Begin your Norwegian journey at Oslo, the capital city. Visit the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park, Viking Ship Museum and the Oslo Opera House. Explore the colorful architecture of the city at the Aker Brygge district, and indulge in some shopping at Karl Johans Gate. Finally, savor the local cuisine at Mathallen Food Hall.
Start your day by traveling to Lillehammer, a town best known for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics. Visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum and experience the traditional Norwegian lifestyle. Afterwards, head to the Hamar region and explore the Hamar Cathedral and the Hedmark Museum.
Drive to the Geirangerfjord, named as one of the most scenic places in the world by National Geographic. Cruise on the fjord and admire the waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and clear blue skies. Visit Dalsnibba, a mountain peak with breathtaking panoramic views of the natural landscape.
Arrive at Trondheim and explore Nidaros Cathedral, the largest medieval building in Scandinavia. Stroll through the streets of the historic Bakklandet neighborhood and experience the local culture. Take a scenic bike ride around the city or relax at the Solsiden promenade, overlooking the Nidelva river.
Explore Røros, a quaint mining town that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Røros Museum, a former copper mine and the Olav's Mine, a working copper mine. Learn about the town's history and the traditional Norwegian lifestyle.
Fly from Røros to Tromsø to experience the Arctic adventures. Visit the iconic Arctic Cathedral and Polaria aquarium. Cruise through the fjords and admire the Northern Lights. Explore the Tromsø Museum and learn about the local Sami culture.
Drive to Alta and visit the Alta Museum, which showcases the ancient rock carvings and the Sami life in the area. Experience the Northern Lights in Alta's clear skies, skating at the Alta IceHotel, or snowmobiling through the wilderness.
Take a flight to Svalbard, an archipelago halfway between Norway and the North Pole. Experience the polar bear safaris, snowmobiling trips, and the star-studded skies of the Arctic. Visit the North Pole Expedition Museum and learn about the explorers who braved the cold and conquered the peaks of the Arctic Circle.
Fly back to the mainland and head south to the charming town of Kristiansand, located on the southern coast. Visit the Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park, the largest zoo in Norway with over 150 species. Stroll through the pedestrian street of Markens gate and indulge in some shopping.
Arrive in Bergen, the gateway to the fjords on the west coast of Norway. Visit the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, a vibrant area with colorful wooden houses, restaurants, and museums. Explore Bergen's hills and surrounding mountains or take a boat trip to the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord.
Drive to Stavanger and explore the stunning Lysefjord. Hike up to the famous Pulpit Rock and take in the breathtaking views of the fjord. Visit the Stavanger Cathedral, the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, and the Stavanger Maritime Museum. Lastly, indulge in some traditional Norwegian food at the famous Fisketorget Fish Market.
End your journey by driving back to Oslo to depart from the international airport.
Traveling by rental car is the most convenient way to explore Norway. However, train journeys can be scenic, particularly along the Bergen to Oslo route or along the famous Flam railway. Domestic flights can be convenient for longer distances, particularly between north and south Norway. Budget approximately $1500 for transportation costs.
To make the most of your 12-Day Norwegian itinerary, consider adding an additional day if you're interested in exploring Tromsø and Svalbard. For travelers with less time, consider choosing a specific region or route to explore the highlights of Norway.
The main airport in Norway is Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL) which is located approximately 45 kilometers north of Oslo city center. Other major airports include Bergen Airport Flesland (BGO), Trondheim Airport Værnes (TRD), Tromsø Airport Langnes (TOS), and Kristiansand Airport Kjevik (KRS).