Ultimate Norway: North to South

Best Season: May to September for optimal weather.

Total Distance: Approximate total km: 3000 km

Budget Level: moderate

Highlights

• Fjords
• Northern Lights
• Cultural experiences

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Oslo

Photo by John Towner on Unsplash

Kick off your Norwegian adventure in the capital with iconic sights and local flavors.

Morning: Visit the Oslo Opera House at Oslo Opera House (1.5 hours)

Tip: Walk on the roof for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Explore Vigeland Sculpture Park at Frogner Park (2 hours)

Tip: Bring a picnic and enjoy the sculptures.

Evening: Dinner at Mathallen Food Hall at Mathallen Oslo

Stay: Thon Hotel Opera

Driving: N/A

Day 2: Oslo to Bergen

Photo by François Fayet on Unsplash

Travel to Bergen, the gateway to the fjords, via scenic train ride.

Morning: Train from Oslo to Bergen at Oslo Central Station (6.5 hours)

Tip: Book seats on the left side for the best views. Check train schedules on Vy.

Afternoon: Explore Bryggen Wharf at Bryggen, Bergen (2 hours)

Tip: Visit the shops for unique local crafts.

Evening: Take the Fløibanen Funicular at Fløyen Mountain

Stay: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel

Driving: N/A

Day 3: Fjord Adventure

Photo by David Marcu on Unsplash

Experience the breathtaking Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Morning: Fjord cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm at Nærøyfjord (2 hours)

Tip: Dress warmly; it can get chilly on the water.

Afternoon: Visit the Flåm Railway at Flåm (3 hours)

Tip: Book tickets in advance for the best time slots.

Evening: Dinner at Flåm Marina at Flåm

Stay: Flåm Marina & Apartments

Driving: N/A

Day 4: Flåm to Aurland

Photo by John O'Nolan on Unsplash

Explore the breathtaking landscapes while traveling to charming Aurland.

Morning: Drive to Aurland at Aurland (45 minutes)

Tip: Stop for photos along the way.

Afternoon: Visit Aurland Lookout at Stegastein (1.5 hours)

Tip: The viewpoint offers incredible fjord views.

Evening: Dinner at Aurland Fjord Hotel at Aurland

Stay: Aurland Fjord Hotel

Driving: 45 minutes

Day 5: Aurland to Ålesund

Photo by Darya Tryfanava on Unsplash

Journey to Ålesund and admire the Art Nouveau architecture.

Morning: Drive from Aurland to Ålesund at Ålesund (5 hours)

Tip: Take the scenic route via Route 5.

Afternoon: Explore the town center at Ålesund (2 hours)

Tip: Climb Aksla viewpoint for a great view.

Evening: Dinner at XL Diner at Ålesund

Stay: Hotel Brosundet

Driving: 5 hours

Day 6: Ålesund to Geirangerfjord

Photo by Mike Benna on Unsplash

Venture to the iconic Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Morning: Drive to Geirangerfjord at Geiranger (2.5 hours)

Tip: Stop at scenic viewpoints along the way.

Afternoon: Fjord cruise on Geirangerfjord at Geiranger (1.5 hours)

Tip: Look out for the Seven Sisters waterfall.

Evening: Dinner at Hotel Union Geiranger at Geiranger

Stay: Hotel Union Geiranger

Driving: 2.5 hours

Day 7: Geirangerfjord to Lillehammer

Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash

Travel through the scenic mountains to Lillehammer, home of the 1994 Winter Olympics.

Morning: Drive to Lillehammer at Lillehammer (3 hours)

Tip: Take the E136 road for beautiful views.

Afternoon: Visit the Olympic Museum at Lillehammer (2 hours)

Tip: Learn about Norway's winter sports history.

Evening: Stroll along the waterfront at Lake Mjøsa

Stay: Scandic Lillehammer Hotel

Driving: 3 hours

Day 8: Lillehammer to Oslo

Photo by Jonatan Pie on Unsplash

Return to Oslo and explore the cultural highlights of the city.

Morning: Drive back to Oslo at Oslo (2 hours)

Tip: Visit the National Gallery en route.

Afternoon: Explore the National Museum at Oslo (2 hours)

Tip: Don’t miss Edvard Munch's 'The Scream'.

Evening: Dinner at Lofoten Fiskerestaurant at Oslo

Stay: Thon Hotel Opera

Driving: 2 hours

Day 9: Oslo to Stavanger

Photo by Tomáš Malík on Unsplash

Fly to Stavanger, a vibrant city known for its coastal charm.

Morning: Flight to Stavanger at Oslo Airport (1 hour)

Tip: Book your flight in advance. Check flight info on Avinor.

Afternoon: Explore Old Stavanger at Stavanger (2 hours)

Tip: Wander through the charming wooden houses.

Evening: Dinner at Fisketorget at Stavanger

Stay: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel

Driving: N/A

Day 10: Pulpit Rock Hike

Photo by Kym Ellis on Unsplash

Hike to the famous Pulpit Rock for stunning views over Lysefjord.

Morning: Take the ferry to Preikestolen at Stavanger (1 hour)

Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds.

Afternoon: Hike to Pulpit Rock at Pulpit Rock Trail (4 hours)

Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring water.

Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant at Stavanger

Stay: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel

Driving: N/A

Day 11: Stavanger to Oslo

Photo by Stian Klo on Unsplash

Fly back to Oslo and enjoy a leisurely day in the city.

Morning: Flight back to Oslo at Stavanger Airport (1 hour)

Tip: Check in early to avoid delays.

Afternoon: Explore Aker Brygge waterfront at Aker Brygge (2 hours)

Tip: Visit the shops and cafes.

Evening: Dinner at Restaurant Eik at Oslo

Stay: Thon Hotel Opera

Driving: N/A

Day 12: Oslo to Tromsø

Photo by Robert Bye on Unsplash

Fly to Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic, known for its stunning natural beauty.

Morning: Flight to Tromsø at Oslo Airport (2 hours)

Tip: Look for the Northern Lights tour options.

Afternoon: Visit the Arctic Cathedral at Tromsø (1 hour)

Tip: Check the opening hours.

Evening: Dinner at Mathallen Tromsø at Tromsø

Stay: Radisson Blu Tromsø

Driving: N/A

Day 13: Tromsø Adventure

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash

Experience Arctic activities like dog sledding or snowmobiling.

Morning: Dog sledding tour at Tromsø Wilderness Centre (3 hours)

Tip: Dress in layers for warmth.

Afternoon: Visit Polaria at Polaria, Tromsø (1.5 hours)

Tip: Watch the Arctic film and see seals.

Evening: Northern Lights chase at Tromsø

Stay: Radisson Blu Tromsø

Driving: N/A

Day 14: Departure

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash

Enjoy a final morning in Tromsø before your departure.

Morning: Leisurely breakfast at Hotel restaurant (1 hour)

Tip: Try the traditional Norwegian breakfast.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping at Tromsø city center (2 hours)

Tip: Look for local crafts and souvenirs.

Evening: Departure from Tromsø Airport at Tromsø Airport

Stay: N/A

Driving: N/A

Packing Essentials

• Warm clothing
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Camera

Booking Tips

Book accommodations on Booking.com and popular activities like the Flåm Railway and Northern Lights tours in advance.