At a Glance
Quick OverviewTen days in Norway unlocks the country’s full diversity—from cosmopolitan Oslo to dramatic fjords, charming Bergen to the Arctic wonders of Lofoten or Tromsø. This itinerary builds on the classic 7-day route, adding time for deeper exploration and the chance to experience Norway’s magnificent north.
Two route options are provided: one focusing on the Lofoten Islands (best for summer), the other on Tromsø and Arctic Norway (ideal for Northern Lights season). Both deliver unforgettable experiences.
Itinerary Overview
Route A: Oslo → Fjords → Bergen → Lofoten
| Day | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oslo | Arrival, city exploration |
| 2 | Oslo | Museums, neighbourhoods |
| 3 | Oslo → Flåm | Bergen Railway, Flåm Railway |
| 4 | Sognefjord | Fjord cruise, Stegastein |
| 5 | Flåm → Bergen | Scenic journey, Bergen arrival |
| 6 | Bergen | Bryggen, Mt. Fløyen |
| 7 | Bergen → Lofoten | Fly to Leknes/Svolvær |
| 8 | Lofoten | Reine, Reinebringen |
| 9 | Lofoten | Beaches, villages |
| 10 | Lofoten → Departure | Fly home via Oslo/Bodø |
Route B: Oslo → Fjords → Bergen → Tromsø
| Day | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1-6 | Same as Route A | Oslo, fjords, Bergen |
| 7 | Bergen → Tromsø | Fly to Tromsø |
| 8 | Tromsø | City, cable car, Arctic Cathedral |
| 9 | Tromsø | Northern Lights/activities |
| 10 | Tromsø → Departure | Morning exploration, fly home |
Days 1-2: Oslo
Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions
Morning/Afternoon:
- Arrive Oslo Gardermoen (OSL)
- Flytoget to central station (20 min)
- Check into hotel
Afternoon Exploration:
- Oslo Opera House (walk on the roof)
- Aker Brygge waterfront
- Karl Johans Gate stroll
Evening:
- Dinner at Mathallen or Grünerløkka
Day 2: Oslo Deep Dive
Morning: Museums Choose 1-2:
- Munch Museum (The Scream)
- National Museum (Norwegian art)
- Fram Museum (polar exploration)
- Viking Ship Museum (reopening)
Afternoon:
- Vigeland Sculpture Park
- Grünerløkka neighbourhood
- Coffee culture experience
Evening:
- Sunset from Ekeberg Park
- Dinner in Tjuvholmen
Oslo Accommodation:
| Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Anker Hostel | Thon Hotel Opera | The Thief |
| £40-55/night | £120-160/night | £280+/night |
Day 3: Oslo to Flåm
The Scenic Railway Journey
Schedule:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Depart Oslo (Bergen Railway) |
| 1:00 PM | Arrive Myrdal |
| 1:30 PM | Flåm Railway departs |
| 2:30 PM | Arrive Flåm |
Bergen Railway Highlights:
- Hardangervidda plateau crossing
- Mountain lakes and glaciers
- Highest point: Finse (1,222m)
Flåm Railway:
- World’s steepest railway
- 20 tunnels
- Kjosfossen waterfall stop
Evening in Flåm:
- Explore tiny village
- Ægir Bryggeri (Viking brewpub)
- Fjord-side relaxation
Day 4: Sognefjord Exploration
Morning: Fjord Cruise
Flåm → Gudvangen:
- 2-hour cruise
- Nærøyfjord (UNESCO)
- Dramatic cliffs, waterfalls
Afternoon Options
Option A: Stegastein Viewpoint
- 650m above fjord
- Architectural platform
- Iconic photo spot
Option B: Hiking
- Aurlandsdalen valley
- Various trail options
- Stunning scenery
Option C: Kayaking
- Paddle the fjord
- Water-level perspective
- Guided tours available
Evening
Return to Flåm or stay in Aurland for quieter atmosphere.
Day 5: Flåm to Bergen
Morning Journey
Options:
- Norway in a Nutshell completion: Bus to Gudvangen, ferry, train to Bergen
- Direct route: Flåm Railway + Bergen Railway
Afternoon: Bergen Arrival
- Check into hotel
- Walk to Bryggen
- Explore colourful alleys
Evening
- Fløibanen funicular to Mt. Fløyen
- Sunset views
- Dinner at Fish Market or Bryggen
Day 6: Bergen
Morning
Bryggen (UNESCO):
- Hanseatic buildings
- Historic alleyways
- Artisan workshops
- Hanseatic Museum
Afternoon
Choose Your Experience:
- KODE Art Museums
- Bergenhus Fortress
- Neighbourhood exploration
- Shopping
Evening
- Final Bergen dinner
- Pack for next day’s flight
Bergen Accommodation:
| Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Bergen YMCA | Zander K | Hotel Nore |
| £48-65/night | £120-175/night | £240+/night |
Route A: Days 7-10 (Lofoten)
Day 7: Bergen → Lofoten
Morning:
- Fly Bergen → Leknes or Svolvær (connect via Bodø)
- Flight time: 2-3 hours with connection
Afternoon:
- Pick up hire car (essential in Lofoten)
- Drive to Reine/Sakrisøy area
- First impressions of dramatic scenery
Evening:
- Settle into rorbu cabin
- Explore Reine village
- Midnight sun viewing (summer)
Day 8: Lofoten Highlights
Morning: Reinebringen Hike
- 1,500+ Sherpa steps
- 2-3 hours round trip
- Iconic Reine view
Afternoon:
- Recover in Reine
- Explore Hamnøy
- Beach time at Ramberg or Kvalvika
Evening:
- Seafood dinner
- Photography at golden hour
- Village exploration
Day 9: Lofoten Exploration
Option A: Active Day
- Ryten hike (Kvalvika view)
- Kayaking tours
- Fishing experience
Option B: Cultural Day
- Å fishing village
- Viking Museum (Borg)
- Nusfjord traditional village
Option C: Island Hopping
- Drive the E10 scenic route
- Multiple village stops
- Beach hopping
Day 10: Departure
Morning:
- Final Lofoten views
- Return hire car
Departure Options:
- Fly Leknes/Svolvær → Oslo → Home
- Fly Bodø → Oslo → Home
- Continue to Tromsø (extend trip)
Route B: Days 7-10 (Tromsø)
Day 7: Bergen → Tromsø
Morning:
- Fly Bergen → Tromsø (2 hours direct)
Afternoon:
- Check into hotel
- Arctic Cathedral visit
- Polaria aquarium
Evening:
- Cable car to Storsteinen
- City views
- Dinner in town centre
Day 8: Tromsø Exploration
Daytime:
- Polar Museum
- Tromsø University Museum
- Walking tour of old town
- Coffee culture
Evening (Winter):
- Northern Lights tour
- Chase the aurora
- Photo opportunities
Evening (Summer):
- Midnight sun experience
- Hiking with endless daylight
Day 9: Arctic Activities
Winter Options:
- Dog sledding
- Reindeer sledding
- Snowmobile safari
- Whale watching (Nov-Jan)
Summer Options:
- Fjord cruise
- Hiking Tromsø mountains
- Fishing trips
- Midnight sun photography
Day 10: Departure
Morning:
- Final Arctic exploration
- Last-minute shopping
- Fly Tromsø → Oslo → Home
Budget Breakdown
Estimated Costs (Per Person, 10 Days)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (domestic) | £160-240 | £240-320 | £400+ |
| Accommodation | £400-560 | £1,200-1,600 | £2,800+ |
| Transport (trains, car) | £240-320 | £320-400 | £480+ |
| Food | £280-400 | £480-720 | £960+ |
| Activities | £120-200 | £240-400 | £560+ |
| Total | £1,200-1,720 | £2,480-3,440 | £5,200+ |
| Daily Average | £120-172 | £248-344 | £520+ |
Money-Saving Tips
- Book domestic flights early
- Self-cater some meals
- Stay in hostels or cabins
- Book train Minipris tickets
- Free attractions (parks, walking, views)
- Travel shoulder season
Transport Summary
| Route | Mode | Duration | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport → Oslo | Flytoget | 20 min | flytoget.no |
| Oslo → Myrdal | Train | 5 hours | vy.no |
| Myrdal → Flåm | Train | 1 hour | visitflam.com |
| Flåm → Bergen | Train | 2.5 hours | vy.no |
| Bergen → Lofoten | Flight | 2-3 hours | wideroe.no |
| Bergen → Tromsø | Flight | 2 hours | norwegian.com |
| Lofoten → Oslo | Flight | 2-3 hours | wideroe.no |
| Tromsø → Oslo | Flight | 2 hours | norwegian.com |
Packing for 10 Days
Essentials
- Layers (Norway weather changes)
- Rain jacket (essential)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hiking boots (if hiking)
- Warm fleece/down jacket
- Hat, gloves, scarf
Season-Specific
Summer:
- Sunglasses, sunscreen
- Light layers
- Swimsuit (brave the water!)
- Eye mask (midnight sun)
Winter:
- Heavy winter jacket
- Thermal base layers
- Warm waterproof boots
- Hand/toe warmers
Best Time for This Itinerary
| Season | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| June-July | Lofoten route, midnight sun | Peak prices, crowds |
| August | Both routes work well | Good weather, fewer crowds |
| September | Tromsø route, aurora begins | Shoulder season value |
| Winter | Tromsø route, Northern Lights | Cold, limited daylight |
Final Thoughts
Ten days in Norway offers the complete experience: urban culture in Oslo, the romance of fjord travel, Bergen’s historic charm, and the raw beauty of Arctic Norway. Whether you choose Lofoten’s dramatic peaks and midnight sun or Tromsø’s Northern Lights and Arctic adventures, you’ll leave understanding why Norway consistently ranks among the world’s most spectacular destinations.
The key is balancing ambition with relaxation—don’t rush to see everything. The memories that last aren’t from ticking boxes but from lingering over coffee with fjord views, watching the midnight sun from a Lofoten peak, or standing in awe as the aurora dances overhead.
For detailed destination guides, see Oslo Travel Guide, Bergen Travel Guide, Lofoten Islands Guide, and Tromsø Travel Guide.