Many visitors plan an entire trip to Norway for its famed fjord region, which offers various experiences, such as fjord cruises, kayaking excursions, hikes, biking trails, scenic lookouts, historic train routes, wildlife viewing, waterfalls, glaciers, and national parks. You can explore charming wharf villages, peruse museums like the Glacier Museum, or find old wooden stave churches.
Given the rugged, remote, and sizable setting in Norway's fjord region, choosing the right hotel (and location) can get tricky, but we're here to help. We've hand-picked a dozen options in the Sognefjord—the country's longest and deepest fjord—and have broken them down into three categories depending on your budget: standard, mid-range, and luxury. Read on for the best hotels in the Sognefjord.
If traveling to Norway's fjord region, the small village of Aurland provides a charming base for exploring the incredibly scenic Aurlandsford (a branch of the Sognefjord). These three hotels—two of which are family-owned—offer easy access to hiking trails, fjord excursions, a beachfront for swimmers, and Stegastein Viewpoint.
These eight properties—many family-owned and operated for generations—provide plenty of local charm and hospitality after a day's adventures in the Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord.
Choosing a mid-range hotel while exploring Norway's longest and deepest fjord is ideal for travelers who want a step above the standard category but don't want to spend on luxury. These eight properties offer comfortable interiors and perks, like renovated rooms with local bath products, a fireplace lounge, or an outdoor pool facing the fjord.
Norway's fjord region, like all of Scandinavia, is notoriously expensive, but the Sognefjord—Norway's longest and deepest fjord—has its share of affordable stays surrounded by spectacular scenery. We've hand-picked five simple but charming hotels that don't break the bank, leaving you extra spending money for the area's wide range of outdoor adventures and cultural activities.
This epic jaunt through Western Norway encompasses a slew of outdoor activities — like hiking, biking, and camping — for travelers who want to experience as much summer fun as they can fit in five days. After a night in Bergen, you'll drive through some of Norway's most spectacular scenery as you make your way to Trolltunga, Aurland, Myrdal, and Flåm. Squeeze in a speedboat ride through a UNESCO-protected fjord before heading to the airport for your flight home.
This relaxing weeklong journey starts in the capital city of Oslo before heading west via the steepest train in Norway (Flåm Railway). From here, embrace the slow-paced local culture of Aurland while staying two nights at a secluded and upscale lodge that serves organic cuisine. Take part in some light hiking and paddling and then cruise the Sognefjord by ferry, finishing the adventure in scenic Bergen—Norway's UNESCO-listed second largest city surrounded by seven mountains.
From dramatic fjords to landscapes that inspired the Disney movie "Frozen," this relaxed, seven-day family trip to Norway covers the country's highlights as you journey from the pint-sized cultural capital Oslo to charming child-friendly Bergen. Learn to live like Vikings, experience the "world's most beautiful railway," and cruise through majestic fjords as you set about planning your return trip!
This luxurious weeklong getaway celebrates the beauty of southern and western Norway, from glittering Oslo to the fjords and mountains of the Aurland region. After a highlights tour of the capital, you'll embark on the nation's most scenic train ride into the heart of its spectacular fjord landscapes. Stay in luxury waterfront accommodations in charming small towns as you enjoy private hikes, boat rides, and sauna sessions before ending the trip in Bergen, Norway's most colorful port city.
Mix the highlights of Norway with off-the-beaten-path adventures on this luxury-infused tour of the southern countryside. Experience the best of Oslo with a private guide before getting behind the wheel for the journey north to postcard towns like Nes and Storefoss, where you'll enjoy waterfall hikes and horseback rides. Then, continue west and kayak on Norway's famous fjords in Aurland before finishing the trip on the UNESCO-listed waterfront in the historic city of Bergen.
For most travelers, about a week is the perfect amount of time for a Norway trip with stops in Oslo, Bergen, and Aurland. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in four to six days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Geilo, Balestrand, or Ullensvang. Get inspired with the below Oslo, Bergen, and Aurland trip ideas.
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.
This 8-day trip is the perfect mix of hiking and relaxation in three of the most beautiful areas of Southern Norway. Your first stop is in the mountain town of Geilo, situated between two national parks. From here, ride one of the steepest trains in the world to get to Aurland—your base for checking out the area's trails before ferrying to Bergen by way of Norway's longest and deepest fjord. Finish the adventure at a waterfront hotel that boasts a plethora of paths to choose from.
This Nordic adventure covers several key highlights in a short amount of time, starting in Europe's fastest growing capital. Next, hike in Norway's mountainous interior before taking the scenic Flåm Railway towards the western coast. Finish with a ferry ride through Norway's longest and deepest fjord (Sognefjord) to get to Bergen—a colorful waterfront city surrounded by seven mountains.
This week-long itinerary combines popular summer destinations and activities for a true Norwegian adventure. Start off in Oslo, where you can experience the capital's cool culture before taking a train to the mountain village of Geilo. From here, hop on a scenic steam train to Aurland, where a speedboat whisks you toward Skjerdal for hiking, goats, and spectacular fjord views. Sail through the magnificent Sognefjord to finish the trip in the picturesque port of Bergen, where you can explore its UNESCO-listed waterfront and take day trips into the surrounding fjords.
This slow road trip—concentrating on Norway's two longest fjords—gives travelers the opportunity to become part of local life. Starting in Bergen, you'll explore the city before renting a car and heading to the Hardanger region for hiking and mountain biking. Then make your way to Aurland and explore two spectacular arms of the Sognefjord before circling back to Bergen for one more night on the town.
After arriving, you can explore the cobblestoned wharf city of Bergen, hike to the top of Mount Fløyen for views over the city, and enjoy a fjord cruise to Balestrand. You'll then take a ferry, with fjord views, to Flåm, where you'll spend two nights in a Riverside Farm Lodge in the Norwegian countryside before enjoying a Nærøyfjord cruise. You'll then take the steep and scenic Flåm Railway to Oslo, with a stop in Myrdal, and spend your final two nights in Oslo.
This 13-day Nordic adventure delivers the highlights of western and central Norway in all their autumn glory. Begin in Bergen, a historic port city where you'll stroll cobbled streets and ride cable cars up to mountain lookout points. The next leg takes you to Norway's stunning fjords and on scenic hikes and train rides before wrapping up with food tours in Oslo, dinners at mountaintop restaurants, and day trips to rugged islands.
Five to seven days is a great length for a Norway trip, with stops in Oslo, Bergen, Aurland, and Geilo. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Balestrand or Voss. Keep reading for more inspiring Oslo, Bergen, Aurland, and Geilo itineraries.
Get behind the wheel to experience Norway's bucolic beauty with a luxurious twist. Over 10 packed days, you'll drive to some of the most charming villages in the nation's rural south, where boutique hotels, farm-to-table cuisine, and private excursions await. Then you're off toward the western fjords, where you'll hike to waterfalls, kayak down rivers, and learn to fly fish. Finish up amid the UNESCO-listed waterfront in Bergen, known for its colorful buildings dating to the days of the Hanseatic League.
Experience Scandinavian culture and dramatic landscapes at a slower pace on this two-week adventure. You'll start in Norway's charming capital, known for its architecture, museums, trendy restaurants, and cafés. Next, head into the fjords to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country from above in the mountains and and below on the sea, with hikes, boat tours, and more. You'll end on the colorful and historic wharves of Bergen.
Whisk the family away on a thrilling Arctic adventure with this two-week tour of Norway's winter highlights. Perfect for those with older kids, discover the stunning snowcapped peaks and glittering scenery around the Sognefjord and Nærøyfjord as you ride with huskies, snowmobile the icy terrain, and snowshoe hike in Flåm. Finish with a thrilling chase to catch the dancing aurora borealis and make memories to treasure as you experience Sámi hospitality and sled with reindeer.
Stop dreaming of the fjords and experience them for yourself with this 10-day Norway road trip. Survey them from above on the famous Pulpit Rock hike, then explore from the seafaring city of Bergen. Tackle mountaintop hikes near the town of Voss before you cruise or kayak through the narrow Nærøyfjord, cycle alongside the scenic Flåm Railway, and visit one of the world's oldest stave churches. End your trip in Oslo, where world-class museums and hip cafés and boutiques await.
Ready to take your family on a trip bursting with history, cuisine, and theme park adventures, Scandinavian-style? Starting in Oslo, Norway, this two-week itinerary will take you to rural Aurland, Gudvangen, Bergen, and Kristiansand, before you sail to Denmark and continue to Billund and Copenhagen. Along the way, you'll cruise fjords, taste the best of Scandinavian produce, experience Viking life in the flesh, and enjoy Northern Europe's finest attractions.
Having toddler-aged children doesn't mean that family adventures have to wait! Norway has plenty to please even the youngest sightseers. Beginning in the regions that inspired the Disney movie "Frozen," you'll cruise from scenic Bergen to quaint Balestrand. Take a ferry to Aurland to experience the best of rural Norway and finish up in Oslo, the country's charismatic little capital. Along the way, you'll experience the beauty of Norway's culture, food, and scenery, all at a family-friendly pace.
Experience the fairy-tale landscapes of Norway's western fjords in luxurious style with this relaxed 10-day itinerary. Bookended by chic city stays in Oslo and Bergen, you'll hop between boutique waterfront hotels and lodges nestled among quiet fjord-side villages. Spend your days soaking up the fresh air with mountain hikes and boat tours, then retire to your cozy retreats for evenings filled with acclaimed farm-to-table dining, floating saunas, and wood-fired hot tubs.
Get to the heart of Norway's spectacular scenery via trail and watercraft with this outdoorsy 7-day itinerary. Tour Bergen and catch a boat to the beautiful Hardangerfjord. Hike to the Trolltunga overlook, with views of Lake Ringedalsvatnet, and kayak in a section of Norway's longest and deepest fjord. Finally, jump on the Flåm Railway and make your way to Oslo for a taste of the fastest-growing capital in Europe.
This fast-paced adventure covers several Nordic highlights in less than a week. Start off in Europe's fastest-growing capital and hit the ground running as you explore hip neighborhoods and cafés. Next, take a train to the mountain village of Geilo, near two national parks, before continuing to the Sognefjord. End the adventure in Bergen—a UNESCO-listed seaside city surrounded by seven mountains.
Active types who like to move at a meaningful pace will love this 12-day trip that explores beautiful trails across Western Norway. Traveling from Oslo to Bergen, you'll make multi-day stops in Geilo, Aurland, and Solstrand to hike in the presence of lush valleys, dramatic fjords, and glaciers while staying in peaceful accommodations—many that offer spas and wellness activities. In addition to hiking, you can join biking and fly-fishing excursions and/or visit local boutiques and art galleries for unique souvenirs.
Twelve days to two weeks is a great length for a Norway trip with stops in Oslo, Aurland, Ålesund, Geiranger, and Lom. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in 8 to 11 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Skei or Bergen. Get inspired with our Oslo, Aurland, Ålesund, Geiranger, and Lom trip ideas below.
Steer a relaxing two-week course through Norway's spectacular landscapes from Jotunheimen National Park to the depths of Sognefjord, the country's deepest fjord. You'll enjoy the freedom of setting your own pace when visiting museums and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, not to mention plenty of opportunities to get out in nature and explore.
Steer a relaxing 12-day course through the highs and lows of Norway's spectacular landscapes from Jotunheimen National Park to the depths of Sognefjord, the country's deepest fjord. You'll enjoy the freedom of setting your own pace when visiting museums and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, not to mention plenty of opportunities to get out in nature and explore the wonders around you. Buckle up and pack your camera—this is going to be one gorgeous drive!
This 12-day itinerary is ideal for travelers who prefer to skip the peak-season crowds. The adventure kicks off in Norway's up-and-coming capital where you'll explore Oslo's best neighborhoods on your own and with a local guide. From here, travel by train, ferry, and bus to get to Bergen with a peaceful two-night stay in Aurland along the way. After exploring Bergen's museums, Christmas markets, and nearby fjords, you'll fly above the Arctic Circle to sled with huskies and hunt for the Northern Lights.
This itinerary hits Norway's key summer spots and activities using various means of transportation for a true Nordic experience. Start off in Oslo where you'll tour the capital before taking a train to the mountain village of Geilo. From there, take another train ride—one of the most scenic in the world—to Aurland, a speedboat to Skjerdal for spectacular fjord views, and a ferry towards Bergen to finish the trip in Norway's second largest city.
This week-long adventure checks off several fjords and two cities using a variety of travel modes. Start with a day in Bergen on the Sognefjord before driving to the heart of the Hardangerfjord. Enjoy free time for kayaking and hiking to waterfalls, and then ferry through the Nærøyfjord to Aurlandsfjord. Finish the trip with a scenic train ride to Europe's fastest growing capital for cultural sites and sophisticated dining options.
This classic and incredibly scenic itinerary checks off several key Norwegian highlights in the span of a week after the summer crowds have left. Start off in Europe's fastest growing capital with a day in Oslo. From here, travel via the Flåm Railway, one of the steepest trains in the world, and stay a night in Aurland before taking a cruise through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. You'll then travel to Bergen and spend a few days exploring this colorful wharf city surrounded by seven mountains before returning to Oslo for one more night on the town.
Take in some of Norway's most impressive natural landscapes on this two-week adventure through the country's western fjords and northern islands. You'll start with a city tour of Oslo before you venture out into nature, riding the steep and scenic Flåm Railway. Dip back into city life in Bergen, then head to the wild Vesterålen and Lofoten islands to kayak, hike, whale-watch, and more.
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.
This zealous (yet relaxing) scenic 14-day trip checks off Norway's three biggest cities by train, ferry, and fjord cruise. Start in Norway's buzzing capital with its waterfront promenade before you take one of the steepest trains in the world to the village of Flåm. You'll ferry through Norway's longest fjord and explore Bergen independently and with a local guide. From here, board the Hurtigruten—a mighty coastal steamer—stopping in Ålesund for a night. Back on the Hurtigruten, you'll sail to Trondheim by way of the Geirangerfjord and then return to Oslo by train.
In Bergen, you can enjoy a local tour of this cobble-stoned wharf city before taking a scenic train journey to Geilo where you will have a day of skiing. The railway will then take you to Aurland, where you'll have a cruise on Nærøyfjord and then depart to Oslo for two nights on the Flåm Railway before flying to Tromsø. Here, you will chase the northern lights in a sled pulled by reindeers and enjoy an authentic wilderness hunting experience—and you'll then make your way to Alta—where you will discover rock art and stay overnight in the Igloo Hotel.
Norway's most awe-inspiring spectacles are undoubtedly its fjords, which stretch across the country. This luxurious two-week itinerary will take you to some of the most scenic as you hop between elegant boutique hotels and waterfront lodges. Enjoy serene rowboat trips and kayaking on the Sognefjord, plus take a tour of the UNESCO-listed waterfront in Bergen. In between, you'll embark on mountain hikes, go cider tasting, unwind in floating saunas, and enjoy an authentic Viking dinner.
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.
Perfect for active adults, this exciting tour of Southern Norway incorporates famous fjords and the country's three most significant cities for an epic adventure. Starting in Oslo, you'll head west for a range of outdoor experiences along the Sognefjord. Next, explore Bergen and its seven mountains before boarding the Hurtigruten for several days at sea, stopping in Ålesund, a beautiful Art Nouveau city, and finishing in Trondheim with Viking culture and a 14th-century Gothic cathedral.
Travel by train, hike mountains, boat along a fjord, and mountain bike down a valley on this 15-day journey that's perfect for active, adventure-seeking travelers. Soak up culture and creativity in Oslo before making an epic train journey to the west coast, where the real fun starts. You'll hike Jotunheim National Park, drive the spectacular Atlantic Ocean Road, ride the scenic Flåm Railway, see Art Nouveau houses in Ålesund, and zigzag along 11 twisting hairpin bends on the Trollstigen road.
This summer itinerary encompasses a mix of fun travel modes for the ultimate Nordic adventure. It begins in Oslo, where you'll explore the fastest-growing capital in Europe on your own and with a local guide. Then take a scenic train west to hike with views of the Aurlandsfjord—a spectacular branch of the Sognefjord. From here, cruise to Bergen and Ålesund where you'll have quality time in each city—and surrounding fjords—before looping back to Oslo for one more night on the town.
This 20-day Nordic journey is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want to maximize their time in the country's stunning mountains and fjords. Start off with an authentic cabin-to-cabin trek in a wilderness area halfway between Norway's two largest cities: Oslo and Bergen. You'll stay in Norway's great hiking lodges with fellow trekkers, ending each day in a different staffed abode that serves dinner and breakfast. The latter hiking portion of this trip takes place in the Lusterfjord where you'll stay in a charming guesthouse with access to 30 hiking trails in the area. It's not all about hiking, though: you'll get urban culture, restaurants, and nightlife in the two aforementioned cities to round out this awesome adventure.
This active adventure kicks off in Oslo where you'll explore Norway's capital on your own and with a guide, followed by a train ride to the starting point for a multi-day trek. Once you reach the Aurland Valley (by foot), you'll ferry to Bergen's lively wharf surrounded by fjords and mountains. Finish with additional boat transfers to a lesser-known—and bike-friendly—archipelago, known for authentic island culture.
Check off Norway's three biggest cities while traveling by train, ferry, and fjordcruise on this 12-day adventure. Start off in the country's buzzing capital followed by several days in Bergen on the west coast, surrounded by seven mountains. From here, board the Hurtigruten—a mighty coastal steamer—stopping in the Art Nouveau city of Ålesund before sailing to Trondheim by way of the Geirangerfjord. Circle back to Oslo by train for one more night on the town.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find adventure at every turn on this rugged 16-day journey through southern Norway. Beginning and ending in Oslo, you'll hike through national parks around Geilo, take a speedboat safari through the stunning Aurlandsfjord, brave the whitewater rapids of Voss, and ride cable cars up to Bergen's famous peaks. After tackling the epic trek to the Trolltunga rock outside of Odda, savor one last glimpse of the fjord scenery as you put your feet up on the Flåm Railway journey back to Oslo.
This epic journey loops around a key section of Norway hitting up some of the best hikes in the country. Equipped with a sturdy rental car, make your way to several peaks, fjords, waterfalls, and national parks, with stops in scenic villages, farms, and UNESCO-listed monuments. Start and end the trip in seaside Bergen with time to enjoy the city's vibrant culture—and, of course, hiking trails in the surrounding hills.
This fast-paced itinerary covers three popular destinations with plenty of local twists for a unique family adventure. Start in Oslo where you'll have a few days to explore the capital's forests and rivers. Then head west to catch trails and views around the Sognefjord as you travel by train, ferry, and rental car. Finish with a fjord cruise to Bergen and pick between many hikes within its seven surrounding mountains.
