Making the 1,092-mile (1,758km) trek from Norway's capital city of Oslo to Tromsø, the largest city in the north is an endeavor best done by flying if you are short on time.

A long road trip is also possible, allowing you to explore much of the country's beautiful landscape but because of Tromsø's position above the arctic circle, weather conditions may prevent driving on certain roads. Tromsø is a cultural city to explore and a great base for heading to other areas like Alta. Adventures like dogsledding, snowshoeing, and reindeer encounters await for the winter season, and in the summer, kayaking, and hiking under the midnight sun are unique activities to embrace the extra daylight.

For more ideas, check out this 7-day itinerary for an Oslo, Bergen & Tromsø Winter Adventure.

By Plane

Duration: 2-3 hours

A nonstop flight will have you landing in Tromsø in about two hours. This will allow for ultimate exploration time in the region known for the northern lights, wildlife, and gorgeous landscape. Once arriving, it's possible to take an express bus, the Flybussen into the city center, which takes about 15-minutes. 

By Car

Duration: 4-5 days

Although driving directly would have you arriving in Tromsø in approximately 24 hours, it's wise to plan for many stops along the way to rest, explore, and enjoy the adventure of an extended road trip. Drivers will take Rv4 towards Lillehammer, home of the 1994 Winter Olympics, and continue north to veer onto E6 towards Trondheim.

You'll be traveling by many national parks along this route, so planning for hikes to stretch your legs and rest stops is key. Rondane National Park, Dovrefjell–Sunndalsfjella National Park, and Trollheimen Mountain Area near Oppdal, a solid base to spend the night, about six hours from Oslo.

After departing Oppdal, continuing north to Trondheim (about two hours) will have you arriving in a cultural and culinary rich city on the Trondheim fjord. Staying on E6, you'll pass by Blåfjella-Skjækerfjella National Park, a stunning region for hiking and outdoor exploits. Making your way north, you'll drive through the gorgeous landscape dotted with small villages. Near Røssvoll you can see the Svartisen glacier. From there, it's about nine more hours to Nordkjosbotn, where you'll veer onto E8 towards Tromsø, which is another hour. 

By Ferry

Duration: 5-6 days

This option allows you to experience a unique vantage point of Western Norway and the fjord region from the water on the Hurtigruten cruise line, however, it's likely the more expensive option. Travelers looking to make the journey this way will have to go to Bergen from Oslo before embarking from the city's port via the cruise north to Tromsø.

You can either take a 55-minute flight to reach Bergen, or take the Bergen Scenic Railway (line 41), which takes approximately six and a half hours. Once arriving, plan for some time to explore the fjord city of Bergen and all its culture as the "gateway to the fjords."

Ask your local specialist for details. 

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