Planning a trip to Norway? You’re in the right place! Life in Norway is here to help. Here’s where to start.
From spectacular fjords and dramatic mountain landscapes to the northern lights and colourful coastal towns, Norway offers some truly unforgettable travel experiences. But planning a Norwegian adventure isn’t always straightforward.
Norway is a surprisingly large country, travel can be expensive, and getting between destinations often takes longer than you might expect. Add in the changing seasons, and there are plenty of decisions to make before booking your trip.
I’m David Nikel, founder of Life in Norway. I’ve called Norway home since 2011, and I’ve spent years exploring the country as a travel writer.
I’ve put together this guide to help you plan your Norway trip, avoid common mistakes, and make the most of your time here. Start with the Norway Bucket List, my downloadable PDF guide to inspire your next trip.
Whether you’re coming for a weekend, a two-week road trip, or a once-in-a-lifetime cruise, here’s where to start.
Visiting Norway for the First Time?
If you’ve never visited Norway before, deciding where to go can feel overwhelming.
Should you focus on the famous fjords? Spend a few days in Oslo or Bergen? Head north to Tromsø and the Arctic? Or perhaps explore the country by train?
There’s no single perfect Norway itinerary. The best trip depends on your interests, the time of year, your budget, and how much time you have available.
Start with these guides:
My biggest piece of advice? Don’t try to see everything in one trip. Norway rewards those who take their time.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Norway?
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is when to travel.
Norway changes dramatically throughout the year. Summer brings remarkably long days, green landscapes and excellent opportunities for road trips and hiking. In Northern Norway, you can even experience the midnight sun.
Winter offers a completely different experience, with snow-covered landscapes, Arctic adventures and the possibility of seeing the northern lights.
Spring and autumn can be rewarding too, particularly for travellers hoping to avoid the busiest periods.
Explore these guides:
The best time to visit isn’t necessarily the warmest or cheapest month. It’s the time that gives you the best opportunity to experience what matters most to you.
Where Should You Go in Norway?
There is no right answer here, because Norway is a country of striking contrasts.
The cities offer fascinating museums, historic neighbourhoods and modern Scandinavian culture. Western Norway is famous for its dramatic fjords and mountain scenery, while Northern Norway offers Arctic landscapes, wildlife and extraordinary natural phenomena.
The challenge is choosing which areas to prioritise.
For a first visit, I’d generally recommend focusing on one or two regions rather than attempting to travel the entire length of the country.
Build Your Norway Itinerary
Once you’ve decided when to visit and where you want to go, it’s time to work out a realistic route. This is where many travellers run into difficulties.
Destinations that appear close together on a map can be separated by mountains, fjords and long stretches of winding road. Public transport can be excellent, but it doesn’t reach every famous viewpoint or small coastal village.
A successful itinerary balances sightseeing with travel time, leaving enough flexibility to enjoy the places you visit.
If you have just a few days, consider a city break or a short trip combining Oslo, Bergen and the nearby fjord region. With a week or two, you can explore more widely, perhaps by combining scenic rail journeys with a fjord stay.
For longer trips, road trips and coastal voyages open up more possibilities.
Remember, travelling through Norway can be one of the highlights of the holiday, not simply a way to get between attractions.
Getting Around Norway
Should you rent a car? Travel by train? Take ferries? Or perhaps book a cruise? Norway offers several memorable ways to travel, but each comes with advantages and limitations.
The railway network connects many of the country’s largest cities and offers some spectacular journeys. A rental car gives you greater flexibility to explore smaller communities and scenic routes, especially in the fjord region.
Ferries are part of everyday life along Norway’s coastline, while Hurtigruten and Havila operate the famous coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes.
Cruising is another popular way to see Norway, although different itineraries offer very different experiences.
Where to Stay in Norway
Choosing accommodation in Norway isn’t just about finding the best hotel.
Where you stay can have an enormous impact on your experience, particularly in the fjord region and Northern Norway.
A city centre hotel might be ideal for a short break, while a traditional Norwegian cabin could be the perfect choice for a longer stay surrounded by nature.
In popular destinations, it’s worth deciding on your base before searching for accommodation.
A beautiful hotel in the wrong location could mean spending far more time travelling than you’d planned.
Norway Travel Tips and Costs
Norway has a reputation for being expensive, and there’s certainly some truth to it.
Accommodation, eating out, transport and organised experiences can all add up quickly. But there are ways to make your budget go further without sacrificing the quality of your holiday.
Travelling outside the busiest periods, choosing accommodation with cooking facilities, and planning transport carefully can all make a difference.
It’s also worth preparing for Norway’s unpredictable weather. Even in summer, conditions can change quickly, especially in the mountains.
Get Inspired: The Norway Bucket List
Not sure where to begin? I’ve created a free guide featuring 21 unforgettable experiences worth travelling to Norway for.
From sailing through spectacular fjords and experiencing the northern lights to discovering Viking history and trying Norwegian brown cheese, it’s packed with inspiration for your next adventure.
Download the free Norway Bucket List and join the Life in Norway newsletter for more travel inspiration, new articles, videos and occasional personal updates from me.
Need Help Planning Your Norway Trip?
Still feeling overwhelmed by all the choices?
I offer personal Norway travel consulting calls to help you put together an itinerary, choose destinations, work through transport options and make confident decisions about your trip.
Whether you’re planning a Norwegian fjords cruise, a road trip, a northern lights adventure or an independent holiday by train, I’d be happy to help.
These are one-to-one video calls where we can focus on your own questions, interests and travel plans.
Find Out More About My Norway Travel Consulting Calls
However you decide to explore Norway, I hope Life in Norway helps you have a truly memorable trip.
Happy travels!
David