The Perfect 10 Day Trip to Norway
Norway has been on my travel list for years, and let me tell you - it did not disappoint! Not even a little. The fjords, the mountains, the trains that cut through the sides of mountains, the fact that the most beautiful toilet in the world is at a viewpoint 650 meters above a UNESCO-listed fjord. Norway is one of those places that makes you feel like you accidentally walked into your Windows work screensaver. Except it's real.
This 10 day Norway itinerary takes you through the best of the country: starting in Oslo, heading into the fjords via the famous Flåm Railway, exploring Bergen, flying up to Ålesund, and a trip to the Geirangerfjord before ending back in Oslo with two full days to explore the capital. It covers multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites and spectacular views of mother nature.
I planned this entire trip myself — including the Norway in a Nutshell route — without booking a single expensive package tour. If you're also planning a broader European adventure, I have full guides to the UK and Ireland that pair really well with a Norway trip for an epic multi-country itinerary. Let’s dive into this ten day itinerary to Norway.
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Best time to visit Norway
Norway is beautiful no matter when you go. But “best time to visit” really depends on what you’re after and also whether you are a “I will hike in any weather” person or a “I need a bit of sunshine and a functioning ferry” person. (I am firmly in the latter camp.)
Summer in Norway (June – August)
This is peak season for a reason. The weather is as warm as Norway gets, the fjords are fully accessible, the hiking trails are open, and you’ll have near-endless daylight. Midnight sun means the sun is still up at 11pm and your body will have absolutely no idea what time it is. This is when the Norway in a Nutshell routes run smoothly, the Flåm railway is at its most scenic, and all those fjord cruises you’ve been dreaming about are in full swing. The downside to this is the crowds and higher prices. Book EVERYTHING in advance if you’re going in July.
Shoulder Season in Norway (May & September)
This is my personal sweet spot recommendation. The crowds thin out, prices drop, and Norway is still just as pretty. Late May is especially lovely. The landscapes are green and blooming, the trails are open, and you’ll actually be able to get a table at a restaurant without a reservation made three weeks prior. September brings gorgeous autumn foliage and moody, cinematic light. Make sure to pack layers though since it can be unpredictable weather.
Winter (December – February)
If northern lights are on your bucket list, this is your window. Norway in winter is genuinely magical with snow-covered mountains, cozy cabins, and the real possibility of seeing the aurora borealis dancing overhead. However, be aware that some roads (including the famous Trollstigen) are completely closed in winter, and ferry routes are limited. Dress accordingly, because the “cold” here takes on a whole new meaning.
Quick Tips for Visiting Norway
Norway is EXPENSIVE. Budget more than you think you need and then a little bit extra on top of that.
Book trains (especially the Bergen Railway and Flåmsbana) well in advance as they sell out.
Norway is a cashless society. Your card will work basically everywhere, so don’t stress about carrying krøner.
Weather changes FAST, especially in the fjord regions. You can go from sunshine to sideways rain in about twelve minutes.
If you plan to do the Norway in a Nutshell route yourself (which I highly recommend), book all the legs separately as it’s a fraction of the cost of the packaged tours.
Domestic flights in Norway are easy, affordable, and genuinely pleasant. Don’t be afraid to fly between cities instead of doing a 10-hour drive.
What to Pack for Norway
Obviously this is going to depend on when you go. However, I found that the weather can be unpredictable at best. Packing for Norway requires a very specific mindset: assume it will rain. Also assume it might snow. Also assume it might be 70°F and sunny. All in the same day. Norway’s weather is genuinely chaotic, and the fjord regions in particular are famous for doing all four seasons before lunch. Here’s what you actually need:
Clothing
A good waterproof, windproof jacket. This is NON-NEGOTIABLE. Your most important item.
Layers, layers, layers. Think moisture-wicking base layer, fleece mid-layer, waterproof outer shell. You will be putting on and taking off layers all day.
Waterproof hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes. The fjord paths and viewpoints involve uneven terrain and very possibly wet ground.
Warm hat and gloves, even in summer (especially if you’re going to any viewpoints or doing fjord cruises — it gets COLD on the water).
Gear & Extras
A small daypack or rucksack for daily exploring. You’ll want your hands free on viewpoint hikes and train transfers.
Your camera or a phone with a great camera. Norway will make you take 700 photos. You’re welcome in advance.
A portable charger — long travel days between cities drain your phone fast.
Motion sickness tablets if you’re sensitive — some of the fjord roads and hairpin mountain passes (looking at you, Trollstigen) are genuinely winding.
Sunscreen, especially in summer. The midnight sun is relentless and you WILL forget you’re getting burned. Especially if you’re a ginger like me.
Refillable water bottle.
Day 1 of Your 10 Day Norway Itinerary: Oslo
Most travelers will start their trip to Norway by arriving in Oslo. Oslo is the capital city of Norway, and the perfect starting point for your trip to Norway. There are many things to do in Oslo, but with the way I planned my own trip, I arrived midday, and then traveled to Flam the next day. I scheduled the bulk of my Oslo time at the end of the trip — so see that section for the full breakdown of things to do. For your first day in Oslo, I recommend getting the lay of the land by doing a walking tour, a cruise of the Oslo fjord, or even a Hop on Hop Off bus tour of Oslo. Grab dinner somewhere along the waterfront, go to bed at a reasonable hour (or try to, if you’re there in summer and the sun is still fully up), and get excited because tomorrow the real adventure starts.
Day 2 and 3 of Your 10 Day Norway Itinerary: Flam
Day 2 of your Norway trip is where the action really starts! Traveling from Oslo to Flam is the perfect way to start your 10 day Trip to Norway. If you have heard of Norway in a Nutshell, then this is basically the tour you will be doing. It is arguably one of the most scenic train tours in the world, and the tours take you through a stunning UNESCO protected fjord. The Norway in a Nutshell tours are extremely expensive, as they are typically planned for you, but you can plan one by yourself for much cheaper. You would be doing the exact same thing, only planning it all yourself.
Start your trip to Flam by taking the Bergen railway from Oslo S (Oslo Central Station) to Myrdal. This is a couple hours journey but the scenery is gorgeous. Once you reach Myrdal, you switch to the Flåmsbana or Flåm Railway. The journey is absolutely amazing, and you get to view some of the most incredible scenery. The train ride is around 20km or 45 minutes to an hour long and took 20 years to build. The train ride is approximately 867 meters above sea level and cuts right through the mountainside at times. The railway was started in 1923 and finished in the 1940s. It has one of the steepest standard gauge lines in the world, with 80% of the journey running on a gradient of 5.5%. There are 20 tunnels, 18 of which were built by hand. There is even a 180 degree turn inside a mountain tunnel. You get to enjoy the ride from the vintage compartments. Make sure you sit on the left hand side when traveling to Flam from Oslo, as this side is the most scenic.
Once you arrive in Flam, you can relax and settle in, wander around, or do some of the activities on offer.
I highly recommend having a full day to explore Flam. Many travelers do the fast track of Norway in a Nutshell where they arrive in Flam, take the cruise of the Fjord to the other side in Gudvangen and then get the bus and train to Bergen. If you are limited on time this is certainly an option, but I really enjoyed staying in Flam for the day and leaving on Day 4. You get to actually breathe it all in instead of rushing through one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Highly recommend.
Things to do in Flam
Take a Fjord cruise on the Nærøyfjord.
This is really the main reason you are visiting Flam. The Nærøyfjord is a beautiful branch of the Sognefjord and is deservedly so on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The Nærøyfjord is 17 km long and at the narrowest point it is only 250 m wide. The fjord cruises are fully electrical with no noise or emissions. This means that there is no pollution or noise disrupting the incredible environment of peace and tranquillity. The cruise itself offers panoramic windows so you can sit comfortably and warmly inside. You can also explore the deck from the outside and breathe in the fresh fjord air! The cruise goes to Gudvangen where you either disembark and continue your tour to Bergen, or take a shuttle bus back to Flam (extra cost, 25 min), or spend the afternoon in Gudvangen (not too much to do), or return to Flam via the cruise again (costs double).
Visit the Stegastein Viewpoint
You can book a sightseeing tour to the Stegastein Viewpoint, 650 metres above the fjord. The tour uses an electric van to get up there. Absolutely stunning views and in 2015, the toilet received the “Most Beautiful Toilet” award from Design Curial Magazine. Unfortunately it is locked in the winter (so plan accordingly).
Other things to do, depending on the season include hiking, biking, going on a fjord safari on the RIB boats, saunas, and a zipline.
Where to Eat in Flam
Flåm is a small village, so dining options are limited but solid. The Ægir BrewPub is the most well-known spot and serves Norwegian classics alongside local craft beers — the lamb and the seafood are both excellent. It also gives Viking vibes for real. The inside looks like a Viking stave church crossed with a hobbit tavern — dark wood, a roaring central fireplace, beer flights on hand-carved tables. Order the Viking plank — five small courses paired with a flight of their own brews, served on what is essentially a wooden shield of food. You will not want to leave. For something more casual, there are a couple of smaller cafés near the station that do hearty sandwiches and soups perfect for fueling up before a day on the fjord.
Day 4 and 5 of Your 10 Day Norway Itinerary: Bergen
When I did my 10 day trip to Norway, I booked another ride on the Flam railway back to Myrdal, and then from Myrdal took the train to Bergen. You can do this too, or you could get the shuttle bus to Gudvangen and then Voss and catch a train to Bergen. You could also do the fjord cruise again, and from Gudvangen pick up the shuttle bus to Voss to get a train to Bergen. So you have a few options in making your way from Flam to Bergen.
Bergen is a really cute and lovely city. Bergen or Bryggen, is also a world heritage site, so if you follow this itinerary for 10 days in Norway you’ll be seeing a lot of world heritage sites. Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, but it doesn’t seem big at all. It has a cute and artistic charm to it, with plenty of things to do. You’ll get to see beautiful homes on the mountainside, narrow cobblestone streets, the picturesque wharf wooden buildings, a fish market, and plenty of delicious seafood.
Things to do in Bergen
Floibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen
Take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for spectacular views over the city and fjord. There are also hiking trails, trolls, a shop and restaurant at the top to enjoy. Another option is the Ulriken cable car. I did not do this on my trip because it was too windy, but apparently it is another option for stunning views or if the funicular is too crowded.
Wander around the UNESCO World Heritage site Bryggen.
The colorful wooden buildings of Bryggen are iconic for a reason. This historic wharf area houses a museum, galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants, and is one of the most photographed spots in all of Norway. Spend time just wandering through the narrow passages behind the main wharf as it’s a whole maze back there and completely charming.
The Fish Market
Bergen’s famous Fish Market has been around since 1276 and is a popular place to eat at. It is an outdoor market, but includes restaurant options too. The seafood is as fresh as it gets. Bergen has plenty of great restaurants to explore too.
There are plenty of things to do in Bergen, including indoor options, as it rains more than 200 days a year. However, based on this 10 day trip, I only had one day here, so the above things to do in Bergen were a good way to get a taste of the city. There are also plenty of options for day trips from Bergen. There are many tours to nearby fjords as well as using Bergen as a base to explore Flam from.
Where to Eat in Bergen
Beyond the Fish Market, Bergen has a genuinely great food scene. For a nice dinner, Lysverket inside the KODE art museum is a modern Nordic standout. Enhjørningen (The Unicorn) is excellent for traditional Norwegian fish dishes. For something more casual, the area around Voss Gate has great coffee shops and sandwich spots perfect for a quick lunch between sightseeing. And for the essential Bergen experience: get a hot dog piled with crispy onions from 3-Kroneren, the tiny red hot dog stand that's been a local institution for decades. It's cheap (by Norway standards), it's delicious, and eating it standing on a cobblestone street under a Norwegian flag is a core memory waiting to happen."
Days 6 - 8 of the Your 10 Day Trip to Norway: Ålesund
From Bergen, it’s time to catch a flight over to Ålesund. Norway is massive, and taking a train or driving to Ålesund from Bergen would take anything from 7 to 10 hours. Flying is a lot quicker and gives you more time to explore. I’ve also found that flying domestically in Norway is genuinely pleasant — easy, stress-free, and nothing like the chaos of domestic US airports.
Ålesund is a beautiful city and serves as your gateway into the Geirangerfjord, another UNESCO World Heritage site. But Ålesund is absolutely worth your time in its own right. It sits on a series of islands surrounded by fjords and mountains, and its distinctive Art Nouveau architecture gives it a completely unique look unlike anywhere else in Norway. The city burned down in 1904 and was rebuilt almost entirely in Art Nouveau style. Tragedy turned aesthetic masterpiece.
Things to Do in Ålesund
Climb the 418 Steps to Aksla Viewpoint
The most iconic thing you can do in Ålesund is climb the 418 steps up to the Aksla viewpoint in Byparken. The panoramic view of the city spread across its islands, surrounded by mountains and fjords, is genuinely one of the most stunning urban views I have ever seen. Do it at sunset if you can.
Explore the Art Nouveau Architecture
Ålesund’s city center is essentially an open-air Art Nouveau museum. After the 1904 fire, the city was rebuilt in record time by European architects, and the result is a remarkably cohesive collection of ornate buildings. The Ålesund Art Nouveau Centre (Jugendstilsenteret) is worth a visit if you want the full story.
The Road Trip to Geirangerfjord (and Trollstigen)
So let me tell you about the time I tried to take the ferry to Geirangerfjord and it was cancelled. Because that is what happened. I fell apart over it, until the tour company said they could reschedule me on a road trip tour. Of course this was my only option so I went through with it. I was disappointed to not do the ferry tour, but the drive to Geirangerfjord takes you through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in all of Norway and it was well worth the experience. The tour stops at the Ørnesvingen viewpoint (also called the Eagle Bend) at the top of the famously winding Eagle Road, and THIS is where I had my jaw-on-the-floor moment — the entire Geirangerfjord stretched out below, the village of Geiranger tucked into the valley, snow-capped mountains in every direction. I just stood there thinking about how spectacular it all was, and how unreal it must have been to stumble upon this view hundreds of years ago. Luckily, we got to take a car ferry back through the fjord.
The fjord is one of Norway’s crown jewels, a deep, narrow arm of water surrounded by steep mountains and plenty of waterfalls with names like the Seven Sisters and the Suitor. If the ferry IS running when you visit, absolutely take it — seeing the fjord from the water is a completely different experience. But if it’s not? The road trip is a legitimate adventure in its own right.
I’d strongly recommend booking a tour from Ålesund for the Geirangerfjord road trip rather than renting a car yourself, especially if you want to be able to just look out the window instead of white-knuckling it around hairpin bends on a mountain road. Tours are widely available, and a good guide makes the whole thing even better. Additionally, if you’re going in the Summer or Spring, or peak season, you will most likely be doing the original Ferry tour to Geirangerfjord that I wanted to do.
Where to Eat in Alesund
Ålesund is Norway’s largest fishing port, which means the seafood here is exceptional. XL Diner on the waterfront is a local institution and great for fresh fish. Anno Restaurant is a fantastic upscale option showcasing local ingredients. For something more casual, Maki Sushi gets rave reviews and is a surprisingly great pick after a long day of fjord-gazing. And then there's The Greedy Box. Listen. I went here two nights in a row, which I recognize is unhinged behavior in a city famous for its seafood, but this was genuinely one of the best burgers I've ever had. Hand-cut fries, homemade sauce, zero regrets. Do not skip it.
Days 9 and 10 of the Your 10 Day Trip to Norway: Oslo
Oslo genuinely earns more than one day and I’m glad I put two full days here at the end of the trip. By this point you’ve done the dramatic mountain train, the fjord cruise, the road trip through troll country, and now you get to slow down, wander a city, eat really good food, and explore a museum or two. It’s the perfect come-down from ten days of sensory overload.
Things to do in Oslo
The Viking Ship Museum
The Museum of the Viking Age (Coming 2027) — Heads up: Oslo's famous Viking Ship Museum is currently closed and reopening in 2027 as the brand-new Museum of the Viking Age, which will house the world's best-preserved Viking ships. Until then, you can get your Viking fix at the Historical Museum in the city centre, which has an excellent Viking exhibition. And honestly? This gives you the perfect excuse to go back to Norway.
Vigeland Sculpture Park
Located in Frogner Park, Vigeland is the world’s largest sculpture park created by a single artist. Gustav Vigeland spent over 20 years creating more than 200 sculptures depicting the full spectrum of human experience. It’s bizarre and beautiful and free to enter. Even if you’re not usually a “go to a sculpture park” person, go to this sculpture park. I really enjoyed wandering around and looking at all the babies — especially Sinnataggen, the famous Angry Boy, who is throwing an absolutely legendary tantrum in bronze and has been doing so since 1940. Notice his left hand is shiny gold — people rub it for luck, even though you're not supposed to.
The Oslo Opera House
You can literally walk on the roof of Oslo’s Opera House. The building is designed with sloped marble staircases that rise from the waterfront right up to the top. The views over the Oslo Fjord are great, it’s completely free, and it’s one of those things that just feels very Oslo: thoughtful architecture that invites you in rather than keeping you out. You can follow this up with a sauna and dip in the water - something I didn’t do, but wish I had done now.
Akershus Fortress
Built in 1299 right on the Oslo waterfront, Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle that’s served as everything from a royal residence to a prison over the centuries. It’s a beautiful spot to walk around, the views of the fjord are lovely, and it’s one of the best places in the city to get a sense of Oslo’s long history.
The Munch Museum
Yes, The Scream is here. The museum is dedicated entirely to Edvard Munch, Norway’s most famous artist, and houses an extraordinary collection of his work. The building itself is a striking addition to Oslo’s waterfront. It’s worth at least half a day.
Karl Johans Gate
Oslo’s main pedestrian street connects the Central Station to the Royal Palace and is lined with shops, restaurants, and some of the city’s key landmarks including the National Theatre and Stortinget (the parliament building). It’s a great place to do your last bit of souvenir shopping and people-watching before heading home.
Where to Eat in Oslo
Oslo has become a genuinely excellent food city. For a splurge-worthy dinner, Maaemo is one of the best restaurants in the world (book months ahead). For something more accessible, Ling Ling at Aker Brygge does a great modern Asian menu with views over the fjord. The Mathallen food hall in Vulkan is perfect for a casual lunch. It’s an indoor market with vendors serving everything from Norwegian classics to great coffee to international food. If you want a proper Norwegian breakfast before your flight home, find a local bakery and get yourself a cinnamon bun. You’ve earned it.
And there you have it - ten days in Norway! Standing at the top of the Geirangerfjord was THE moment of this trip for me. I just stood there staring at this insanely blue water cutting between mountains and thought — imagine seeing this hundreds of years ago. No roads, no tour buses, no me holding a phone trying to get the right angle. Just this fjord, existing, being ridiculous. I don't know how to explain it other than Norway makes you feel really small in a way that's actually kind of great? Anyway. I'm already plotting my return trip and I haven't even finished unpacking. If Norway is on your list — stop debating it. Just book the flights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Norway
Is 10 days enough for Norway?
Ten days is a great amount of time to see the highlights — Oslo, the fjords, Bergen, and Ålesund — without feeling like you're sprinting through everything. Could you spend longer? Absolutely. But 10 days gives you a really solid, well-rounded trip.
Is Norway expensive?
Yes. Genuinely, budget more than you think you need. Accommodation, food, and activities all add up fast. The good news is that planning the Norway in a Nutshell route yourself (instead of booking a package tour) saves a significant amount of money without sacrificing a single thing.
When is the best time to visit Norway?
May, June, and September are the sweet spots — good weather, accessible fjords, and fewer crowds than peak July. Summer gives you the midnight sun but also the highest prices and busiest routes.
Do I need to speak Norwegian?
Not at all. English is spoken virtually everywhere in Norway, even in small villages like Flåm.
Is Norway safe for solo travelers?
Norway is one of the safest countries in the world for solo travel.
