Epic Norway Tour: Oslo, Fjords & Bergen - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo

Welcome to Oslo! Norway's rapidly growing capital, which is still considered a small city, is surrounded by mountains and sea. Not only is the city center made for walking, but outlying neighborhoods—filled with charm and character—are easily accessible by public transportation. Jump on a tram, train, or bus and discover all that Oslo has to offer.

Take a half-day wander around Aker Brygge, an area on the Oslofjord that's made up of beautiful, modern buildings where you can find bars and a vibrant nightlife. It acts as a sort of courtyard for the city of Oslo and brings together both tourists and locals to enjoy the great food, atmosphere, and entertainment.

In the afternoon, you can use the reliable public transport to visit the Viking Ship Museum and the Norwegian Open-Air Folk Museum, which are both in the same area. Afterward, stroll along the Havnepromenaden (harbor promenade)—a new five-and-a-half-mile waterfront park—which combines sightseeing, history, art, architecture, and a little bit of adventure.

For dinner, you can head to the city's historic core, which buzzes with restaurants and cafés that offer a warm and cozy setting in cold weather and outdoor seating during the warmer months.

Day 2: Explore Oslo with a Local

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

Your guide, a native of Oslo, will organize the tour based on your interests. Some recommendations include:

• Akerselva River Walk (4-5 hours): During this tour, you'll take the tram to the Akerselva River, a vital waterway that offers an abundance of local history. You will start with the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology (on the north side of the river) and then head south to the Labour Museum (part of the Oslo City Museum) as your guide shares stories about the heart of Oslo's history. The river is 5 miles (8 km) long and passes waterfalls, swimming areas, forested areas, and wildlife—with lots of photography opportunities!
  
  
• From Fjord to Forest (full-day): This outdoor tour takes you to a beautiful island just outside Oslo's harbor, which takes about 30 minutes by tram from the city center. No cars are allowed here, and the island offers a wide array of outdoor activities. You can choose an activity depending on the season or simply walk around one of the lakes while your guide shares the local history.
  
  
• Holmenkollen Ski Jump (2-3 hours): If you have less time to spare, this tour will take you to a popular area called Holmenkollen, where a wooded range of hills can be reached by light rail from the city center in about 35 minutes. Open year-round, the Ski Museum & Tower offers over 4,000 years of snow sports, polar exploration, and an exhibition on snowboarding and modern skiing. You can head for the observation deck, which offers panoramic views of Oslo and then walk down to the ski jump while your guide shares stories about local trolls, legends, and castles.

For dinner, wander around the city's historic core, which buzzes with restaurants and outdoor cafés. If you're looking for Oslo's trendiest local scene, head east to Grünerløkka, which many inhabitants refer to affectionately as "Løkka." This once-run-down sector of Oslo is now the site of refurbished apartments, fashionable cafés, and hip restaurants.

Day 3: Train to Geilo - Hiking

Today you'll take a train out of the city and towards the beautiful mountain village of Geilo. Located along the scenic Bergen Railway, Geilo enjoys proximity to two of the country's best national parks: Hallingskarvet and Hardangervidda. This stunning area offers magnificent mountain scenery and activities for all ages. 

Hiking season starts at the end of June and lasts until the first snowfall (usually October). There are several trails for every age and fitness level—some that are very easy (less than two miles) and some that are more difficult (up to 10 miles and more), so lace up your boots and pack a picnic. For an easy activity, take a spin on the summer chairlift with panoramic views of the region.

Restaurants in Geilo worth mentioning include Hallingstuene's wine bar for Norwegian food, Dr. Holms Hotel for family dining options, and Ro Kro—a longstanding café with outdoor seating.

Day 4: Train to Flåm - Transfer to Aurland

After breakfast, you'll have some free time to spend in Geilo before taking the train to Myrdal. From here, you'll switch to the world-renowned Flåm Railway, which passes through steep fjord landscapes and waterfalls. 

When your train arrives in Flåm, you'll be transferred to the peaceful town of Aurland, north along the Aurlandsfjorden. If there's time, you may want to visit Stegastein Viewpoint—an open-air lookout designed by a renowned Norwegian architect with stunning fjord views. Finish the day with dinner at one of the area's restaurants, like Duehuset Pub with an outdoor terrace and fjord views.

Day 5: Skjerdal Hike -> Ferry to Bergen

This morning you'll meet at Flåm's harbor and take a fun speedboat tour through the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjordtransfer towards the wharf town of Skjerdal, where you'll start a 1.5 hour (3.5 kilometer) hike towards Leim Goat Farm.

During the hike, you will be surrounded by breathtaking fjord views and waterfalls. At the goat farm, you can learn secrets behind the making of traditional goat cheese, and then take part in a cheese tasting and delicious lunch made of local produce. You'll hike back down to Skjerdal and drive back to Flåm by minivan.

In the late afternoon, take the ferry from Flåm to Bergen and walk to your hotel.

Day 6: Bergen City Tour

After breakfast, explore on your own or meet up with a guide for a local tour of Bergen—the second-largest city in Norway with about 300,000 residents. Rich in culture and seafaring history, this walkable city boasts a vast selection of cultural and outdoorsy activities.

Be sure to take the Fløibanen funicular (or hike the trail on foot) to the top of Mount Fløyen—one of Bergen's seven peaks—for the best views of the city, and take a leisurely stroll back down the path while discovering hidden troll sculptures along the way.

Check out the Bryggen area of downtown to view old wooden houses dating back to the 18th century (a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site), along with Bergen's best historical sites and museums. For a rest, stop in one of the charming local cafés and bakeries.

For a more active excursion, consider a  day-trip to Modalen, one of the smallest municipalities in Norway, with about 380 residents. You'll depart from Bergen's port and sail along Osterfjorden, passing steep mountains and spectacular waterfalls. 

Day 7: Depart Bergen

It's time to say farewell to Norway! You can enjoy your last morning in Bergen with a leisurely breakfast, neighborhood stroll, or souvenir shopping before you head to the airport for your return flight home.