2 Weeks in Norway - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Ultimate Summer Fjord Tour

When the sun gently warms green pastures, and its rays glance off the surface of sparkling fjords, summer is the perfect time to experience southern Norway’s top nature spots and most exciting urban areas. This itinerary will take you to bustling cities, high points in the wild with jaw-dropping views, and glittering waterways edged by lofty peaks. You’ll get to know more about Norway’s culture and history, and better appreciate the bond Norwegians have with their beautiful land.

Arrive in Oslo and enjoy two full days to explore the Norwegian capital at your leisure. Be sure to check out historic buildings like the Royal Castle, City Hall, and Parliament, as well as contemporary gems like the waterside Oslo Opera House. The Edvard Munch museum celebrates one of the country’s most beloved artists, and the trendy Grunerløkka area has hip shops, quaint cafes and artisanal restaurants.

On day 3, board the train to a dynamic city on Norway’s southwest tip. Although the journey is over 7 hours long, this is no ordinary train ride: sit back and watch the gorgeous coastal landscape of southern Norway glide past. By evening you’ll be in Stavanger, and you'll have the chance to explore its picturesque narrow streets and charming white wooden houses before turning in for the night.

Once in Stavanger, you’ll have an astonishing number of natural sights at your fingertips, including the popular Lysefjord. Explore this waterway by kayak, or take a fjord cruise that edges along the shoreline for glimpses of rocky inlets and jagged peaks. You can also view it from above, from two of the most famous lookout points in Norway: Preikestolen, a dramatic cliff plateau, or Kjeragbolten, an enormous boulder wedged between two cliffs.

From Stavanger, it’s another scenic 5-hour bus ride up the coast to Bergen, a city known for its enchanting, UNESCO-listed harbor area full of colorful wharfside houses, quaint shops and cafes, and Hanseatic history. You’ll have a full day to explore here, so make sure to stop by the lively fish market, check out a museum, and perhaps even hike up Mt. Fløyen (or take the famous funicular) for a view of the city from above.

A cruise to Balestrand will allow you ample time to marvel at the wonder of the fjords. This charming, picturesque town is set on the Sognefjord – Norway’s longest and deepest – and boasts a number of crafts shops and art galleries, as well as the Norwegian Travel Museum. With a full day here after the cruise, you’ll have enough time to explore the fjord by kayak or enjoy some scenic local hikes.

Head back to Bergen by way of Flåm to experience one of southern Norway’s most popular attractions: the quaint Flåm railway, considered to be one of the steepest and most beautiful rail journeys in the world. Cross the fjord by boat to Flåm in time for lunch, pick up the Flåm railway to Myrdal for some incredible views, then arrive back in Bergen in the late afternoon.

In the morning on day 10, board the Hurtigruten, Norway’s coastal steamer, to journey north with several scenic stopovers. Your vessel will meander along the coast, taking you into majestic fjords and depositing you in quaint waterside towns. You’ll pass by several fjord waterfalls on your way to the village of Geiranger on the Geirangerfjord, and explore the art nouveau buildings at the center of Ålesund, a port town on the west coast.

Your Hurtigruten journey comes to an end in Trondheim, Norway’s 3rd largest city, where you’ll have the chance to explore restaurants and cafes, elegant streets and quaint harbor houses, and striking historic and contemporary buildings. Visit soaring Nidaros Cathedral as well as the grave of King Olav, who converted the Vikings to Christianity over 1,000 years ago.

Oslo will allow you some time for rest, relaxation, and contemplation, as you once again take in Norway’s beautiful natural landscapes through the window. Tomorrow, it’s onward to your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Northern Lights & Sami Culture

If you think you know Norway, come back when the entire country is enveloped in white. With this itinerary, you can experience the hushed solitude of remote nature atop a wintry mountain peak, commune with reindeer on a magical sleigh ride, stay overnight in a traditional Sami tent, and of course, catch an unforgettable glimpse of the enchanting Northern Lights.

Your journey starts in Tromsø, known as the “Paris of the North", and a fitting jumping-off point for all the Norwegian winter landscape has to offer. Hike up the nearest peak, Tromsdalstinden, for views of the region, or commune with locals at a number of bars and breweries. If you’re into contemporary architecture, visit the Polaria Arctic aquarium, or learn about the history and culture of this region at the Polar Museum and Tromsø University Museum.

On day 3, get acquainted with Sami culture on a trip out into the wilderness, where you’ll meet your chauffeur and vehicle for the evening: a reindeer and sleigh! After an invigorating ride, you’ll sleep over in a Sami lavvu (traditional tent) and take some time away from city lights to try to spot the aurora borealis.

You’ll have two days back in Tromsø to check out everything you may have missed, or simply relax and get cozy at your hotel as you ready yourself for an epic journey. Just after midnight, you’ll board the Hurtigruten – Norway’s famed coastal steamer - for a 17-hour cruise down to the Lofoten Islands, with plenty of chances to glimpse the Northern Lights from the sea along the way.

Arriving in the town of Svolvaer in Lofoten, you'll check into your accommodations for the night: the traditional fishing cabins known as rorbuer. The charming, welcoming town is replete with galleries where artists exhibit works inspired by the area’s breathtaking nature, as well as several great restaurants making the most of unique local ingredients.

On day 7, Experience the natural wonders that make Lofoten come alive with a midday sea journey. You’ll pass through the straight of Øyhellsundet by boat to take in the spectacular Trollfjord, spot the eagles and seals that make a home in this area even under harsh Arctic conditions, and learn about the area’s one-time main industry with a visit to the whaling island Skrova.

You’ll be at sea again on day 8, but this time by the strength of your own paddles in an exhilarating kayaking tour. Dress warmly, get outfitted for your kayak, and get ready to take to the water for a different view of the coastline and – perhaps if you’re lucky – also the Northern Lights.

Say goodbye to lovely Lofoten before boarding the Hurtigruten to Trondheim. Relax on board and marvel at Norway’s unique coastline slipping by as the coastal steamer carries you southward.

Steam into Trondheim early in the morning and spend the day exploring. This cool, sophisticated coastal city is Norway’s 3rd largest, and offers a wealth of restaurants and cafes, elegant streets, and quaint harbor houses, as well as enough historic and contemporary buildings to satisfy any architecture buff. Check out Nidaros Cathedral and pay your respects to the grave of King Olav, who converted the Vikings to Christianity over a millennium ago.

After breakfast on day 12, take a 3-hour train ride to UNESCO World Heritage Site Røros, a former mining town now dedicated to sustainability in tourism. Take a tour of the charming old town or go on a sleigh ride. If you’re here around the holidays, the snow and quaint buildings are sure to give you that fairytale Christmas feeling.

On your last day, enjoy the peace and calm on this 5-hour train ride as the sparkling white of Norwegian winter rushes past your window. Once checked into your hotel in the capital, you’ll be able to dine at one of the city’s celebrated restaurants. Don’t forget to toast to a fantastic two weeks of new places and unforgettable experiences in a true winter wonderland. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Norwegian Nature & Culture

Make your way along the east-west route from Oslo to Bergen and experience cities, mountains, and fjords at a slower pace on this picturesque and culturally immersive itinerary.

You'll start out in Oslo, where you can walk around or take advantage of the city's public transit system to explore the many museums, restaurants, promenades, and more. You'll get a private tour of the city tailored to your interests, whether they lie in the art of Edvard Munch or atop a ski jump. Board the Bergen Railway out to the mountain village of Geilo and its famous neighbors, two of the country's best national parks, at Hallingskarvet and Hardangervidda. Hike, fish, and listen to tales of the forest while sitting around a bonfire while you're here.

Your next step takes you along the Flåm Railway to the peaceful village of Aurland. Cruise through the Aurlandsfjord and UNESCO World Heritage Site Nærøyfjord as you make your way to meet some new four-legged friends at a dairy farm, where you'll learn all about goat cheese production. Spend some time exploring the town's shops and artists before you hit the road toward Voss. On the way, stop in Gudvangen for some seafaring, with a kayak tour in the Nærøyfjord and visit to the Njardarheimr Viking Valley, where reenactors bring the Viking Age to life.

Go to extremes in Voss, known for its adrenaline-inducing sports. Hike up to a mountaintop if you so choose before you hop into a rushing river with a rafting trip. Your last base will be Bergen, whose cultural and seafaring history you can explore via guided walking tour and fjord cruise through Osterfjorden to the miniature municipality of Modalen. Mingle within the city's cafe scene as you let your trip sink in before you depart. Learn more.

Itinerary #4: Fjords and Islands Adventure

Go from the tops of the fjords down into the crannies of the islands on this itinerary through some of Norway's most impressive natural landscapes.

Your trip starts in the capital city, with a free evening in Oslo followed by a full day to explore. Take a guided walking tour to Oslo's hidden gems, a history-focused stroll down the Akerselva River, or sporting excursion to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. Hop onboard the famous Flåm Railway, the world's steepest, to get to your next base of Aurland. You'll explore the quiet town, then cycle down the same route that the railway ascends to check it out under your own steam and hike up to Hovdungo, situated 2,559 feet (780 m) above the beautiful Aurlandsfjord.

From there, it's off to Bergen via fjord cruise through Norway's longest and deepest fjord, the Sognefjord. Take a day to explore Bergen at your own pace, seeing where the city's old cobblestone streets can take you, before you hop a flight to Bodø. The second-largest city in northern Norway is your gateway to the Vesterålen and Lofoten islands, as well as the world's strongest tidal current at Saltstraumen, which you can experience via Zodiac boat.

Drive through the scenic Nordland county to the Vesterålen archipelago, where you'll take in the nature and head out on the water for a whale-watching cruise. Keep going to Svolvær, the unofficial capital of the Lofoten islands. Enjoy the town's galleries and shops and admire the scenery with a kayak tour along the rocky coast. You'll progress even further into the islands (and Norwegian alphabet) with a drive out to Å, stopping in as many of the petite island villages as you choose along the way, whether it's the glassblowing of Bøstad or surfing culture of Unstad that calls to you (or both). Once you've finished your time in the islands, you'll circle back to Bodø to toast your trip from atop the mountain plateau of Keiservarden before you head home. Learn more.

Looking for more 2-week itinerary ideas? See all of our recommended 2-week Norway itineraries.