Norway Uncovered: Fjords, Fortresses & Beyond

Ease into your Norway adventure with a smooth arrival in Oslo, where your journey begins in the heart of the capital. After landing at Oslo Gardermoen Airport, hop aboard the Vy train (just 25 minutes to the city center) and check into the iconic Grand Hotel Oslo. Centrally located along the famous Karl Johans Gate, this historic hotel offers the perfect mix of comfort and convenience after a long flight.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at the legendary Grand Café, where literary icons like Henrik Ibsen once dined. Afterward, stretch your legs with a golden-hour walk through the Palace Gardens, and toast to your first night in Norway with a cocktail at Eight Rooftop Bar, located at the top of your hotel—offering panoramic views of the city skyline.

Insider tips:

• If you plan to use public transit throughout your time in Oslo, consider purchasing the Oslo City Pass in advance—it includes airport train fare, unlimited public transportation, and free entry to top museums.

• Feeling energized after your flight? You're within walking distance of Oslo Harbour, Akershus Fortress, and the Norwegian Opera House.

• Be sure to try a local aquavit cocktail if you're visiting Eight Rooftop Bar!
  

• Daylight in Norway–what to expect by season. Norway’s daylight hours shift significantly with the seasons. Here’s a quick guide to help you plan:

• Spring (April–May): Sunset around 8:30–10 pm by late May.

• Summer (June–August): Longest days of the year—sunset often after 10:30 pm, especially in Oslo and Bergen.

• Fall (September–October): Daylight fades earlier, with sunsets around 6:30–8 pm.

• Winter (November–March): Expect short daylight hours—sunset can be as early as 3:30 pm in Oslo.

Download the free YR app for real-time sunrise/sunset info and weather forecasts while traveling.

Start your day slow with a hotel breakfast and a relaxed morning—or if you’re feeling adventurous, kick things off with a zipline ride overlooking Oslo’s forests and fjords (a great option in warmer months!).

In the afternoon, take the ferry from Oslo’s city center to the Bygdøy Peninsula—known as Oslo’s “Museum Island.” It’s home to Norway’s most treasured cultural landmarks, including the Viking Ship Museum, Fram Museum, and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. After a little museum-hopping, walk down to Huk Beach for a peaceful moment by the water—a local favorite on warm summer days.

Come evening, enjoy fresh seafood at Restaurant Fjord, followed by a stroll around the striking Oslo Opera House and nearby waterfront. If you’re still energized, end the night with a bar crawl through Grünerløkka, or sip something stylish at Himkok, Oslo’s award-winning craft cocktail bar.

Insider tips:

• The Oslo City Pass includes ferry rides to Bygdøy and free admission to most museums—it’s a great value if you’re planning a culture-heavy day.

• Want to zipline? The Skimore Summer Park is about 30 minutes from central Oslo—perfect for an active morning.

• Huk Beach is a favorite among locals on sunny days, with calm waters and great photo ops.

• Daylight reminder (by season). See Day 1 for full breakdown—just know you’ll have long daylight hours in late spring and summer, and shorter but cozy afternoons in fall and winter.

Welcome to Stavanger! After a scenic morning train journey from Oslo, travelers arrive in Norway’s southwest coastal gem—a city that blends old-world charm with dramatic nature.

Explore the cobbled lanes of Gamle Stavanger, where 18th-century white wooden homes line narrow streets, blooming with flowers in spring and summer. This quiet quarter is postcard-perfect and full of photo ops.

Then, stroll over to the Norwegian Petroleum Museum (even if just for the striking architecture) or pop into one of the harbor cafés to watch ships cruise by. Stavanger is also the perfect base for tomorrow’s iconic hike—so take the afternoon to relax and recharge.

Insider tip: Stavanger is incredibly walkable! Your hotel—Hotel Victoria—sits right at the waterfront, with shops, museums, and restaurants just steps away. Be sure to walk down Øvre Holmegate (“Fargegata”), known for its wildly colorful houses and hip vibe.

Daylight tip for Stavanger:

• Summer (June–August): Up to 18 hours of daylight—sunset after 11 pm!

• Spring/fall: Around 11–15 hours, with soft golden light.

• Winter: Shorter days (6–8 hours), but cozy and festive.

Today’s adventure takes you to one of Norway’s most iconic and awe-inspiring natural landmarks—Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen). Standing 604 meters above the Lysefjord, the massive granite cliff offers sweeping, unobstructed views that make the 2-hour uphill hike well worth the effort.

From the Hotel Victoria in Stavanger, you’ll head to the Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel, just a short walk away, where the GoFjords express bus departs directly for the trailhead. No ferries or transfers needed—just a seamless ride into Norway’s dramatic landscape.

Why I recommend it:

This hike is a bucket-list experience. It’s moderately challenging but doable for most travelers with average fitness, and the reward at the top is unforgettable. Because of its popularity, starting early helps you beat the crowds and enjoy a quieter summit experience.

Insider tips:

• Wear layers—the weather can change quickly on the mountain.

• Bring water, snacks, and sun protection.

• There’s no shade on the final stretch, but the views? Unreal.

Start your day early with a scenic voyage from Stavanger to Bergen aboard the Fjord Line ferry. The Risavika Terminal, located about 12 miles from Stavanger’s city center, is easily accessible via taxi or public transit (Kolumbus app recommended). Be sure to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure if you’ve pre-booked tickets.

Enjoy a relaxing 5.5-hour ferry ride with onboard amenities like lounge seating, snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and panoramic views of Norway’s dramatic coastline. Arrive in Bergen around 1 pm at Jekteviksterminalen, just a 15-minute walk from your next stay, the centrally located Skostredet Hotel.

Spend the afternoon exploring Bryggen Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with vibrant wooden buildings, cobbled lanes, and centuries of maritime history. You can stop by the Hanseatic Museum or visit Bergen’s famous Fish Market, offering everything from king crab to cloudberries.

Dinner recommendation: Dine at Enhjørningen, a historic seafood restaurant located in one of Bryggen’s original buildings—romantic, atmospheric, and quintessentially Norwegian.

Insider tips:

• Weather check: Even in summer, bring a light windbreaker or jacket for the ferry—it can get breezy on deck.

• Bryggen is especially photogenic in the late afternoon light, so bring your camera!

• Many shops in the Bryggen area feature handmade crafts—this is a great spot to pick up unique souvenirs.

Ease into the day with a relaxing breakfast before heading just 10–15 minutes outside Bergen to Helleneset Beach, a peaceful seaside spot where locals go to breathe, stroll, and (weather permitting) take a dip in the fjord. It’s a hidden gem perfect for soaking in the stillness of Norway’s coastal beauty, and amenities like picnic tables and restrooms make it a comfortable local escape. Ride apps like Uber or Bergen Taxi offer quick transport there and back.

In the afternoon, ride the Fløibanen Funicular up Mount Fløyen, where sweeping views of Bergen’s colorful rooftops and fjord-lined coastlines unfold before you. Whether you’re wandering forested trails, sipping coffee at the panoramic café, or visiting the whimsical troll playground, Fløyen is equal parts magical and memorable.

As the sun lowers, head toward Bergenhus Fortress to explore one of Norway’s oldest fortifications. You’ll pass through Haakon’s Hall, stroll along the harbor, and finish the day with dinner by the waterfront in the Torgallmenningen Square area—home to cozy bistros and scenic views.

Insider tip:

Pack a light rain jacket—Bergen is famously rainy, even in summer! Also, consider the Bergen Card for discounts on transit and entry to top attractions.

Start your final leg of the journey with a short morning flight to Trondheim, Norway’s historic capital of the north. Upon arrival, take the Værnes Ekspressen Airport Shuttle straight to your hotel. Once settled, explore this charming riverside city starting with the awe-inspiring Nidaros Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world. From there, stroll through Marinen Park, cross the red Old Town Bridge (“Lykkens Portal” or Portal of Happiness), and get lost among the cobbled lanes and colorful homes of Bakklandet—a vibrant area full of shops and cafés. If you’re up for a light climb, the Kristiansten Fortress offers panoramic views across the city.

In the evening, enjoy a relaxed meal at one of Trondheim’s riverside restaurants in Solsiden, where the city’s youthful vibe and fresh seafood dishes shine.

Insider tip: While Trondheim experiences nearly 20 hours of daylight in the summer, it’s also a gateway to the magical Northern Lights during the winter months (October through March). Visitors who come between these months might catch the aurora dancing above the fortress, fjord, or cathedral rooftops—adding an unforgettable touch to their Norwegian adventure.

As your journey winds down, take the final morning to soak in the quiet beauty of central Norway. Whether you’re catching a flight or extending your adventure, this final leg is a perfect time for a leisurely stroll, a local breakfast, or one last photo stop at a scenic overlook.

If you’re flying out of Trondheim or Oslo, keep your camera ready—the train routes and airport drives offer postcard-worthy views, especially in the early morning light. For travelers headed onward, this is a great jumping-off point to explore the Lofoten Islands or hop on a quick flight to Copenhagen or Stockholm.

Optional add-on:

Nordic spa morning: Rejuvenate before your return flight with a visit to a local Nordic spa or sauna—a beloved Norwegian tradition that leaves you refreshed and grounded.

The final day begins with a short domestic flight from Trondheim back to Oslo, easing the transition from your scenic adventure through Norway’s fjords and cities to your journey home. Most international flights depart from Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL), and many travelers opt to return the evening before or take an early morning flight, depending on their schedule.

Insider tips:

• Timing connections: Oslo’s airport is well-organized, but if you’re connecting internationally, allow at least 2.5–3 hours for customs and security.

• Airport lounges: If you have extra time, Gardermoen offers comfortable lounges, duty-free shopping, and some of the best airport dining in Scandinavia.

• Luggage tip: Norway’s domestic flights often charge for checked bags—make sure you’ve pre-paid or factored this into your booking.

• Want to extend? Oslo makes a great base for exploring more of Norway, or hopping onward to Sweden, Denmark, or even Iceland!