HOW TO SPEND 7 DAYS IN NORWAY
Are you headed to Norway and are wondering about a great one-week Norway itinerary? Then read on and find out how to spend 7 days in Norway.
It’s no secret that Norway is king when it comes to breath-taking sceneries. If you’re plotting an escape to Norway soon, you’re probably feeling incredibly overwhelmed trying to decide what to do during your visit. Seriously, there’s too much to choose from!
Being a humongous country, getting to see everything Norway has to offer in just one week is sadly impossible. Still, this Norway itinerary is perfect for an introductory trip that will have you experiencing some of the best the country has to offer.
Day 1: Oslo
Chances are you’ll land in Oslo, and while you probably can’t wait to see fjords and get out into nature, exploring the Norwegian capital will give you an introduction to Scandinavian culture.
There are so many things to do in Oslo, and listing them all would require a post of its own, but a few of our favorite activities include checking out the Kon-Tiki and the Viking Ship museums and wandering the Vigeland Sculpture Park.
If you love theatre and ballet, don’t forget to check out the Oslo Opera House, too! When you get tired of exploring the city, head over to the Solsiden restaurant to grab a bite along with killer views of the mesmerizing fjords that Norway is so well known for.
Days 2 and 3: Sognefjord
It’s time to get away from the bustle and hustle of the capital and into quieter respites. Hop on the famous Bergen Line for the ride from Oslo to Myrdal station, the getaway point to one of the country’s best fjord areas. The journey will greet you with glimpses of the ever-alluring Norwegian countryside.
Once you reach Myrdal Station, you can change trains and continue your journey towards the quiet Sognefjord. This ride is considered the most scenic in Norway, as it zigs zags its way along the magnificent Flam Valley.
Of course, a stop at Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, is a must. Getting here can take up to twelve hours, but the stunning fjord vistas accompanying you on the way will make the clock swirl a lot faster.
Another can’t miss things to do in the area is hopping on a ferry ride to catch the best views of Nærøyfjord, a smaller branch of Sognefjord, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike the rest of the natural spots being spoiled by massive herds of tourists, this one is certified as a sustainable destination, and thanks to that, it’s also well looked after and maintained.
If time allows, you can also opt for renting a kayak to explore the fjord independently or go on a hike along the railroad.
Day 4: Bergen
Bergen another top place to visit (whether in summer or winter). It is famously known for being another getaway for a fjord extravaganza, but today, we’ll focus on exploring this gem of a city before heading back to nature.
Start your day off by roaming the streets and checking out the signature wooden houses along the quay. After spending a while walking the city streets, take the cable car up to the mountain and enjoy the birds-eye view of the city as the sun bids farewell for the day.
Day 5: Hiking Trolltunga
Norway has a ton of iconic natural landmarks, and Trolltunga is possibly the most emblematic one of them all. The name Trolltunga literally translates into “the troll’s tongue,” as the ending point of the hike ends on a steep cliff that resembles, well… a troll’s tongue.
Starting in Skjeggedal, the hike to Trolltunga is twenty-seven kilometers long, but the scenic views of snow-capped mountains and lakes will keep you company along the way.
The hike to Trolltunga usually takes a whopping ten to twelve hours, but you can save around three hours if you take the new shuttle to and from the upper parking lot. Please consider that you’ll need to drive four hours each way from Bergen, so I recommend starting the day as early as possible to make the most out of your time here.
Day 6: Allemande
Arriving at Alesund feels like stepping into a fairytale town. This quaint coastal town was recently named the most beautiful in Norway, and you’ll quickly see why!
Once you’re all settled in Alesund, take a stroll along the harbor to enjoy the architecture of the town. Alesund is also famous for its Art Noveau scene, so make sure you don’t miss out on visiting the Kongens Gate and the Art Noveau Center.
Moreover, the town’s sunsets are unbeatable, so if you’re lucky enough to be there on a clear day, hike up to Aksla Viewpoint to get a 360-degree view of the town.
Alesund has signature desserts to keep your taste buds happy. Make sure to stop by at a local bakery to get a taste of the town’s delicious cakes and sweets.
Tip: Norway is huge, so I highly recommend booking an early morning flight from Bergen into Alesund to save time.
Day 7: Hjørundfjord
Snow-capped mountains, roaring waterfalls, and small lakes are the specialty of Hjørundfjord. This fjord is considered one of the most beautiful in the world thanks to the sharp peaks that stand on both its sides.
Around the fjord, you’ll find over seventy small lakes, with the most popular being Lekneset. If you want to get the most out of your time here, make sure you book a boat ride across the lake – this gives you the best views of the fjord.
If boat tours aren’t your jam, you can also rent a kayak to explore the fjord in more depth. You can also hike to Mount Saska, where you can see the end of the fjord to one side and catch glimpses of the town of Alesund and the ocean to the other.
After exploring the Fjord, head back to Alesund, from where you can catch a flight back to Oslo.
And that’s my suggestion on how to create a perfect one-week Norway itinerary! From fjords to cities and fairytale towns, this action-packed itinerary will get you to see some of the best this Scandinavian gem has to offer, and hopefully, you will have a fun 7 days in Norway.
