bergen day trip fjords

Fjord Cruises from Bergen

See all the ways you can experience the Norwegian fjords from the charming city of Bergen, from two hours to full days. Explore the fjords in a number of ways, from traditional sailboats to hyper-modern zero-emission vessels. There are many reasons why Bergen is one of Norway’s most popular tourist destinations, the main ones being the historic UNESCO-listed town center with its stunning architecture, and the city’s role as a «gateway to the fjords».

With no shortage of water around, from the Norwegian Sea to the famous fjords of the Vestlandet region; the mighty Sognefjorden, the UNESCO listed Nærøyfjorden, and the attractive Hardangerfjord you can find your fjord adventure around Bergen here!

Fjord Tours offers the «world’s most popular Norway tour», the Norway in a nutshell® tour that brings you from Bergen by train to Myrdal where you board one of the most scenic railways, the Flåm Railway. From the town of Flåm you enjoy a cruise on a silent, low-emission catamaran on the Aurlandsfjord and the unique Nærøyfjord.

The Sognefjord in a nutshell and the Hardangerfjord in a nutshell (without the Flåm Railway) are other variations that offer each its own way to cruise the fjords. If a day trip is not on your schedule, shorter cruises like a 2h sailboat cruise or the popular 3h cruise to Mostraumen from the port of Bergen are great alternatives.

Fjord Cruises - Day trips, Train and Catamarans

Norway in a nutshell®

This legendary tour takes you through Norway’s most breathtaking UNESCO-protected fjord and mountain scenery, as well as a trip on Europe’s top scenic rail journeys, the Flåm Railway and The Bergen Railway. 

Multiple locations

Customize - 1 day or more

NOK 1595 ,-

Fitness Level

Suitable for all

Sognefjord in a nutshell™

Travel the waterway through the heart of the Norwegian fjord- and mountain landscape on the beautiful Sognefjord. This relaxing fjord experience also includes scenic train journeys with the Flåmsbana and Bergen Railway.

NOK 2085 ,-

Hardangerfjord in a nutshell™

As one of Norway’s most popular tourist destinations since the beginning of the 19th century, the Hardangerfjord region is filled with a wide variety of impressive highlights! Idyllic fjord landscapes, lush fruit and cider farms, mighty mountains with dramatic waterfalls and powerful glaciers are just some of the highlights to look forward to!

Customize - 2 days or more

NOK 3120 ,-

Fjord Cruises - From the Port of Bergen

Fjord Cruise Bergen - Mostraumen

Experience fjords, mountains, and stunning waterfalls by taking a fjord cruise to Mostraumen from Bergen. This fjord cruise adventure is suitable for all and runs all year round.

Bergen Zachariasbryggen

3 hours or more

Sailboat Cruise in Bergen

Join in on an exclusive tour and experience Bergen from a sailboat! With a maximum capacity of 10 people, everyone is ensured of a comfortable and intimate experience of Bergen, "the Gateway to the Fjords".

Ribsafari in Bergen

Take a fjord safari with RIB-boat for a unique and exciting way to experience Bergen. Buckle up and experience the city from a new perspective on your very high-speed RIB-boat adventure!

Mostraumen Fjordcruise & Shellfish platter in Bergen

Experience fjords, mountains, and stunning waterfalls by taking a fjord cruise to Mostraumen from Bergen. Back in Bergen after the fjord cruise, a tasty shellfish platter awaits you in beautiful surroundings by the Fish Market.

5 hours or more

NOK 2101 ,-

Things to do in Bergen

Shellfish Tower at Seafood Restaurant

Just outside the City of Bergen, you will find one of the most exotic attractions in the whole of Western Norway’s archipelago. Cornelius is one of Norway’s best seafood restaurants and a meal here is truly unforgettable. Experience a shellfish tower at Cornelius including transportation from and back to Bergen on a scenic boat ride!

NOK 1995 ,-

Fjord Cruise and Dinner at Seafood Restaurant

Just outside the City of Bergen, you will find one of the most exotic attractions in the whole of Western Norway’s archipelago. Cornelius is one of Norway’s best seafood restaurants and a meal here is truly unforgettable. Experience a 5-course meal at Cornelius including transportation from and back to Bergen on a scenic boat ride!

NOK 1495 ,-

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The Three Absolute Best Day Trips from Bergen

April 6, 2023 by Silvia 5 Comments

I’m always telling people to check if they can fly into Bergen instead of Oslo because Bergen is beautiful and tourists are often a bit underwhelmed by Oslo. But maybe my favorite thing about Bergen is the city’s stunning surroundings. In fact while I love the city, one of the main reasons I moved to Bergen was because it’s near some of Norway’s most incredible fjords, waterfalls, and mountains. For visitors this means that even if you’re only here for a short time you can still get out and see what Norwegian nature is all about. 

There are so many different day trips from Bergen you could take, and I know all the options can be overwhelming. So I thought I would narrow down the list for you with my top three choices for Bergen day trips. And of course if you’d like you can always extend your trip for a bit and spend a night or two in these places.

As for your time in Bergen, here’s my full guide for to things to do in Bergen – from a local who lives here!

And here’s my guide for the best roads trip from Bergen , from a day trip to 2 or more weeks.

And if you want more tips for planning your trip through southern Norway, I’ve gathered all my best advice in a 95-page ebook covering my top recommendations for places to visit (both on and off the beaten path), the best times of year to visit, how long to visit for, the best accommodation choices, transportation, what to eat, what to pack, and a sample itinerary that covers my personal favorite route through the south. You can purchase The Southern Norway Travel Guide here .

Hardangerfjord

The second longest fjord in Norway, Hardangerfjord is probably best known for its beautiful springtime views when the fruit trees are in bloom, which usually happens in May. But this fjord is beautiful anytime of year, and just two hours from Bergen, making for a wonderful day trip from the city.

Bergen to Hardangefjord day tours

If you won’t be renting a car, or if you want to see the fjord by boat, there are lots of guided trips of Hardangerfjord on offer, including this small cruise from Bergen to Rosendal , a village at the mouth of Hardangerfjord. And if you want to extend your stay here, you can spend the night at the beautiful Rosendal Fjordhotel right on the fjord. 

Or you could even take  this epic day trip from Bergen to both Hardangefjord and Folgefonna Glacier , Norway’s third largest glacier.

Sea kayaking on Hardangerfjord

One of the best ways to experience the quiet majesty of the Norwegian fjords is by kayak, and this sea kayak tour leaving from Jondal looks incredible. 

Helicopter tour over Hardangerfjord and Trolltunga

Or if you want a truly epic experience, you can take this helicopter tour from Bergen over Hardangerfjord, glaciers, waterfalls, and Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue), Norway’s most famous cliff. Or a cheaper option is this fjord and mountain helicopter tour from Bergen . 

And if you decide to rent a car you can make lots of stops along the way, or even spend a night along the fjord. You can book your rental car here , and read all my tips for driving in Norway here .

Hiking Trolltunga

You could also carry on to Odda and then hike Trolltunga the next day, though be aware that Trolltunga is an expert level hike. Even if you’re an experienced hiker I’d recommend doing this hike with a guide, and if you want to avoid the crowds (Trolltunga is one of the most popular hikes in Norway), this guided Trolltunga hike with an overnight in a glamping dome would be such a unique experience! If you have a guide you can also hike Trolltunga in the winter. 

Hardangerfjord accommodation

My favorite accommodation on Hardangerfjord is probably Ullensvang Gjesteheim . It’s set on a farm right by the water and one of the prettiest spots along the fjord. It’s super cosy, with the sweetest owners and a delicious breakfast. Check current rates here .

I also love Rosendal Fjordhotel , which is especially convenient if you’ll be taking the Hardangerfjord boat from Bergen, which ends in Rosendal.  Check current rates and availability here . 

Or if you wanted to stay on the other side of the fjord, this vacation home looks gorgeous. And then of course there is the famous Hardanger Panorama Lodge treehouse , which I haven’t stayed at yet but is definitely on my bucket list! Check current rates and availability here

Sognefjord will definitely make an appearance on anyone’s list of the best fjords in Norway . Sognefjord is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, and the second longest and second deepest in the world, stretching over 200 kilometers and 1,000 meters deep at its deepest points. Several of its branches are probably the most popular fjords for tourists to visit, both because of the beautiful views and their relative easy accessibility from Bergen.

As Norway’s longest fjord, there are of course so many different places along the fjord that you could visit on your Bergen fjord day trip, as close as a couple of hours by train or 2.5 hours by car from Bergen. 

You could take the express boat from Bergen into Sognefjord stopping at Aurland, Flåm, or Balestrand, among other places, or do the popular Norway in a Nutshell public transportation route. I’ve made a detailed guide for Norway in a Nutshell here .

But if you want the freedom to explore on your own, stopping for all the photos you want, explore Sognefjord by car. 

If you’re driving from Bergen you’ll definitely want to drive down the Aurlandsfjellet and Sognefjellet National Scenic Routes , both of which take you along the prettiest fjord and mountain views.  

Sognefjord has a lot of branches, and my two favorites are probably Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. The village of Aurland is absolutely stunning, and as it’s on the popular Norway in a Nutshell route there’s a lot to do here, including the famous Stegastein viewing platform , which offers incredible views over the fjord. 

And then Nærøyfjord is super narrow and dramatic. My friends and I spent the night at the Gudvangen Fjordtell on Nærøyfjord, which is quite cheap and right by the famous Viking village of Njardarheimr .

In Njardarheimr you can visit people of all ages who have chosen to live as the Vikings did a thousand years ago. This is the perfect place to learn more about the Vikings, from people who still live that way today. Adult tickets cost 205 NOK. 

Sognefjord accommodation

While you can easily see some of Sognefjord on a day trip from Bergen, if you want to really explore the different branches of the fjord you may want to spend a night or two along the fjord. 

I’ve compiled a list of incredible accommodation spots along Sognefjord here , but my personal favorites are: 

Fjærland Fjordstue Hotel in Fjærland dates back to the 1930s and sits right on the fjord. It even has a private beach! This is my favorite place I’ve stayed on Sognefjord, as the views are incredible. Plus there’s a super cute little book town down the street from the hotel, which is home to over four kilometers of books! There is the giant Tusund og ei natt bookstore, as well as small outdoor Sjølvplukk (pick-your-own) shelves calling themselves “the country’s most honest bookstore” where you leave a bit of money for each book you take.  Check current rates and availability here 

Fretheim Hotel in Flåm is a beautifully decorated, refurbished 1800s manor house, with luxurious rooms all with mountain or fjord views. Flåm isn’t the most picturesque part of Sognefjord, however it is the most convenient, as the railway station and ferry port are both an easy 5-minute walk from the hotel. And the hotel really is special! If you stay here, be sure to book a session at the floating sauna just a short walk from the hotel (you can see my TikTok from the sauna here ).  Check current rates and availability here

The Walaker Hotel in Svolvorn, Lustrafjord is Norway’s oldest hotel, dating all the way back to 1640! The hotel is located in the quiet village of Svolvorn right by the beach. The hotel is also nearby the 12th century Urnes Stave Church and Jostedalsbreen Glacier. Check current rates and availability here

The Gudvangen Fjordtell on Nærøyfjord  is budget friendly and right by the Viking village. There’s also a Viking style restaurant at the hotel. Check current rates and availability here

Voss is known as Norway’s adrenaline capital and is only 1 hour 45 minutes from Bergen by car, or just a little over an hour by train, making it an easy day trip from Bergen. 

The town itself doesn’t look that special, but some of Norway’s best outdoor adventure activities are based out of Voss. From river rafting to rock climbing to skiing to sky diving, Voss really has it all.

And if you’re visiting in the winter you’ll definitely want to hit the slopes in Voss. Voss has two ski resorts, Myrkdalen Fjellandsby and Voss Resort. Many of Norway’s world champion and Olympic athletes have trained in Voss and Voss apparently has more medals per capita than any other place in the world!

While you can definitely fit in some outdoor adventures on a day trip to Voss from Bergen, Voss would be a great place to spend a night or two, if you have the time. In fact I would say while Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord are perfect day trips from Bergen, Voss really would be best if you have a night (or longer!) to spend here. 

You can read my full guide for things to do in Voss here , but some of my favorite activities include:

Guided sea kayaking through the Nærøyfjord from Voss

There’s seriously no better way to experience a fjord than from a kayak, and from Voss you can take a guided sea kayaking tour through Nærøyfjord, which is one of the prettiest branches of Sognefjord. Fjord kayaking is very calm, so you don’t need any prior kayaking experience.  Check current prices and availability here

Whitewater rafting through the Raundal valley

Voss is famous for rafting, and a whitewater rafting tour along the Raundal River takes you through a number of Grade III rapids, while being suitable for beginner and experienced rafters alike.  Check current prices and availability here

River kayaking courses

Voss is the perfect place to learn the whitewater kayaking, or level up your skills if you already have experience. You can choose an introductory, novice, or intermediate course based on your level.  Check current prices and availability here

Rock climbing 

Lønahorgi mountain and Uskedalen, a fjord valley outside of Voss, offer Western Norway’s best climbing from beginner to expert levels. You can  book guided rock climbing to fit your level here .

Voss accommodation

Staying at a mountain hytte , or cabin, is just about the most Norwegian thing you can do, and Voss is a great place to get that experience. This Voss cabin is located in Skulestadmo, 100 meters from Bavalls ski lift at Voss Resortand will give you that typical Norwegian experience of going to the hytte. Check current rates and availability here

Otherwise you could stay downtown by the train station at either the brand new Scandic Voss or the historic Fleischer’s Hotel . 

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Pocket Wanderings says

July 23, 2021 at 4:08 pm

Ah I am desperate to visit Norway! It’s very high on my bucket list. I’ll definitely check out all these amazing places – thanks for sharing.

August 5, 2021 at 7:56 am

All these places in Bergen look so stunning. I would love to visit Bergen during my next trip to Norway. I would definitely check out some of the places mentioned here.

July 24, 2022 at 2:05 pm

Hi Silvia, If I were to make Bergen my base in August and do day trips from Bergen, or even an overnight or 2 somewhere then back to Bergen, how many days would I need to visit the most beautiful sights. Which ones would you recommend? I shall be using public transport as I assume this would be a lot cheaper than hiring a car? Thank you Silvia

April 14, 2023 at 6:39 pm

We want to do the Fjord Naeroyfjord crusie – what I can’t figure out is which itinerary is the better/preferred route:

A: Bergen-Myrdal-Flam-Gudvangen-Voss-Bergen OR B: Bergen-Voss-Gudvangen-Flam-Myrdal-Bergen?

The routes of course are similar but is there an optimal (prettier view / route) of A or B? Not sure which is the best one to select?

Silvia says

April 15, 2023 at 11:03 am

The routes are exactly the same except in reverse, so you the views will be the same!

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Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

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12 Great Bergen Tours & Day Trips Not to Miss

Psst! Some links in my posts may be affiliate links, which means that I get paid a fee if you chose to purchase something through it. This doesn't cost you anything, but makes a huge difference for me! Thanks for your support!

Growing up by the Aurlandsfjord meant that Bergen was the closest city to visit for shopping, travelling (it has the nearest international airport) and for just getting a taste of that city life. In addition to this, I have now lived here for several years, and feel like I know my way around the many great ways you can explore it – such as the Bergen tours I am going to introduce you to in this post.

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and has loads of visitors each year. With good reason . They come to see the famous Bryggen , hike one of the mountains in the area, or use the city as their gateway to the fjords. In my opinion, Bergen is the best city to fly into for anyone visiting Norway . This is especially considering all the great Bergen tours there are to choose from!

If you, like many visitors, only have a day or two in Bergen, I recommend that you book a tour of the city before your visit. When it comes to Bergen sightseeing, it can be a little challenging to figure out where to start and what to see, especially if you are short on time.

Luckily, there are several tours in Bergen worth considering (whether you want to explore the city by foot, bus or even Segway!), and there are plenty of great fjord trips from Bergen as well. The latter is ideal if you only have a few short days in Norway, and want to experience both the city and the fjords!

Heading to the fjords? Read my post on how to get from Bergen to Flåm !

Since I get quite a few emails and questions from people who want to make the most of their Bergen sightseeing (due to a lack of time), I thought I would round up some of the best Bergen tours in this post! I’ll include tours in Bergen, as well as boat tours and fjord trips from Bergen. You’ll be surprised with how easily you can explore Norway and the famous fjords when you have your base in this city!

When you arrive at the airport in Bergen , here’s exactly how to get to the city centre!

Quick Bergen Travel Guide

Where to stay : Hotel Norge is a centrally located, higher-end hotel that is perfect for any traveler – and my favorite (their scrambled eggs at breakfast are the best in Norway). If you are looking for something in the historic city center, Clarion Havnekontoret is just a stone’s throw from the UNESCO-listed Bryggen. For something more budget-friendly, CityBox and Moxy are great alternatives!

Where to eat : I have so many favourite restaurants in Bergen, and have covered them all in this guide . Don’t miss Bryggeloftet (traditional, Norwegian), Poca Madre (Mexican), Boccone (Italian) and JAJA (International Street Food).

Top activities and tours in Bergen :

• Mostraumen Fjord Cruise from Bergen (check out the best fjord cruises from Bergen in this guide )
• Seeing the UNESCO listed Bryggen (on your own or on a walking tour )
• Viking ship fjord cruise
• Hiking or taking the funicular up Mount Fløyen
• Going on a day trip to Flåm and the Nærøyfjord

Packing for Bergen : My golden rule when packing and dressing for any destination in Norway is layers. Layers, layers, layers – and Bergen is no different. Additionally, Bergen can be quite a rainy city, so a waterproof jacket such as this one is ideal. Good shoes for walking around the city is a must too (the city is very walkable).

Getting to Bergen : I have covered how to get from the airport to the city center in detail here .

Getting Around : Skyss is the official public transportation system in Bergen. Download the app Skyss Billett (ticket) to have tickets on your phone.

The 12 best Bergen Tours and Day Trips

The list below are all tours I have either tried, or had recommended from people who have tried them. They are all operated by different companies (or private persons), and are all unique on their own.

If you want to know what to do in Bergen before going on a tour, here’s my travel guide to the city !

So, I hope this list is helpful when you choose which Bergen tour to join, as there will be something for everyone here! Whether you prefer going with a private guide on one of the fjord trips from Bergen, or want to have a fun Bergen sightseeing trip with a local, you’ll find the perfect tour on this list!

Side note : I have numbered this list of Bergen tours, but they are all in random order. As mentioned, each tour will be perfect for someone, so it is not for me to say which is better for you and your family.

Before you go: Consider the Bergen card

If you are visiting Bergen for more than a day, the Bergen card is a must for your trip. Most importantly, it gets you free transportation on the buses and Light Rail (ByBanen) in the city, which is absolute gold. Of course, it also gets you free entrance and discounts to loads of museums and attractions around the city, such as the Bergen Aquarium, Fløibanen ( where you’ll see the view from the picture below ) and Håkon’s Hall (the fortress main building).

My top tip before your arrival : the Bergen Light Rail ‘ByBanen’ goes all the way to Bergen Airport, and is a convenient way to get from the airport to the city centre. It is super affordable, as it only costs 41 kroner. HOWEVER, if you have booked your Bergen Card in advance, it’s free ! So make sure to get the Bergen card before you arrive in Bergen, so you can start using it right away.

#1 Classic 24-hour Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour

Can’t go wrong with one of these, right? I know you may find it a little basic, but to be honest: I love these! Whenever I have less than 3 days in a city, I’ll spend the first morning on one of these Hop-on-hop-off buses, just to get a lay of the land and an idea of the city. During the trip I will take note of which places and sights I want to see more of. Then, for the rest of the 24-hour period, I’ll use the bus as my transportation in order to travel to those places! I genuinely think it’s a great way to get an idea of a place.

#2 Guided Segway tour

This is such a great way to see the city! Out of all the Bergen sightseeing tours, this one might just be the most fun. Segways are those vehicles you’ll see people stand on, holding on to for dear life while racing through the city with their guide. At first they can be challenging to drive, but luckily there are not many hills in Bergen (my first Segway experience included hills, and it was terrifying). You simply control them by leaning back or forward as you go, and the Segway (seemingly) magically understands your intent.

If you want your Bergen trip to have a bit of action built into it, I recommend going on a Segway tour. Side note : this is one of the bestsellers on the list, so I do recommend booking early. Another side note : keep reading if you want to make it even more special!

#3 Guided Segway tour BY NIGHT

I dare say this tour is quite similar to the Bergen segway tour I have just listed, but at the same time it’s completely different. If you feel like riding a Segway isn’t challenge enough, try doing it at night time!

To be fair, it doesn’t really get all that dark in Norway in the summer, but getting a dusky view of the city is still quite unique. And I bet this is a tour not everyone can say that they have been on. I recommend this if you have a day in Bergen, and spend most of it exploring on your own. Then, in the evening, you can join this tour and get some extra information of all the sights.

#4 Self-guided audio tour of Bergen

Feeling a little independent? Then a self-guided audio tour is the way to go. I absolutely love this tour, and if I had to pick a favourite, this would be it . Please note that you will NOT have a guide on this tour, and it is completely self-paced (which is why I love it).

In short, you will receive an English MP3 download when you “book” this tour, and then you can start your self-guided tour whenever you feel like it. I believe it is absolutely genius, and I wish more cities had this option. Again, there is no guide and no meeting point, so you need to be independent enough to handle that (though I’m sure you are). I couldn’t recommend this enough, and it’s super affordable as well (less than $20 at the time of writing)!

I love this tour so much, because it really lets you deep dive into Bergen’s fascinating history , and how it went from a medieval trading town a thousand years ago, to the largest wooden city in Europe during the Hanseatic days of the 1800s, to the modern (small) city it is today.

#5 Private walking tour (with a local)

These kinds of tours are always fun, and I love seeing a city from a local’s perspective. I haven’t gone on this one myself (as I live in the city and consider myself a local), but have heard great reviews and experiences from my Airbnb guests who have done it. What is so great about this tour is that it is completely customizable, and can be adapted to your needs and interests. Want the best coffee in the city? Want to know how to find the Aquarium? Just want the history of Bryggen and the fish market? Regardless, your private local guide can help you!

#6 A Bergen Food and Culture tour

This is a popular tour for visitors to Bergen, and is often likely to sell out. Going on a walking tour is a classic way to get to know a city, and but adding a food aspect to it makes it 10 times better (in my opinion). There are so many great restaurants in Bergen , but this tour will take you to a few of the highlights.

During this 3-hour walking tour of Bergen you will not only see the main sites of the city, but you will also get to sample traditional Norwegian dishes along the way. Of course, a visit to the Fish Market is included in this tour, but also great guides with truly unique storytelling abilities (and I should know, as I am an Adventure Guide for Disney myself.

#7 A guided walk with a witch

This is probably the most unique tour on this list, and I am here for it. This is a self-guided fictional tour of Bergen, perfect for those who want to explore the alternative side of the city.

Basically, this is similar to the self-guided audio tour above, as you will use your phone to listen to the stories and tales told about the city, and you can follow your own pace.

Your guide is the real historic character Anne Pedersdotter, who was the widow of a priest and one of the most famous women in Norway to have been convicted of witchcraft. She was burned at the stake in 1574.

On this tour, you can walk in her foot steps and learn about the city in a fun (and interesting) way!

#8 Guided hike to three of the seven Bergen city mountains

If you are a hiker looking for a serious workout, look no further than this three-summit tour of Bergen’s mountains. During this trip you will hike three of the mountains surrounding the Bergen city center, usually starting with Mount Fløyen.

If you are a hiker and want to do some of these on your own, I recommend starting with my guide to hiking Mount Ulriken (including video).

Fjord trips from Bergen (day trips)

Are you ready to leave the city? There are actually several tours from Bergen that will allow you to see the fjords, and a lot of travellers choose these options to easily explore the fjords. If you prefer planning and going about it on your own, I recommend checking out my Norway itineraries .

Whether you follow an itinerary or book one of the tours from Bergen listed below, trust me when I say that the fjords will take your breath away! Bergen truly is the perfect base for anyone wanting to see the beauty of the Norwegian fjords.

Read next: The best fjord cruises from Bergen .

#9 A Private Trip to the Hardangerfjord

Slightly on the pricier side, but you get what you pay for. This is a full day tour from Bergen, and takes around 10 hours. You’ll have an English guide with you, and it is possible to be picked up (and dropped off) at your accommodation. This makes it a super convenient trip for anyone short on time, and want to make sure they see one of Norway’s beautiful fjords. The Hardangerfjord is picture perfect, and actually the backdrop of one of Norway’s most famous paintings; Brudeferd i Hardanger .

On this tour you will not only get to marvel in the beauty of the landscape, but also cross the impressive Hardanger Bridge, and see Vøringfossen (Norway’s biggest waterfall). Please be advised that some entrance fees are not included in the tour price, such as the entrance to Hardangervidda Nature Center.

#10 A private tour to Flåm (and the Sognefjord)

Home sweet home! This tour takes you to the area where I grew up, and I love hearing people tell me how beautiful it is there (as if I can take credit). This tour takes you to the heart of the fjords (in my opinion), and is also a full day trip. The journey from Bergen to Flåm is about 3 hours, so you won’t be surprised when I say that this tour takes approximately 11 hours.

What I love about this tour is that the Flåm Railway is included in it, so you’ll not only get to see the fjords in a day, but also travel on one of the world’s most spectacular train rides! So if you have only a few days in Bergen, and you’re not quite ready to follow my itinerary and book your trip on your own, this is the tour for you.

#11 Bergen day trip to Folgefonna glacier (including blue ice hike)

Going blue ice hiking is becoming more and more popular amongst visitors to Norway, and if you are one of the people who want to try it this day tour out of Bergen is for you. This is a full day trip, starting and ending in Bergen, taking you to the Hardangerfjord region and the Folgefonna glacier.

During this day you will spend time hiking across the beautiful blue ice of the glacier, with an experienced team of blue ice hike guides. The time spend on the ice is between 3-4 hours, and the trip is tailored to each group.

#12 Bergen Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen

Bergen is a bit of a drive from the UNESCO Listed fjords of Norway and the destinations surrounding them (such as Flåm and Aurland , where I grew up). However, there are fjord cruises leaving right from the center of Bergen, allowing you to go into some of the smaller fjords a little closer to the city.

Mostraumen is one of these, and this narrow fjord passage will give you a true taste of what the west-Norwegian fjords look like, without getting too far out of the city. This is the perfect tour for those who don’t have the time to visit the Nærøyfjord or Geirangerfjord.

Want more Bergen tours? Check them all out below!

I hope you have enjoyed reading this post, and that you have been able to figure out which of these great Bergen tours you should join during your trip to Norway. Joining a sightseeing tour is a great way to explore a city, and especially when you are short on time. I find that many travellers to Norway only have a day or two to spend in Bergen before heading to the fjords ( or up North ), so I always recommend some of these tours. Do let me know in the comments which one caught your eye!

Want more information before your trip to Norway? Head this way for my extensive Norway travel guide , or this way for my guide to planning a trip to Norway!

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Flåm by Bus and Sognefjord Cruise

Cruise on the sognefjord, take in scenic landscapes and explore famous flåm.

Strandkaiterminal, Strandkaien, Bergen, Norge

15 minutes before departure

April - October

Get captivated by magnificent views and experiences on this full day trip to Flåm located in the heart of the fjord region.

This tour have two options – you can either start the journey by bus or boat.

If you select to start by bus, you will have a scenic bus ride from Bergen through Voss and Gudvangen to Flåm. Let your eyes rest on rural small villages and farm areas along the way.

Flåm is located in the inner parts of Sognefjord. Surrounded på blue waters, lush forest and green valleys, the fjord village is perfect for those seeking spectacular natural experiences as well as those looking for cultural experiences. You will have several hours in Flåm where you can explore famous sights like Stegastein, Flåmsbana ( Flåm Railway) and the award-winning micro brewery Ægir to mention a few.

Heading back to Bergen you can relax on a fjord cruise along the majestic Sognefjord and the beautiful nature that surrounds it.

If you choose to start the day trip with a relaxing fjord cruise from Bergen, you will experience the tour as described above in reverse order.

Popular experiences from Bergen

Folgefonna glacier hike, hardangerfjord cruise and vøringsfossen waterfall, hardangerfjord cruise.

Guided Fjord Tours

Exclusive day tours to the norwegian fjords, most popular tours.

• Calendar All year round
• Hour Glass 4 hours
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Mostraumen Fjord Cruise

This fjord cruise takes you up the 27-kilometre Osterfjord in modern, comfortable boats with sundecks and refreshments. See a waterfall and the Mostraumen Strait.

• Calendar March - November
• Hour Glass 10 hours
• Tag Private Day Tours from Bergen

Private day tour to Hardangerfjord, incl Voss Gondol & Four Great Waterfalls

This scenic Hardanger tour takes you along Norway’s second-longest fjord to see four spectacular waterfalls. You also ride the Voss Gondol for breathtaking views of the mountains.

• Most Popular Tour!
• Calendar May - September
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Guided day tour to Flåm – Nærøyfjord Cruise & Flåm Railway

Book Norway’s most popular day tour and experience the country’s beautiful scenery on a fjord cruise and train journeys on Europe’s top-rated railways. Explore the best of Norway’s natural beauty on our guided discovery tours of the Nærøyfjord and Flåm Railway.

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Private Day Tours

Self-guided day tours from bergen, fjord cruises from bergen, welcome to bergen and fjord norway.

Norway is the undisputed king of fjords, with more than 1,100 of these beautiful geological features scattered along the vast coastline. You will find fjords pretty much wherever you go, but a handful of them are extra special and definitely worth seeking out.

From Bergen, you have the opportunity to visit Norway’s two largest fjords, the Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord. Guided Fjord Tours arranges day tours to several destinations in these areas daily from Bergen. We are ready in all seasons to guide you through the most beautiful landscape in the world.

Top-Rated Tours in Bergen

Definitely recommend doing this if you don't have more time to explore the beautiful surroundings of Bregen. Norway is just amazing.

We had a fabulous trip up the fjords crew were lovely and it was managed very well and adjusted according to the weather conditions we thoroughly enjoyed the experience well worth it.

This trip leaves from close to the fish market in the centre of Bergen. The fast catamaran quickly gets you to the narrower part of the fjord where the views are simply breathtaking. We stood outside for much of the trip, but they sell reasonably priced hot drinks on board to warm you up. Highlights are the whirlpools and waterfalls at the far end at Mostraumen.

We had a great time with our tour guide Frode, he was excellent, very knowledgeable and great conversationalist. I highly would recommend this tour for anyone looking to enjoy great views and a delicious lunch.

7 Day Norway Itinerary: How to Spend One Week in Norway

N orway is maybe the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. It’s full of mountains and waterfalls and fjords along with delicious food and incredible cities. If you’re looking to plan a trip to Scandinavia, this 7 day Norway itinerary will help you easily see some of the best parts of Norway.

This is an itinerary you won’t need a car for, so it’s super easy for every traveler, especially if you are hesitant about renting a car in another country.

Keep in mind, Norway is a HUGE country with TONS to see though. Seven days in Norway won’t let you see everything, but it is a manageable trip that will let you see some of the best and most popular parts of Norway!

Why Visit Norway?

Norway is a country on so many people’s bucket lists. And for good reason! It is a beautiful country with breathtaking mountains and fjords, refreshing forests, and dramatic landscapes. Here are some reasons you may want to visit Norway:

• To stand on top of some of the most beautiful mountains (and you don’t even have to hike to them!)
• To take a bucket-list worthy fjord tour that I promise you will remember forever!
• To go to some amazing museums where you can learn about Vikings, see some of the most famous art in the world, and even let your kids play.
• To enjoy some of the most photogenic (i.e. Instragrammable, because let’s just be honest here) architecture and landscapes.

Best Time to Visit Norway

Every season in Norway can be a good one to visit, even winter! Each season is just very different.

But I think the best time to visit Norway is summer. You’ll get the best weather, with mild temperatures and less rain. Plus the sun hardly sets at all, which gives you extended daylight hours to enjoy all Norway has to offer!

When we visited in the summer, temperatures hovered around 60 degrees. So we needed light jackets, but we were perfectly comfortable!

Getting to Norway

If you arrive at the Oslo Airport, you’ll need to take a train into the city center. Oslo Gardermoen airport is about 35 km (or 22 miles) northeast of Oslo. But it’s super easy to take a train to the Central Train Station in downtown Oslo.

Likewise, the Bergen airport is several miles from the city center, but you can easily take the light rail into the city. It takes about 45 minutes or so. You can also choose to take the bus, which takes about 30 minutes.

If you are coming from a nearby country, you may choose to arrive by train. In that case, you should arrive at the central train station for each city, and from there it should be easy to walk or find public transportation to your accomodations.

Getting Around Norway

If you wanted to, you could definitely rent a car to get around Norway. However, it is NOT necessary! Norway has a fantastic public transportation system, with trains that can take you from city to city as well as around the city you are staying in.

On our trip, we didn’t rent a car at all and instead relied on trains and buses. And while going back to Norway and renting a car to drive around ourselves is definitely on my bucket list, we didn’t have any issues or feel like we missed anything by just taking public transportation!

Plus, since we bought the Oslo Pass and Bergen Card , all of our transportation (except for our longer train ride between Bergen and Oslo) was included!

7 Day Norway Itinerary Summary

Before we dive into the details of each day, let’s take a look a summary of this 7 day Norway Itinerary.

• Day 1: Arrive in Oslo and Explore Oslo
• Day 2: Explore Oslo with Akershus Fortress and Holmenkollen Ski Jump
• Day 3: Go to the Bygdøy Peninsula Museums in Oslo
• Day 4: Take the train from Oslo to Bergen

Day 5: Explore Bergen’s Mountains

Day 6: take a fjord tour.

• Day 7: Tour Bergen’s Best Museums

Norway Travel Resources

Do the cost analysis and consider getting an Oslo Pass and a Bergen Card . These passes include free (or sometimes discounted) admission to almost all of the city’s attractions and include free public transportation.

Where to Stay in Oslo: The Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion for families. Thon Hotel Opera for a super convenient location.

Where to Stay in Bergen: The Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekonteret for families. Opus XVI for a splurge.

Or use VRBO in either city to find a vacation rental.

You can buy a train ticket for the journey between Oslo and Bergen directly on Vy.no .

7 Day Norway Itinerary

Now let’s dive into the details of this itinerary! We’ve broken each section up into morning, afternoon, and evening to help you plan each day.

Also feel free to switch days around based on what works best for your schedule or even what the weather looks like! I mean, you don’t want to be going up mountains on the rainy day and touring museums on the sunny day!

One note: We did choose to start this itinerary in Oslo for a reason. Mostly because you know that travel advice to go from low to high or budget to luxury when moving resorts? I’m going to apply it to cities here too. Oslo is great and fine and good. And there are some incredible things to do here. But Bergen is one of our favorite cities ever, so it’s the best note to end on! BUT if it works better for you to reverse that order, definitely do it!

Planning a trip to Norway? Here are some books set in Norway to read before you go!

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo

Day 1 morning: get settled.

We’re going to assume you’re arriving to Oslo in the morning, so some of your morning time will obviously be taken up with travel logistics. We won’t pack a lot into the first morning, because you’ll want to find your bearings.

Once you get into the city, head straight to the Oslo Opera House . This is one of the most iconic sites in Oslo. It sits right on the water and you can WALK on the roof, which is pretty cool. I think this is a great place to start out because it’s a quick stop and it gives you some beautiful views, which I always appreciate after traveling.

Day 1 Afternoon: MUNCH Museum

Grab some lunch from one of many restaurants in the area near the Opera House and then head to the MUNCH Museum !

This new museum opened in 2021. It featured the works of famed Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, but it also has galleries featuring other artists and an exhibit about the life of Edvard Munch.

There are so many great things about this museum:

• Bright spaces and large galleries.
• Incredible views of Oslo!
• Fun, interactive displays and activities for kids in almost every different gallery space!
• You can see different versions of the famous painting, The Scream , here.

And if you bought the Oslo Pass , you can use it for admission into MUNCH.

Day 1 Evening: Frogner Park

Hop on the cable car near MUNCH at Dronningens gate (you’ll walk back past the Opera House) and get off at Vigelandsparken to go to Frogner Park . This is a large park in a central part of Oslo. It’s also where you’ll find the Vigeland Sculpture Park , a free outdoor museum featuring the work of Gustav Vigeland.

This is a great place to spend an evening walking the beautiful grounds and seeing some incredible (and free!) art!

Day 2: Explore Oslo

Day 2 morning: oslo’s royal history.

Let’s start day two of our 7 days in Norway visiting the royals! Well…kind of.

Start the morning off at Akershus Fortress where you can visit Akershus Castle . This complex was built in the late 1200s and has been used as a fortress and a royal residence. Today, you can tour the rooms and see the Royal Mausoleum.

While Akershus Castle is the main draw, Akershus Fortress is home to other Oslo attractions as well. You can visit the Norway Resistance Museum , which tells the story of Norway’s occupation and resistance during WWII. Or you can go to the Armed Forces Museum , which has exhibits of Norwegian military history from the Viking Age to modern day.

While entrance into the grounds of Akershus Fortress are free, you will need to use either an Oslo Pass or pay an admission fee for the museums.

After your time at Akershus, head to The Royal Palace . It’s about a 20 minute walk, or you can take the bus from Wessels plass to Nationaltheatret.

You can tour the inside of the Royal Palace from late June to mid-August, usually. But most of the time you’ll just stop by and see the outside of it. Depending on how long your morning took, you may decide to stick around and see the changing of the guard, which takes place at 1:30 p.m. each day.

Day 2 Afternoon: Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Museum

Note: The Holmenkollen Ski Museum is closed for renovations until the end of 2023. Until then, head to some of Oslo’s other museums like the National Gallery or the Nobel Peace Center.

For the afternoon, take the train to Holmenkollen to go to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Museum . (Remember, your Olso Pass gets you free access to local transportation including the regional trains like this one!). To get there, you’ll take the train from the Nationaltheatret station to the Holmenkollen station.

Pro Tip: To find the train station, you’ll go under the road from the park behind the Nationaltheatret. It’s a little hidden if you aren’t looking for it!

Once you get to Holmenkollen, it’s about a 15 minute walk (and kind of uphill, so be prepared!) to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Museum.

This ski jump has been operating since 1892, although of course it has been rebuilt since then. Inside the Ski Museum you’ll find exhibits about the history of skiing and the ski jump as well as the cutest indoor children’s play area I’ve ever seen.

Then you can take an elevator to the top of the ski jump for some incredible views!

Want more adventure? You can also go ziplining from the top of the ski jump!

Day 2 Evening: Oslo Street Food

For the evening, head to one of Oslo’s popular food halls, Oslo Street Food . Here you can get dinner from a variety of different food stalls that have food from around the world. Options include burgers, tacos, Hawaiian food, Korean food, and more. This is a popular place to go, so it will be busy! So find some great food and enjoy the atmosphere.

Day 3: Tour Oslo’s Bygdøy Peninsula

Day 3 morning: norsk folkemuseum.

For most of our third day in Norway, we’re going to enjoy the museums on Oslo’s Bygdøy Peninsula, which are some of the best museums in Oslo . To get there, you can easily take a bus from several spots in the city center.

The Norsk Folkemuseum , also known at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, is one of my favorite museums in Oslo. It’s a step back in time, as you can tour historic buildings in their open-air space and enjoy exhibits on Norwegian history in several indoor spaces.

Really though, my favorite thing about this museum is that you get to enjoy some peaceful nature in the middle of Norway’s capital city !

There are several highlights to see here:

• 160 historic buildings in the outdoor open-air museum.
• Gol Stave church, which is a great, easily accessible (as in, you don’t have to travel far) place to see a traditional Stave church.
• Wessels gate 15 Apartment House with rooms decorated from different time periods.
• Old Town area with buildings from Oslo, including old shops.
• Seter Summer Dairy Farm with fam animals.

This really is a beautiful museum, and is especially a great place to take kids because there’s so much outdoor space for them to run around in. Plus, on the weekends they have demonstrations that kids will enjoy like baking traditional lefse, seeing the blacksmith at work, and listening to fairytales.

While you are touring the museum, you can also enjoy lunch here at the Kafe Arkadia.

Admission to this museum is free with the Oslo Pass.

Day 3 Afternoon: Bygdøy Ship Museums

Spend your afternoon touring the rest of Bygdøy’s famous museums that all revolve of sea exploration. There are three you can choose from, and honestly, I recommend going to as many as you can. None of them are particularly huge museums, so you can spend an hour or two in each one and be able to see so much! Plus an Oslo Pass will give you free admission to all of them.

Bonus: They are all within walking distance of each other!

• Fram Museum — This museum is all about polar exploration. Climb aboard the Fram ship, learn about the race to reach the poles, go inside a sub-zero room, and test your skills as an explorer in interactive elements. This museum is really so much fun for the whole family!
• Kon-Tiki Museum — This is a smaller museum than the Fram Museum, and is all about the Kon-Tiki expedition where a Norwegian man build a balsa wood raft and sailed it with a small crew across the Pacific. The backstory of the expedition and the expedition itself are fascinating! I highly recommend this museum.
• Norwegian Maritime Museum — If you are interested in general maritime history, this is a great museum to go to! Here you can see different ships from Norway’s seafaring history, view an exhibit about what a sailor’s life has been like throughout history, and see a Viking boat being reconstructed.

Note: Normally the Viking Ship Museum is another popular museum to visit on Bygdøy. However, this museum is currently closed as they build the new Museum of the Viking Age which will open in 2026.

Day 3 Evening: Vippa

Take the ferry back across the fjord and then spend your evening at another popular Oslo food court: Vippa . This food court is located right on the Oslo fjord, which means you can enjoy your food and some great outdoor space at the same time. Here you’ll be able to find things like Syrian street food, Polish Pirogis, Chinese food, and more. They frequently switch up the food offerings, so you should find different options all the time!

This is a perfect way to end your time in Oslo — eating some great food and admiring the Oslo fjord. (And knowing that even more spectacular fjords are in your future!)

Day 4: Take the Train from Oslo to Bergen

We’re up to day four of our seven day Norway itinerary, and today you’ll be spending most of it traveling. Which can sound dull, but I promise you this mode of travel IS NOT.

Day 4 Morning & Afternoon: Train to Bergen

Today, take the train from Oslo to Bergen . This train, known as the Bergensbanen , is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. And I have to say, I agree!

You’ll start in Oslo and travel out into its suburbs before climbing mountains that still sometimes have snow in the summer, passing through forests, and getting a preview of some of Norway’s best fjords.

The train journey itself takes about 7 hours. But it doesn’t seem that long at all!

Besides the most amazing scenery, there are some other great perks to this train journey:

• A family car, with a cushioned play area kids can play and climb in.
• A café car that offers food and drink. I got a warm sandwich here and honestly though it was pretty great!
• Wi-Fi, although it can be a bit spotty in some areas.
• Lots of tunnels, which are just fun!

Day 4 Evening: Dinner in Bergen’s Fish Market

Depending on when you leave Oslo, you’ll probably get into Bergen in the late afternoon. Once you get settled, head to the central area of Bergen and find some dinner at the Bergen Fish Market .

Bergen has long been known for their fishing history, and this area in the center part of town has several restaurants you can choose from. During the summer, there are also outdoor stands that offer different menus.

Then find a bench along the water and take a deep breath of fresh Bergen air and enjoy your evening people-watching and boat-watching!

Day 5 Morning: Bryggen

Start your first morning in Bergen with a stop at it’s most photographed area — Bryggen . These wooden buildings were once used as harbor warehouses and office buildings, but are now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

And while this place can get super crowded later in the afternoon and evening, I love exploring it in the morning before the crowds are out! Be sure to go down the different alleyways and walk along the wooden planks. The architecture of this area has so much character.

Plus, morning is a great time to get photographs of beautiful Bryggen without the crowds!

Day 5 Afternoon: Mount Ulriken

Grab an early lunch, and then head to Ulriken643 to go up to the top of Mount Ulriken . You’ll have to take a bus to get here and then walk about 10 minute (kind of uphill), but I promise it is worth it!

This cable car will take you to the top of Mount Ulriken, where you’ll find amazing views of Bergen and the surrounding area. There are all kinds of hiking trails and places to explore up here. Although my favorite honestly might just be standing at the top of the mountain and looking at all the other mountains surrounding you. You can even see the lakes on top of some of them!

Ulriken is an incredible place and I definitely recommend making the time for it, even if getting to the cable car is a little out of the way.

If you are really up for an adventure, you can make a whole afternoon of hiking here too! You can hike from Ulriken to our next stop, Fløyen, across the mountaintops! It’s a medium-difficultly hike with some challenging areas and takes about 5+ hours. (And be sure to hike safely !)

Day 5 Evening: Mount Fløyen

End your day at my favorite spot in Bergen: Mount Fløyen ! This is another mountain in Bergen that offers amazing scenery and views of Bergen.

It’s a bit easier to get here than Ulriken. You can take the Fløbanen funicular, which departs just a couple blocks from the city center.

The terrain here is also very different from Ulriken. This mountain is forested, which gives you some really fun areas to explore. There are also fun things like a several playground areas, a troll forest, and ice cream stand, and a café.

You can grab dinner here, and then spend your evening exploring the forests and finding a spot at the overlook to watch the sun dip down. (Although, depending on what time of year you are visiting, it might not actually go down before you need to head to bed!)

Day 6 All Day: Fjord Tour

Bergen is known as “The Gateway to the Fjords” because it’s a great home base for seeing some of Norway’s most spectacular fjords in a day trip.

There are lots of different tours you can take to see the fjords, but we recommend the Norway in a Nutshell tour .

This tour is a self-guided tour that takes you through multiple modes of transportation (seriously, a train to a bus to a boat to another train, etc.) to popular fjords. You can choose to either book all of these tickets on your own, or pay a higher prices to have Norway in a Nutshell book the tickets for you .

When they book the tickets for you, they make sure all of your timings are worked out perfectly and they give you step-by-step instructions on how to follow the itinerary. Honestly, if it’s your first time in Norway or you feel remotely nervous about managing your own travel plans, I think this is the way to go!

This tour will take you through some of the most amazing places:

• The popular Nærøyfjord , which has to be one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway.
• Aurlandsfjord , which is a lot wider and definitely different, but still beautiful.
• Flåm , a small town situated at the base of the fjords
• The historic Flåm Railway , which takes you through the mountains and has you stop at an incredible waterfall.

I mean, did you really go to Norway if you didn’t see the fjords? So definitely make sure you set aside a day during your 7 days in Norway for a full day-trip of fjord-touring.

Day 7: Explore Bergen’s Museums

It’s your last full day in Norway, and since yesterday was so busy, we’ll take it a bit easier today with some of Bergen’s best museums.

Day 7 Morning: Gamle Bergen Museum

Start your morning off at the Old Bergen Museum (Gamle Bergen). You can take the bus from Bryggen and get off at the Gamle Bergen stop. Then it’s just a short walk under the road to the museum.

The Old Bergen Museum is an open-air museum with houses from…well, Old Bergen. They have been reconstructed to create a small town that shows what life was like in Bergen in the 1800s. You’ll find houses from community leaders, an old grocery store, and historic actors that tell you about Old Bergen.

Plus, this spot has some beautiful views out into the fjord. Besides all the things we learned about Old Bergen, I really loved this place because it felt so peaceful!

Admission to this museum is free with the Bergen Card.

Day 7 Afternoon: More Museums

Bergen has so many more museums! So after you grab lunch (maybe in Bryggen?), find one or two of these museums which sound most interesting to you!

Most of these museums have free admission with the Bergen Card.

• Norwegian Fisheries Museum — A small museum along the water that teaches you about the history of fishing in Norway and current fishing practices. Plus they have some great interactive exhibits that both kids and adults will enjoy!
• VilVite (Bergen Science Center) — If you are traveling with kids, this is a must! This museum is full of science experiments for kids. They will learn a lot, but they will really feel like they are playing the whole time!
• Bryggens Museum (Bergen City Museum) — If you want to learn more about the history and restoration process of Bryggen, then head here!
• Leprosy Museum — This is definitely one of the more unique museums in Bergen! Late 1800s, Bergen was home to the largest concentration of leprosy patients in Europe, and you can learn about this at what used to the be leprosy hospital.
• Fantoft Stave Church — If you want to venture out of town just a bit, you can take the bus to see the Fantoft Stave Church. This is less of a museum and more of just a sight to see, but if you are interested in Stave churches you’ll want to add this to your list.

Day 7 Evening: Bryggen

There’s no better way to end your last evening in Norway than back in Bryggen , where you can grab some dinner, relax by the water, and maybe do some souvenir shopping. (Although try to hit the shopping before dinner since stores will start to close!)

We’ll keep it low-key this evening, since you probably need to head back to your hotel and start packing up. But stay out for a bit and soak up a bit more of that fresh mountain air that you will wish you could bottle up and take home with you.

Tips for Visiting Norway

If you’re coming from the United States, Norway is a relatively easy country to visit. Most Norwegians are comfortable speaking English, most restaurants and shops take credit cards (in fact, lots don’t take cash!), and cars still drive on the right side of the road.

Here are a few tips to make your travels to Norway a little smoother though:

• Expect rain! It can rain a lot in Norway, and weather can easily change from clear skies to rain within the day. Always have rain gear with you! And wear shoes that will be okay in the rain.
• Wear layers. Temperatures during the day can vary, so always be prepared with layers.
• Wear sunscreen! This is just a good all around travel tip, and since Norway can sometimes be gray or rainy, you may not think to put sunscreen on. But always apply it!
• Budget for food expenses. Norway is known to be one of the most expensive countries to visit, and we definitely saw that in the food prices! So make sure you have plenty of room in your budget for food. We definitely found Oslo to be more expensive than Bergen though.
• Learn some Norwegian. Even though Norwegians are comfortable speaking English, learn a few words like “hello” and “thank you” in Norwegian to be polite.
• Don’t be surprised with you don’t get a response. If you are trying to be polite and say “thank you” don’t be surprised if you don’t get a “you’re welcome” back. It’s just one of those cultural things, but no one is being rude!
• Consider City Passes. If you plan to see a lot of sights in Oslo and Bergen during your 7 day Norway itinerary, consider getting the Oslo Pass and Bergen Card to save money. They also include local transportation!
• Check attraction times and dates. Always be sure you know what time something opens. And check the dates too! Some museums may be closed on certain days or even during the winter entirely!

More Norway Posts

• Norway in a Nutshell Review: How to See Norway’s Incredible Fjords
• 3 Days in Bergen, Norway: What to See and Do
• 13 Best Museums in Oslo, Norway
• How to Spend One Day is Oslo, Norway

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Utö in the south-western part of the Stockholm archipelago might just be “utöpia”. We packed a tent and went for a weekend adventure from Stockholm, taking the bus and the Line 21 ferry. Life slows on the car-free island and you discover summer houses, wild strawberries, secluded beaches and swimming spots. We camped at a waterside site , with a view of the south harbour and Mysingen, which has its own beach. An absolute must is a visit to the island’s bakery, Utö Bakgård , to try its cinnamon and cardamom buns. Lizzie Bird

A dream break by Lake Vättern, Sweden

Hjo in Sweden is on the edge of Lake Vättern and provides the setting holiday dreams are made of. You’d feel as if you’d stepped back in time … if it weren’t for the heated outdoor pools, modern play parks and a few antique shops for those looking to uncover a gem. Liquorice ice-cream in a homemade waffle cone is a must at Gula Paviljongen , a wonderful place to sit by the water and take it all in. Kirsty Johansson

Kayaking around Vaxholm, Sweden

We’ve toured Norway, Denmark and Sweden over the last few summers, cycling and using public transport. We love the freedom it brings, and the opportunities it provides to explore cities and their outdoor pursuits. One of our favourites was travelling by commuter boat from Stockholm to the island of Vaxholm, which takes about an hour. It has lovely shops, huge ice-creams and picturesque cafes. We found a small jetty and beach that was popular with swimmers and kayakers. On the day we visited we’d already booked a kayak using Kayakomat , paying online and releasing the kayak and all the equipment needed using a pin code; it cost 398 Swedish krona (£30) for two hours in a two-seater kayak and was a great way to explore the island. Rebecca

Going Viking in Denmark

Ribe, one of Denmark’s oldest towns, has a Viking Centre where you can get an authentic feel of the life of families from more than 1,000 years ago. The town is also a great place for exploring the marine wonders of the Wadden Sea national park and climbing the nearby Marsk Tower to look over the expansive marshes. There’s a campsite and great restaurant by the tower, too. Jacqui

Boat house stay, Norway

My partner and I stayed in a traditional boat house (on Airbnb) in an area called Åsnes Finnskog in Norway, near the border with Sweden. We took a canoe out on Lake Vermundsjøen, cooked over an open fire, sunbathed on the pebbly beach and swam to a nearby island – without coming across anyone over the two nights we stayed. It was an amazing experience. Angelica

I found a perfect beach in Denmark

In summer, I’ve found Denmark’s sandy beaches to be peaceful and free of sunbeds and hotels blocking off swathes of them. They’re often protected by sand dunes, making them sheltered from winds and perfect for swimming, sunbathing and having picnics of local rye bread, cheese and fresh herring. Hornbæk beach was my favourite of the many I tried last summer: it’s just 90 minutes by public transport from Copenhagen. A morning drink at Albis cafe will set you up for the day. Danes love their ice-creams, and Iskagehuset , just behind the beach, has lovely flavours, made with milk from local cows. Gayle

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At one with nature hiking in northern Sweden

My friends thought I was crazy when I told them I was going to the Arctic Circle last summer instead of Ibiza, but my visit to the Sarek national park in northern Sweden was brilliant. I joined a community of hikers and wild campers who were just wandering around, totally at one with each other and nature, happy to share tips, resources, food and life stories as we walked, and then lit camp fires to keep warm in the long summer nights. In a landscape of mountains, forests and streams, there were reindeers, elks, wolverines and kind-hearted Sami people. Much better than getting burnt and drunk on a Spanish island. Bill

Winning tip: Nature under midnight skies on the Åland Islands

The Swedish-speaking but Finnish Åland Islands, in the gulf between Turku and Stockholm, encompass so much of the culture and beauty of Scandinavia. There is idyllic farmland, charming villages and banks of wild lupins in impressionist colours. We cycled to Kastelholm Castle, which has served as a palace and a prison, went birding on Lågskär island and visited the museum ship in Mariehamn harbour. Gorgeous local cheeses washed down with the cold-pressed juice of fresh berries were a highlight, as were midsummer rituals such as the saunas. A wonderful moment was watching swans gliding on a calm sea under light-filled midnight skies. Elizabeth

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