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Introducing Norway

Similar in size to California, but with only 5 million people, Norway has plenty of open space to explore. Its unique fjords, mountains, and picturesque villages give this outdoor adventure paradise a unique character. 

When is the best time to visit?
Norway's latitude, with part of the country located north of the Arctic circle, creates pronounced seasonal differences. Hike and cycle the Scandinavian landscapes, and experience the Midnight Sun during summer; Go dog sledding, skiing, snowmobiling, and see the Northern Lights in winter. More details

Where to go in Norway?
The go-to destinations for many travelers are Bergen, the charming villages along the world-famous Sognefjord like Aurland and Balestrand, and the scenic Lofoten Islands. A cultural must-visit is the city of Oslo with its many museums and rich history, while Tromsø and Alta are ideal destinations to chase the Aurora Borealis in winter and the Midnight Sun in summer. There are also plenty of ways to experience Norway off-the-beaten-path, with dramatic landscapes and rich culture around every corner.

How many days do I need?
Some visitors breeze through Norway in 3 days, and while you can quickly tour the country and get a feel for its natural scenery, we recommend to plan a week or more to really take in all that it has to offer.

Getting Around Norway
It's common to use multiple modes of transport when exploring Norway. The "best way" to go depends on the region you're in and how far you're going. Ferries are great for witnessing the powerful fjords, while many of the national parks lend themselves well to road trips—and if you're heading all the way to the Arctic Circle, domestic flights are usually the way to go. Learn more

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days · 21 days

Norway Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
The pretty port city of Ålesund shines at dusk.
Map of Western Norway Fjord Road Trip - 8 Days
Western Norway Fjord Road Trip - 8 Days

Get ready to hit the open road on this self-drive adventure down Norway's stunning west coast. Starting in Bergen, you'll hike, bike, and take one of the world's steepest train rides through the country's villages, mountains, and fjords. Top off your well-rounded trip in charming Ålesund, a fairytale city renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture.

The Sognefjord, nicknamed King of the Fjords.
Map of Explore Bergen, Fjords & Waterfalls - 5 Days
Explore Bergen, Fjords & Waterfalls - 5 Days

This picturesque five-day itinerary hits key summer spots using various means of transportation for a true Nordic adventure. You'll start off in your home base of Bergen, the country's 2nd largest city (complete with a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and explore the streets and surrounding mountains on your own and with a local guide. From here, take two day-trips involving a scenic train ride, a ferry through the longest fjord in Norway, and a fjord cruise to nearby waterfalls — all while returning to Bergen each night to enjoy its restaurants and nightlife.

Climb to Preikestolen, or 'Pulpit Rock' – a steep cliff above Lysefjorden
Map of Ultimate Norwegian Fjord Road Trip - 10 Days
Ultimate Norwegian Fjord Road Trip - 10 Days

Experience the best of Norway's spectacular fjords on this active self-drive tour. The trip starts in Norway's second-largest city (Bergen), where you'll pick up a rental car and spend several days exploring charming fjord-side villages and stopping for outdoorsy activities, like hiking, summer skiing, and kayaking. Finish the adventure traveling along Norway's longest and deepest fjord towards Jotunheimen National Park — with more than 250 peaks — to see some glaciers.

A view of Aurora Borealis near Tromsø, Norway.
Map of Norway Northern Lights Road Trip - 7 Days
Norway Northern Lights Road Trip - 7 Days

This scenic winter adventure traverses the Norwegian Arctic and checks off a number of natural and cultural sites starting in the city of Tromsø, nicknamed 'Paris of the North'. From here, hit the road and see rock art in Alta, learn about the indigenous Sami people in Karasjok, and visit a hotel made of snow along the Finnish/Russian border. Each day ends with another opportunity to view the Northern Lights in this beautiful and remote part of the world.

The historic Bryggen district along Bergen's picturesque wharf.
Map of Oslo to Bergen Fjord Adventure - 5 Days
Oslo to Bergen Fjord Adventure - 5 Days

This five-day jaunt covers a great deal of Nordic ground, visiting the country's two largest cities and its longest and deepest fjord. Start in Oslo before taking a scenic train and ferry to the fjord-side village of Balestrand. Continue north to Fjærland before getting on another boat—this time to Bergen, a historic wharf city and home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A summer evening in the village of Reine
Map of Summer Road Trip:  Norway's West Coast - 7 Days
Summer Road Trip: Norway's West Coast - 7 Days

This lightly-trafficked, summertime road trip is a great way to experience Northern Norway's stunning coastline from late May to early September. The adventure starts with a half-day in Tromsø—"Paris of the North"—before you continue to Sommarøy, the first of many islands. You'll then take car ferries to Senja island and Andoya island to enjoy remote nature where fewer travelers venture. Finish the adventure in Lofoten's stunning, and yes, more popular, islands for hiking and kayaking while based in the charming village of Reine.

Make the Most of Your Time in Norway

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Explore the Lofoten Islands in Norway's north
How Many Days to Spend in Norway

With such a wide range of options to explore, Norway can easily keep most travelers occupied for weeks, if not months. That said, an epic itinerary can be covered in less time;...

Deep dive into Viking heritage with a tour that focuses on the seafaring people
Map of 1 Week in Norway - 7 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Norway - 7 Unique Itinerary Ideas

From down in the fjords up to the mountain peaks, Norway is full of sweeping vistas and stirring Viking tales. How to capture it all in a week? Hone in on your favorite region...

Norway Travel Essentials

All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip
Stunning Geirangerfjord
Best Time of Year To Visit Norway

Despite its northerly location, Norway is an amazing destination any time of year. Summer months bring the endless daylight of the Midnight Sun as well as warmer temperatures,...

Getting Off-the-Beaten-Path in Norway
Getting Off-the-Beaten-Path in Norway

Looking to get off-the-beaten-path in Norway? Here are a number of great ways to experience Norway like a local, from lesser-known coastal regions to scenic train routes to...

Norway Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Besseggen, Norway
Ultimate Guide to Multi-Day Hiking in Norway

Phone off, out-of-office reply on. When it comes to long-distance hikes, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better country than Norway. With cozy, for-public-use cabins dotting the...

Ultimate Guide to Photography in Norway
Ultimate Guide to Photography in Norway

So, you came to Norway to see the fjords, ski the snowy peaks, and gaze over the edges of cliffs at the stunning vistas below? Sure you did, but let’s be honest: you're really...

Norway Destination Guides

Detailed travel guides for the main regions of the country
Aerial view into the Geirangerfjord
Ultimate Guide to Norway's Fjords

There is perhaps no place on Earth that can rival the beauty of Norway's fjords — as if Odin himself carved out mountains, splattered waterfalls on his canvas, and then flooded...

Bergen's colorful architecture
24 Hours in Bergen

It may still be the little sister city to more grown-up Oslo, but Bergen has come a long way in the last decade. Ringed by mountains and unfolding gracefully toward glistening...

Norway Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Balestrand
Dragsvik Fjordhotell
5.0
(11)
· Comfort
Dragsvik Fjordhotell is a seasonal, family-run property that sits on the idyllic shores of a narrow peninsula. This charming retreat offers guests fjord views in two directions as well as surrounding mountain views while being a short drive from Balestrand, close to the scenic Gaularfjellet...
Oslo
Amerikalinjen
4.9
(14)
· Luxury
Opened in 2019, this luxurious yet trendy boutique hotel pays homage to the ship that transported thousands of Norwegian immigrants to their new home in America during the 19th century—and that's just a nibble of the story that plays a larger part of the brand. Rooms have parquet floors and...
Bergen
Bergen Børs Hotel
4.8
(40)
· Luxury
Located in Bergen's former stock exchange building—and across the street from the harbor—this 127-room hotel is one of the few luxury options in town. Well-designed rooms have tall ceilings and original details, like arched windows and herringbone floors, and are stocked with minibars and...

Best Experiences in Norway

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Bergen
Fløibanen Funicular Experience
4.9
(19)
8 minutes
·
Self guided
Take a 5-8-minute ride on the historic Fløibanen funicular from Bergen's city center up to Mount Fløyen, where you'll enjoy beautiful views and a variety of attractions. Once at the top, explore dining options, shop, and let the kids discover the troll forest and burn energy at the playground....
Bergen
Past & Present City Walk
5.0
(12)
2 hours
·
Group tour
Explore Bergen on a guided walk that takes a deep dive into the city's history and culture. Starting at the Rosenkrantz Tower inside the Bergenhus fortress, you'll delve into the city's royal and political past before exploring Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander narrow alleys in...
Photo courtesy of Rødne Fjord Cruise
Bergen
Mostraumen Fjord Cruise
4.9
(15)
3.5 hours
·
Group tour
Enjoy a scenic roundtrip fjord cruise from Bergen to the narrow and shallow Mostraumen straits. Departing the city's UNESCO-protected harbor, Bryggen, you'll sail across the sparkling Osterfjord toward Modalen, passing through narrow Mostraumen and close to cascading waterfalls. Relax on the...

Our Latest Norway Content

Check out panoramic views of Aurlandsfjord from Stegastein Viewpoint
Map of Discover Norway's Natural Wonders from West to North - 13 Days
Discover Norway's Natural Wonders from West to North - 13 Days

This 13-day road trip explores western and northern Norway's picturesque fjords, vibrant cities, and sparkling glaciers. Kick off in Bergen to stroll the historic waterfront and explore the seven mountains. From there, take another hike to Trolltunga and drive to Aurland for a forest trek and photos at the Stegastein viewpoint. Next is Fjærland, where you'll walk on the Haugabreen Glacier before flying to the Lofoten Islands. Finish the adventure with a self-guided tour of Tromsø, gateway to the Arctic.

Spend time in the Arctic, retiring to a glass igloo with night sky views of the dancing northern lights (photo courtesy of Lyngen North)
Map of 2 Weeks in Norway - 4 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Norway - 4 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks in Norway on a luxury trip is an excellent amount of time to discover dramatic landscapes, nature-immersed boutique hotels, and idyllic countryside. Join a lavish escape within the Norwegian Fjords for a blend of city excursions and cultural activities. Or, grab a rental car and enjoy the peaceful ambience of rural Norway. For winter enthusiasts, the Arctic Circle and the Lofoten Islands are perfect destinations to witness the northern lights and snowmobile, dogsled, and horseback ride.

Experience traditional summer life in rural Norway with this luxury self-drive adventure
Map of Luxury Scenic Drive Through Rural Norway - 14 Days
Luxury Scenic Drive Through Rural Norway - 14 Days

The highlights of Norway aren't limited merely to the cities and fjords—the interior of the country also offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Scandinavia. This two-week luxury road trip will take you into the Norwegian hinterlands to see and experience rural life as you visit honey farms, hike to waterfalls, go whale watching, and enjoy fishing trips. But that's not all—other highlights include horseback riding in the Lofotens, zipping along the coast by RIB boat, and marveling at the midnight sun.

Norway Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 7 Days in Norway - 7 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Norway - 7 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 5 Days in Norway  - 8 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Norway - 8 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 10 Days in Norway - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Norway - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Norway
Travel specialist Linda Veråsdal
active 8 mins ago

Linda Veråsdal

I live part time in Norway and Gambia, and in-between I travel. The passion for exploring new places at the same time as doing it in a good and honest way, led me to the role I have to day....

read more...
Travel specialist Christina Wang

Christina Wang

I love spending my spare time out hiking in the forest, exploring a charming village, or spending the day at the beach. My passion for traveling led me to study Tourism for three years in...

read more...
Travel specialist Mar Quiñones
active 42 mins ago

Mar Quiñones

Hi! 
I'm Mar, a Mexican who loves to travel, explore the world, and see its incredible diversity. I deeply fell in love with Norway, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, whether in...

read more...
Travel specialist Julia Plaschke
active 13 hours ago

Julia Plaschke

Hey, my name is Julia. I am originally from Germany. After I took my semester abroad in Norway during my Bachelor, I decided I wanted to live in this beautiful country. Now, working in travel,...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Norway

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Our entire trip was incredible! Katie designe...
Norway | Jan 9 - Jan 16, 2025

K
Kevin J.
Oklahoma City, OK | Reviewed on Jan 20, 2025

Our entire trip was incredible! Katie designed a trip that included a variety of activities, as well as free time for us to explore. She has been so easy to work with, very responsive to every question, full of exactly the information we needed. I have so many great memories from this trip. I would like to return to Norway some day and hope Katie is still doing this work at that time.

Local specialist: Katie Acheson-Gray
Katie
Katie Acheson-Gray
Local specialist in Sørreisa | Replied on Jan 22, 2025

Hi Kevin,

Thank you very much for the positive review! So great to hear you enjoyed your trip here in Norway. Hopefully we can welcome you and your family back another time.

Best regards,
Katie

Thank you Katie - Great Trip!
Norway | Jan 9 - Jan 16, 2025

Michael
Michael J.
Alhambra, AZ | Reviewed on Jan 20, 2025
Katie was a great travel agent for our family and planned a great trip for us! Katie was very responsive and incredibly helpful. Her local knowledge allowed her to pick great accommodations and activities. Our trip exceeded our expectations in everyway (except that we didn't get to see the northern lights in 8 nights - but Katie nor Kim Kim can control the weather!). I would highly recommend Katie to a plan a trip for those who are comfortable driving and doing outdoor activities. Read more

Katie was a great travel agent for our family and planned a great trip for us! Katie was very responsive and incredibly helpful. Her local knowledge allowed her to pick great accommodations and activities. Our trip exceeded our expectations in everyway (except that we didn't get to see the northern lights in 8 nights - but Katie nor Kim Kim can control the weather!). I would highly recommend Katie to a plan a trip for those who are comfortable driving and doing outdoor activities.

Hotel Reviews
Scandic Grand Tromsø
Tromsø

We enjoyed our stay at the Scandic Grand Tromso and would stay here again. First, the location is great and cannot be beat in Tromso (only matched at best). It is unique in the area (from what I saw) that there is an area for taxis or cars to pull over to so they are not in the road, and it serves as a great loading/unloading zone. The hotel's breakfast was great and had a huge selection of food and coffees, appealing to many different backgrounds. The rooms were comfortable and appointed well. We stayed in a corner room on the upper floor with floor to ceiling glass windows which provided scenic views of Tromso and the surrounding area. I really enjoyed our stay here. We also visited the bar and the bar tender was great - the space is also great for hanging out in. The only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5 is that they do not have a hot tub.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Malangen Resort
Skutvik, Meistervik

We were upgraded to a junior suite and it was an absolutely incredible room. The furnishings, the lighting, the floor to ceiling windows, and space was all amazing. It all felt quite premium and upscale. The hotel's restaurant served great food, and the included breakfast was well appointed. The activities provided by the resort are extensive and truly great experiences. Our tour guide on the night time snow shoeing (Elisa) was wonderful and gave us an incredible experience. I would recommend staying here!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hamn i Senja
Skaland

We stayed 3 nights in a 2-bedroom apartment here and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The hotel's staff were all very friendly and helpful, and greatly added to the experience of our trip. The activities they offer are great and we enjoyed the boat tour. The surrounding area has amazing views and this was a great home base to explore the beautiful area from. The 2 bedroom apartment was a great space for a family, however I would not describe the accommodation ass well-appointed or upscale at all. It is a very comfortable and serviceable apartment, but after the previous hotels we stayed at it felt a bit down-market. That said, I would stay here again for the views, location, staff, restaurant, and activities. The main challenge we faced was finding where to check in. There are no signs from the road as to were reception/check in was and it was also very hard to find where to park. They could improve by adding signage.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Thon Hotel Tromsø
Tromsø

This was my least favorite hotel we stayed at on the trip, and in my opinion was not as good as the Scandic Grand we stayed at. The location is slightly worse, there is no loading zone in front of the hotel, the room was smaller, and the staff wasn't as friendly. It is a fine stay however and I wouldn't avoid it - but I would book the Scandic Grand over it.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Wildlife & Fjord Safari by boat
Wildlife & Fjord Safari by boat
Senja

This was a great way to see the beauty of the surrounding area, the various fjords, mountains, and towns. They took us through the archipelago near Hamn and we were able to see wild seals, sea eagles, and other birds. The views were simply stunning, and the guide was amazing. He provided great information about the area and was very friendly and helpful. It was the right length of time and was one of the highlights of our stay.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snowshoeing Under the Evening Sky
Snowshoeing Under the Evening Sky
Norway

This was an INCREDIBLE experience, we were able to snowshoe through a foot of fresh snow and the snow was continuing to fall. The guide (Elisa) was great, and it turned out that we had a private tour as there were no other guests on the activity. The guide shared knowledge about the plants, animals, tracks we saw, the area, and more and really made the experience even better. The hike itself was really fun and was long enough to feel worth it. My 68 year old father (who is in decent shape) was able to complete it (with several breaks) and as a fit & active 30 year old I felt it was an easy hike overall. The area itself was beautiful and we enjoyed the campfire we made in the snow and roasted some sausages and marshmallows. I would do this again and highly recommend it!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Aurora Dinner Cruise
Aurora Dinner Cruise
Tromsø

We really enjoyed this activity but unfortunately had bad weather. The food was good, and the staff was very fun and friendly. On a good weather night this would be a 5 star activity. On bad weather it was a nice meal on the inside of a ferry boat. The staff was great and had interesting information about the area and Norway.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Katie Acheson-Gray
Katie
Katie Acheson-Gray
Local specialist in Sørreisa | Replied on Jan 22, 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words Michael, and for giving detailed feedback with all your accommodation and activities. It was a pleasure dealing with you and your family, and so glad to hear you all had a great time here in Norway, despite no northern lights!
Hopefully we can welcome you back another time :)
Best regards,
Katie

Mar and the entire Kim Kim team made our trip...
Norway | Dec 24 - Jan 1, 2025

Lisa
Lisa V.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2025
Mar and the entire Kim Kim team made our trip fantastic. We really appreciated the real time help when we had travel hiccups to help us find solutions (or reservations). The plan she set out for us made logical sense and we also got to maximize our time and see the best of Norway in the winter. LOVED the Flam train ride and all the activities in Flam. Mar and her team were very approachable with any and all questions and also very responsive. The only complaint would be that sometimes our... Read more

Mar and the entire Kim Kim team made our trip fantastic. We really appreciated the real time help when we had travel hiccups to help us find solutions (or reservations). The plan she set out for us made logical sense and we also got to maximize our time and see the best of Norway in the winter. LOVED the Flam train ride and all the activities in Flam. Mar and her team were very approachable with any and all questions and also very responsive. The only complaint would be that sometimes our taxi's did not accommodate our travel party and luggage, but we were able to work around this. I want to go back!

Local specialist: Mar Quiñones