The Ultimate Norway Itinerary (7 to 14 Days + Scenic Routes)

Day 1-2: Oslo

Oslo is the perfect place to begin your Norway itinerary. While it’s often overlooked compared to the fjords, it gives you an easy introduction to the country before diving into more remote and logistically complex regions. The city is clean, compact, and very easy to navigate, making it ideal for the first couple of days of your trip. Spend your time exploring the waterfront, visiting a few museums, and adjusting to Norwegian prices (which can be a bit of a shock at first). Oslo has a relaxed, modern feel, and it’s a great place to ease into the slower pace of travel in Norway.

Oslo is the perfect place to begin your Norway itinerary. While it’s often overlooked compared to the fjords, it gives you an easy introduction to the country before diving into more remote and logistically complex regions. The city is clean, compact, and very easy to navigate, making it ideal for the first couple of days of your trip. Spend your time exploring the waterfront, visiting a few museums, and adjusting to Norwegian prices (which can be a bit of a shock at first). Oslo has a relaxed, modern feel, and it’s a great place to ease into the slower pace of travel in Norway. You don’t need a packed itinerary here. Instead of rushing between sights, I recommend taking it slow – walking along the harbor, grabbing coffee at a local café, and enjoying the atmosphere before heading into the fjords.

Oslo is also one of the best-connected cities in Norway, which is why it works so well as a starting point for this itinerary. You’ll likely arrive either at Oslo Airport (Gardermoen), which is well connected to the city center, or by train from Stockholm (highly recommend this journey!). From here onwards, you’ll take the famous Bergen Railway, one of the most scenic train routes in Europe.

Day 3-4: Flåm and nearby fjords

This is where your Norway itinerary really starts to feel like Norway. Getting to Flåm is already part of the experience. From Oslo, you’ll take the scenic train toward Myrdal, then switch to the famous Flåm Railway – one of the steepest and most dramatic train rides in Europe. The landscape changes constantly, from forests to high mountain plateaus to steep valleys dropping into the fjord. Flåm itself is small and very touristy, but the setting is incredible. Surrounded by steep mountains and deep fjords, it’s the perfect base for exploring one of the most beautiful regions in Norway.

The main highlight in Flåm is the fjord itself. One of the best ways to experience it is by boat through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord – a narrow fjord with towering cliffs, waterfalls, and tiny villages that feel completely untouched. You have two options here:

• Fjord cruise (tourist boat): more comfortable, designed for sightseeing
• Public ferry: cheaper, less crowded, and honestly just as scenic

If accommodation in Flåm is sold out (very common in summer), or you just want a more interesting route, this is what I did: Take the ferry from Flåm to Gudvangen as sightseeing (this is one of the most scenic stretches of the fjord, and you’re seeing exactly the same landscapes as the expensive cruises). Instead of returning to Flåm, stay overnight in Gudvangen, then take a bus the next day to Voss. From Voss, rejoin the train toward Bergen.

If you have more time or good weather, you can also:

• Visit the Stegastein viewpoint (one of the best fjord views)
• Rent a bike and explore the valley
• Go kayaking on the fjord

Day 5-6: Bergen

After a few travel-heavy days through the fjords, arriving in Bergen feels like a reset. Bergen is one of the most charming cities in Norway: colorful, compact, and surrounded by mountains and water. It has a completely different atmosphere from Oslo: more historic, more relaxed, and a bit moodier (yes, it rains a lot – but it honestly adds to the experience).

Start with the iconic Bryggen waterfront, with its colorful wooden houses and historic trading buildings. It’s touristy, but still worth seeing, especially early in the morning or in the evening when it’s quieter. One of the best things to do is take the funicular up to Mount Fløyen for panoramic views over the city and surrounding fjords. From there, you can walk back down if the weather is nice. Other easy highlights include the Fish Market (good for a quick walk, not necessarily for eating), the Harbor area and waterfront and Cafés and bakeries (perfect on a rainy day).

You’ll arrive in Bergen from the fjords by train either:

• via Voss → train to Bergen (if you followed the Gudvangen route)
• or via Flåm → Myrdal → Bergen (classic route)

From Bergen, your route shifts from classic fjords to more rugged and less touristy landscapes, you will either continue north via train toward Åndalsnes or if you have extra days you can add a detour to Stavanger for hikes like Trolltunga or Preikestolen.

+ Detour: Stavanger & Trolltunga

If you want to add one of Norway’s most iconic experiences to your itinerary, this is where to do it. From Bergen, you can detour south to Stavanger, the gateway to some of the country’s most famous hikes and fjord views. This detour is all about dramatic landscapes and outdoor experiences, but it does require extra time, planning, and good weather. You’ll need at least 3 days.

The main reason to come is hiking. The two most famous options are:

• Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock): relatively accessible, 4–5 hour hike, incredible fjord views
• Trolltunga: one of Norway’s most iconic viewpoints, but also one of the most demanding hikes. Trolltunga is a full-day hike (10–12+ hours) and should not be underestimated. You need good weather, proper gear, and a reasonable level of fitness.

Is the detour worth it? Yes, but only if hiking is a priority for you. This detour is physically demanding, weather-dependent and adds extra logistics. If you’re more interested in scenic travel, fjords, and a relaxed pace, I would skip it and continue north instead.

From Bergen, you can reach Stavanger by ferry (scenic and relaxed, a great experience in itself), bus (slightly faster) or flight (quickest, but less interesting). After Stavanger, you can return to Bergen and continue north toward Åndalsnes.

Day 7-8: Åndalsnes

Åndalsnes is a small town surrounded by some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country. Compared to places like Flåm or Bergen, it feels much less touristy and more raw, with steep peaks rising straight out of the valley and endless opportunities for hiking and viewpoints. This is one of my favorite stops in Norway because it adds something completely different to the itinerary. Instead of fjords and boat trips, you get mountains, ridgelines, and that feeling of being deep in nature.

From Bergen, you can take the train or a combination of train + bus (most common route). If you can, try to include the Rauma Railway – one of the most underrated train journeys in Norway. It runs between Dombås and Åndalsnes and passes through the stunning Romsdalen valley. From Åndalsnes, you’ll continue north to Trondheim via train.

What to do in Åndalsnes? The highlight is the hike to Rampestreken, a viewpoint overlooking the town and fjord. It’s relatively short but steep, and the views are some of the best you’ll get in Norway without doing a full-day hike. If you’re up for something more challenging try the Romsdalseggen ridge hike (long but incredible). If you prefer something easier there are great scenic walks around the valley and viewpoints accessible by car or short hikes. If you have extra time or are traveling by car, you can also visit Trollstigen (one of Norway’s most famous scenic roads) and Trollveggen (Europe’s tallest vertical rock face).

+ Detour: Geirangerfjord

If you want to include one of the most iconic fjord landscapes in Norway, this is the place. Geirangerfjord is often considered the most dramatic fjord in the country – with steep cliffs, powerful waterfalls, and viewpoints that feel almost unreal. Even compared to the fjords around Flåm, the scenery here feels bigger, wilder, and more remote. In most cases, this detour adds 1–2 extra days to your itinerary.

The easiest way to add this detour is from Åndalsnes. From there, you can take a bus or drive toward Geiranger or combine it with scenic routes like Trollstigen. This is one of the few parts of the itinerary where having a car is a big advantage, but it’s still possible using public transport with some planning. From Geiranger, return to Åndalsnes or continue toward Trondheim depending on your route.

What to do in Geirangerfjord? The main highlight is simply experiencing the fjord itself. Unlike Flåm, this area feels less like a transit hub and more like a destination.

• Take a fjord cruise to see waterfalls like the Seven Sisters
• Visit viewpoints like Flydalsjuvet
• Drive or travel along scenic roads surrounding the fjord

Day 9: Trondheim

Trondheim is a charming university city with colorful wooden houses, a scenic riverfront, and a slower pace that makes it a perfect one-night stop on your way north. It’s not a place where you need to pack your schedule, but it’s definitely worth breaking up the journey here instead of traveling straight through.

The highlight is the beautiful Nidaros Cathedral, one of the most important historical landmarks in Norway. Even if you’re not usually into churches, it’s worth seeing. From there, walk along the river and across the Old Town Bridge to the colorful wooden houses lining the water – this is easily the most photogenic part of the city. Other easy things to do:

• stroll through the old town (Bakklandet)
• stop at a café along the river
• enjoy a relaxed dinner before continuing your trip

From Åndalsnes, reach Trondheim by train (6-7h). From Trondheim, head further north to Bodø, your gateway to the Lofoten Islands either via flight (fastest and most practical) or via (night) train (scenic but long).

Day 10: Bodø

By the time you reach Bodø, you’ve officially made it to northern Norway, and the landscape starts to feel different again. Bodø itself is not a major sightseeing destination, but it plays an important role in your itinerary. It’s the gateway to the Lofoten Islands and a natural stop to break up what would otherwise be a very long travel day. Think of this as a transition: from fjords and mountains to Arctic coastline and island landscapes.

You don’t need a packed schedule here, but there are a couple of worthwhile stops if you have time. The most famous is Saltstraumen, one of the strongest tidal currents in the world. Watching the water move through the narrow strait is surprisingly impressive, especially if you time it right with the tides. Otherwise: walk along the harbor, enjoy the coastal views or catch a sunset (in summer, the light here is incredible).

To get here from Trondheim, you have two main options:

• Flight: fastest and most practical (recommended if you’re short on time)
• Train: scenic but long – better if you want a slower journey (I chose the night train)

From Bodø, continue to the Lofoten Islands via ferry to Moskenes (in the south) or a short flight to Leknes (in the middle) or Svolvær (in the north). If weather allows, I highly recommend taking the ferry – arriving in Lofoten by sea is unforgettable.

Day 11-14: Lofoten Islands

This is where your Norway itinerary reaches its peak. The Lofoten Islands are one of the most unique landscapes in Europe – sharp mountains rising straight out of the sea, tiny fishing villages with red cabins, and beaches that look almost tropical on a sunny day. After everything you’ve seen so far, Lofoten still manages to feel different. It’s more remote, more dramatic, and less structured than the rest of the itinerary. This is where you slow down, explore at your own pace, and let the scenery take over.

Lofoten is one of the few places in this itinerary where I strongly recommend renting a car. Public transport exists, but it’s limited and will restrict your flexibility. Having a car allows you to stop at viewpoints freely, explore small villages and chase good weather (very important here) There’s no strict to-do checklist here, and that’s exactly the point. The best thing you can do is explore slowly:

• Visit villages like Reine and Hamnøy
• Drive along the E10 (one of the most scenic roads in Norway)
• Stop at beaches like Haukland or Uttakleiv
• Take short hikes if the weather allows

From Lofoten, you can either fly out via Leknes or Svolvær, return to Bodø by ferry or continue exploring northern Norway (if you have more time).

When to visit Norway

Norway is a highly seasonal destination, and the best time to visit depends largely on what you want to experience. Unlike many countries, Norway feels completely different depending on the time of year – from long summer days with the midnight sun to snowy winters with northern lights.

Thanks to its geography, the country has several distinct regions, from the milder western fjords to the Arctic north above the Arctic Circle. Weather patterns vary significantly between places like Oslo, Bergen, the fjords, and northern Norway. While summer offers the most stable conditions for travel, winter brings unique experiences like snow-covered landscapes and aurora viewing.

Choosing the right timing can make a big difference, especially if you’re planning scenic train journeys, fjord cruises, hiking routes like Trolltunga, or visiting destinations like the Lofoten Islands.

For a detailed month-by-month breakdown, regional weather guide, and the best travel windows for each destination, read: When to Visit Norway: Best Time to Go.

How to get there

If you’re flying to Colombia, the main international gateways are Bogotá (BOG), Medellín (MDE), and Cartagena (CTG). Bogotá handles the largest number of long-haul flights from Europe and North America, while Medellín and Cartagena also receive an increasing number of international connections.

For most travelers following the itinerary above, flying into Medellín or Cartagena is the most convenient option and allows you to skip Colombia’s huge capital entirely. Browse through Kiwi or Skyscanner for cheap flights from your home country to Colombia. If you’re already traveling around Latin America, you can often find affordable regional flights with airlines such as Avianca, LATAM, or JetSMART.

Because Colombia is such a large country with challenging terrain, domestic flights are very common and often surprisingly affordable. Many travelers combine buses for shorter distances with flights for longer routes such as Medellín to the Caribbean coast.

From Nearby Countries

From Panama | One of the most adventurous ways to reach Colombia is sailing from Panama to Cartagena via the San Blas Islands. This multi-day boat trip is a famous backpacker route and includes stops at remote tropical islands along the way. The journey usually takes about 4-5 days and is widely considered one of the most beautiful sailing routes in the Caribbean. See me detailed post about this journey!

From Ecuador | If you are traveling north through South America, buses regularly connect cities in Ecuador with southern Colombia. The most common crossing is between Quito and Ipiales, where travelers often stop to visit the famous Las Lajas Sanctuary before continuing deeper into Colombia.

From Peru | Another unique route is entering Colombia through the Amazon. Boats connect the border towns of Santa Rosa (Peru) and Tabatinga (Brazil) with Leticia, Colombia’s main gateway to the Amazon rainforest.

Book buses and regional transport through BusBud.

Getting Around Colombia

One of the most important things to understand about traveling in Colombia is how large the country is. Distances between regions can be significant, and mountains often make travel slower than the map suggests. Fortunately, Colombia has a good mix of domestic flights, long-distance buses, and ride-hailing apps that make getting around relatively straightforward.

Domestic flights are very common and often the fastest way to move between regions such as Medellín, the Caribbean coast, and the coffee region. For shorter distances, comfortable long-distance buses connect most cities and towns across the country. Within cities, ride-hailing apps like Uber, DiDi, and Cabify are widely used and typically inexpensive.

You generally don’t need to rent a car, even when traveling independently or solo. Most destinations are well connected by public transport, and buses run frequently between major tourist areas.

I explain exactly which transport to use (and when), how to book tickets, and common mistakes travelers make in my complete guide: How to Get Around Colombia: Flights, Buses & Transport Tips.

How expensive is Norway?

COST OF TRAVEL

Norway is one of the most expensive countries to travel in Europe – and possibly the world – but it can still be done in a way that feels worth it. While prices are high across the board, the quality of infrastructure, transport, and overall experience is also extremely high. Scenic trains run on time, ferries feel like part of the experience, and even simple accommodations are usually well-designed and comfortable.

You can travel Norway on a mid-range budget, but it requires more planning than in most destinations. Expect to spend significantly more on accommodation, transport, and eating out compared to southern or eastern Europe. Budget travelers can reduce costs by using supermarkets, staying in simpler guesthouses, and prioritizing nature-based activities, while luxury options such as boutique fjord hotels, design cabins, and unique stays are widely available.

Because costs vary a lot depending on your route, travel style, and whether you rent a car, I’ve broken everything down in a separate guide – including realistic daily budgets, accommodation prices, transport costs, and a sample 2-week Norway itinerary budget.

Read the full breakdown here: Cost of Travel in Norway