Norway Travel Insights

Southern Norway Active Adventure - 15 Days

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.

Epic Norway Camping, Kayaking & Hiking Journey: Oslo to Bergen - 15 Days

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.

15 Days in Norway - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With more than two weeks in Norway, you can hit all the major stops and delve into what makes Norway so distinctive. Check out the major cities and fjords like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim or stay south and add Ardal and Stavanger to the mix. You can also venture to some lesser-visited Norwegian sites—chase the northern lights through Tromsø and Svolvær, explore the fjords from Bergen to Trondheim, or venture past the Arctic Circle to the Lofoten Islands.

Family Active Adventure in Southern Norway - 15 Days

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.

Chasing the Northern Lights in Norway's Arctic in Winter - 15 Days

This fast-paced—and very active—winter tour in Norway is not for the faint of heart. Starting and ending in Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic, you'll set course on a 15-day itinerary partaking in horseback riding, dog and reindeer sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cruising the water by kayak, speedboat, and Hurtigruten. Of course, each night provides an opportunity to see the northern lights to round out your arctic adventure.

Western Norway & Oslo Cultural Adventure - 15 Days

Travel by train, hike mountains, boat along a fjord, and mountain bike down a valley on this 15-day journey that's perfect for active, adventure-seeking travelers. Soak up culture and creativity in Oslo before making an epic train journey to the west coast, where the real fun starts. You'll hike Jotunheim National Park, drive the spectacular Atlantic Ocean Road, ride the scenic Flåm Railway, see Art Nouveau houses in Ålesund, and zigzag along 11 twisting hairpin bends on the Trollstigen road.

Western Norway Fjords & Lofoten Islands - 15 Days

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.

Fjord Active Adventure: Bergen to Trondheim - 15 Days

Explore Norway's famous fjords, snow-capped mountains, and stunning waterfalls on this 15-day tour—perfect for active travelers with a love of hiking and the great outdoors—that starts in UNESCO-listed Bergen and finishes at Trondheim. Drive alongside the famous Sognefjord, paddle on glacial lakes in Jostedalsbreen National Park, take a beautiful train journey from Flåm and enjoy the warmer months when Norway's hiking trails are open and the waterfalls are flowing.

Southern Norway Highlights: Oslo, Bergen, Årdal & Stavanger - 15 Days

This active tour is excellent for travelers seeking to experience Norway's stunning fjords and rich Viking culture up close. It starts in Oslo, where you'll spend a few days in the walkable capital before heading west for exciting adventures in and around Bergen and its seven mountains. Then spend two nights at the base of Jotunheimen National Park—home of Northern Europe's two highest peaks—before finishing in Stavanger, where you'll hike to the iconic viewpoint, Preikestolen (Pulpit's Rock).

Discover Norway's Cities & Fjords - 15 Days

Perfect for active adults, this exciting tour of Southern Norway incorporates famous fjords and the country's three most significant cities for an epic adventure. Starting in Oslo, you'll head west for a range of outdoor experiences along the Sognefjord. Next, explore Bergen and its seven mountains before boarding the Hurtigruten for several days at sea, stopping in Ålesund, a beautiful Art Nouveau city, and finishing in Trondheim with Viking culture and a 14th-century Gothic cathedral.

The 6 Best Hotels in Oslo

Choosing among all the great accommodations in Norway's growing capital can be tricky, and we're here to help. Here are six favorite hotels in three categories depending on your budget—standard, mid-range, and luxury—with either new or renovated rooms, standout complimentary breakfasts, and desirable locations steps from Oslo's top attractions.

The 4 Best Hotels near Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

One of the most famous hikes in Norway offers few hotel options (enjoy those uninterrupted views), and you'll want a good night's sleep before and after the adventure. Luckily, Stavanger, Norway's fourth largest city, is less than an hour away from Pulpit Rock, providing a charming base. Here are four hotels in the cobbled center with access to great restaurants and shopping.

The 6 Best Boutique Hotels in Bergen

When choosing a hotel in Norway's charming city of Bergen, consider one of the many boutique options within walking distance of top attractions. These six hotels provide unique decor elements, including a glass ceiling purchased in Amsterdam, wood beams from the Hanseatic period, and motifs inspired by two famous Norwegian composers. Read on and pick your favorite.

The 6 Best Historic Hotels in Bergen

It should be no surprise that Bergen has a bundle of historic hotels given its UNESCO-listed wharf. We've selected six hotels that have stood the test of time, with renovated interiors that blend nicely with the buildings' original details. Even if you're not staying overnight, check out the lounges, bars, and restaurants for a glimpse of the past.

The 3 Best Waterfront Hotels in Stavanger

When choosing a hotel in Norway's charming city of Stavanger, most travelers are drawn to the scenic harbor, steps from top-notch restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions, not to mention boating fjord excursions. Here are three favorite waterfront hotels—standard, mid-range, and luxury—depending on your budget.

The 3 Best Hotels in Bryggen, Bergen's Medieval Wharf

When choosing a hotel in Bergen, some travelers prefer to be as close to the UNESCO-listed wharf, Bryggen, as possible. Here, you'll have immediate access to the photogenic maze of multicolored wooden houses with museums, boutiques, and outdoor cafés spilling toward the waterfront. We've hand-picked three hotels that fit the bill—read on to learn more.

The 5 Best Waterfront Hotels in Bergen

Along an arm of the North Sea, Bergen's waterfront is recognizable for its colorful maze of wooden houses backed by forested mountains—you'll likely want to spend quality time here when visiting. These five hotels are directly on the harbor or steps from it, with easy access to outdoor cafés, a fish market, hiking trails (with sea views), and fjord excursions.

The 6 Best Hotels in Bergen

Norway's second-largest city has a growing hotel scene for travelers who want to explore major highlights like the UNESCO-listed wharf, hiking trails, and nearby fjords. We've hand-picked a few options in each category—standard, mid-range, and luxury—that are located in the city center with some unique perks, like a tranquility pool and a restaurant in a 400-year-old cave, to name a few. Read on to learn more.

The 5 Best Hotel Cocktail Bars in Oslo

Norway's capital gets more sophisticated by the year, and many of its best hotels have atmospheric lounges that draw locals and travelers alike for signature cocktails. These hotels—some are historic properties from the 19th century—are well located in the city center and pair easily with restaurants as well as cultural attractions like the National Theater and Oslo Opera House.

The 9 Best Hotel Restaurants in Oslo

Many of Oslo's top hotels have added new polished restaurants in recent years that aim to draw locals and travelers alike, with unique draws like rooftop settings or large windows facing the Christmas market. These nine hotels—some are restored historic properties from the 19th century—are well located in the city center and pair easily with top attractions like Palace Park and the Munch Museum.

The 7 Best Mid-Range Hotels in Bergen

Norway's second-largest city has many unique hotels, big and small, for travelers who want to explore major highlights like the UNESCO-listed wharf and nearby fjords. A step above standard, these seven mid-range options are well located in central Bergen and offer modern rooms, free breakfasts, and comfy lounge areas or restaurants. Read on to learn more.

The 4 Best Luxury Hotels in Bergen

If you're looking for a splurge hotel in Norway's second-largest city—walking distance from the historic harbor—these four hotels have upscale interiors and possible amenities ranging from spas and tranquility pools to Michelin-starred restaurants. Here are our top picks for the best luxury hotels in Bergen.

The 3 Best Standard Hotels in Bergen

There are affordable hotel options in Bergen, despite being an expensive city. The accommodations on this list have welcoming lounge spaces, complimentary breakfasts, and surprising perks like a romantic restaurant in a 400-year-old cellar. Plus, you'll be within walking distance of all the city offers, including Bryggen's medieval wharf, hiking trails, and fjord excursions.

The 3 Best Luxury Hotels in the Sognefjord

All family-owned, these three luxury hotel options offer beautiful views, elegant decor, and standout food and wine programs. Read on to find out more about our hand-picked luxury properties in Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord.

The 3 Best Fjordside Hotels in Balestrand

When choosing a hotel in the artsy and outdoorsy town of Balestrand, you'll likely prioritize views of the Sognefjord—Norway's longest and deepest fjord. These three hotels not only take advantage of their proximity to the surrounding mountains and sea but have easy access to galleries, challenging hiking trails, and fjord adventures.

The 8 Best Historic Hotels in the Sognefjord

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.

The 8 Best Mid-Range Hotels in the Sognefjord

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.

The 3 Best Hotels in Aurland

If traveling to Norway's fjord region, the small village of Aurland provides a charming base for exploring the incredibly scenic Aurlandsford (a branch of the Sognefjord). These three hotels—two of which are family-owned—offer easy access to hiking trails, fjord excursions, a beachfront for swimmers, and Stegastein Viewpoint.

The 4 Best Fjordside Hotels in Flåm

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.

The 12 Best Hotels in the Sognefjord

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.

The 4 Best Hotels near the Waterfront in Oslo

Hotels near Oslo's up-and-coming waterfront offer easy access to a deluge of new museums, restaurants, shops, and architectural gems. We've compiled a list of properties that are a short stroll to either Aker Brygge or Bjørvika along the Oslofjord, making it easier to explore Norway's capital.

The 5 Best Standard Hotels in the Sognefjord

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.

The 4 Best Luxury Historic Hotels in Oslo

When choosing a hotel in Oslo, consider that the most opulent options have a storied past from the 19th century for travelers who appreciate old-world charm. All the properties on this list have been restored in recent years with a spate of new features—like a full-service spa or underground jazz club—adding modernity to the historic surroundings. Read on to learn more.

The 3 Best Hotels near Grünerløkka in Oslo

These three hotels near Grünerløkka will get you close to the trendy arts district along the Akerselva river and keep you within walking distance of Oslo's city center when you're ready to explore more mainstream attractions. You'll find graffiti-lined streets, independent restaurants, and live music venues—lending to a Brooklyn, New York vibe.

The 3 Best Mid-Range Historic Hotels in Oslo

The fast-growing city of Oslo offers plenty of glossy new architecture, but there are still charming hotels that have stood the test of time. We've compiled a list of three mid-range options in Norway's capital dating back to the 19th century with renovated interiors that blend nicely with the buildings' original details. Read on to learn more.

The 6 Best Hotels near Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo

With more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, this enormous park is one of Oslo's top attractions, but it's a healthy trek from the city center, where most tourists stay. Luckily, we've compiled a list of hotels with easier access to this veritable open-air museum (free of charge; open 24/7). Here are our top picks for the best hotels in Oslo, close to the Vigeland Sculpture Park.

The 8 Best Historic Hotels in Oslo

Norway's capital is swiftly gaining new modern architecture, but there are still a surprising number of hotels that make use of their buildings' historical roots. That's not to say they are dated: all the properties on this list have been restored in recent years with fresh room decor and features like upscale lounges and restaurants that blend nicely with original 19th and 20th-century details. Read on for the best historic hotels in Oslo.

The 5 Best Luxury Hotels in Central Oslo

If you are looking for a luxury hotel in Oslo near the best attractions, these options—many with historic roots—have up-to-date, posh rooms, sophisticated restaurants, and possible amenities ranging from spas and indoor pools to piano bars and underground jazz clubs. Here are our top picks for the best luxury hotels in Central Oslo.

The 5 Best Hotels near Aker Brygge in Oslo

Deciding where to stay in Norway's capital can be a difficult decision, but the newly-developed Aker Brygge waterfront precinct is a great place to consider. Though the area really comes alive during the summer months, thanks to outdoor dining and fjord excursions, there are events and attractions for every season, including the new National Museum with the most extensive art collection in the country. Check out these five hotels within a 10-minute walk from the action.

The 5 Best Mid-Range Hotels in Central Oslo

These mid-range options are great for travelers who want contemporary furnishings and access to major highlights from Palace Park to the Oslo Opera House, not to mention outstanding breakfasts and cozy lounge areas. Here are the top picks for the best mid-range hotels in Oslo.

The 5 Best Standard Hotels in Central Oslo

Oslo is an expensive city, but Norway's capital has its share of affordable hotels that have renovated rooms, contemporary lounge spaces, and healthy complimentary breakfasts, adding to the appeal. Plus, you'll be within walking distance of all the city offers, including fjord excursions and top attractions like Palace Park and the Nobel Peace Center.

Autumn in Norway: Bergen, Aurland, Oslo, Åndalsnes & Ålesund - 13 Days

This 13-day Nordic adventure delivers the highlights of western and central Norway in all their autumn glory. Begin in Bergen, a historic port city where you'll stroll cobbled streets and ride cable cars up to mountain lookout points. The next leg takes you to Norway's stunning fjords and on scenic hikes and train rides before wrapping up with food tours in Oslo, dinners at mountaintop restaurants, and day trips to rugged islands.

Norway Autumn Adventure: Cities, Fjords & Hiking: 11 Days

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.

The 3 Best Boutique Hotels in Oslo

The best boutique hotels in Oslo are all within walking distance of Oslo's top attractions, like Palace Park, yet removed from the tourist crowds. Whether it's Nordic-meets-Balinese decor, elegant rooms with stand-alone tubs, or a tree-lined location near bookstores, you'll find it on this list.

Cruise the Norwegian Coast: Bergen to Kirkenes - 15 Days

Cross the Arctic Circle in comfort on this unforgettable 15-day journey up the Norwegian coast. Starting in Bergen, you'll cruise north through a breathtaking coastal landscape of alpine fjords, towering mountains, and colorful fishing villages. Explore the ancient city of Trondheim, discover the magic of the Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands, and visit the "Arctic capital" of Tromsø. Your trip of a lifetime ends in the far north as you disembark at Kirkenes—the most isolated town in Europe.

Hike Norway's Hidden Fjords - 8 Days

Hike through some of Norway's most spectacular landscapes on this 8-day trekking adventure. Based in the northwestern regions of Romsdalen and Sunnmøre, you'll scale the famous Troll Wall, kayak across tranquil fjords, find hidden waterfalls at Geirangerfjord, and summit the triangular peak of Slogen. With nights spent in historic hotels, local inns, and remote mountain huts, you'll have plenty of time for rest and relaxation between each day's exhilarating excursions.

Best Things to Do in Stavanger

Set in Southern Norway, Stavanger offers the best of all worlds: stunning natural scenery, picturesque coastlines, charming historic streets, connections to cities like Oslo and Bergen, and easy access to the fjord region. The city is an excellent hub for some of the most popular activities in Norway, including hikes to Kjerag and Pulpit Rock, cruises in Lysefjord, and day trips to charming towns like Flørli.

Top Experiences in the Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Islands is one of the most popular destinations in Norway. The moment you arrive, you'll understand why, as this stunning archipelago features jagged mountain peaks, colorful hamlets that cling to rocks, and a coastline dotted with islands. If you're looking for outdoor adventures, this is the place for you! Enjoy scenic drives, kayaking, snowshoeing, hiking, biking, sailing, and more.

Top Experiences in the Fjord Region

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.

Best Hiking Experiences in Norway

Norway is an outdoor paradise, and one of the most popular activities is hiking through the lush forests, jagged mountain peaks, and rocky fjords. From Troll's Tongue to Pulpit Rock, Norway is home to famous hikes that offer outstanding views of the country's iconic landscapes. You don't have to be an experienced trekker to enjoy the scenery, either. You'll find various trails, ranging from beginner to advanced, for all interests.