10 Days in Norway: Nature, Culture & Fjords

Arrive in Oslo and check into the hotel. Since summer days stretch with light until nearly 11 pm, you’ll have plenty of time to explore right away. Begin with a stroll to the Bjørvika waterfront, one of the city’s most modern and vibrant districts. Here you’ll find the striking Oslo Opera House, where you can climb to the rooftop for sweeping views of the harbor and skyline—a perfect spot for photos. If you’d like, join a one-hour guided tour of the Opera House today, or save it for tomorrow. End your evening with dinner at Salt Langhuset, a lively food hall and cultural hub by the water.

In terms of weather, we visited at the end of June and the temperature was around 18 °C (65 °F)

Begin with a guided tour of the Oslo Opera House, followed by a visit to the MUNCH Museum to admire Edvard Munch’s world-famous works, including The Scream. Oslo is wonderfully walkable, so continue on foot to the Akershus Fortress and Castle, where you can explore the grounds at your own pace while enjoying sweeping harbor views and a glimpse into the city’s history. Later, head to the lively Aker Brygge waterfront, full of restaurants and shops, before trying a truly local experience—Oslo’s floating saunas. Heated by wood fire, they’re the perfect way to relax, and many visitors cool off with a dip in the fjord afterward.

End your day at Lorry Restaurant, a long-standing Oslo favorite serving authentic Norwegian dishes like reindeer stew and fresh seafood, all in a cozy, traditional setting.

The floating sauna sessions cost around $35 per person and should be booked in advance. Bring a swimsuit, water shoes, and a towel—and don’t skip the cold plunge; it’s part of the experience!

Spend the morning at the Norwegian Maritime Museum, located on the scenic Bygdøy Peninsula. In just a couple of hours, you’ll learn about Norway’s rich maritime history and seafaring traditions through interactive exhibits and impressive ship displays.

In the afternoon, head to Vigeland Park, the world’s largest sculpture park created by a single artist. With over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, it’s both an open-air art gallery and a peaceful green space to wander. There’s also a small outdoor café inside the park, perfect for a light bite and a refreshing drink before continuing your exploration.
For dinner, book a table at Katla, a stylish downtown hotspot known for its bold flavors and innovative dishes that blend Nordic cuisine with global influences.

I recommend getting the Oslo Pass to enjoy free entry to many museums (including the Maritime Museum) and unlimited use of public transportation—it’s a time- and money-saver.

Today begins one of the most breathtaking journeys of the trip. Leaving Oslo Central Station, you’ll board the morning train (9:18) north toward Myrdal, where you’ll transfer to the famous Flåm Railway.
The Flåm Railway is a 20-kilometer scenic train line that runs between the mountain station of Myrdal and the fjord village of Flåm. It is one of the steepest railways in the world, descending 867 meters from the high mountains to sea level through a dramatic landscape of waterfalls, valleys, and towering peaks. The journey includes a stop at the Kjosfossen Waterfall, where you can step off the train for photos, and passes through 20 tunnels, each revealing new and spectacular views of Norway’s fjords and natural beauty.

You’ll arrive in Flåm at 17:05, surrounded by peaceful scenery and nature at its best. Check in at the Flåmsbrygga Hotel, a cozy spot right by the fjord, and enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant. Afterward, take a leisurely evening walk along the fjord—in summer, the long daylight hours mean you’ll still catch the golden glow over the water, the perfect way to end the day.

Book your train tickets in advance on the Vy website to secure good window seats. The ride is long but comfortable, and every turn of the journey is worth it.

For me, this was the highlight of the entire trip—experiencing Norway’s fjords up close was absolutely unforgettable.

Start your morning in Flåm with the Nærøyfjord fjord cruise, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The electric ferry departs at 9:30 am, gliding silently through dramatic landscapes of towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and tiny villages tucked along the shoreline. The one-way trip to Gudvangen takes about two hours. You can either book a round trip or return by bus shuttle, but we chose the boat to Gudvangen and then the bus back to Flåm.

In Gudvangen, take some time to explore the Viking Village and the charming little town before heading back to Flåm around 2 pm. From there, it’s time to continue your journey to Bergen.

We opted for the direct bus from Flåm to Bergen, which departs at 16:35 and takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes—a comfortable and scenic ride with no transfers. Another option is to take a bus to Voss and connect to the train for a slightly shorter journey (around 2 hours 30 minutes total). Either way, be sure to book tickets in advance on the Vy website to secure your seats.

Once you arrive in Bergen, take a taxi to the Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, where you’ll spend the night. For dinner, we wanted something close to the hotel, so we chose Bien Basar, a great spot for local Norwegian specialties. Bergen has a vibrant food scene with many excellent restaurants, so choosing where to eat can be a challenge—in the best possible way.

Book both the fjord cruise and shuttle bus in advance through Norway’s Best website, especially in summer when tickets sell out quickly.

Start your day with a walking tour of Bergen, the best way to get a feel for the city’s atmosphere, history, and its significance to both Norway and Europe.

One of the highlights is the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its colorful wooden houses with steep-pitched roofs are instantly recognizable and truly iconic of Bergen. Wandering through this historic area feels like stepping back in time—narrow wooden passageways, creaky floors, and charming balconies give the district its unique character. Many of the old buildings have been transformed into galleries, shops, cafés, and restaurants, making it both a cultural and lively spot to explore.

We arrived in the Bryggen area with a few hours to spare before our tour, which gave us time to explore on our own. We discovered a cozy local coffee and wine bar called Vincafe, where the friendly owner not only served excellent coffee but also shared personal recommendations for local dining spots.

The walking tour itself lasted about two hours, and there are plenty of options depending on what you’re most interested in—whether it’s Bergen’s maritime history, the Hanseatic League, or modern city life. Reviews and the guide’s expertise make a big difference, so it’s worth picking carefully to match your style of travel.

Bergen is famously rainy, with an average of 246 days of precipitation per year—it even holds the record for the most rainy days of any European city! Bring a raincoat, umbrella, and waterproof shoes. You’ll likely need them every day, no matter the season.

Bergen is surrounded by incredible hikes, and one of the most popular is Mount Fløyen. You can reach the top either by funicular or by hiking. We started our hike from the city center around 11 am, taking the Stoltzekleiven path—a steep 4.2-mile (6.8 km) trail that winds through lush forests and streams.

The experience was more than just a climb—it felt like stepping into another world, surrounded by nature and completely disconnected from city life. When you reach the summit, you’re welcomed with panoramic views of Bergen and the surrounding fjords. From there, you can wander the peaceful forest trails, explore the whimsical Troll Forest, or simply relax at the mountaintop café. Families will also love the playground and canoe rentals at the lake.

We spent about three hours at the top before walking back down, though you can also take the funicular if you prefer.

Bring a reusable water bottle and wear sturdy hiking shoes—the trail is steep and uneven in places, and good grip makes a big difference. Pack a light rain jacket, as Bergen’s weather changes quickly. In the evening, we enjoyed dinner at Bryggeloftet, a cozy restaurant near the harbor known for its local specialties and inviting atmosphere.

After several days of exploring at a faster pace, we wanted to dedicate a full day to wandering Bergen at leisure, soaking in the city’s charm without rushing. We began with a visit to the Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene, which brought to life the story of the German Hanseatic merchants who shaped Bergen’s history and trade for centuries. It’s a fascinating stop that gives deeper context to the iconic wooden wharf we had seen earlier.

No visit to Bergen is complete without the Fish Market. Here we tried the famous Bergen fish soup and some fresh cod—a true taste of local tradition.

From there, we simply let the city guide us, stumbling upon cafés, boutiques, and plenty of foodie gems:

• Villani Skostredet: Authentic Italian cuisine in a lively setting.

• Brasserie and Le Mattis Bistro: Both great options for a cozy meal.

• Don’t miss Fjåk, a hot chocolate spot where every sip feels indulgent.

• Next door, Hallaisen Ice Cream surprised us with flavors like brown cheese and Earl Grey—uniquely Norwegian and absolutely worth trying.

• Along the way, we also discovered Bergen’s love for cinnamon buns, which became our sweet pick-me-up.

Bergen is best enjoyed on foot—the cobblestone streets, hidden alleyways, and waterfront views reveal themselves at their own pace. Give yourself time to sit at a café, try local specialties, and just watch the rhythm of the city.

For our last day in Bergen, we wanted to end on a high note—literally—with a hike up Mount Ulriken, the tallest of Bergen’s seven mountains. There are several routes to the top, but we chose the trail from Montana, climbing the famous Sherpa steps—all 1,333 of them! The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and though steep, the reward at the summit is well worth the effort: sweeping panoramic views of the city, fjords, and surrounding peaks.

At the top, we treated ourselves to lunch at Skyskraperen Restaurant, which combines breathtaking views with dishes inspired by local, seasonal ingredients like fresh seafood and Norwegian meats. It’s a unique spot, and I highly recommend reserving a table in advance if you’d like to dine here.

After enjoying the scenery, we opted to take the cable car down, which gave us one last bird’s-eye view of Bergen before continuing our day. From there, we caught a bus to visit the Fantoft Stave Church—originally built around 1150, later relocated, and tragically destroyed by arson in 1992 before being beautifully reconstructed. Its striking wooden architecture and peaceful setting make it a must-see for history and culture lovers.

In the late afternoon, we headed back to the city center for a farewell dinner at Spisekroken. This cozy restaurant is known for its excellent food and warm service. It’s quite small, so making a reservation in advance is highly recommended. It was the perfect way to end our Norwegian adventure—with delicious food, intimate atmosphere, and memories of both nature and culture from this unforgettable trip.

Bring plenty of water and wear proper hiking shoes for Ulriken—the climb can be demanding but so rewarding. Taking the bus to Montana and the cable car down makes for a balanced and enjoyable experience.

Today you will fly back home. From Bergen, it’s easy to connect through Copenhagen or Stockholm, which makes it a great opportunity to combine your Norway adventure with a stopover in another Scandinavian city. We chose to spend three days in Stockholm before returning to Dubai.