At a glance, Norway may not seem like a winter destination—but when the snow hits, its lush landscapes truly turn wild! With fewer crowds to share the wilderness and the Northern Lights dancing overhead, there may be no better season to pay Norway a visit.
When choosing a place to stay in Flåm—a village in Norway's fjord region—views are likely a priority. These four charming hotels are surrounded by steep mountains in the Aurlandsfjord (a branch of the famous Sognefjord) and offer direct access to hiking trails and fjord excursions, plus a vintage-style railway with one of the steepest train routes in the world.
Norway has a unique culture, influenced by its centuries-old history and distinct geographic location. You'll find bustling cities with fascinating origins, a quaint culture in fjord villages and coastal fishing towns, and unique customs like dogsledding and reindeer rearing, and mountainside farming. Not to mention, a thrilling Viking history that ties it all together.
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.
It's no secret that Norway is an outdoor oasis offering every type of recreation you can think of! From climbing some of the most famous trails in the world (like Troll's Tongue) to kayaking through the iconic fjords, there's an outdoor adventure in every corner. And since the entire landscape changes with the seasons, you have a new set of active experiences for each visit.
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.
On this trip, you get to truly experience the best of fishing, Norwegian traditions and discover scenic views including the unique fjords. Driving from the capitol Oslo and down south, you will encounter the southern picturesque villages before ending up at historical Boen Manor House for a few day of guided fishing in the Otra River. You'll then head through the Setesdalen and visit Flåm, where you'll enjoy a Næroyfjord Cruise and travel along the historic Flåm Railway, before heading back to Oslo.
Dive deep into northern Europe's fabulous Scandi culture over three packed weeks. Up first is Helsinki, where you'll get an insider's glimpse into Finland's capital before striking out to the west coast for food tours and luxurious spa sessions. That's a mere appetizer compared to the rest of the journey, which includes hopping around Sweden, Norway, and Denmark as you enjoy epic cycling tours, sunset cruises, beer tasting, and scenic train rides around shimmering fjords.
Experience Scandinavia's cozy cities and wintry landscapes on this 10-day tour through Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Begin at a historic Swedish spa in Stockholm, then take a dinner cruise through the nearby archipelago. After a night in the picturesque city of Gothenburg, it's on to Oslo to explore its icy fjords and catch a scenic train to the fairy-tale village of Flåm. End in Copenhagen, where you'll venture into its forests on horseback and taste test your way through the Danish foodie capital.
Enjoy the great Norwegian outdoors with a number of exciting activities. You'll start with a few days of cross-country skiing in Hemsedal before heading toward the glacier area of Jostedalsbreen. Here, you'll hike to the Blue Ice Cave, learn about glaciers, and ride a cable car to the top of a fjord. Then, you'll stop in Flam for a scenic fjord cruise and a trip along the Flåm Railway. The trip will end in exciting Oslo.
For most travelers, 7 to 10 days is the perfect amount of time for a Norway trip, with stops in Oslo, Bergen, Flåm, and Tromsø. It's also possible to hit the highlights in six days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Svolvær, Hurtigruten, or Lofoten Islands. See more ideas for Oslo, Bergen, Flåm, and Tromsø itineraries below.
For families seeking adventure and wildlife amid the beauty of Norway's fjords and northern shores, look no further than this perfectly curated 10-day trip. Journey through dramatic mountains and waterfalls on one of the world's steepest railways before traveling above the Arctic Circle to experience the midnight sun. Along the way, you'll sail through fjords, spot sea eagles and dolphins, ride cable cars along mountain peaks, and zipline the highest of Bergen's mountains.
Immerse your family in Viking history during this 10-day road trip through picturesque Norway. Begin by walking in the footsteps of the Norse kings on a heritage tour of Bergen. Spend the night at Svanøy Island with the other 70 inhabitants and learn about Norwegian rural life, then eat like a Viking warrior at a microbrewery in Flåm. Finish your trip with a guided hike past waterfalls and fjords to a goat farm where you will make and sample local cheese.
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.
Experience the best of Norway's winter season in this fun weeklong adventure by land, sea, and air. After a night in the country's buzzing capital, you'll head west whilst enjoying spectacular scenery along the famous Flåm Railway. From here, explore the mountains of Voss and stroll the historic wharf city of Bergen. Finish in Tromsø—gateway to the Arctic—and partake in outdoor activities like dog sledding and (weather permitting) a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Perfect for sporty travelers, this summertime tour is an excellent and healthy way to experience Norway's stunning scenery. The trip starts in Oslo, where you'll warm up with a walk around the nation's capital. Next, travel west to Flåm and Bergen and pick up your car for a series of scenic activities like zip lining, biking, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking. Finish the adventure with a ferry ride through a UNESCO-listed fjord before looping back to Oslo for one last night on the town.
Discover Norway's most beautiful season with this eight-day winter adventure by land, sea, and air. Starting in the country's buzzing capital, you'll head west, enjoying spectacular scenery along the famous Flåm Railway. From here, venture through fjords by boat, explore the majestic mountains of Voss, and stroll through the historic wharf city of Bergen. Finish off by flying north to Tromsø—gateway to the Arctic—where you'll venture into the wintry landscape to go dogsledding and (weather permitting) catch a glimpse of the northern lights.
This 15-day Norway road trip explores the most beautiful fjords, mountains, and ocean scenes between Bergen and Ålesund before crossing the Arctic Circle to the Lofoten archipelago. Spend over two weeks hiking, boating, kayaking, wildlife-spotting, and feasting as you explore cool and creative cities and quiet fjord-side villages across Norway. This relaxed-pace itinerary is best in the summer months.
Experience Norway's fjords and Viking heritage up close on this summer road trip perfect for nature and outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Spend a few days in the capital, Oslo, before hiking and kayaking in Jotunheimen National Park. Travel west to Flåm for one of the world's prettiest train journeys and Bergen for ziplining and biking. Conclude in 1,000-year-old Stavanger with a hike to the iconic Pulpit Rock and a visit to a garden of 50,000 colorful flowers.
Take advantage of Norway's long summer days with this self-drive adventure from the fjords of the south to the unspoiled nature and idyllic fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands. Set out from Bergen to kayak and cruise through the iconic fjords as you skip between charming towns like Flåm, Balestrand, and Geiranger. Then, fly north into the Arctic Circle to reach the Lofoten archipelago—where you'll hit the road again for island hopping, horseback riding, and whale watching in the land of the midnight sun.
This relaxing summer itinerary checks off Norway's three biggest cities, traveling by train, ferry, and fjord cruise for a true Scandinavian adventure. Spend a night in the Art Nouveau city of Ålesund, explore cultural sites and cool neighborhoods with a guide, and take advantage of great hiking, biking, and stand-up paddleboarding along the way.
This 10-day itinerary combines some of Norway's best fjords, mountains, villages, and cities. You'll kick off in Oslo with a few days to explore the up-and-coming capital before taking one of the most scenic trains in the world to Flåm. Then, ferry across the Sognefjord and begin a road trip with several days of UNESCO-listed sites, hiking trails, and boat rides to get to Bergen—a seafaring city surrounded by seven hills.
Bundle up warm and immerse yourself in the beauty of a Norwegian winter with this exciting 10-day itinerary. Start in the country's south, where you'll spend two days soaking up the culture and cool of Oslo. After a day sailing through the breathtaking scenery of the fjords, head to the coast to explore the historic port city of Bergen without the summer crowds. Fly north to finish your adventure above the Arctic Circle, where you'll search for the northern lights, learn to dogsled, and discover the lively Arctic city of Tromsø.
Explore the highlights of the Norwegian fjords on this adventurous journey to the Hardangervidda Mountain Plateau, Aurlandfjorden and Nærøyfjorden by kayak on an overnight trip, and beautiful Bergen. You'll also explore the Navvies' Road by bicycle, hike to the iconic Trolltunga (Troll's Tongue), and trek to Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) before ending your Norwegian adventure in Stavanger.
With a backdrop of colorful foliage and fewer crowds, autumn is the perfect time to see southern Norway. This 11-day itinerary follows a circular route through Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger, as you journey deep into the fjords by bus, train, and boat. By day you'll hike, kayak, or cruise to sweeping views and unspoiled wilderness, while evenings are spent discovering the Norwegian art of "koselig" in toasty saunas and cozy restaurants.
From conquering bucket list peaks to paddling UNESCO-protected fjords, this active 15-day Norway itinerary gets you close to the country's spectacular natural beauty. Camp in a cozy transparent dome at the famous Trolltunga, hike along Queen Sonja's Panoramic Trail, and explore the cities of Oslo and Bergen as you dash across the country by train, boat, and shuttle bus. This itinerary is perfect for active hikers, adventure-seeking travelers, and those with a moderate fitness level.
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.
Escape the summer crowds with this winter trip highlighting both southern and northern Norway. Starting in Oslo—Europe's fastest-growing capital—you'll take one of the steepest trains in the world towards the fjords. Then train to Bergen, a UNESCO-listed city loaded with culture and restaurants. Finish with two nights at a resort in the Arctic where you'll dog sled and search for the Northern Lights.
This two-week adventure from late September to late March covers a great deal of Norwegian ground for an unforgettable winter trip. You'll experience snow-covered scenery as you visit Norway's lower half (Oslo, Flåm, Bergen) before flying north to the Arctic Circle. From Bodø, you'll catch a ferry to the Lofoten Islands—the southwestern point of this dramatic archipelago with granite mountains shooting up from the sea. Finish the tour with an overnight coastal steamer and enjoy unique activities in Tromsø and Alta before returning back to Oslo for one more night on the town.
Skip the crowds and explore Norway at its best with this varied 9-day winter itinerary. Start in the trendy capital of Oslo, where you'll hop on a steep, scenic train to reach the snow-covered mountains and fjords of Flåm. Spend three nights in the colorful, UNESCO-listed waterfront city of Bergen before flying north to end your journey in Tromsø—where you'll search for the northern lights and dogsled through pristine Arctic wilderness.
Discover magnificent areas of western Norway with this action-packed 10-day summertime itinerary. Your adventure starts in the capital city of Oslo, followed by a train ride along the emerald-green River Rauma to the city of Ålesund, famous for its Art Nouveau architecture. Continue the journey to coastal islands and narrow fjords toward Bergen before ending your trip back in Oslo for one last night of Scandinavian fun.
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 9-day itinerary combines some of Norway's prettiest cities, villages, and mountains surrounding its biggest and most famous fjord: the Sognefjord. After a few days in Oslo, you'll travel by train, ferry, and rental car through several villages boasting scenic hikes, waterfalls, and UNESCO-listed architecture. Finish with a half-day cruise to get to 16th-century Bergen, a seaside city oozing with history and charm.
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.
If seeking relaxation and exposure to some of Norway's most spectacular fjords, this trip is for you. After arriving in Norway's 2nd largest city, begin your self-guided drive to Stavanger where you'll boat through the Lysefjord for the activity of your choosing. Then, continue to the Hardangerfjord through a series of national parks, waterfalls, mountain towns, and fjord-side villages—eventually heading north where you'll wrap around the Sognefjord to get back to Bergen for one more night on the town.
This scenic loop through Western Norway uses a variety of fun travel modes that beckon you to sit back and enjoy the magnificent scenery. Starting in Oslo, you'll ride a train along an emerald river to get to Ålesund. Spend a night in this art nouveau city before taking a Hurtigruten cruise through stunning fjords to get to Florø—your jumping-off point for fishing islands, outdoor activities, and Viking culture. Finish the adventure in UNESCO-listed Bergen before circling back to Oslo on the Flåm Railway.
This road trip itinerary combines some of Norway's best fjords, mountains, villages, and cities. Start in Oslo where you'll have time to check out the exciting capital before taking the train and ferry to pick up your car. Then, travel at your own pace to various hiking trails, UNESCO-listed marvels, picturesque fjords, and even a national park boasting the country's highest peaks. To end the adventure, return your car and catch a fjordcruise to Bergen—a lively wharf city surrounded by seven mountains.
Traveling by train, boat, and coastal steamer, this summertime tour covers areas of Western Norway that are often overlooked by tourists. Start with a local tour of Oslo before boating along the River Rauma to Ålesund, known for its Art Nouveau architecture. From there, bike and hike on coastal islands, explore bustling Bergen, and ferry through both the Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord.
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.
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 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 13-day trip covers some of Norway's best fjords, mountains, villages, and cities in under two weeks. Start in Oslo and check out the capital's new architecture and restaurant scene before traveling west (by train and ferry) to pick up a rental car. From here, drive at your own pace visiting charming towns and stunning fjords while enjoying a variety of activities like hiking, kayaking, and biking. Finish the adventure with a fjordcruise to Bergen—famous for its UNESCO-listed Hanseatic wharf.
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.
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.
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 exciting, yet relaxing, adventure combines cultural and outdoor elements across Western Norway for the ultimate summer road trip. Start in Oslo where you'll have a day to check out the capital before traveling by train and ferry to pick up your car. From here, drive around farms, villages, and towns with opportunities to hike, bike, kayak, and river raft in the area's glorious scenery. You'll eventually drop off your car and catch a fjordcruise to Bergen's colorful wharf, loaded with restaurants.
Experience the magic of a Norwegian winter with this diverse 8-day itinerary. After a night in the thriving capital of Oslo, you'll take one of the steepest trains in the world to Flåm's snow-covered fjords. Journey west to Bergen, where you’ll explore its UNESCO-listed waterfront and vibrant restaurants before flying north to picturesque Tromsø. Finish the trip with two nights in the Arctic wilderness, dogsledding through snowy forests and searching for the northern lights.
Perfect for summertime, this epic Norway adventure is ideal for adults and families with little ones aged five and up. It starts in Oslo, where you can hit cultural attractions in the nation's capital. From here, pick up a rental car and meander along the Oslofjord to get to a national park with swimming beaches. Then take the crew and head to Voss, a mountain town known for adrenaline sports (and a new gondola), before finishing in Balestrand with hiking, deep-sea fishing, and ferry trips through the longest fjord in Norway.
