Through Rural Norway - 10 Days

Get behind the wheel to experience Norway's bucolic beauty with a luxurious twist. Over 10 packed days, you'll drive to some of the most charming villages in the nation's rural south, where boutique hotels, farm-to-table cuisine, and private excursions await. Then you're off toward the western fjords, where you'll hike to waterfalls, kayak down rivers, and learn to fly fish. Finish up amid the UNESCO-listed waterfront in Bergen, known for its colorful buildings dating to the days of the Hanseatic League.

Luxury Winter Adventures in Norway's Far North - 10 Days

Wild, rugged, and beautiful—these are a few words that describe Norway's dazzling Arctic Circle. Over 10 days, you'll discover the highlights and hidden gems of this Polar region in luxurious style, starting at a chic wilderness lodge in Alta. After snowmobile rides and northern lights spotting, it's on to Tromsø for a day of dogsledding. Then, you'll hop on a luxury cruiser for an overnight journey to the famous Lofoten Islands, where horseback rides, kayaking, and well-deserved sauna sessions await.

Luxury Northern Lights Adventure in Norway's Arctic - 10 Days

Spend 10 days chasing the northern lights across northern Norway on this luxurious, action-packed itinerary. Your adventure starts above the Arctic Circle in Kirkenes for dogsledding, king crab fishing, and nighttime photography tours from your base at the world's first ice hotel. Then, after an overnight stay on a luxury cruise ship, you'll enjoy more winter activities around Tromsø, including skiing the Lyngen Alps, whale watching, and watching the skies from a luxurious glass igloo.

Remote Luxury in Norway's Lofoten Islands - 10 Days

Get behind the wheel for a once-in-a-lifetime road trip through dazzling Arctic Norway. This self-drive adventure will take you to the UNESCO-listed Lofoten Islands for mountain hikes, kayaking, whale watching, and stylish stays in memorable locations. There will also be plenty of time to soak up the midnight sun in outdoor hot tubs amid prime views of fjords and mountain peaks. Finish with a stopover in the city of Tromsø for a charter fishing trip to catch prized halibut—which you'll enjoy later for dinner.

16 Days in Norway - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Sixteen days in Norway is an excellent amount of time to immerse yourself in the north's remote islands, the south's cities and fjords, or a mix of both. Opt for a self-drive itinerary if you're eager to take the wheel and explore at your leisure, or travel by train and ferry if you prefer active days paired with relaxing journeys. An adventure featuring the northern lights is an obvious choice for winter travelers, while those looking to experience the midnight sun should set their sights on the Lofoten Islands.

2 Weeks in Scandinavia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in Scandinavia, you can embark on a whirlwind highlights tour featuring seven different cities across Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. Or, keep your trip to four cities, which will give you more time to tick off thrilling activities and nature excursions. If you're traveling in winter, an itinerary featuring the Lappland region and its Arctic adventures is a must, while those who prefer to take the wheel will find a summer road trip across Iceland and Norway a perfect match.

Luxury Winter Adventures in Norway's Lofoten Islands - 7 Days

Winter adventures above the Arctic Circle await on this luxurious weeklong escape to northern Norway. Your destination is the UNESCO-listed Lofoten archipelago, known for its fjords, rugged peaks, white-sand beaches, and rocky shores. Start with an exclusive culinary experience at a high-concept hotel/restaurant known as the "Kitchen at the End of the World," then hop over to remote Gimsøya for three nights of horseback riding and northern lights hunting from your own private oceanfront lodge.

Luxury Northern Lights Adventure in Norway's Arctic - 7 Days

Venture into Norway's far north for a luxurious journey into one of the last wild frontiers on Earth. This weeklong winter adventure begins at the Arctic Circle, where you'll go dogsledding, fish for succulent king crab, and traverse the tundra as you hunt the northern lights. In between snowshoeing excursions and kayaking on Norway's famous fjords, you'll stay in first-class accommodations, including a real-life ice hotel.

Remote Luxury in Norway's Lofoten Islands - 7 Days

Get ready for a week of luxury under the midnight sun on this self-drive adventure around Norway's famous Lofoten Islands. Hop between the dramatic mountain peaks, unspoiled beaches, and picturesque fishing villages of the 80-island archipelago, overnighting in unique accommodations that range from 4-star resorts to beautifully restored beachside fishing cabins. In between island road trips, guided whale watching, kayaking, and hiking excursions will give you a closer look at the region and its nature.

Luxury Escape to the Norwegian Fjords - 10 Days

Experience the fairy-tale landscapes of Norway's western fjords in luxurious style with this relaxed 10-day itinerary. Bookended by chic city stays in Oslo and Bergen, you'll hop between boutique waterfront hotels and lodges nestled among quiet fjord-side villages. Spend your days soaking up the fresh air with mountain hikes and boat tours, then retire to your cozy retreats for evenings filled with acclaimed farm-to-table dining, floating saunas, and wood-fired hot tubs.

Luxury Escape to the Norwegian Fjords - 7 Days

This luxurious weeklong getaway celebrates the beauty of southern and western Norway, from glittering Oslo to the fjords and mountains of the Aurland region. After a highlights tour of the capital, you'll embark on the nation's most scenic train ride into the heart of its spectacular fjord landscapes. Stay in luxury waterfront accommodations in charming small towns as you enjoy private hikes, boat rides, and sauna sessions before ending the trip in Bergen, Norway's most colorful port city.

Active Adventure in Southern Norway - 16 Days

Outdoor enthusiasts will find adventure at every turn on this rugged 16-day journey through southern Norway. Beginning and ending in Oslo, you'll hike through national parks around Geilo, take a speedboat safari through the stunning Aurlandsfjord, brave the whitewater rapids of Voss, and ride cable cars up to Bergen's famous peaks. After tackling the epic trek to the Trolltunga rock outside of Odda, savor one last glimpse of the fjord scenery as you put your feet up on the Flåm Railway journey back to Oslo.

Northern Lights Adventures in Northern Norway: Road Trip to Senja, Svolvær & Tromsø - 16 Days

Chase adventure and the northern lights on this epic 16-day road trip through the Arctic landscapes of northern Norway. Beginning and ending in Tromsø, you'll loop your way across to the Lofoten Islands, spending two nights at the spectacular Aurora Borealis Observatory on Senja Island en route. Between scenic drives and ferries, a packed itinerary of outdoor excursions awaits—including reindeer sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dogsledding, whale watching, and more.

Summer Road Trip in Northern Norway: Tromsø, Senja & Lofoten - 16 Days

Experience outdoor adventures and endless summer days above the Arctic Circle with this 16-day northern Norway road trip. Go hiking with huskies in the countryside around Tromsø, then grab your rental car and drive to Senja Island to spot wildlife on a sailing cruise. Continue into the Lofoten archipelago to hop between colorful fishing villages, kayak under the midnight sun, and trek to rugged peaks. Take the overnight Hurtigruten Ferry back to Tromsø and end your trip with a glacier hiking experience.

Discover Norway's Southern Fjords & Northern Islands - 16 Days

Take advantage of Norway's long summer days with this self-drive adventure from the fjords of the south to the unspoiled nature and idyllic fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands. Set out from Bergen to kayak and cruise through the iconic fjords as you skip between charming towns like Flåm, Balestrand, and Geiranger. Then, fly north into the Arctic Circle to reach the Lofoten archipelago—where you'll hit the road again for island hopping, horseback riding, and whale watching in the land of the midnight sun.

Southern Norway Summer Highlights: Road Trip from Oslo to Stavanger - 16 Days

Experience Norway's fjords and Viking heritage up close on this summer road trip perfect for nature and outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Spend a few days in the capital, Oslo, before hiking and kayaking in Jotunheimen National Park. Travel west to Flåm for one of the world's prettiest train journeys and Bergen for ziplining and biking. Conclude in 1,000-year-old Stavanger with a hike to the iconic Pulpit Rock and a visit to a garden of 50,000 colorful flowers.

Active Adventures in Scandinavia's Cities - 14 Days

Experience your cultural tours with a side of adventure as you explore three must-visit Scandinavian capitals. Cruise the canals of Copenhagen and see why this city is ranked as one of the happiest in the world; go on food, kayaking, and even wildlife tours in Stockholm; and hike and e-bike your way around Oslo's famous fjords. As a bonus, you'll visit historic Bergen, one of Europe's highlights and the most colorful port city in Norway, to end your trip with some whitewater rafting and abseiling.

Summer in Scandinavia Grand Tour: Finland, Sweden, Denmark & Norway - 14 Days

Scandinavia may be known for its winter sports, but travel here during summer, and you'll discover a wonderland of green forests, rushing rivers, soaring mountains, and expansive fjords. Over two weeks, you'll venture into these landscapes, plus balance the itinerary with sightseeing and fine dining in historic capitals like Stockholm, Helsinki, Copenhagen, and Oslo. There will also be stops at UNESCO-listed sights, such as the colorful Bryggen Wharf in Bergen and Finland's Suomenlinna Island.

Scandinavian Saga: Iceland & Norway Summer Road Trip - 14 Days

Get behind the wheel for two weeks of road-tripping around Iceland and Norway. There's just enough time to hit the highlights, beginning with a drive around half of Iceland, where you'll stop at towering waterfalls, spouting geysers, volcanic beaches, glacial lagoons, and relaxing hot springs. Then, travel around the UNESCO-listed Fjordland of western Norway, visiting historic cities like Bergen, hiking up soaring mountains, enjoying boat rides across glassy fjords, and much more.

Chase the Northern Lights Through Sweden & Norway - 14 Days

Venture to the top of the world in search of Mother Nature's greatest spectacles, including the famous aurora borealis. This Arctic Circle adventure takes you through the wilds of northern Sweden and Norway, including Lappland, where you'll alternate snowshoeing and dogsledding with relaxing soaks in hot tubs and saunas and enjoy a three-course dinner right on the tundra. In between chasing the northern lights, you'll bed down in a real-life ice hotel—one of the only such accommodations on Earth.

10 Days in Scandinavia - 4 Winter Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Scandinavia, you can delve into thrilling winter activities and chase the northern lights above the Arctic Circle. Or, stick to the charming cities of Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo and spend your time on walking tours and winter-themed excursions. Those seeking a more relaxed pace will find Scandinavia has plenty of spas, saunas, and gourmet restaurants to unwind in, while Christmas enthusiasts can hop between festive markets and fairy-tale castles.

Scandinavian Winter Cities Trip: Oslo, Copenhagen & Stockholm - 10 Days

Hop between three Scandinavian cities on this 10-day winter tour that pairs invigorating outdoor activities with plenty of cozy culinary experiences. Begin on the canals of Copenhagen and visit some of Denmark's most gorgeous castles in North Zealand. Take a train to Stockholm, where you'll tour the Swedish countryside and kayak between the islands of the archipelago. Continue to Oslo to taste your way through the Norwegian capital, then end like a local with a floating sauna cruise.

Relax & Reconnect During Winter in Scandinavia - 10 Days

Experience Scandinavia's cozy cities and wintry landscapes on this 10-day tour through Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Begin at a historic Swedish spa in Stockholm, then take a dinner cruise through the nearby archipelago. After a night in the picturesque city of Gothenburg, it's on to Oslo to explore its icy fjords and catch a scenic train to the fairy-tale village of Flåm. End in Copenhagen, where you'll venture into its forests on horseback and taste test your way through the Danish foodie capital.

10 Days in Scandinavia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Scandinavia, you can embark on a highlights tour featuring Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Stockholm, and Bergen. Or, swap in Helsinki, Luleå, and Tromsø if you'd prefer to focus your time on the region's fjords, islands, and mountains. Hiking enthusiasts will find the Oslofjord Islands, Ålesund, and Geiranger the perfect destinations, while winter lovers can choose between a festive Christmas markets trip and a northern lights-chasing itinerary in the Arctic Circle.

Finland, Norway & Sweden Self-Drive: Lappland in Winter - 21 Days

Hit the road on a self-drive adventure that will take you from the Arctic Circle in Finland to the glimmering fjords of Norway and back down into Sweden. As you go, explore a snowy wonderland while enjoying cold-weather activities like dogsledding, ice climbing, snowshoeing, and skiing. Other highlights include whale watching, horseback riding, and witnessing miraculous natural phenomena like the northern lights.

Scandinavian Fjord & Hiking Summer Adventure - 10 Days

Perfect for adventure seekers, this active 10-day summer itinerary explores Sweden and Norway's most scenic landscapes. Begin in Stockholm, where you'll paddle to Långholmen Island on a sunset kayaking tour before boarding a train to Oslo. Explore the Oslofjord's islands via scenic ferry and hiking trails, fly to coastal Ålesund, and ascend the Aksla viewpoint. Continue to Geiranger for kayaking and ziplining and conclude with an interactive aquarium experience.

History, Culture & Natural Splendors in Scandinavia: Denmark, Sweden & Norway - 10 Days

Explore the historical, cultural, and natural highlights of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway on this 10-day journey across Scandinavia. Start in Copenhagen, where you'll discover the city on a guided bike tour before hopping on a train to Gothenburg. Enjoy a private city tour, sail to the nearby Vinga Island, then continue to Stockholm to learn about the Vikings. Cruise through the fjords in Oslo and end your trip with a walking tour along the colorful Bryggen Wharf in Bergen.

Scandinavian Summer Road Trip: Denmark, Sweden & Norway - 10 Days

Escape into a realm of fairy tales, fjords, and farm-grown culinary delights with this 10-day Scandinavian road trip. Greet Copenhagen's colorful cobbled streets, then continue to Funen Island to revisit your favorite Hans Christian Andersen tales. Delight in Skåne's most picturesque farm shops and vineyards before driving to Norway for waterfront saunas, fjord cruises, and medieval fun—and don't forget the reindeer!

Chasing the Northern Lights in Sweden & Norway - 10 Days

Spend exciting evenings hunting for the northern lights during this 10-day tour of Sweden and Norway. Not only will you visit some of the world's best destinations for viewing the aurora borealis, from Tromsø's fjords to Kiruna's Aurora Sky Station, but you'll also discover snowy landscapes with a range of daytime activities. Take part in dogsledding trips and snowmobile rides, go whale watching and ice fishing, and stay at the original Ice Hotel that serves epic five-course dinners.

Scandinavia Summer Highlights: Helsinki, Stockholm, Luleå & Tromsø - 10 Days

Get off the beaten track during this exciting summer trip that covers three Scandinavian countries in 10 days. You'll start by tasting Finnish delicacies on a food tour of Helsinki, then fly to Stockholm for cultural tours and a wildlife safari in its surrounding forests. Continue to the pristine north, stopping in Swedish Lappland to kayak in Luleå's tranquil archipelago before ending in Norway's far-flung city of Tromsø, where Arctic day trips, whale watching cruises, and cable rides await.

Christmas Markets & Winter Adventures in Sweden & Norway - 10 Days

Get into the festive spirit with this 10-day winter break in Sweden and Norway. The trip includes quality time in some of Scandinavia's top Christmas markets, based in historic city squares, nearby castles, and country estates. Browse the stalls for handmade gifts, sip mulled wine, and sing traditional carols to your heart's content. More winter adventures include a Swedish cinnamon bun masterclass, a fjord dinner cruise in Oslo, and a pamper day at a vineyard spa.

Oslo, Bergen, Balestrand & Tromsø: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, about eight days is the perfect amount of time for a Norway trip, with stops in Oslo, Bergen, Balestrand, and Tromsø. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as seven days. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favorite itinerary extensions include Flåm. Keep reading for more inspiring Oslo, Bergen, Balestrand, and Tromsø itineraries.

Bergen & Tromsø: Best Itinerary Ideas

A week to 10 days is the most popular trip length for Norway travelers interested in visiting both Bergen and Tromsø, especially when also including Oslo and Flåm. If you're only headed to Bergen and Tromsø, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in six to 10 days. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as five days. For the best itineraries, including Bergen and Tromsø, keep reading below.

Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, the Hurtigruten & Bodø: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that about five days is perfect for a well-paced Norway trip with stops in the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, spending the night on the Hurtigruten coastal ferry, and Bodø. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Vesterålen or Oslo. See more ideas for the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, the Hurtigruten, and Bodø itineraries below.

Oslo, Aurland, Ålesund, Geiranger & Lom: Best Itinerary Ideas

Twelve days to two weeks is a great length for a Norway trip with stops in Oslo, Aurland, Ålesund, Geiranger, and Lom. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in 8 to 11 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Skei or Bergen. Get inspired with our Oslo, Aurland, Ålesund, Geiranger, and Lom trip ideas below.

Bergen & Balestrand: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Norway typically plan a trip for five to seven days when combining both Bergen and Balestrand with Oslo. If you're only headed to Bergen and Balestrand, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in five to six days. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as four days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Bergen and Balestrand and beyond.

Oslo, the Fjord Region & the Hurtigruten: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 10 to 14 days is the perfect amount of time for a Norway trip, with stops in Oslo, the Fjord Region, and spending the night on the Hurtigruten coastal ferry. It's also possible to hit the highlights in five to nine days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Tromsø, Lofoten Islands, or Voss. See more ideas for Oslo, the Fjord Region, and the Hurtigruten itineraries below.

Tromsø & Senja: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Norway typically plan a trip for seven to eight days when combining both Tromsø and Senja with Andenes. For travelers wanting to visit Tromsø and Senja exclusively, plan five to six days for a well-paced trip. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as four days. For the best itineraries, including Tromsø and Senja, keep reading below.

The Fjord Region & Tromsø: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Norway typically plan a trip for a week to 10 days when combining both the Fjord Region and Tromsø with Oslo. If you're not interested in Oslo, 6 to 10 days are enough for your Fjord Region and Tromsø trip. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as five days. Check out kimkim's favorite Fjord Region and Tromsø trips below.

Oslo, Bergen & Stavanger: Best Itinerary Ideas

About 14 days is the most popular trip length for Norway travelers interested in visiting Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger, especially when also including Balestrand, Ålesund, Hurtigruten, and Trondheim. For travelers wanting to visit Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger exclusively, plan seven to nine days for a well-paced trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in five or six days for travelers with limited time. For the best itineraries, including Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger, keep reading below.

Tromsø, Senja & Vesterålen: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that a week to eight days is perfect for a well-paced Norway trip with stops in Tromsø, Senja, and Vesterålen. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in five or six days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favorite itinerary extensions include Oslo, Lofoten Islands, or Finnsnes. Keep reading for more inspiring Tromsø, Senja, and Vesterålen itineraries.

Alta: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting Alta spend about a week to eight days in Norway, which usually includes some time in Tromsø as well. If you're only headed to Alta, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in four to six days. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in three days for travelers with limited time. Check out our favorite Alta trips below.

Oslo, the Fjord Region & Lom: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 11 to 14 days is the perfect amount of time for a Norway trip, with stops in Oslo, the Fjord Region, and Lom. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as six to 10 days. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Skei, Loen, or Hurtigruten. Keep reading for more inspiring Oslo, Fjord Region, and Lom itineraries.