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A week in Norway offers a chance to fall deeply in love with its spectacular scenery and enchanting atmosphere. If you have always dreamed of deep fjords, towering mountains, medieval churches, and welcoming towns, this seven-day itinerary will guide you through an unforgettable journey from Oslo to Stavanger and Bergen, passing through Flam, Aurland, and Eidfjord, renowned for their fjords and iconic hikes.
Starting in Oslo
The vibrant capital of Norway, Oslo is framed by both sea and mountains. Your journey begins here. After your arrival, it is advisable to start with a stroll in the modern areas of Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen, where contemporary architecture meets galleries and seaside restaurants. In the afternoon, visit the Viking Ship Museum and the Norsk Folkemuseum, two must-see locations on the Bygdøy peninsula that provide a fascinating glimpse into Norse history.
The Norsk Folkemuseum features a reconstructed old town, a stave church, and even a medicinal herb garden, making it a worthwhile stop. Following this, the Fram Museum, home to the polar expedition ship, immerses you in the atmosphere of heroic explorations, with the ‘frozen room’ being a standout experience. A short walk away, the Kon-Tiki Museum tells the incredible adventure of Thor Heyerdahl across the Pacific. This smaller museum is well-curated and engaging.
For some outdoor time, visit Vigeland Park, a surreal sculpture garden where each statue tells a story, including the infamous ‘Man Attacked by Babies’. Alternatively, walk along Havnepromenaden, a 9 km waterfront promenade that winds through historic and modern neighborhoods. Make a final stop at the National Museum, which houses one of Munch’s versions of ‘The Scream’, alongside works that narrate Norway’s artistic and cultural history. This visit is surprising, even for those less enthusiastic about art museums.
Finish your day in the trendy Grünerløkka district, filled with cafes and markets where you can choose between bohemian restaurants or street food for dinner. A practical tip: the Oslo City Pass is essential if you plan to visit multiple museums and use public transport, which is excellent for moving quickly from one area to another.
Adventuring in Stavanger
As night falls, it’s time to bid farewell to Oslo and board an overnight train to Stavanger, a coastal city in the southwest known for its hiking trails along the Lysefjord. Upon arrival, take the local ferry to Tau, from where a bus will take you to the starting point of the Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) trail. This iconic 4-5 hour trek is among the most famous in the country, leading to a natural platform suspended 604 meters above the Lysefjord.
The hike is quite challenging, requiring appropriate footwear and equipment. There are no facilities at the top, so be sure to bring water and some snacks to recharge before you head back down. The view from the summit is simply breathtaking, offering a shimmering expanse of water surrounded by sheer cliffs and absolute silence. Caution is advised when approaching the edge of Pulpit Rock, as there are no safety barriers and the height can be dizzying.
After your hike, enjoy a revitalizing dinner in Stavanger. The colorful Fargegaten district, with its lively bars and restaurants, is perfect for unwinding.
Challenging Kjeragbolten
If Preikestolen amazed you, prepare for an even more spectacular experience: the hike to Kjeragbolten, the boulder wedged between two vertical cliffs over 1000 meters high. This challenging walk (6 hours with an 800 m elevation gain) offers views that are absolutely priceless, along with the chance to stand on the suspended rock. For the adventurous, guided sunrise excursions with a night departure and breakfast at the summit are available.
After returning, take advantage of your last hours in Stavanger to enjoy a traditional dinner or visit the Petroleum Museum to understand the economic significance of this region.
Scenic ferry ride to Bergen
The next morning, catch a coastal ferry from Stavanger to Bergen, navigating along the stunning Norwegian coastline dotted with small islands and cliffs. The journey takes about 5 hours, providing picturesque views that are perfect for a relaxing break. However, if you are prone to seasickness, be cautious, as the waves can be quite significant even close to shore!
Upon arriving in Bergen, explore the area around Den Nationale Scene theater and enjoy a dinner with a harbor view. Bergen harmoniously blends history and nature. Start your day by ascending Mount Fløyen, either via funicular or by walking through a trail amidst forests and troll statues. The scenery along the way is enchanting, and from the top, you can see all of Bergen, nestled by the sea and embraced by mountains.
Experiencing Bryggen and more
In the afternoon, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen, characterized by wooden shops, cafes, and charming alleys. It’s the perfect place to purchase handicrafts or simply sit and watch the world go by. It is advisable to visit after 4:30 PM when the cruise ships that typically dock in Bergen have departed, and the crowd becomes more manageable. For dinner, consider stopping by the fish market, where you will find plenty of options at reasonable prices.
You might also visit Fantoft, home to a stave church reconstructed after a fire in the 1990s, caused by members of the Norwegian black metal scene. It’s a striking location surrounded by woods, steeped in history, and exuding a nearly haunting Gothic aesthetic.
Discovering the fjords
One of the main reasons many choose Norway is to explore its fjords. From Bergen, one of the most scenic cruises heads toward Eidfjord, the heart of the Hardangerfjord, also known as the ‘Queen of the Fjords’. The journey begins with a scenic bus ride to Norheimsund, followed by a three-hour navigation through clear lakes, waterfalls, towering mountains, and scattered villages along the coast. If you’re fortunate enough to experience a beautiful summer day with perfect light and a clear northern sky, these moments will be truly unforgettable.
During the trip, you will pass near the fjords that lead to the famous hike of Trolltunga, one of the country’s most iconic trails. If you have a couple of extra days, it is certainly worth considering.
The village of Eidfjord is picturesque and tranquil, featuring charming wooden houses, artisan workshops, colorful knitted decorations on trees, and a hidden beach that promises genuine happiness. It feels as though you have stepped inside a Norse fairy tale.
Viking heritage and more adventures
After Bergen, your seven-day itinerary in Norway will take you to Gudvangen, a village known for its Viking Valley. It’s not a museum, but a living reconstruction where you can try axe throwing, visit traditional huts, and listen to tales of Norse pirates. From here, embark on a cruise of the Naeroyfjord, another UNESCO World Heritage site in this incredible country. The navigation is captivating and allows you to discover the village of Undredal, famous for its Brunost goat cheese.
Once in Flam, prepare for the Flåmsbana, the scenic train that takes you from Flam to Myrdal on one of the world’s most picturesque routes: in just one hour, you will traverse waterfalls, alpine landscapes, and impossible gradients. From there, you can catch a direct train back to Oslo and head home.
While a week in Norway may seem brief, a well-planned itinerary offers a remarkable variety of experiences: historical cities, spectacular fjords, unforgettable cruises, ancient churches, engaging museums, scenic roads, and small moments of pure wonder.
This itinerary unites the best of southern and western Norway, with each stop designed to provide a balance between activity and relaxation, culture and adventure.
Highlights of the journey
In just seven days, you will experience an intense and profound Norway. And if you find yourself yearning to return to explore the Lofoten Islands, the Arctic North, or the inland glaciers, don’t worry: this happens to everyone who discovers this country for the first time. Much like in the most famous love stories, the first chapter is only the beginning of a great adventure.