Discover Norway's Cities & Fjords - 15 Days

Highlights

• Explore both Oslo and Bergen on customized walking tours with local guides
• Hike to a goat farm and take part in a cheese-tasting and multicourse lunch
• Travel by "Hurtigruten" and sail through the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord
• Explore Trondheim by bicycle and check out craft beer bars on the waterfront

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo, Explore 

Welcome to Oslo! Upon arrival at the airport, you'll take the modern airport express train to the city center—a swift route that only takes about 20 minutes. Once you check into your hotel, you'll have the rest of the day to explore Oslo at your own pace.

Norway's rapidly growing capital is still considered a small city, helped by the fact that mountains and sea surround it. A good place to start is by walking along Karl Johans gate, Oslo's main thoroughfare, that connects the city to Palace Park, where the Norwegian monarchy resides. For dinner, head back to the streets around Karl Johans gate, where many restaurants and cafés offer a warm and cozy setting in cold weather and outdoor seating during the warmer months.

Day 2: Explore Oslo with a Local

This morning you'll meet up with a local guide for a custom private tour of Oslo. Although the city is relatively small—it takes 30 minutes to travel from one end to the other—there's still a lot to see and do. Oslo is known for its rich history and museums, some of which celebrate the macabre works of the Norwegian expressionist painter Edvard Munch. It also has a fascinating maritime culture in the form of stunning Viking-era ships.

Your guide will organize a tour based on your interests. Some unique recommendations include a walking tour along the Akerselva River with access to a hip and artsy neighborhood called Grünerløkka. You can also take a trip to Holmenkollen, a wooded area outside of Oslo that's home to the Ski Museum & Tower, offering over 4,000 years of snow sports, polar exploration, and an exhibition on snowboarding and modern skiing. 

Day 3: Train to Aurland, Visit Stegastein Viewpoint

It's time to head to the western fjords! You'll board a train in Oslo bound for the town of Myrdal at the appointed time. From here, you'll switch to the world-renowned Flåm Railway, one of the steepest trains in the world, that passes through dramatic fjord landscapes and waterfalls (in other words, keep your camera close).

When the train arrives in Flåm, you'll be transferred to Aurland, about 15 minutes away by car along the Aurlandsfjord. Once you check into your hotel, you can visit Stegastein Viewpoint—an open-air lookout designed by a renowned Norwegian architect with stunning fjord views. Then, walk around the charming small town of Aurland with a handful of restaurants, a bakery, a traditional glassblower, and even a local shoemaker.

Day 4: Hiking & Goat Farm Tour

Put on your hiking shoes this morning and make your way to Flåm Harbor. This is the embarkation point for a fun speedboat tour through the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord, a narrow UNESCO-listed branch of the Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord. From here, you'll transfer to just outside the wharf town of Skjerdal, where you'll begin a 1.5-hour, 2-mile (3.5 km) hike toward Leim Goat Farm.

During the hike, enjoy breathtaking waterfalls and fjord views. At the goat farm, you'll learn the secrets behind the making of traditional goat cheese before taking part in a cheese-tasting and delicious lunch incorporating local produce. Following your meal, you'll hike back down to Skjerdal and make your way back to Aurland.

Day 5: Ferry to Bergen

Today, you'll be dropped off at the port to board a ferry for the five- to-six-hour ride to the coastal city of Bergen. This scenic cruise will take you along the Sognefjord. As you pass through the "king of the fjords," you'll be treated to incredible views of soaring cliffs, snow-capped peaks, forested hillsides, and colorful villages. You can spend the journey relaxing in the lounge with panoramic windows or head to the sun deck to admire the views in the open air.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and stroll around Bergen's cobblestoned center. This walkable city boasts a vast selection of cultural and outdoorsy activities, not to mention lively restaurants and nightlife, thanks partly to a young student population. A good place to start is the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf to view the colorful wooden houses that characterize the city, dating back to the 1700s.

Day 6: Explore Bergen with a Local

Today you'll meet up with a local for a custom private tour of Bergen. Your guide, born and raised in the city, will help you choose the suitable activity based on your interests.

One idea is to take a historic walking tour from the city center through narrow streets up to the mountainside known as Sandviksbatteriet, with panoramic views over the city. The trail takes you to a small, hidden cabin rich in World War II history. You can also climb Mt. Sandviken, one of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen, and visit Stoltzekliven—a favorite local spot consisting of 900 steps built by Sherpas from Nepal. This trail is home to the steepest race in the world and features spectacular views from the top.

The rest of the day is yours to continue exploring the city. Consider picking up a 24-Hour Bergen Card, which offers free bus travel and admittance to most museums and other attractions.

Day 7: Fjord Cruise to Rosendal

This morning, make your way to the harbor to catch a lovely cruise ride to Rosendal. This route sails through the fjords of Bergen to the Hardangerfjord, known as the "queen of the fjords"; keep your camera close as you'll encounter spectacular views of steep mountains and cascading waterfalls along the route.

Arrive in Rosendal for a 3.5-hour visit, which includes a guided tour of a manor dating back to 1665. For lunch, relax with a two-course meal prepared with fresh herbs and vegetables grown on-site, along with coffee, tea, and pastries. Continue your tour in the manor's romantic rose garden before boarding the cruise and returning to Bergen in time for dinner.

Day 8: Free Day in Bergen, Board Hurtigruten

Today is free to explore Bergen and its mountainous surroundings on your own. If you haven't done so yet, explore the Fish Market and then take the Fløibanen funicular (or hike the trail on foot) to the top of Mt. Fløyen—one of Bergen's seven peaks—for the best views of the city. Or, join a fun zip line adventure through the hilly forests near Bergen at a place called Mt. Ulriken Zip Line (seasonal/weekend activity).

In the evening, transfer to the pier and set sail on the Hurtigruten. You'll cruise overnight along the Norwegian coast while enjoying a relaxing buffet dinner and a restful sleep in your private cabin. Also, make sure to take in the spectacular landscapes, either from the top deck or in the panorama lounge.

Day 9: Hurtigruten to Ålesund

Today, you'll wake up to have breakfast on the Hurtigruten. If you rise early enough, you'll have the chance to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Nordfjord in the early morning light. The ship then sails past the West Cape and heads out on the open sea before it navigates through skerries and islands, eventually reaching the city of Ålesund.

Upon arrival, enjoy one of the most charming cities in Scandinavia, with a breathtaking location stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean. The heavy presence of Art Nouveau architecture, distinguished by its numerous spires, towers, and highly-ornate buildings, is a result of rebuilding efforts following a devastating fire in 1904—the fashionable style at the time.

Day 10: Explore Ålesund, Hurtigruten to the Geirangerfjord

Today you'll have most of the day to explore Ålesund. This is the region's cultural center with an array of museums, a sea park, a lighthouse, and charming streets to explore on foot, not to mention numerous outdoor activities such as hiking and stand-up paddle boarding. If you're looking to get beyond the city's typical sites, take a hike up Ålesund's Sukkertoppen (Sugar Top) hill, which affords excellent views of the city, fjord, and coast. Plan at least 2.5 hours for this excursion.

In the afternoon, you'll board the Hurtigruten and set course for the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord passing sheer cliffs and impressive waterfalls en route. Enjoy a three-course dinner of local Norwegian food in the evening and stay overnight on board.

Day 11: Hurtigruten to Trondheim, Explore 

Today you'll arrive by boat to the city of Trondheim in the early morning. Still, the ship will remain in port long enough to enjoy breakfast before you disembark and transfer to your hotel. Few large cities have managed to preserve their intimacy as effectively as Norway's third-largest city. The streets are scenic, with beautiful parks and cultural sights, including the slightly out-of-kilter antique wooden houses.

You'll have time to explore Trondheim on foot or by renting one of the red-painted bicycles at bike racks scattered around the city. The intimate city center is great for shopping with independent boutiques and local dining establishments, including pubs, cafés, and restaurants—many of which serve locally-brewed beer.

Day 12: Free Day in Trondheim

Today you'll have a full day to explore Trondheim at your own pace taking advantage of anything you may have missed. Walk across the historic Old Town Bridge—a 17th-century iron structure—for photographs. Visit the impressive Nidarosdomen Cathedral, built over the grave of St. Olav, the King of Norway, in the 11th century. Head to popular museums, including the National Museum of Decorative Arts, the Trondheim Museum of Art, the Archbishop's Palace Museum, and the Rockheim, Norway's national museum of popular music. 

Look for charming bars among the wooden houses of Bakklandet with beautiful waterfront views and occasional live music. Other places in town offer live music, too, such as Dokkhuset, situated in a former pumping station. The venue frequently features live acts ranging from chamber music to experimental jazz. 

Day 13: Viking Valley Hike

Today you'll join a local guide for a unique five-hour hike and lunch experience in the Norwegian mountains—complete with traditional clothing—where you'll learn about Vikings' cultural heritage, as well as their cooking and survival skills.

Put on your waterproof hiking shoes and start the tour either at your hotel or outside the Trondheim Tourist Information Office. You'll be met by a guide who will help you with the clothing and equipment. Dressed in Viking wear, you and your group will head to the edge of the forest to hike along a nature trail, stopping to have a traditional Viking meal at a viewpoint overlooking the fjord. Following lunch, hike back to and return to modern-day Trondheim.

Day 14: Train to Oslo, Explore Vigeland Sculpture Park

Today, at the appointed time, you'll depart Trondheim and take a train back to Oslo. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for the last night of the trip.

Now is your chance to take advantage of any attractions you may have missed at the beginning of the trip, like Vigeland Sculpture Park, a veritable open-air museum within the larger Frogner Park. It can be a healthy walk to get here on foot from the city center, or you can jump on public transportation. Either way, you'll be rewarded with 212 sculptures from Gustav Vigeland made from bronze, cast iron, and granite installed in the 1940s. There's also a museum in the artist's former residence that is worth a look.

Day 15: Depart Oslo

It's time to say farewell to Norway! Enjoy your last few hours walking around Oslo's neighborhoods, relaxing in a café, or visiting local boutiques for one-of-a-kind souvenirs before you take the express train back to the airport for your departure. Safe travels!

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