Epic Norway Camping, Kayaking & Hiking Journey: Oslo to Bergen - 15 Days

Highlights

• Trek to Norway's must-see Trolltunga and sleep in a luxe dome under the stars
• Experience the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjorden with an overnight kayak experience
• Journey across the country by train, boat, and shuttle bus
• Get to know Norwegian culture in the cities of Oslo and Bergen
• Hike HM Queen Sonja's Panoramic Trail

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo

Welcome to Oslo, Norway's rapidly growing capital! This buzzing small city is set on the seaside and surrounded by mountains, combining the best of nature and urban life in one place. The city's charismatic downtown is made for walking, and its charming outlying neighborhoods are easily accessible by public transportation. Use today to explore Oslo's treasures by foot, tram, train, or bus and get your first taste of Norwegian culture and people. Tomorrow is a free day to explore the city, so there's no need to cram it all in today.

Day 2: Oslo Free Day

Day 3: Train to Flåm, Transfer to Gudvangen

Enjoy the view as Norway's brilliant landscapes flash past the train window on the journey from Oslo to the village of Flåm. This seven-hour route is part of the famous Bergen Railway, connecting Oslo and Bergen across Hardangervidda, Europe's highest mountain plateau. You'll see mountains, rivers, valleys, hamlets, and fjords along the way—the most iconic Norwegian landscapes imaginable.

When you make it to Myrdal, board the famous Flåm Railway and experience one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Following the world's steepest train tracks, this engineering marvel snakes from the mountain range to sea level. 

Day 4: Overnight Sea Kayaking Tour

Picture yourself floating along the surface of a fjord, with no sounds beyond the stroke of your paddle and charge of rushing waterfalls. There's no more intimate way to experience the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjorden than in a kayak. You'll paddle about 15.5 miles (25 km) over two days, camping overnight in a tent among the fjords. This one-way journey takes you from Nærøyfjorden into Aurlandsfjorden, paddling the calm waters past outstanding Norwegian fjord scenery, such as towering cliffs, dense forests, and colorful farms that dot the countryside.

Day 5: Sea Kayaking Tour, Transfer to Flåm, Sauna Experience

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Wake up in a tent surrounded by fjord scenery, stretch your legs, enjoy a coffee, and get back to the paddle. Another day immersed in nature is on the cards, and (hopefully) your arms still have the power to make it to the finish line. Once you reach your destination, a shuttle bus will transfer you back to Flåm. The rest of the day is for relaxation. Enjoy a steaming hot sauna and refreshing bath in the Aurlandsfjord, a spectacular sauna experience you'll never forget.

Day 6: Nærøyfjord Cruise, Transfer to Ullensvang

In Norway, there are just two fjords on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and today you'll cruise along one of them. Nærøyfjord is so narrow that it almost feels like you could touch the steep, snow-covered mountains surrounding it, stretching up to 6,000 feet (1,800 m) above sea level. Sit back, relax and enjoy the next two hours floating through one of the most beautiful places in Norway, enjoying the calm fjord atmosphere with cascading waterfalls, towering mountains, and picturesque villages throughout the landscape. Afterward, take a transfer to Ullensvang.

Day 7: Hike Queen Sonja's Panoramic Trail

Norway's Queen Sonja is well known as a passionate mountain hiker, and this is one of her favorite hikes in the Hardangerfjord region. HM Queen Sonja's Panoramic Hiking Trail (or "Dronningstien") is a long, challenging hike that passes through forests, valleys, and mountains up high between Kinsarvik and Lofthus. Along the steep climb, you'll enjoy brilliant fjord views.

Start at the dirt road from Røte, climbing up to Heng, about 2,460 feet (750 m) above sea level. The trail is marked with blue "D's" to keep you on track (for Dronning or "Queen"). The route down to Lofthus passes the historical Monk steps and fruit farms. Afterward, return to the hotel in Ullensvang.

Day 8: Ullensvang Free Day

After a big day hiking, use today to relax. If you're staying at the waterfront Hotel Ullensvang, use your day to kick back in this idyllic location, enjoying the Norwegian fjord scenery of Sørfjord and breathing in the fresh air. You can see Hardangervidda mountain from this hotel, with views toward Folgefonna Glacier. There's a gorgeous fjord garden overlooking the beach where you can take a dip in the water, eat delicious authentic Norwegian cuisine at the restaurant, relax in the sauna, and enjoy panoramic views of the mountains while swimming in the outdoor pool.

Day 9: Bus to Odda, Hike or Ski in Hardangerfjord

This morning, take a short bus ride from Ullensvang to Odda, enjoying views out the window over Hardangerfjord. This is the third largest fjord in the world at 111 miles (179 km) long. The Hardangerfjord region has been an important European tourist destination since the 19th century and offers spectacular nature activities, including some of the most amazing hikes in Norway. Today you could try the four waterfalls trail in Husedalen Valley, glacier hiking at Folgefonnia Glacier, and several options in Hardangervidda National Park.

Husedalen Valley features four distinct waterfalls: Tveitafossen, Nykkjesøyfossen, Nyastølsfossen, and Søtefossen. The entire trail follows the waterfalls, taking around 5-6 hours. Alternatively, you could hit the slopes at Fonna Glacier Ski Resort, Europe's leading summer ski resort, to enjoy a day strapped to skis. Don't overdo it today; there's a big hiking adventure ahead.

Day 10: Guided Overnight Hike to Trolltunga

Today you're embarking on an overnight hike along one of Norway's most famous routes: Trolltunga. Meet your private guide in Skjeggedal, and together follow the trail up the mountainside to Gryteskar, where you'll enjoy spectacular views of Folgefonna Glacier. Work your way through the route, culminating with the Ferrata Himelstein ("ladder to heaven"). Here, you'll reach the famous Trolltunga, or "Troll's Tongue"—a long rock jutting out from a cliff at nearly 2,300 feet (700 m). If you're feeling brave, snap an iconic photo out on the rock.

When the other hikers have returned home, you'll sleep in the mountains, 4,000 feet (1,200 m) above sea level, watching a once-in-a-lifetime sunset and sunrise. Better yet, you'll sleep in a secluded and comfortable dome with a transparent ceiling so you can stargaze throughout the night. After a steep and challenging 8-10-hour hike, the sight of your cozy dome and the promise of a hot meal will make you very happy. 

Day 11: Return Hike from Trolltunga, Free Time in Odda

Day 12: Bus & Cruise to Bergen

The sooner you hit the road, the sooner you'll reach Bergen. Start with a three-hour bus ride from Odda to Rosendal. Stretch your legs here, grab a coffee, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of this small village before joining a two-hour fjord cruise to the city center of Bergen, Norway's second-largest city. Situated on Norway's west coast, this small wharf city is surrounded by ocean, mountains, and fjords, including Sognefjord, the country's longest and deepest.

Use the rest of your day in Bergen to explore. A great place to start is the Fløibanen funicular. Ride it to the top of Mount Fløyen—one of Bergen's seven peaks—to enjoy the city's best views, and then take a leisurely stroll back down the path, keeping an eye out for hidden troll sculptures along the way. Bergen's cobblestone streets are compact and walkable, so get out and explore Bergen's lively restaurants and nightlife, thanks in part to a young student population.

Day 13: Bergen Free Day

Today is yours to wander brilliant Bergen as you wish. If you've already done the Fløibanen funicular, start with the UNESCO World Heritage-protected Bryggen downtown area. Here you'll find wooden houses dating to the 1700s and Bergen's best historical sites and museums. Drop by the Hanseatic Museum to learn about the 13th-century German merchants who sailed here to exchange grain for stockfish and made Bergen one of Northern Europe's most important trading hubs for centuries. For a rest, stop in one of the charming local cafés and bakeries.

If you prefer a more active adventure, zip line through the hilly forests near Bergen with Mt. Ulriken Zip Line,  join an evening Segway tour through the city or join a guided hike in the surrounding countryside. For more culture, try the KODE 4 art museum, Bergenhus Fortress Museum, or Bergen Maritime Museum. End the day at one of Bergen's top restaurants, such as Bergen's oldest tavern Altona Vinbar & Kjøkken, seafood restaurant Cornelius, or Skyskaperen, Bergen's highest restaurant, with spectacular views from the top of Mt. Ulriken.

Day 14: Boat & Train to Oslo

Enjoy a comfortable and scenic journey between Bergen and Oslo, traveling by boat and train. Start with a five-hour ferry to Flåm by way of the Sognefjord. Soak in those last views of snow-capped mountain peaks, forested hillsides, and colorful fjord villages from the sundeck or panoramic lounge. Enjoy a late lunch in the charming village of Flåm at the Aegir Brewery & Pub, perfect for authentic Viking culture, before continuing.

Ride the famous Flåm Railway again, this time from sea level up to the mountain ranges at Myrdal. You'll change trains here and continue to Oslo. After arriving at your Oslo hotel, use the evening to visit any restaurants or neighborhoods that you may have missed at the beginning of the trip.

Day 15: Depart Oslo

That's a wrap on your grand Norway adventure! Head to the airport and catch your departing flight from Oslo.

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