Highlights
- Walk in the footsteps of Norse kings in Bergen
- Learn about rural Nordic life on the sparsely-populated Svanøy Island
- Eat and drink like a Viking at the Ægir Restaurant in Flåm
- Sample Nordic cheese at a goat farm during a mountain hike
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Bergen | Bergen |
Day 2 | Bergen Viking Heritage Walk | Bergen |
Day 3 | Drive to Gulating | Gulen |
Day 4 | Board Ferry to Svanøy Island | Svanøya |
Day 5 | Viking History of Svanøy, Drive to Solvorn | Leikanger |
Day 6 | Urnes Stave Church, Drive to Gudvangen, Flåm Viking Dinner | Gudvangen |
Day 7 | Njardarheimr Viking Valley, Drive to Bergen | Bergen |
Day 8 | Transfer to Flåm, Hiking & Goat Farm Tour | Flåm |
Day 9 | Heritage Fjordsafari, Transfer to Bergen | Bergen |
Day 10 | Depart Bergen |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bergen
Welcome to Bergen! Situated on Norway's west coast, this ancient port city of about 300,000 residents is surrounded by ocean, mountains, and fjords, including Sognefjord, the country's longest and deepest. Kick back and relax at your hotel before heading out to explore the cultural and outdoorsy activities on offer. The kids will love taking the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen—one of Bergen's seven peaks—where you will be rewarded with the best views of the city. Have fun on the way down by keeping your eyes peeled for the hidden troll sculptures along the way.
Begin your Norwegian journey back in time by heading to the Bryggen area of downtown to view old wooden houses dating back to the 1700s (a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site). Don't miss out on Bergen's museums, such as the Old Bergen, an 18th-century reconstruction of the city that will spark the imaginations of young and old alike. Art enthusiasts should arrange a visit to the KODE Art Museums, which house the Edvard Munch collection. Enjoy local cuisine at one of Bergen's many restaurants before heading back to your lodgings for the night.
Day 2: Bergen Viking Heritage Walk
Walk in the footsteps of the Norse kings today with a Bergen Viking Heritage Walk. Meeting at 9 am in your hotel reception, a local guide will take you for a three-hour excursion as you trace the origins of Norway's famous saga known as "Norske Kongesoger." Written by Snorre Sturlason, the stories take you through Ynglinga, early medieval Scandinavian history, and the times of Vikings and kings.
Your guide will share swashbuckling stories of local, regional, and cultural history and point out key viewpoints, monuments, and historical landmarks. Kids will hear about the legends and tales stored in the ancient harborside fortress of Bergenhus and chart a path through the remains of Alrekstaðir, the 10th-century estate that hosted the Battle of Fitjar and lay at the foot of Bergen's Mount Ulriken.
Day 3: Drive to Gulating
Pick up your family-friendly rental car and get ready for a scenic journey north along the western coast of Norway. Take your time today and soak up the dramatic views, then take a detour to Byrkens, a route that will take you past several picturesque bridges on narrow roads. If the kids are getting fidgety, stop by for a swim at one of the many swimming spots on the way.
Your destination will be Gulating in Gulen—one of the oldest and largest parliamentary assemblies in Norway during the Viking era. Full of atmosphere, this was also a meeting place where trade took place, news spread, and friends met. After soaking up this location's fascinating history, you will stay overnight at a nearby fjord-side hotel.
Day 4: Board Ferry to Svanøy Island
Continue on the scenic road to Florø and the island of Svanøy. Spend some time walking around Florø's charming streets, the town itself long holding the position of gateway to many small islands nearby. Leave the car in Florø for the night and embark on the ferry to Svanøy. As you arrive on the island, you will be met at the pier by your host, who will take you to your apartment for the night.
Svanøy Island is a fascinating (if tiny) island that holds a significant portion of Viking history. With just 70 inhabitants, you will get an exciting glimpse into the rural way of life in remote Norwegian locations while learning about how the locals farm deer and fish. Spend the rest of the day exploring the island as you wish, whether going on a country walk with the kids or piecing together a jigsaw puzzle in your pier-side apartment.
Day 5: Viking History of Svanøy, Drive to Solvorn
Go on an island adventure this morning. A local guide will meet you at your apartment before showing you around more of Svanøy Island—said to be the birthplace of Eric Bloodaxe (a 10th-century Norwegian king). On this excursion, you will pass by Viking graves, learn how the Vikings built their iconic boats, and listen to stories about the christening of Norway. After your walk, take the boat back to Florø, hop in your car, and drive for about three hours to Solvorn via the beautiful Fjærland.
On the way, you will pass by Sognefjorden, a popular destination during the Viking era. Not only did the fjord give quick access to the sea by the Viking boats, but it was also known to be where wise men could educate the king's son on what he would need to know before becoming king. Head to your Solvorn hotel for the evening—a historic hotel owned by the same family since 1690 and situated on the edge of the fjord.Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Urnes Stave Church, Drive to Gudvangen, Flåm Viking Dinner
Take the ferry over to visit Urnes Stave Church this morning. This eye-catching, well-preserved 12th-century relic is believed to be the oldest stave church of its kind and is listed by UNESCO. At the church, you will be able to see Viking architecture and art combined with later Christian additions. Spend time here to absorb the location's history and take photos before catching the ferry back.
Once at Solvorn, get back into your car and drive to Gudvangen, a two-hour journey south. After checking in to your hotel, sail through UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord on a fjord cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm. Become a Viking family for the night from the moment you set foot in Flåm and walk to Ægir Restaurant. This is a Norse-style microbrewery that serves food and beverage—Viking style! Sample as much traditional fare as you can before catching a shuttle back to Gudvangen and staying in specially designed "Viking rooms" that the kids will love.
Day 7: Njardarheimr Viking Valley, Drive to Bergen
Continue feeling like a true Viking family on a drive to the Njardarheimr Viking Valley, an ancient town nestled within the stunning, UNESCO-listed fjord landscape. Here, Viking history will be brought to life as you experience how the Norse people lived and worked while wandering streets populated by an international community of Viking enthusiasts. This is a truly memorable experience not to be missed. After you've had your fill of the Viking way of life, drive two hours southwest back to Bergen for the night.Day 8: Transfer to Flåm, Hiking & Goat Farm Tour
Drop your rental car off today before heading to Flåm Harbor for an adrenaline rush. Board a speedboat and slice through the stunning Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord. Afterward, you'll transfer to just outside the wharf town of Skjerdal, from where you'll begin a 1.5-hour child-friendly hike toward Leim Goat Farm. Pass breathtaking fjord views and waterfalls until you reach the goat farm, where you'll learn how to make traditional goat cheese before taking part in a cheese tasting and sampling local goods at lunch. Hike back down to Skjerdal and transfer back to Flåm, your destination for the night.
Day 9: Heritage Fjordsafari, Transfer to Bergen
Get ready for another day out in nature today. Join a local guide in the morning, and listen to a safety brief before getting into a RIB boat with a maximum of 12 guests. Your guide will take you past small villages and waterfalls, recounting stories, the local history, and mythical tales about the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord as you go. Afterward, head back to Bergen and spend a relaxing evening filling up on Norwegian food and beverages before your departure tomorrow.Day 10: Depart Bergen
Spend your final morning in Bergen stretching your legs with a fjord-side walk or riding the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for one last look at the city. When the time comes, you'll be transferred to the airport to catch your departing flight. Have a safe trip!
More Great Norway Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Norway? Check out these other Norway itineraries, explore different ways to spend 10 days in Norway with your family, or discover the best time to visit Norway.