At a Glance
Quick OverviewSeven days in Norway is the sweet spot for first-time visitors—long enough to experience the country’s stunning diversity, short enough to keep the adventure focused. This itinerary takes you from Oslo’s cultural scene through spectacular train journeys, into the heart of the fjords, and finishes in charming Bergen, covering Norway’s absolute highlights without exhausting yourself.
The route combines Norway’s most famous scenic journeys—the Bergen Railway and Flåm Railway—with iconic fjord experiences and optional hiking opportunities. Whether you prefer active adventure or relaxed sightseeing, this itinerary adapts to your pace.
Itinerary Overview
| Day | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oslo | Arrival, city exploration |
| 2 | Oslo | Museums, Vigeland Park |
| 3 | Oslo → Flåm | Bergen Railway, Flåm Railway |
| 4 | Flåm → Sognefjord | Fjord cruise, Aurland |
| 5 | Sognefjord area | Stegastein, optional hike |
| 6 | Flåm → Bergen | Scenic journey, Bergen arrival |
| 7 | Bergen | Bryggen, departure |
Day 1: Arrive in Oslo
Morning/Afternoon: Arrival
Most international flights arrive at Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL). The Flytoget airport express takes just 20 minutes to Oslo Central Station (NOK 230/~£18).
Afternoon activities:
- Check into hotel
- Walk along Aker Brygge waterfront
- Explore Oslo Opera House (walk on the roof!)
- Stroll Karl Johans Gate
Evening: First Taste of Oslo
Dinner options:
- Mathallen Oslo: Food hall with varied options
- Grünerløkka: Hip neighbourhood with cafés
- Aker Brygge: Waterfront restaurants (pricier)
Accommodation: Stay near Central Station for easy access to trains tomorrow.
| Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Anker Hostel | Thon Hotel Opera | The Thief |
| £32-48/night | £120-160/night | £280+/night |
Day 2: Explore Oslo
Morning: Museums
Oslo’s museum scene is world-class. Choose based on your interests:
Top Picks:
- Munch Museum: Edvard Munch’s complete works including “The Scream”
- Viking Ship Museum: (Reopening as Museum of the Viking Age)
- National Museum: Norway’s largest art collection
- Fram Museum: Polar exploration history
Museum Tips:
- Oslo Pass includes most museums and transport
- Book Munch Museum tickets in advance
- Allow 2-3 hours per major museum
Afternoon: Vigeland Park & Neighbourhoods
Vigeland Sculpture Park (Free):
- 200+ sculptures by Gustav Vigeland
- Iconic “Monolith” centrepiece
- Beautiful in any weather
- Allow 1-2 hours
Neighbourhood Exploration:
- Grünerløkka: Vintage shops, cafés, street art
- Tjuvholmen: Modern architecture, Astrup Fearnley Museum
- Frogner: Upscale, tree-lined streets
Evening: Sunset & Dinner
Watch sunset from the Opera House roof or Ekeberg Park, then dinner in Grünerløkka or Mathallen.
Oslo Travel GuideDay 3: Oslo to Flåm (The Scenic Journey)
The Route
Today features two of Norway’s most famous train journeys:
Bergen Railway (Oslo → Myrdal):
- Duration: ~5 hours
- Highlight: Crossing Hardangervidda plateau
- Scenery: Mountains, lakes, glaciers
Flåm Railway (Myrdal → Flåm):
- Duration: ~1 hour
- Highlight: Dramatic descent, Kjosfossen waterfall
- Considered one of world’s most beautiful train rides
Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Depart Oslo Central |
| 1:00 PM | Arrive Myrdal, change trains |
| 1:30 PM | Depart Myrdal |
| 2:30 PM | Arrive Flåm |
Booking Tips:
- Book Bergen Railway via vy.no (earlier = cheaper)
- Flåm Railway via visitflam.com
- Sit on the left side leaving Oslo for best views
- Don’t miss Kjosfossen waterfall stop
Afternoon in Flåm
After arriving:
- Explore tiny Flåm village
- Visit Flåm Railway Museum
- Walk along the fjord
- Sample local craft beer at Ægir Bryggeri
Evening
Dinner: Ægir Bryggeri (Viking-themed brewpub) or Fretheim Hotel restaurant
Accommodation:
| Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Flåm Marina & Apartments | Fretheim Hotel | 29 |
| £80-120/night | £160-240/night | £320+/night |
Day 4: Sognefjord Exploration
Morning: Fjord Cruise
Experience Sognefjord—Norway’s longest and deepest fjord—by boat.
Classic Route: Flåm → Gudvangen
- Duration: 2 hours
- Scenery: Nærøyfjord (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Highlights: Steep cliffs, waterfalls, remote farms
- Cruises depart multiple times daily
Alternative: Electric fjord safari for a quieter, closer-to-water experience.
Afternoon: Aurland & Stegastein
After returning to Flåm (or taking bus from Gudvangen), explore:
Stegastein Viewpoint:
- Dramatic platform extending over Aurlandsfjord
- 650m above fjord level
- Drive, bus, or taxi from Aurland (15 min)
- Iconic photography spot
Aurland Village:
- Authentic fjord village
- Shoe-making heritage
- Excellent hiking trailheads
- Quieter than Flåm
Evening
Return to Flåm or stay in Aurland for a quieter experience. Both have dinner options.
Book Norway in a NutshellDay 5: Active Day (Flexible)
Today is flexible based on your interests and fitness level. Choose your adventure:
Option A: Hiking
Moderate: Aurlandsdalen Valley
- Distance: Various options (5-20 km)
- Scenery: Green valley, river, farms
- Duration: 3-6 hours
- Accessible from Aurland
Challenging: Prest Summit
- Distance: 5 km round trip
- Elevation: 850m gain
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Stunning fjord views
Option B: Kayaking
Guided Kayak Tour:
- Paddle on Aurlandsfjord
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- See fjord from water level
- Suitable for beginners
- Book through Njord Kayak
Option C: Relaxation
Take It Easy:
- Sleep in at your accommodation
- Leisurely breakfast
- Stroll Flåm or Aurland
- Visit local church (1667)
- Enjoy coffee with fjord views
- Another Ægir beer tasting
Option D: Day Trip
Vik & Hopperstad Stave Church:
- Bus or hire car
- Visit 12th-century stave church
- Small Viking town
- Combine with scenic drive
Day 6: Flåm to Bergen
Morning: Scenic Journey
Option 1: Norway in a Nutshell Route
- Bus: Flåm → Gudvangen
- Ferry: Gudvangen → Flåm (scenic fjord)
- Train: Flåm → Myrdal → Bergen
Option 2: Direct Train
- Flåm Railway to Myrdal
- Bergen Railway to Bergen
- Faster, still scenic
- Arrives Bergen ~3 PM
Afternoon: Bergen Arrival
Check into your Bergen hotel and begin exploring:
First Impressions:
- Walk to Bryggen (historic wharf)
- Wander colourful wooden buildings
- Peek into alleyways and courtyards
- Coffee at a harbour café
Evening: Bergen Highlights
Mt. Fløyen:
- Take Fløibanen funicular (7 minutes)
- Panoramic city and fjord views
- Best at sunset
- Walk down if weather’s good
Dinner in Bergen:
- Fish Market (touristy but fun)
- Pingvinen (traditional Norwegian)
- Lysverket (modern Nordic)
- Bryggeloftet & Stuene (Bryggen classic)
Accommodation:
| Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Bergen YMCA | Zander K | Hotel Nore |
| £40-65/night | £120-175/night | £240+/night |
Day 7: Bergen & Departure
Morning: Bryggen & Old Bergen
Bryggen (UNESCO World Heritage):
- Hanseatic trading buildings (14th century)
- Explore hidden alleyways
- Visit Hanseatic Museum
- Browse artisan workshops
Fish Market:
- Fresh seafood breakfast/lunch
- Sample local specialities
- Both indoor and outdoor sections
Midday: Final Exploration
If Time Allows:
- KODE Art Museums
- Bergenhus Fortress
- Fantoft Stave Church (reconstructed)
- Shopping on Marken street
Afternoon: Departure
Bergen Airport (BGO):
- 30 minutes from city centre
- Light rail or airport bus
- Allow 2 hours before international flights
Alternative Endings:
- Direct flight to next destination
- Continue to Hardanger for more fjords
- Head north to Ålesund
Budget Breakdown
Estimated Costs (Per Person)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (6 nights) | £240-320 | £800-1,200 | £2,000+ |
| Transport (trains, ferries) | £160-200 | £200-240 | £240-320 |
| Food | £160-240 | £320-480 | £640+ |
| Activities | £80-120 | £160-280 | £320+ |
| Daily Average | £105-145 | £225-320 | £480+ |
| Week Total | £720-1,040 | £1,600-2,240 | £3,360+ |
Money-Saving Tips
- Book train tickets early (Vy Minipris)
- Stay in hostels or Airbnb
- Self-cater some meals
- Free attractions (parks, Bryggen walking, Opera House)
- Use tap water (excellent quality)
- Avoid eating at airports
Transport Summary
| Route | Mode | Duration | Book Via |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport → Oslo | Flytoget | 20 min | flytoget.no |
| Oslo → Myrdal | Train | 5 hours | vy.no |
| Myrdal → Flåm | Train | 1 hour | visitflam.com |
| Flåm → Gudvangen | Ferry | 2 hours | visitflam.com |
| Flåm → Bergen | Train | 2.5 hours | vy.no |
| Bergen → Airport | Light rail | 30 min | skyss.no |
Best Time for This Itinerary
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| June | Long days, midnight sun nearby | Peak prices beginning |
| July | Warmest, everything open | Busiest, most expensive |
| August | Good weather, slightly calmer | Still peak season |
| September | Fewer crowds, autumn colours | Shorter days, some closures |
| May | Shoulder season, waterfalls peak | Snow on mountains, cooler |
Packing Essentials
Clothing:
- Layers (weather changes quickly)
- Rain jacket (essential)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm fleece/jumper
- Hat and sunglasses
Gear:
- Power adapter (Type F)
- Camera with good zoom
- Reusable water bottle
- Day pack for hikes
- Offline maps downloaded
Final Thoughts
Seven days in Norway delivers an unforgettable introduction to one of Europe’s most spectacular countries. From Oslo’s sophisticated culture to the jaw-dropping train journeys, from misty fjords to Bergen’s colourful charm, this itinerary hits the highlights whilst leaving room for spontaneity.
The beauty of this route is its flexibility—active travellers can add ambitious hikes, relaxation-seekers can linger over long lunches with fjord views, and everyone leaves having experienced Norway’s extraordinary landscapes. Book your trains early, pack for all weather, and prepare for a week you’ll remember forever.
For more detailed destination guides, see our Oslo Travel Guide, Bergen Travel Guide, and Norwegian Fjords pages.