Norway Slow Travel: Oslo, Aurland & Bergen - 7 Days

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo

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

You could take a half-day and wander around Aker Brygge, an area on the Oslofjord made up of beautiful, modern buildings where you can find bars and abundant nightlife, or spend the afternoon visiting the Viking Ship Museum and the Norwegian Open Air Folk Museum by way of public transportation. Both museums are in the same area, so they pair well together! 

Walk along the Havnepromenaden (harbor promenade)—a new waterfront park that combines sightseeing, history, art, architecture, and a little bit of adventure, or visit the Vigeland Sculpture Park to see 200 larger-than-life sculptures placed throughout this green lung in the middle of the city. 

Day 2: Explore Oslo with a Local

The opportunities for experiencing culture in this amazing Scandinavian city are endless. Oslo is located in the heart of Norway, between the water and evergreen forests, and though it's the capital, it only takes 30 minutes to travel from one end to the other by metro. Oslo is known for its museums, some of which celebrate the famous works of Edvard Munch or the stunning ships of the Viking Era, while others celebrate niche interests such as music and ski history.

The city also has a popular café culture, with locals and visitors enjoying some of the best coffee in the world. In warmer weather, there's nothing like sitting outside on the patio with coffee and a pastry or sandwich on freshly baked Norwegian bread. During summer months, the city comes alive to celebrate extended daylight hours, with various festivals and celebrations happening each week. If you really want to feel like a native and experience all that Oslo has to offer, hook up with a local guide and get an exclusive tour around town.

One popular option is a ride on the tram to the Akerselva River, a vital waterway that offers an abundance of local history. You'll 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 along the way.

Day 3: Flåm Railway to Aurland, Riverside Farm Lodge

After breakfast, head to the train station for your trip to Norway's western coast. This journey will take you through some of the highest train elevations in the world. From small villages to the remote countryside, the views from your window will be nothing short of spectacular. At its highest point, the tracks will take you 4,000 feet (1,219 m) above sea level! 

After a quick train change in Myrdal, you'll continue to Flåm. Sit back, relax, and take in snow-covered mountains, deep fjords, and beautiful waterfalls as you make your way toward the charming and scenic village of Flåm. Once you arrive in Flåm, you'll be greeted by your guide and transferred to a special place in the secluded Aurland area—the eco-friendly Riverside Farm Lodge, a restored farm from the 19th century that feels a world away from the tourist scene in nearby Flåm.

You'll be served Norwegian cuisine here in the lodge's old converted smokehouse. After lunch, take a trip to Turlidfossen, a nearby waterfall, and learn about Norse myths and folklore related to the region. Snack on tea, coffee, and hot cinnamon rolls at the top of the hill overlooking the Aurlandsfjord. Next, head back to the lodge and relax. Seven rooms and two suites are decorated with the help of a Norwegian interior designer named Gunvor Røkholt. Staying here is a comfortable yet high-end experience, allowing you access to beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor activities. 

In the evening, staff will prepare a three-course organic dinner using ingredients from the on-site garden and the surrounding area. Dinner will be shared with the friendly family of owners and other guests staying on the property.

Day 4: Aurland Slow Travel at Riverside Farm Lodge

This morning, wake up at the lodge and enjoy an organic breakfast at your leisure. Take note of the local way of life, which seems to move in slow motion compared to the rest of the world. There are several options on how to spend your free day here. Perhaps you want to take part in a peaceful activity like paddling in a rowboat. In fact, there's a beautiful lake that very few people know about close to the lodge. You can also take a guided hike in the Aurland Valley, learn to fly fish, visit local artists, bakeries, and centuries-old historic sites, or simply read a book overlooking the view. 

In the afternoon, your hosts will serve lunch on the property. Make sure to take advantage of the lodge's sauna and hot tub before dressing for the evening. Like the night before, a three-course organic dinner will be shared with the owners and your fellow guests.

Day 5: Stegastein Hike & Lunch, Cruise to Bergen via the Sognefjord

After breakfast on the farm, your guide will take you to the Stegastein Lookout platform—a national landmark created by Todd Saunders, a well-known Norwegian architect. You'll be led farther up the mountain for a hike when you're done taking in the views. Explore the pasturelands of Aurland and meet a local sheep farmer whose family has been on this land for many years. The farmer will prepare and share lunch with you as you look out over the vistas before your guide drives you to the village of Aurland for markets selling goods from local artisans.

From here, you'll be dropped off at the port to travel to Bergen by boat. Board your ship in the afternoon and take in the views of the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. You'll arrive in Bergen with time to enjoy dinner out on the town.

Day 6: Explore Bergen with a Local

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 offers a vast selection of cultural and outdoorsy activities. Don't miss the Bryggen area of downtown to view old wooden houses dating back to the 1700s (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 local-led experience, join a guide for a "Walk Through History," strolling from the city center through narrow streets to the Sandviksbatteriet battery, which offers spectacular views over the city. The trail takes you to a small, hidden cabin from World War II, and during the hike, your local guide will offer local stories of Bergen's history and culture.

If you're feeling more adventurous, spend your afternoon hiking three of the city's seven peaks with an experienced guide, ascending Mount Ulriken, Mount Rundemannen, and Mount Fløyen. Lunch will be served at a nice spot along the trail, including Norwegian kvikklunch (quick lunch) with coffee or tea.

Day 7: Depart Bergen

It's time to say farewell to Norway! Enjoy your last moments in this beautiful city with a leisurely breakfast, neighborhood stroll, and/or souvenir shopping before heading to the airport for your return home.

This itinerary was included by kimkim in the list of Europe's best weeklong itineraries. 

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