Picture snow-capped mountainous landscapes, crystal clear waters glistening under the winter sun, feeding reindeer with the Sami people, admiring dramatic fjords and frozen lakes, and gliding along the snow in a sled pulled by the cutest huskies.

That’s winter in Tromso, and what an arctic oasis it is!

Wait! We can’t forget about those Northern Lights! As the dark early nights set in, a sea of glowing and dancing green lights appear that make even the most macho-est man squeal with child-like excitement. 

In this (crazy) comprehensive guide to Tromso in winter, you’ll get all my practical advice to plan your trip. Including the best times to see the Northern lights, getting around Tromsø, how to pack for this real-life winter wonderland, and of course the best things to do during a winter in Tromso!

Five days was certainly not enough to explore this snowy metropolis! You’re gonna love winter in Tromso, I promise you!

Before we get into this arctic Tromso itinerary, let’s go over some basics of planning a trip to Tromso in winter.

This post was written by Deborah from @debs.hereandthere, who recently went on a winter trip to Tromso and couldn’t keep this special spot to herself! Enjoy!

Tromso in Winter Itinerary Logistics

Where is Tromsø?

Tromsø sits in one of the most northern regions of Norway. Not many people realize this, but it’s a city that’s actually located on two separate islands – Troms (Tromsøy) and Kval (Kvaløy). You can even see the divide between the two if you take the cable car up the mountain, but we’ll get to that shortly! 

If you’ve heard of Tromsø, you probably know it’s one of the best places to chase the Northern Lights. But do you know why? Well, Tromsø is found some 2200 km south of the North Pole and 350 km south of the Arctic Circle. To put that into perspective, Oslo, the capital city of Norway, is located 3345 km south of the North Pole and 740 km from the Arctic Circle! Quite the difference!

Don’t worry if these numbers are nothing but numerical geographical jargon to you – basically Tromsø is crazy far up North! 

It’s also nicely situated near the borders of Sweden and Finland. This is especially useful for Northern lights tour guides who may drive to these borders if there is significantly better aurora activity over there. 

How to get to Tromsø? 

I’m from London, UK so getting to Tromsø is pretty easy. A short 2-2.5 hour flight from London will get you to Oslo (Oslo Airport, Gardermoen, OSL), and a connecting flight from Oslo will get you to Tromsø (Tromsø Airport, TOS) in 1.5-2 hours. 

Although, depending on when and where you’re traveling from, you may be lucky enough to get direct flights from London or other countries in Europe, such as Germany, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden. 

If you’re traveling to Tromsø from outside the UK, it would be safe to presume this same route would still apply with a change in Oslo. For example, getting to Tromsø from one of the many commonly used US airports, such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco etc., would most likely involve taking 2 connecting flights. 

First, you’d initially fly to a European airport such as one in Amsterdam or London, then onwards to Oslo, Finland, Sweden or another Scandinavian airport. Finally, you’ll hop on another connecting flight to Tromsø. Quite the journey, but I promise you experiencing winter in Tromso is well worth all the effort!

For those conscious about their carbon footprint and lucky enough to have the extra time to travel, taking a flight-free trip from London to Tromsø is also possible. But be warned, it will take significantly longer by a good number of days! 

This will involve taking trains and buses from London > Germany > Denmark > Sweden/Finland > Norway. On the upside, this would make for one heck of a road trip!

How to Get Around Tromso

Thankfully, once you make it to Tromso, it’s pretty easy to get around. Even in the winter.

Using Tromsø’s city buses will be your most common use of public transport around Tromsø. These run everyday within the city of Tromsø from early morning to late night. Most city buses fortunately provide accessibility for wheelchair users or people with mobility conditions. As an added note, pets and strollers are also allowed on buses, though a small fee of NOK20 may be charged to bring an adult bike on board. 

For ease of using buses around Tromsø, get the Troms Billet app which is the easiest and quickest way of using bus tickets. The Troms Billet app website has loads of info. 

If your phone crashes or you’re not able to get the app for whatever reason, you can buy bus tickets at ticket vending machines in the city center. Bus tickets purchased at the machines or in the app are only valid for 90 minutes so don’t buy a bunch of bus tickets to use for the whole day. 

Many of the top sights can be reached by walking so if you want to get those steps in, you may not even need the bus outside of getting to and from the airport. But remember – winter in Tromso is beyond freezing; you’ll probably wanna take the bus every so often!

When is Winter in Tromsø Exactly?!

So, winter in Tromsø, compared to anywhere else in the world, is pretty much the real winter deal (editor’s note: way different than winters here in California, haha). Snow is almost always guaranteed at some point during the winter, along with those lovely close-to-zero temperatures. 

The winter season officially runs from December until late March. The coldest month is said to be January where daylight hours are minimal and the weather can be quite volatile. 

So, what is the best winter month to visit Tromso? Depending on who you ask and what you want out of your holiday, the best winter months will vary. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best times to visit based on different experiences:

• Best time to see whales in Tromso: November – January
• Best time to see Northern Lights: September – April, but March is the least cloudy
• Best time for sightseeing: March – April
• Cheapest time to visit: January – March
• Polar Nights (0 hours of daylight): December

Many say March is one of the best months to visit in the winter. This is because you get the added benefit of day AND night which the height of winter doesn’t provide. In March, the days are longer which means more time can be spent soaking in all the best nature Tromsø has to offer. The period of March also offers more clear skies and less volatile weather which means greater visibility for seeing the Northern Lights.

Here’s a breakdown of Tromso winter temps:

• December: 0C(32F) / -4C(24F)
• January: -1C(30F) / -5C(23F)
• February: -1C(30F) / -5C(23F)
• March: 1C(33F) / -4C(24F)

As much as one can try to predict the weather, you should be well aware that winter in particular can be pretty unpredictable in Tromsø and can vary year to year. 

Some years Tromsø can experience above-average snowfall and experience the extremes of weather such as snowstorms and avalanches. Other years, winters may be milder than usual which can lead to a shorter ski season for those ski enthusiasts. 

Basically, nature is unpredictable so don’t let that put you off! No matter what Mother Nature brings you, winter in Tromso is absolutely spectacular.

A note on Polar Nights: If you are planning a Christmas trip to Tromso, it’s important to mention that Tromsø experiences Polar Nights. The Polar Night season begins around the end of November and lasts until the end of January. During these nights, the sun does not rise at all. Did you hear that?! THE SUN DOESN’T RISE AT ALL! 

Polar Nights only occur in the northernmost and southernmost regions of Earth, inside the polar circles. Think Antarctica, northern Norway, Finnish Lapland, Iceland, Alaska.. those types of places.

But wait… does this mean it’s completely pitch dark the entire day?! Nope! Although the sun is below the horizon (meaning it never actually rises), there’s still some light coming from the sun. That’s when you get those dreamy pink skies 24/7! 

I can imagine it as a weird but awesome spectacle, having the sun never rise. I experienced something similar on a trip to Iceland in December and it’s really not that bad (…she says as a tourist). 

Psst – the opposite thing happens in summer, when the sun never sets! The Midnight Sun comes out from April to August, and there’s hardly any nighttime darkness. You’ll definitely need black out curtains if you intend to get any sleep!

What to Wear and Pack for Winter in Tromso 

I’m probably the most inexperienced winter/outdoorsy traveler and I feel like I managed more than okay in Tromsø. When I tell people in London I went to Tromso in winter, I’m met with a face of shock. 

“Isn’t it cold!?” 

Why yes, yes it is. It’s winter in Tromso…It’s not one bit warm…haha. Thankfully, if you do a little bit of research, you’ll come to find that you can easily equip yourself with the right clothing for these temperatures. 

Bear in mind, I did all of this with a carry on bag! No need for mounds of sweaters or a different set of boots for every terrain. I will say, if you’re a photographer/hiker etc, you’ll probably be bringing your gear in extra luggage which is obviously understandable. And those Tromso winter landscapes sure are something, so don’t leave your gear at home.

If you’ve been to other chilly destinations, please do your research and bring stuff that’ll actually keep you warm! Tromsø is COLD. You’ll know what I mean if you’ve ever experienced the wind chill in a cold climate. 

My everyday outfits included a base layer top to always wear underneath a thick sweater, plus a standard waterproof parka jacket. For your day-to-day wear, it’s important to dress for comfort and in a manner in which you can add and remove layers. The weather can change frequently throughout the day, and you always wanna be prepared!

A few things you’ll 100% want to bring for winter in Tromso:

• Faux fur-lined leggings: A jacket will only cover so much. Invest in keeping those legs toasty too! 
• Snow pants: To use for those long tour days and Northern Lights tours.
• Waterproof parka jacket: A necessity for unpredictable showers!
• Merino wool socks: To keep your feet toasty, merino wool is your best friend! I had a few pairs of these to wear on top of a pair of normal socks. You will need them for those freezing Northern Lights tours! 
• Thermal gloves with touch sensitivity: You want to take pictures right!? There are many thermal gloves with touch sensitivity so I was able to still use my phone whilst my fingers remained intact too.
• Hiking boots with good grip: You don’t have to spend a fortune on these either. Look out for sales in your local sports shop or online and you can find some pretty sweet deals. Just make sure the boots are waterproof! The last thing anyone wants is to be squelching in their boots all day with wet and cold toes. 
• Power bank that can last at least a few hours of charging.
• High quality lip balm to curb the dryness from those frosty winds.
• Polarized sunglasses: If you go to Tromsø in March, there is a good amount of reflective light (especially around large bodies of water).

How Expensive is Tromsø

Tromsø. Is. Expensive. Just like literally everywhere else in Norway. There, I said it – clear as day and no sugar-coating it. 

Food is expensive. Tours are expensive. Accommodation is expensive. BUT with a bit of healthy finance planning, it’s not an entirely unattainable trip. I mean, winter in Tromso is certainly a bucket list trip… so well worth the high expense!

Take a look at these average prices in Tromso… see, told ya it’s an expensive place to visit!

• Hamburger: 130 NOK (~$13 USD)
• Inexpensive meal: 180 NOK (~$18 USD)
• Beer: 100 NOK (~$10USD)
• Hot chocolate: 35 NOK (~$3.50 USD)
• Coffee/tea: 35 NOK (~$3.50 USD)
• Hotel: 2,500 – 3,000 NOK per night (~$250-300 USD)
• Gallon of Milk: 70 NOK (~$7 USD)
• Bottle of water: 30 NOK (~$3 USD)

I recommend booking your flight and hotel together, as hotel availability can vary quite quickly. You don’t want to book a flight and then realize the Ritz is the only option left (there isn’t a Ritz in Tromsø but you get my point, fancy hotel in Tromsø = where do I sell my kidney…). 

How Long to Stay in Tromso during Winter

Honestly, if you’re looking for the ultimate winter wonderland destination, Tromsø really is the most magical city! I spent 5 days here but could’ve easily spent a good 7 days or more. 

Tromsø operates on a lot of tours and there’s so much going on, from reindeer sledding, to snowmobiling, and I don’t need to mention the obvious Northern Lights chasing. There’s also a whole bunch of things to do in Tromso in winter in the city itself – in case you’ve had enough of the arctic landscapes, whales, and huskies (but that’s not possible, now is it?!).

An important note to mention is that if one of your main aims is to see the Northern Lights, please don’t stay for just a weekend or 2 nights! I was told a lot of people do this and forget that seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed. 

Even though Tromsø is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, Mother Nature may be hiding for a little while so give her some patience. I would recommend at least 3-4 nights and to book a Northern Lights tour early on in your stay. Many tours allow for a free rebooking if your group doesn’t get an aurora show which I think is great so make the most of it!

Basically, the longer your Tromso winter stay is, the greater chance you’ll have to see the Northern Lights.

Outside of these tours, it’s also possible to rent your own car and see the best of Tromsø yourself. I’m not a winter driver so I unfortunately can’t comment too much on this! 

Where to Stay in Tromsø in Winter

Hotels in Tromsø will probably be one of your biggest expenses. I mean it’s Norway, it’s expensive. But on the upside, many of the hotels are located quite centrally and most are within a short walk from each other. 

Since you’ll be signing up for plenty of tours (a must during any Tromso winter itinerary), basing yourself in the city center is a smart choice. Most tours will have a central meeting point in Tromsø (normally somewhere in the city center) and offer to drop people back at their hotels.

I stayed at the Enter Viking Hotel which had a cute single room with modern amenities. They even provided a big detailed book on all things Tromsø – places to eat, sights to see, cultural traditions etc. 

Breakfast is offered at their larger hotel across the road (Enter Amalie Hotel) which I didn’t really make use of due to early tour timings. Unlimited coffee and tea are provided at their 24hr front desk which you’ll be truly thankful for after a freezing night chasing the Northern Lights, or any cold day for that matter. 

If you want to save a few pennies, there’s one hostel in the city center called Tromsø Activities Hostel. As a solo traveler, I love staying in hostels and meeting new people, though, Tromsø still has a way to go in terms of having an infrastructure more suited to the solo traveler. A few more hostels would definitely be beneficial! 

Two other notable hotels I noticed many people being dropped off too were the Radisson Blu Hotel and the Scandic Grand Tromsø Hotel. I can’t comment on prices but judging by the looks and the names, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were quite a bit pricier than my hotel option.

Other Important FAQS about Winter in Tromso

Currency

The official currency of Norway is the Norwegian Krone. Nope, not the Euro, so don’t bring any of those here! I highly advise you to take out some Krone at an ATM at the airport upon landing (as you’ll get the best conversion rate using an ATM and never at a currency exchange kiosk or beforehand at home).

At the time of writing (November 2022), 100 Norwegian Krone is equivalent to ~$10.8 USD (or $1 USD = ~9.94 NOK). To make it super easy to convert, just remember that 100 NOK is about $10 USD, or 1,000 NOK is roughly $100 USD! See, easy peasy, and way easier to convert than other currencies around the world!

Because most of my time was spent on pre-paid tours, I actually never used cash around Tromsø. Visa and Mastercards are widely accepted. 

I recommend using a credit card that doesn’t charge for exchange fees when used abroad and is known for using a good exchange rate of that day. BUT I will say, have at the minimum, a small amount of cash. Don’t be like me and wander onto a bus thinking they will accept cards (silly, I know). 

Language

Now, it’s not that hard to guess what language is spoken in Norway – Norwegian! It’s the most widely spoken and recognised language in all of Norway. 

But did you know a small portion of the population also speak Sami (or Saami)? The Sami languages are spoken in parts of central Sweden, northern Finland, Norway, and on the Kola Peninsula in Russia. And yes, this includes Tromso!

You don’t have to try and learn Sami as only a minority of the population can speak the Sami languages, plus English is widely spoken in Tromsø. However, I always love learning a few important words in the local language (plus, it’s the respectful thing to do as well). 

I recommend learning a few words in both Norwegian, and also in Saami. Both languages are quite hard (especially Sami), so expect the locals to correct your pronunciation! Hey – I’m sure they’ll be thrilled with your attempts regardless!

Basic Norwegian Words/Phrases

• Hello: Hallo 
• Good morning: God morgen
• See you later: Ser deg senere
• Yes/No: Ja/Nei
• Please: Vær så snill
• Thank you: Takk skal du ha
• Can you help me, please?: Kan du hjelpe meg er du snill
• Where is the bathroom?: Hvor er toalettet

Basic Sami Words/Phrases

• Hello: Bures
• Good morning: Buorre iđit Ipmel atti
• See you later: Oaidnaleabmai
• Yes/No: Jua,Juo,Joo/A-a,Ii
• Please: Leage buorre
• Thank you: Giitu
• Do you speak English?: Humatgo Eaŋgalasgiela?
• Where is the bathroom?: Gos hivsset lea?

Tipping in Norway

When in Tromsø, you’ll probably be eating out at one point or another. I’m from England and tipping is definitely not the custom here, though I know this isn’t the case for my friends across the pond. If you’re coming from somewhere with a set tipping culture, you should know that tipping is not compulsory in Norway either. 

Saying that, if you feel appreciative of a particular service, whether it’s that of a tour guide, waiter, or hotel staff, you can always leave a little token of appreciation. If this is declined, I would respect their decision and not insist they take your tip.

Finally, what you’ve been waiting for – the absolute best things to do in Tromso in winter! Dog sledding, chasing the Northern Lights, snowmobiling, and visiting ice domes (plus way more) – coming right up!

Best Things to Do in Tromsø in Winter

If you really wanna make the most of your Tromso winter experience, be prepared to sign up for a whole bunch of tours. Much of Tromsø runs on tours conducted by experienced guides, and there’s a whole bunch of amazing options to pick from. 

Whatever you do, DON’T stay in the city center the entire time – you’ll be missing out on the best activities in Tromso in winter. I only recommend attempting some of these activities yourself if, and only if, you have sufficient winter driving experience.

Some of the most notable activities to do in Tromsø in the winter include Northern Lights tours, reindeer sledding and learning about the Sami culture, dog sledding, snowmobiling, snow shoeing, arctic nature tours, whale watching, arctic sailing, and fjord cruises. Other top sites outside of the tours include: the Arctic Cathedral, Troll Museum, cable car, and Polaria aquarium.

Try fitting these all into a jam-packed winter Tromso itinerary! Told you you’ll want at least 5 full days here!

Witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

Marveling at the northern lights is easily one of the best things to do in Tromso in winter! And understandably so. It’s a real bucket list experience, and you honestly won’t believe the lights until you see them in person yourself.

So when can you see the northern lights in Tromso? Anytime during September through April. This is when the sky is dark enough to see the colorful lights dance vividly across the sky. Luckily, being in the center of the northern light’s oval, Tromso has a prime location for viewing the northern lights. This means you can see the northern lights even when the activity is low!

This natural phenomenon is quite unpredictable and super surprising! The lights may appear out of nowhere, and then they may fade away in a matter of minutes, and then reappear again! You never really know what you’re gonna get.

Witnessing the northern lights depends on four main factors:

• Weather: Cross your fingers for a clear night, as this is when there’s the best chance of seeing the northern lights. But even a small break in the clouds may let the lights shine through! March is known to have the clearest skies.

• Light pollution: You’ll need to head to an area with extremely minimal light pollution (since light pollution makes it infinitely more difficult to see the northern lights)! You may actually be able to see the lights in the city center, but going on a guided tour to more remote places will highly increase your chances!

• KP Index: Solar activity is measured by a KP-index, from 0 (low activity) to 9 (high activity). Anything above 4 there’s a really good chance you’ll be able to see the lights. The forecast is usually given as a three day prediction, but they’re unfortunately kinda unreliable so I wouldn’t bank on seeing them yourself solely based on this alone.

• Patience: You need to be at the right place at the right time. That’s why it’s so important to go on a guided tour – the staff know exactly the best spots and how to find them (plus they communicate with other guides in the area).

If you want the best possible chance of seeing the Northern Lights, I HIGHLY recommend joining a guided tour. You need local knowledge of the area, and there’s actually a decent amount of organization that goes into seeing them. Thankfully, there’s loads of tours to choose from, but make sure to book in advance as this is easily the popular thing to do in Tromso during the winter. 

My recommendation – book two tours for your trip, one on your first/second night, and then later on in your trip. This way if you don’t see them on your first tour, you’ll already have a second tour lined up! Way less stress this way.

This all-inclusive tour by Polar Adventures has great reviews, and the company even sends you professional photos after the tour (plus gives you tons of photography advice if you’re interested).

A few other recommended tours (they all have such positive reviews):

• Northern Lights Guided Bus Chase
• Aurora Borealis Small Group Tour
• Tromso Small Group Northern Lights Tour with Free Professional Photos
• Northern Lights Chase in Tromso
• Tromso Northern Lights Tour with Campfire and Snacks

As amazing as my Northern Lights tour was, I would strongly recommend not to go in with the expectation of seeing the Lights. I had previously been on a Northern Lights tour in Iceland and didn’t see the Lights and the disappointment was HEAVY!

But remember, Tromso is one of the best places in the world to see this unique phenomenon… way better than Iceland. 

Go in with an appreciation of nature and bask in the wonderfulness of the experience as a whole. If you see the Lights, it will be an awesome surreal experience. If you don’t see the Lights, it will still be an amazing experience to see Tromso late at night! But your best bet of seeing the Northern Lights is definitely on a guided tour, for sure.

Reindeer Sledding

You can feed reindeer!!! This experience definitely ignited my inner child. If you don’t know much about reindeers and how they integrate with Norwegian culture, be prepared to learn a lot from these friendly creatures and their herders. My main takeaway from this was that reindeers are super friendly! 

The sledding was a slow relaxing ride led by a reindeer herder. After everyone had a ride, the reindeer herders kindly sang us a traditional yoik song which is one of the oldest vocal traditions in Europe. It was definitely unique to say the least!

You’ll 1000% wanna book this advance, as it’s easily one of the most unique things to do in Tromso in winter and everyone’s favorite! I mean, you get to hang out with real-life reindeer! A few recommended tours:

• Tromso Reindeer Sledding and Feeding with Sami Culture: Visit a reindeer camp and feed the animals before immersing yourself in Sami cultural stories while enjoying a delicious meal by the fire. 

• Tromso Reindeer Sledding with Northern Lights and Dinner: Feed the reindeer and go reindeer sledding at night time on this day trip from Tromsø. Savor a Sami dinner with reindeer herders and keep an eye out for the dazzling northern lights.

• From Tromsø – Reindeer Ranch and Sami Culture Tour: Hand feed reindeer at a ranch near Tromsø and learn more about the Sami people. Get invited into their traditional dwellings and enjoy a meal cooked over a fire. Gather around to listen to ancient stories and songs.

Snowmobiling

Any adrenaline enthusiasts out there? I bet there are! This is the perfect type of tour for those who want that pulse-racing, hair-standing, and thrilling adventure! Whizz around the Arctic wilderness on a jazzy snowmobile and marvel at the stunning scenery. 

Many of the wilderness centers where these tours generally take place are located a short distance from Tromsø. You’ll be greeted by a guide where you’ll be provided with the appropriate clothing and equipment, plus the all important safety briefing. These tours are not available to those without a driver’s license unfortunately! 

• From Tromsø: Daytime Snowmobile Safari at Camp Tamok: This snowmobile safari gives you the opportunity to venture far into the wilderness between the snow-covered mountains up to a frozen lake. After driving back down the trail and parking the snowmobiles, enjoy a hot meal in a traditional North Norwegian setting around the open fire in a reindeer herder’s tent. 

• From Tromsø: Snowmobile Safari in the Lyngen Alps: Experience the spectacular Lyngen Alps up close while driving your own snowmobile on this trip from Tromsø run by Camp Troll, where everything is inspired by trolls. Ride your own snowmobile beneath giant mountains and learn how these spectacular summits inspired Norwegian Folklore.

Dog Sledding

Now who doesn’t love dogs!? If traveling through the Arctic landscapes on a sled led by a pack of fluffy, excitable Alaskan huskies doesn’t sound like a dream come true, then I don’t know what does! 

There are a number of operators that offer a fun-filled ride around the Arctic landscape so be sure to read what each tour entails and pick what suits you best. Some will offer self-driving options, others will offer lunch as part of the tour, and some will offer…wait for it…cuddles! With the huskies! The most important criteria right? 

Here’s few tours that sound absolutely incredible:

• Tromsø: Self-Drive Husky Dog Sledding Adventure: Enjoy a guided sledding experience while mushing your own team of huskies across the Arctic wilderness. You’ll be able to drive your own team of huskies across the Arctic wilderness while learning how to control your sled and following an experienced guide on the trail.

• Fun and Easy Dog Sledding Adventure in Breivikeidet: Take part in an authentic Arctic adventure and drive your own dog sled at a camp in Breivikeidet. Marvel at breathtaking views of Northern Norway as you cruise around on an easy and fun-filled ride.

• Half Day Tromsø Husky Sled Drive with Lunch: Get back to nature and experience the dramatic landscapes of the Arctic Circle on a dog sled ride in Tromsø. Let the lovable husky dogs pull you across the snow and get the chance to take control. 

Visit the Tromso Ice Domes

Have you ever seen a hotel made entirely of snow and ice?! That’s the Tromso Ice Domes for ya! If you’re interested in learning about how they’re made (and/or just wanna take a bunch of cool pictures), you should really consider a tour.

On a guided tour of the Ice Domes, you can see intricate ice sculptures and snow carvings lit with magical special lighting effects.  The guides are super knowledgeable about Vikings, the Sami culture, and the Norwegian themes of the snow and ice sculptures.

Plus take a shot out of a shot glass made of ice in the ice bar! You can also visit the herd of reindeer near the Domes, warm up around the fireplace, and relax in a warm wooden lavvu (traditional Sami dwelling) while enjoying a traditional Norwegian soup or stew.

Sounds like a fun way to spend an afternoon!

If you wanna combine a visit to the Ice Domes with a dog sledding tour, that tour comes highly recommended! And if you’d rather go snowshoeing, and then visit the Ice Dome, THIS tour is perfect for that!

Snow Shoeing

For those up for a bit of a challenge, why not try your hand at snow shoeing? Join a small group tour and explore the Arctic countryside on foot where you can see all of Tromsø’s amazing nature up close. Imagine a snowshoe walk in the countryside in the middle of the beautiful mountains and fjords.

The snowshoe tour gives you everything you need – snowshoes, poles, a warm thermal suit, and even winter boots if you need them. Plus hot drinks and snacks afterwards!

Arctic Nature Tours

Ready to explore one of the purest natural regions in the world!? Joining an arctic nature tour is a great way to experience the natural scenery of the Arctic outside of central Tromsø. 

A small group of us got whisked around some of the most beautiful islands in Tromsø by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide. Expect an afternoon full of fjords, mountains, sandy beaches, and cute villages. You may even spot some reindeer and the polar night sunset. On this tour you even get to have a picnic alongside one of the most stunning fjords in the area!

The tour was only 5 hours, though I felt like we covered a lot of ground in this time. Because this isn’t a full day tour, you return to central Tromsø where you can finish off the day by grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many Norwegian restaurants in town (suggestions below!).

This small-group minibus experience tour of the arctic is also highly rated! If you’re not a fan of the cold, you can still see plenty of stunning landscapes, right from the comfort of the warm bus!

Whale Watching in Tromso

If you’ve ever wanted to see these beautiful giants of the sea, there’s no better place to witness this than in Tromsø! Gain a unique and up close perspective on whale watching tours where you can see orcas and/or humpback whales in their natural habitat. Yes, I just said killer whales! 

Many of these tours will offer this smooth ride on a silent catamaran while you sail gently through the waters. The best time to go whale watching in Tromsø is between November and February so this should fit nicely in your Tromso winter itinerary. 

There’s a whole bunch of tour options; here’s a few highly rated ones that look pretty epic:

• From Tromso: Whale Watching in Magic Skjervoy: Explore the beauty of the Kvaenangen Fjord by Skjervoy and see orcas and/or humpback whales chasing large amounts of herring fish.

• Tromsø: Whale and Arctic Wildlife Cruise Safari by Catamaran: Cruise from Tromsø to the whale sighting area along the coast of Northern Norway. Enjoy the arctic scenery along the way and get to observe the whales in their natural habitat.

• Tromsø: Silent Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Catamaran: Gain a unique perspective on majestic humpback and killer whales as they feed in the herring-rich fjords of the Arctic. Get close to the animals on board a silent hybrid catamaran cruise.

• From Tromsø: All-Inclusive Whale and SeaBird Boat Cruise: Take to the waves and take in Norway’s native marine life by boat on this polar whale and bird safari from Tromsø. Cruise in comfort towards the North to Skjervøy as you admire the magnificent mountain scenery and seascapes.

Arctic Sailing

Arctic sailing?! Have you ever heard of that before? It’s definitely one of the most unique things to do in Tromso in winter, so… all the more reason to do it, right?! Expect a fun-filled day on the icy water, sailing through the majestic Norwegian fjords and spotting Arctic wildlife. 

Some even offer the opportunity to try your hand at fishing! Like Atlantic cod.

This arctic sailing tour is highly rated and takes you out on a comfy catamaran to explore the breathtaking fjords around Tromsø. And you don’t even have to do any of the leg work – the sailing crew does it all for you, haha! You get to sit back, relax, and look out for wildlife… while hanging out in the warm overalls provided by the company! Think seabirds, eagles, seals, and massive fish. Ohhh… seals! Those are my favorite.

Fjord Cruises

If you’re looking for a way to end your awesome Norwegian trip, a fjord cruise would tick all of those end-of-trip boxes! Board a catamaran and depart from Tromsø to explore the bays, straights, and fjords of the Arctic. Sit back and admire the panoramic views of the fjord landscapes and watch nature in all of its magnificent glory. What a way to end huh!

There’s plenty of options, but there’s a reason THIS ONE has over 1,250 positive reviews! I recommend booking early because it’s obviously quite popular! You’ll look out for wildlife (seals, otters, birds, and maybe even puffins) and admire the stunning scenery from a classic mahogany boat! 

You even get to fish for your lunch in the gorgeous waters – definitely not something you do everyday! Don’t worry, they don’t make you go hungry if you don’t catch anything!

If you’d rather admire the fjords from an electric catamaran, be sure to check out this Tromso fjord wildlife cruise instead!

Tromsø Fjellheisen Cable Car

Looking for some of the most spectacular views during your time in Tromso in winter? Look no further than the Fjellheisen Cable Car – from up here on Storsteinen mountain expect some truly magnificent panoramic views of all of Tromso.

The Fjellheisen Cable Car has been providing amazing views 421m above sea level since 1961! This may not be one for those with a fear of heights, though if you can stomach it, in 4 minutes you will be treated to the most amazing views over Tromsø. 

There’s a lovely cafe and restaurant situated at the top where you can sit and look over all of Tromsø. Take a trip in the evening to see Tromsø lit up at night! Buy a ticket here and read up on the cable car! 

And get this – the Fjellheisen Cable Car viewpoint is a magnificent place to spot the Northern Lights. Did you read that correctly?! You can head up here to hopefully catch the Northern Lights! Truly unbelievable. 

Arctic Cathedral

This will probably be one of the coolest church structures you come across – I mean, just look at it! Striking and modern and oh so unique. A true landmark of the city, and easily one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city center of Tromso. 

In all its striking architectural beauty, the design of this church was inspired by Arctic nature and built in 1965. It’s impossible to miss across the water. 

It’s definitely a unique sight to see during winter in Tromsø. Entrance fee is NOK55. Don’t miss the French Romantic organ inside.

Troll Museum

You may be interested to know that the Troll Museum in Tromso is the first and only troll museum in all of Norway! And it’s dedicated entirely to trolls and fairy tales! With Norway’s vast history in Norse mythology, this is a great and unique way to expand your knowledge on the subject. 

Learn all about these Norwegian folk beliefs and the creatures that populate them. AND the museum’s got augmented reality, so you know it’ll be a good time.

I was surprised to learn just how much our everyday media has been influenced by Norse mythology – Beauty and the Beast, Attack on Titan, and pretty much all of Thor’s storyline in Marvel is influenced by Norse mythology. Interesting stuff! Did you know this? Because I sure didn’t.

Polaria

Here’s one thing not to include on your Tromso itinerary – Polaria, the world’s most northerly aquarium. 

I’m not usually keen on recommending zoos or aquariums, and I can’t recommend this one either. Just read the reviews… visitors said the fish tanks were way too small, and the enclosures for the other animals felt kinda sad and not stimulating enough for them. Just keeping it real over here, as always. I can never recommend attractions where the animals’ wellbeing isn’t put first.

The outside of the building is pretty cool though, so it’s worthwhile to check out the structure if you’re into architecture and photography.

Where to eat in Tromsø During Winter

Hey, you’re in Tromso – one of the chillest destinations in the world! You gotta keep that belly full to keep warm! Visiting Tromso in winter is way different than visiting in summer, and your meals should and will reflect that!

Unlike other cities around the world, you won’t find many chain restaurants here in Tromso. The only spot I recognised was Burger King! I quite liked the idea of these smaller independent food vendors dotted around Tromsø. It felt a lot more authentic than seeing the streets lined with a load of big chain brands.  

Because most of my time was spent on tours, I actually didn’t have too much time to eat breakfast and/or lunch. Keep that in mind if you’ll be doing a bunch of tours too (which you should!). Don’t worry – full day tours will feed you to some extent (hot chocolate and cookies are almost guaranteed on every tour)!

Early-Morning Tour Tip: Since a lot of the winter Tromso tours start early in the morning, you’ll probably only have time to grab a quick coffee or hot chocolate beforehand. I recommend stocking up on some snacks (from the local shops in the city center) to have on hand before the tours start.

Here’s a few restaurants in Tromso I visited and/or had on my list to check out:

Kaia Bar & Bistro: For a classic midday meal (the only midday meal I seemed to manage), I had fried cod tongues and chips at Kaia Bar & Bistro. Cod is the staple fish of Norway and cod tongues definitely seemed like an interesting take that I couldn’t pass up trying. For what it’s worth, the ‘tongue’ element tasted like any other fried cod – crispy and fresh! 

This venue is a casual eatery in the city center and was practically empty when I was served. If you like an up-close mountain landscape view with your meal, choose to be seated outside if the weather permits. 

Restaurant Egon: Another casual dining experience I had was at Restaurant Egon. I would describe this restaurant as a Norwegian Nando’s (a popular fried chicken chain in London). I always love a Nando’s back home and this reminded me of just that! I had fried chicken bao buns with chips. 

Risø mat & kaffebar: The only true breakfast I managed to have was on the day of my flight back home. One thing I will say about this place – best breakfast ever! 

I had a walnut and honey omelet that was the fluffiest omelet I’ve ever had in my life. The walnuts (used as a garnish) added the perfect amount of crunch and the honey just added that tinge of sweetness to round out the flavor. 

Unfortunately, this may have been a special of the week but this dish alone would make me want to return and try everything else on their menu! 

Bardus Bistro: And lastly, for a more traditional Norwegian dining experience, I had dinner at Bardus Bistro which prides itself on serving traditional Norwegian cuisine. Think reindeer steak, to fresh fish, to a warming soup of the day, and more. 

I had another popular fish of Norway which was the stockfish served on a bed of salad. Fresh, melt in your mouth, and tantalizing, need I say more? This venue also has its own bar conveniently located next door if you don’t want the night to stop at dinner.

Hope this helps you plan the ultimate trip to Tromso in winter! What Tromso winter activities are you most looking forward to?!

The post The Best Things to do in Winter in Tromso (Full Tromso Winter Guide) appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

The Pulpit Rock Hike is on so many Norway bucket lists. Photos are allll over Instagram and Pinterest, and just one look at the views clearly explains why this Preikestolen hike is on everyone’s wish list.

I’m guilty as well, and after obsessing over the pictures I had seen for way too long, I finally made the pulpit rock hike a reality on my recent Norway road trip.

Our day accomplishing the Preikestolen hike was one of the most spectacular days on our recent trip to Norway. Not only did the views of the Lysefjord impress and then some, but the hike tested both our mental and physical strength. We were still a tad jet lagged, had headed out in misty weather, and were already kinda hungry (we like to eat, ok!?).

Read Next: 10 Days in Norway: A Complete Norway Road Trip Itinerary

To say the views from the top of Pulpit Rock were one of the highlights of our Norway trip is a complete understatement. Just look at that turquoise water!

Ok, now all the information you need to get your own Preikestolen hike under way!

Getting to the Pulpit Rock Hike:

Heading from Stavanger to Preikestolen?! That’s what we did on our Norway trip! The Pulpit Rock hike starts at the parking lot of the Preikestolen Mountain Lodge, which is about 90 minutes away from Stavanger. The Mountain Lodge has a restaurant, restrooms and other facilities should you need them before or after your hike.

There are a few different ways to get here:

• Drive yourself if you’ve rented a car (about 90 minutes away)
• Take the ferry from Stavanger to Tau (40 minutes), then a bus from Tau to the base of the Preikestolen hike (30 minutes) → more info below

Driving Yourself

If you are in fact renting a car and don’t like hiking with other people, it’s recommended to do the  Preikestolen hike early in the morning (starting by 8 a.m.) or after 3 p.m, especially if it’s prime tourist season (June-August).

The hike is popular, you’ll see! We visited on a misty, cloudy morning so thankfully I’m sure that deterred some from doing the hike when we did.

Using Public Transportation to the Pulpit Rock Hike

I highly recommend taking public transportation (ferry and bus), as it’s all exceptionally reliable and quite easy once you’ve figured it out. You can also buy pre-purchased tickets ahead of time if you’re like that (we didn’t and were able to buy tickets to the ferry on board and a bus ticket once we arrived in Tau).

1. The Stavanger – Tau ferry runs all year, with departures every 40 minutes on weekdays, and slightly less on Saturdays and Sundays. The ferry leaves from Fiskepiren, with the crossing taking about 35-40 minutes. Norled is the provider of the ferry company if you’re wondering. 

2. Once you’ve reached Tau by ferry, you’ll go by bus/coach to Preikestolen Mountain Lodge (starting point for the hike). Note that the buses are only available between April and September, and you’ll need to hire a costly taxi from Tau to Preikestolen Mountain Lodge if you’re visiting during low season.

Note that you can also stay closer to the start of the hike as well if you don’t feel like making the trek on the same day (which really wasn’t bad at all though). The nearest places to stay to hike Pulpit Rock are Preikestolen Fjellstue and Lilland Hotell.

Map with ferry and bus route

When to go:

The main hiking season for Preikestolen is late April through October, although peak season coincides with the summer months (June through August). It is during these three months that you’ll find the most crowds, particularly because of summer vacations and cruise ship season.

If you’re visiting during this time, it’s best to save your Pulpit Rock hike for a weekday, as locals tend to visit on the weekend.

Snow closes the trail from November to March, so the frosty winter months are not advised for the Preikestolen hike.

Looking for something a bit different and want to bypass all the crowds altogether? Start the walk in the middle of the night and aim to reach the top a bit before sun rise!

I can’t even begin to imagine just how magical it’d be to see the sun rise and reveal the incredible view above the Lysefjord. If you do this, please oh please report back to me with photos! Remember to be begin the trek about 2.5 hours before scheduled sun rise.

There’s even organized tours if you don’t feel comfortable hiking in the dark. Personally, I’d be the first to join a tour at this hour since I definitely don’t trust myself sans light!

The Pulpit Rock Hike:

First things first – the Preikestolen hike takes around 4-5 hours round trip, is 4.4 miles (7.6km) long (roundtrip), and has an elevation gain of ~1,000 feet (350m). It’s very safe, just be sure to stay on the trail and not veer to close to the mountain edges.

You’ll hear many different opinions on the strenuousness of the hike to Pulpit Rock depending on who you ask. I thought the hike was clearly moderate, while the husband thought it was more on the strenuous side (but he isn’t a fan of hiking). Some blogs actually say the hike is easy, which I find to be wildly inaccurate (unless you’re a professional hiker or something of that nature).

The trail is well-marked with a mix of wooden sign posts and stone piles painted with red T’s. But most days you can just follow the crowds! You’ll also notice poles with information printed on them marking the distance hiked (wahoo) and the distance left to hike (wah) in both directions.

There is no scrambling involved, although you’ll be hiking a few difficult elevation ascents which makes the hike somewhat strenuous.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the actual hike:

• 20 minutes of uphill hiking on rock steps (quite intense)
• A bunch of almost-flat boardwalks
• 30-40 minutes of true elevation gain towards the end of the hike on boulders

We most definitely stopped a few times during the uphill stretches to catch our breath – no shame in that! If you’ve got good weather they’ll be views along the way so snap a few photos, have a quick snack, and you’ll be good to go!

Sure it’s a taxing hike, but once you reach the top, you’ll instantly forget about all that huffing and puffing. You’ll be rewarded with a panorama of mountains with the glistening Lysefjord below. I couldn’t stop taking photos it was just so beautiful!

We got EXTREMELY lucky and the fog and clouds finally burned off a bit after we made the final ascent.

Be sure to account for some time at the top of Preikestolen, as we spent about 45 minutes (or longer!) staring at the views, getting in some good photography, and just reveling in the fresh Norwegian air.

Solo or with a guide?

If you don’t trust your hiking abilities or just feel more comfortable with a Pulpit Rock pro, you have the option to join a guided tour! Thankfully, they run daily from April to October, subject to weather conditions of course!

What to wear and bring:

Since you’ll never really know the exact weather (it seems to change on the fly in Norway), be sure to take along (or wear) some layers. It’s also recommended to bring a thin jacket that’s both waterproof and windproof.

We encountered some light rain, mist, and gusts of wind during our hike to Pulpit Rock, and were so glad we had brought our jackets with us. You don’t need anything heavy since you’ll be soon sweating from all the uphill battles on the trek. It’s possible to experience sunshine, rain, snow, and wind all on the same day, so just be prepared for all the elements!

It’s up to you if you feel comfortable wearing sneakers on the hike or not. We both felt fine in our trainers, but many recommend hiking boots since parts of the hike go through rough terrain. Boots always provide more foot and ankle support than regular old running shoes do, so just keep this in mind.

The hike to Preikestolen was the only real hike we had planned on our entire 10 day Norway itinerary, so we didn’t want to waste precious space in our suitcase by lugging around some heavy boots.

Note that there are no shops and/or facilities on the climb, so make sure to take enough water for the duration of the hike, a few snacks (we like granola and protein bars), and possibly a lunch to eat the top or near the top.

Are you planning a trip to Norway soon?! Any further questions about the Preikestolen hike?!

The post Conquering Norway’s Preikestolen Hike: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Norway is absolutely spectacular. With it’s turquoise fjords, misty mountains, midnight sun, and stunning Scandinavian architecture, Norway is arguably one of the most beautiful countries on earth! And I’ve definitely seen my fair share – at ~45 countries to date!

I’ve detailed our exact Norway itinerary below (which took tons of planning), but no matter where you end up going in the country, you’ll have the best time if you love nature and cool, chic cities! It definitely didn’t hurt that we were blessed with almost perfect weather on our Norway road trip, as the country is known to be super finicky when it comes to precipitation year round (more on that below).

Our 10 days in Norway and the fjords in general have got to be the most difficult trip I’ve planned to date. And I’m no stranger to complex itineraries (I’m looking at you Japan and Thailand). When you’ve only got so much time (only 10 days or so to see alllll the beauty in Norway), you’ve got to make each and every day count. Hence, the difficulty of planning.

A few questions that crossed my mind 1000x each during the initial planning stages:

• Should we fly/train/bus/drive from place to place?
• Do a complex variation of the aforementioned transportation options?
• Should we take an organized multi-day fjord tour and which one do we pick?
• How do the ferries work in Norway?
• Isn’t everything crazzzy expensive?
• Is 10 days in Norway actually ENOUGH for all we want to do?!

Yea, planning this Norway itinerary was quite the doozy. Sure, there are some decent Norwegian fjord itineraries out there, but after researching quite a bit, none had all the major stops I wanted to make (and I wanted to see what I wanted to see, damn it!).

We ultimately decided to craft our own itinerary (ok, let’s face it, I did 98% of the planning), renting a car for most of the way, and getting in all my highlights.

Enjoy this Norway road trip itinerary, and let me know if you’re planning your own trip to the Norwegian fjords any time soon! It really is such a spectacular place and the country now holds a firm spot in my top 10 (alongside Japan, Iceland, Canada (yup!), Colombia, Italy, Croatia, and Thailand).   

Norway Road Trip Itinerary Overview + Map

• Day 0: Arrive into Oslo!
• Day 1: Oslo
• Day 2: Oslo
• Day 3: Fly to Stavanger, Explore
• Day 4: Pulpit Rock Hike
• Day 5: Drive to Bergen
• Day 6: Bergen
• Day 7: Flam
• Day 8: Drive to Hjelle
• Day 9: Geiranger and Trollstigen
• Day 10: Alesund

* Note that you can opt to conquer Oslo at the beginning or tail end of your trip. We like to get the busy stuff and big cities outta the way because we tend to lose momentum as the trip goes on, but it’s totally up to you!

Lots more info below, but first, a pre-travel guide to Norway to learn a bit about the country and what to expect when you’re there.

Pre-Travel Guide to Norway

Getting Around Norway

This was one of the most difficult parts when planning our Norway itinerary, as there are an abundance of public transportation options located all around the country, including trains, buses, flights, ferries, and more.

We opted to fly to Stavanger from Oslo, rent a car in Stavanger and drive it all the way to Ålesund, then fly back to Oslo from Alesund.

There are tons of other ways of getting around, but I found this to be the most time-efficient while letting us do our own thing at the same time. Note that if you’re following this Norway road trip, you can take a train/bus to Bergen if you’d rather have one less day of driving (but I reallllly loved those stops and wouldn’t recommend cutting that driving day out of your itinerary).   

IN A NUTSHELL: fly to Oslo → fly to Stavanger → drive around country, end in Alesund → fly to Oslo

Renting a Car

As noted previously, we rented our car (a compact VW Polo) from the Stavanger Airport and drove it all the way to Ålesund over the course of this Norway road trip.

Many cars in Norway are manual transmission, so if you’re not comfortable driving stick shift, you’ll need to make sure to reserve an automatic car (a few extra dollars a day, but worth it for your safety). 

Psst: I commonly use this booking site when searching for low-cost car rental options, and like Skyscanner (which I use to find low-cost flights), I frequently find great deals on there!

As with other most places in the world, you’ll need to pay a one-way car rental fee if you in fact choose to copy this Norway road trip itinerary from start to finish. We booked a few months in advance and paid $813 for 8 days, excluding the optional GPS we decided to get. Pricey, but well-worth it!

One way fees are inevitable unless you want to drive all the way back to Stavanger or Oslo (not recommend if you only have 10 days in Norway like we did).

I like to search via this site in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price.

Ferries

Get ready because you’ll be using the ferries quite often on this Norway itinerary! I was kinda nervous because I couldn’t find much information about them beforehand, but thankfully it all worked out!

Since there are tons (and tons) of bodies of water in the country, ferries are absolutely essential for getting around in Norway, and thankfully, the Norwegians have built a highly efficient ferry system. The ferries are super easy to use as well – you can get right on most ferries (walk or drive if you have a car) and buy your ticket directly before or once on board.

A reservation/buying a ticket in advance is not necessary for most ferry journeys, and if you follow this exact Norway itinerary, you won’t need to reserve any beforehand.

However, if you’re switching things around a bit and planning to do the Hellesylt – Geiranger tourist ferry (which we did not), plan to purchase a ticket beforehand. This specific ferry gets quite crowded and you don’t want to have to wait until space is available, which could potentially be hours in tourist season (therefore wasting your precious Norway time).

Ferries are comfortable with cafes, bathrooms, and cushioned seats. Be sure to get out of your car and head to the top deck as many have spectacular views!

There are numerous companies that operate the ferries so if you’d like to take a look at the schedules, just type in the starting and ending spots in Google and you’ll find it no problem!

*Note that not all ferries accommodate cars, so if you’re doing your own thing and veering off from the course of this pre-planned trip I organized, you’ll want to make sure the ferries you need will actually take your car as well.

Driving tips in Norway:

• First things first, you’ll be driving on the right hand side of the road in Norway (like in the USA, other parts of Europe, etc). It’s always a good idea to know this beforehand in case you’re coming from a left-handed driving part of the world!

• Traffic is safe, speed is modest (relatively slow compared to what I’m used to on California highways) and most roads have little traffic. Always allow yourself plenty of time for driving, since you’ll want to make sightseeing stops quite frequently (it’s all soooo gorgeous)!

• Gas is expensive. There’s really no way around it. Fun and semi-depressing fact – Norway has the highest gas prices in the world (yuuup). If I remember correctly, we found stations from 14.50- 16.50 NOK/liter (roughly equivalent to $6.60USD per gallon), with roughly 500 NOK (~60) filling up our tank. For this Norway road trip we filled up around 2.5 times, for an equivalent of ~1300 NOK (~$160). All in all, I expected the cost of gas to be higher and was pleasantly surprised to keep our gas costs under $200 (unless I somehow did the math wrong…).

• We opted to rent a GPS in order to get around easily as we weren’t sure how well our phone carrier with international coverage (T-Mobile) would pick up service in the more remote spots on our road trip. Cost was NOK 125 per day (~$15USD). We were very happy we chose to invest in the GPS as it worked almost perfectly and got us from place to place with ease even when our phones couldn’t find a signal.

• You’ll encounter a bunch of toll roads throughout your Norway road trip. If you rented a car, the car will be equipped with an AutoPass Device which will automatically track all the tolls you rack up while driving (a green plus sign will show on the road to indicate usage of device). You’ll then pay the total when you finally return the car (or be billed in a few weeks – sometimes it takes a bit to register them all). We spent about 500NOK during our 10 days in Norway, which really wasn’t as terrible as I expected. Note that a few tolls will be credit card only, including Dalsnibba and Sognefjellet, and you won’t be able to use the included AutoPass device for these.

• Sheep seem to roam freely around the streets of Norway, so always be extra alert and extra extra cautious for them (and other cars) while going around bends and curves. Plus, they’re just so cute!

Other random tips for your Norway Road Trip:

• We came across lots of free public bathrooms on our drive, so don’t worry about having to hold it in for too long! Drink all the fresh Norwegian water you want!

• Hotel and restaurant staff were very friendly and eager to help out; other workers (at tolls, airport, etc) were a bit direct and emotionless, but did their job well. Just something to take note of so you don’t take their candidness to heart.

• The days are long and the nights are short. If you’re planning your 10 days in Norway during June, July, or August, expect the sun to set around 10pm or later, and rise shortly after 4am. The last daylight will be around midnight and the first will be around 2am, meaning there’s only complete darkness for around 2 hours! This is fantastic for getting in lots of activities/driving in one day! It’s wise to bring among an eye mask on your trip should your hotel not have blackout shades (all of ours did thankfully).

• Food is expensive. Again, there’s no way around it. We bought a bunch of non perishable snacks with us from home (honey wheat pretzels, peanuts, granola bars, dried mango, and turkey jerky are our road trip faves) and went to low cost supermarkets (Rema 1000 and Kiwi) to buy bread, peanut butter, Nutella, and bananas (setting us back about $13) for sandwich lunches throughout our Norway road trip.
  • We took a bit of food (when we could) from hotel breakfasts to eat later in the day. Dinners cost us roughly $50-$60 for 2 entrees (no drinks, no appetizers, no salads, no anything extra).
  • Tipping is not customary so whatever price is on the bill will be what you pay, which definitely helps by not adding an extra percentage!

• The water is delicious and super safe to drink in Norway, so bring along a reusable water bottle to fill up during the day!

• There are 18 Scenic Routes in Norway (previously called National Tourist Routes), which are known to be the countries most astonishing drives. You won’t be able to cover all 1,336 miles of them during these 10 days in Norway, but you’ll definitely be driving a whole bunch! Whatever you do, don’t miss Gamle Strynefjellsvegen towards the end of day 8; it was the most spectacular scenery I’ve ever seen IN MY LIFE (yup, more impressive than Iceland).

So where exactly is Norway you ask? The country is located in North Western Europe, in the region deemed Scandinavia (along with Denmark and Sweden), or more broadly, the Nordic countries (which also include Finland and Iceland). Norway shares a long eastern border with Sweden, and has over 25,000 km of coastline.

What to bring:

You’ll want to bring all the essentials for your trip, but a few specific things to take along include:

• eye mask
• Snacks for road trip
• Rain jacket
• Water bottle
• Sweater/cardigan and scarf
• Car charger
• Bug spray
• Waterproof shoes / rain boots
• Hiking boots (depending on hikes and time of year)

Money and Exchange Rates

Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK), typically called the Kroner (not the Euro like elsewhere in Europe). At the time of this writing (2024), 1 Norwegian Krone (NOK) = ~ $.09USD or 1 USD = ~10.99NOK. I found it easier to think in hundreds and kept these numbers in my head when figuring out the bill/shopping: 100NOK = ~$10USD. It’s not 100% precise, but a pretty good estimation.

Basically every place we went to took credit card (make sure to have Visa/MasterCard as not all accept American Express), but it’s wise to take along a bit of cash on your Norway road trip as well. We had to use cold hard cash when getting gas since the station was having a difficult time reading our credit card.

I always suggest you take out cash at ATMS and never ever through an exchange desk. ATMs provide the best exchange rate.

When to Visit Norway

Norway experiences seriously different weather year round, and deciding which season to travel to Norway will greatly affect your experience there. Many say there’s no bad time to visit the country, but if you’re a big baby like me and get all pouty and upset when it’s raining and/or cold, visit during the summer.

My top pick: If you’re looking for the greatest chance of sunshine and decent weather, head over to the country in June, July, or August.

The temperatures will be between 20°C – 26°C+ (68°F – 80°F), and the midnight sun will be out and about (giving you extra long days for driving around and exploring all the chic seaside cities). Note that these warmer temps make this the most attractive time to visit Norway, so expect the most crowds during this time of year (it’s sooo worth the few extra people, I promise).

Looking to avoid the high tourist season? Opt to visit in shoulder season, May or September. Temperatures will be mild and hotel rates will be a bit less. And less crowds.

Visiting during the colder months: Norway can get coooold y’all, so if you’re not looking to whip out your cold-weather gear (think boots, scarves, wool hats, down jackets, etc), don’t book your Norway road trip before May or after September. Besides viewing the northern lights, activities will be greatly limited, and unless you’re a snow bird and enjoy freezing cold temps, you may not find much to do.

However, if you’re looking for the cheapest possible time to visit Norway, these are the months to do it, as flight prices and hotel rates will be significantly less (because not many want to visit then). It’s also important to note that you won’t find many daylight hours if you visit in December-February.

Health and Safety

Norway is known to be one of the safest countries in the world, with extremely minimal petty crime. As always, it’s best to be aware of your surroundings, but know that you’re in a super-safe area. The country is so safe that police don’t even carry guns! Robberies are extremely rare, but note that pickpockets in crowded places (like public transport in major cities) can and do occur at times. Just use common sense, stay alert, and you’ll be fine.

The water in Norway is top-notch, so drinking the tap is perfectly safe and encouraged! No need to buy bottled water over here! Food and water standards are similar to those in the USA, so you don’t need to worry about contamination nor food sickness. Note that only routine vaccinations are required to visit the country, and you probably had those all when you were younger (check with your doctor).

Visas and Passports

No visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Norway as long as a valid tourist passport is in possession (and valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay). Since Norway is part of the Schengen Agreement, U.S. citizens may visit for up to 90 days for either tourist or business purposes. 

How to Get to Norway

Most international flights arrive in Oslo, which is precisely why this Norway itinerary starts in the capital! I like using Skyscanner and Google Flights to check for prices, and almost alllways find the cheapest flights on one of those sites.

We chose to fly economy and paid around $750 per person round trip to/from Oslo from the West Coast USA during one of Norway’s busiest times of year- mid-summer (July).

If you have extra time and are able to check airfare into nearby cities (Copenhagen, for example), you may be able to find even cheaper flights on low-cost airlines. For reference, my friend flew to Copenhagen around the same time we flew to Oslo for only $500 round trip!

Where to Stay in Norway

more info on each one throughout Norway itinerary below

• Oslo (2 nights): Saga Poshtel Oslo Central // Comfort Hotel Runway (airport hotel)
• Stavanger (2 nights): Clarion Hotel Stavanger
• Bergen (2 nights): Bergen Harbor Hotel
• Flam (1 night): Fretheim Hotel/Flåmsbrygga Hotel
• Hjelle/Geiranger (1 night): Hjelle Hotel or Hotel Utsikten
• Alesund (2 nights): Thon Hotel Ålesund

And now what you’ve been waiting for:

The Ultimate 10 Day Norway Road Trip Itinerary

This Norway itinerary will have you chasing trolls in Stavanger, trying reindeer meat in Bergen, hiking to glamorous fjord views, taking the most scenic train ride in the world, driving some spectacular Norwegian tourist routes, staring up at glacier, and oh so much more! Get ready for the ride, because this Norway road trip will have you begging to come back asap!

This itinerary starts in Oslo (which is where most international travelers arrive in the country), heads west to Stavanger, then makes its way up north to Alesund via Bergen, Flam, and Geiranger.

As noted earlier, we chose to fly from Oslo to Stavanger to save some driving time, drove all the way to Alesund, then flew back to Oslo. Since the country is quite large, you need to understand you won’t be able to see eeeeverything, but if you follow this Norway road trip itinerary I can promise you that you’ll see a good chunk of all things spectacular.  

Day 0: Fly into Oslo!

You’ll find most international flights to Norway will fly to Oslo, which is perfect as it’s the first stop on our 10 day Norway itinerary! The flight can be relatively long depending on where you’re coming from (~12 hours from West Coast USA, 7 hours from New York), but once you get there, I promise you that a trip to Norway is welllll worth it!

It’ll cost about 101NOK in order to get into the city center (~12USD) on the local trains (NSB). Note that there is an airport express shuttle which takes slightly shorter but is almost double the price.

Where to Stay: Comfort Hotel Runway or Saga Poshtel Oslo Central

If you’re just coming off a super long flight (say from the states), it’s totally acceptable to stay in an airport hotel really close to the Oslo airport your first night. Make sure to make your way into central Oslo early the next morning to get your exploring on!

Days 1-2: Explore Oslo

Welcome to Norway, home of the stunning turquoise fjords, towering mountains, and $8 hot dogs. Yes, it’s pricey and your wallet may never adjust, but trust me, the expense is worth it. Norway is one of the most remarkable countries I’ve been to.

Oslo is absolutely gorgeous – and you’ll find old colorful houses lining to streets with new, innovative buildings sprinkled throughout. And those fjord water views make any sunny day just that much better.

The city is rather large, but thankfully, getting around is super easy, as there are a myriad of buses and trams all throughout. Two days in Oslo is probably not enough, but you’ll be able to get in these city highlights with only 48 hours or so:

• Karl Johans Gate: Did someone say shopping? This main shopping street in Oslo is where you’ll find all the action happening. From hip cafes and chic hotels to funky discos and nightclubs, you’ll find it all on Karl Johans Gate. It’s usually pretty crowded, so go for a stroll early in the morning or later in the evening. You’ll probably be back a few times though.

• A few museums to check out (you probably won’t have time for all of them if you want to spent at least a bit of time outdoors):
  • Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (with an impressive stave church)
  • Fram Museum (so interesting to learn about the polar expeditions!)
  • Kon-Tiki Museet (with loads of info about the voyage to Easter Island)
  • Norwegian Folk Museum (one of the largest open-air museums in Europe),
  • Viking Ship Museum (those boats are huuuuge)
  • Norwegian Maritime Museum (learn more about the massive ship building industry)
  • Astrup Fearnley Museet
  • Munch Museum

• Opera House: By far the most impressive building in Oslo, modeled after flat iceberg shapes with inclines. I suggest you pass by during the day, but spend the majority of your time checking out the Opera House around dusk. It’s absolutely beautiful once the city gets a tad darker, and everyone hangs out on the roof (which you can walk up to). I spent both my nights sitting up here listening to music and meeting cool people!

• SALT: Located a few minutes from the Opera House, this cool harbor front spot boasts a nomadic art lounge with bars and coffee shops.

• Oslo Fjord Sightseeing Cruise by Sailing Ship: Get out onto the water! There’s unique islands and colorful houses right on the Oslo Fjord, and of course stunning views. Definitely a highlight of Oslo, especially at sunset!

• Sorenga outdoor beach deck (Sørenga Sjøbad): Found yourself a sunny day in Oslo? Head over to Sørenga Sjøbad and just chill out and relax in the warmth for a bit! Take along your bathing suit if you want to jump in for a swim!

• Frogner Park: Super interesting park, with a collection of over 200 bizarre sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. Definitely a unique attraction in Oslo!

• Aker Brygge: Upscale harbor front of Oslo with gorgeous views of Oslofjord. A great place to get your first famous Norwegian Pølse (hot dog)!

• Akershus Fortress: Head up here for fantastic views of Oslo and watch massive cruise liners dock at the harbor front. A bit of a trek uphill, but worth it for the views and impressive old-school buildings

• Oslo Radhus: Oslo’s city counsel building, with super impressive murals on the walls. Note that you’ll need to join a free tour in order to view the inside of the building.

• The Thief Rooftop: Super swanky rooftop lounge  and a great place to catch a cocktail in one of the most prestigious hotels of Norway

Where to Stay in Oslo: Saga Poshtel Central Oslo

Day 3: Fly to Stavanger and Explore

Stavanger is the 4th largest city of Norway, although you probably wouldn’t have guessed that after arriving to this coastal town! It’s small town charm and beautiful harbor will have you absolutely swooning from the very beginning of your visit. It’s a fascinating mix of old and new, with some of the best-preserved (and beautiful) wooden buildings anywhere in Norway, dating back to the Middle Ages.

If you book an early morning flight to Stavanger (9 or 10am), you’ll arrive with enough time to explore this charming little city. Stavanger is quite compact and can be explored via foot, so there’s no need to pick up a rental car just yet (don’t – parking is annoying and costly, and there’s honestly no reason for your own wheels until a bit later in the trip).

Once you arrive in Stavanger, take the bus to the city center and check into your hotel.  Book in advance with Flybussen (website) in order to save a few pennies, but you can pay on the bus if need be.

Note that one person will need to head back to the airport to pick up the car rental, so it’s wise for one person to book a round trip ticket (it’s significantly cheaper than two one way tickets). Only one person needs to go back technically to pick up the car, so keep this in mind when buying tickets.

NOTE: If you’re taking my hotel suggestion and staying at Clarion Hotel Stavanger, you’ll need to book the shuttle to the Radisson Blu (a 2 minute walk away from the Clarion).

Don’t miss these top things to do in Stavanger:

• Gamle Stavanger, also known as Old Stavanger: This area is so super cute, with it’s historic beautiful wooden white houses with beautiful planters and bright colored doors. The cobblestone streets just added to the quaintness, and I couldn’t stop taking photos of the manicured grounds! It won’t talk long to walk through the narrow streets and admire the architecture, so be sure to take a walk around here!

• Ovre Holmegate: My absolute favorite street in all of Stavanger, mostly due to it’s vivid colors and wild street art. Here you’ll find lively cafes and bars, a bunch of popular pubs, and is definitely one of Stavangers more visited and photographed spots!

• Stavanger Cathedral: Also known as Domkirken, it’s the oldest Cathedral in Norway and not to be missed!
• Norwegian Petroleum Museum (Norsk Oljemuseum): Interesting in learning how oil and gas is created, discovered and produced in the North Sea? Head on over to the Petroleum Museum! I admit that we decided to skip touring the inside, but saw the building from the outside and the architecture was pretty cool!

• Take pictures with trolls and the street art around town!
• Have lunch at the harbor front and admire the sea: There are numerous restaurants all along this stretch, and you’ll easily find something to snack and sip on! The harbor really comes alive in the summertime, especially after working hours, as locals frequent this area to catch up with friends and grab a drink. A wonderful place to watch the sunset as well (if you’re still awake at 11pm!)

• Marvel at the street art: If you’re visiting in August/September, you’re in for a real treat. The city holds a 2-week festival with an international team of street artists working on new art all around the city. Be sure to sign up for the tour!

Where to Stay in Stavanger: Clarion Hotel Stavanger

We absolutely loved this hotel, with it’s spacious rooms, large breakfast spread with basically everything imaginable (including my favorites strawberry smoothies, Nutella and raspberry pancakes, brie and crackers, prosciutto and melon), super convenient location, and friendly and helpful staff! Highly recommended!

Day 4: Pulpit Rock/Preikestolen Hike (from Stavanger)

Ready for a full day of awesome, sweaty hiking? Yes, I promise the views are worth it and then some! I mean, Tom Cruise actually visited Preikestolen while filming his new movie, “Mission Impossible” in October 2017. And besides the lovely Tom, the hike draws over 300,000 visitors each year – and for good reason! Just look at those views!

Pulpit Rock takes about 4-5 hours to hike round trip, so start your journey early. If I remember correctly, it took us about 2 hours to get to the starting point, and then another 5 hours of hiking (plus time spent getting back to Stavanger once we were all finished). Two and a half hours up, an hour+ or so at the top, and roughly an hour and a half down.

Although the hike is only about 8k long, there are numerous difficult patches of terrain, many with impressively tough elevations, so mentally prepare yourself beforehand!

We had originally planned to squeeze in a fjord cruise on the Lysefjord, but are so glad we didn’t because of the amount of time the hike took us. We also decided to spend a bit of time at the top admiring the views since we had no views on our way up because of the lousy early-morning weather. If you’re a faster hiker than us (we’re not experienced hikers by any means), you can easily fit in the cruise.

Psst – If you prefer an action-packed trip through the fjords, book yourself on a RIB tour instead (way more adrenaline-inducing, haha).

Read More: Conquering Norway’s Pulpit Rock Hike: Everything You Need to Know

Be prepared for any and all types of weather during your hike. At the beginning of our hike we encountered lots of mist and light rain, which turned to heavy fog, which finally (and thankfully) burned off a bit after we reached the top.

You never know what you’ll get weather-wise in Norway, so it’s best to dress in layers and bring a backpack full of water, snacks, lunch, a rain jacket, and an extra sweater. Crossing my fingers that the weather gods are on your side for your hike – if not, all you might see are clouds and fog (which wouldn’t make the hike worth it in my opinion).

How to get to Pulpit Rock/Preikestolen from Stavanger:

1. Take the ferry from Stavanger to Tau (60 NOK / ~6 EUR per adult one way, buy it directly on the ferry)
2. Bus from Tau ferry station to Preikestolen Fjellstue (230 NOK / ~30 round trip per adult, buy it on the bus)

It’s all very easy to figure out and an incredibly smooth journey. It can sound a bit complicated, but I promise you getting to the start of the hike is rather quite simple and reliable. You can also rent a car and drive to the trailhead, which is roughly a 90 minute drive from Stavanger, but I don’t recommend this per say. The public transportation is all very reliable and there’ll be a bus waiting for you after the ferry arrives in Tau. More information on getting to Pulpit Rock here.

A few companies are now offering guided hikes up to Preikestolen, which are perfect if you’re not comfortable hiking without a guide or don’t wanna worry about transportation to/from Stavanger. Since we’re not big hikers, I think we would’ve felt more comfortable going with someone who knows the area.

Be careful when taking pictures on the edge, as the platform rises about 2,000 feet (600 meters) above the fjord, with no guards or rails protecting you or your loved ones. At first I was extremely skeptical and needed my husbands hand when getting even the slightest bit towards the edge, but I quickly warmed up and was confident in my footing and abilities after a few minutes.

Note that there are no facilities (read: bathrooms) on the duration of the hike, so although you should keep yourself hydrated, limit your water levels if you don’t want to head off into the wilderness to pee.

Where to Stay: Clarion Hotel Stavanger (No need to switch rooms, as it’s highly recommended to hike Pulpit Rock as a day trip from Stavanger!)

Day 5: Road Trip Time + LOTS of Waterfalls!

Driving Hours: 8

Let’s get this Norway road trip under way! It’s finally time to pick up your rental car at Stavanger Airport (do this ASAP- we picked it up around 9am in order to start the long drive relatively early), and drive to Bergen!

Note that this will be a long day of driving (7+ hours), but I managed to find plenty of beautiful spots along the way to cure any boredom that was bound to arise!

If you’re tight on time you can also drive directly to Bergen in about 4 hours, but what’s the fun in that?! The Norwegian countryside is too beautiful to bypass. You’ll want to pull over every few minutes – you’ll see. A few of these stops were pre-planned for, while others we found while on the road!

You’ll be passing through the beautiful Norwegian countryside, over lots of bridges and through more tunnels you ever imagined. This is all part of the fun! Note that you’ll also be making your way onto two car ferries today – just follow your GPS and the road will basically turn into the car ferry. Easy peasy. Those Norwegians know what they’re doing.

*NOTE: If you have your heart set on hiking Trolltunga/Trolls Tongue (that epic photo you’ve seen plastered all over instagram and pinterest), you’ll want to end your day near Odda (close to Folgefanna National Park). Get up nice and early the next morning to start the 22 km hike. Pulpit Rock was enough for us so we didn’t stop in Odda to attempt Trolltunga.

In addition, if you have an extra day and a super strenuous 22 km / 10-12 hour hike isn’t your idea of fun on vacation, consider going on a glacier walk. We didn’t have enough time to do so, but it looks insanely fun!

Recommended route and stops along the way:

1. Take the Mortavika-Arsvågen/E39 car ferry: You just drive right on and pay (240NOK for 2 adults and car). The ferry took approximately 25 minutes or so, and shaved off some driving time obviously!

2. Langfossen: A pleasant surprise as we had not originally planned to stop here. Epically beautiful, and right on the side of the road so difficult to miss. The water falls down a towering mountain, before pouring out into the Åkrafjorden (another fjord!) There’s a small coffee shop in the parking lot if you need your caffeine fix!

3. Fjaera: Super quick photo stop, only a few minutes from Langfossen.

4. Glacier viewing on the side of the road: Be careful when pulling over and heading to the other side of the road for photos. Since we didn’t have time to actually see any glaciers up close, this was the best we were gonna get so wanted to take full advantage! I’m honestly not sure exaaaactly what glacier this was, but enjoy!

5. Latefossen waterfall: Be sure not to miss this twin waterfall, as it’s an internationally famous attraction (but really all the waterfalls in Norway are kinda spectacular). We chose to eat our homemade sandwiches here.

6. Folgefonna Bondhusvatnet: Time to stretch your legs on a short hike to an absolutely stunning lake located within Folgefonna National Park! The hike took us about ½ hour each way (gravel trail with very slight elevation gain), and was filled with beautiful scenery, tons and tons of wildflowers, and so many sheep with cow (sheep?) bells!

We spent 20-30 minutes at the lake exploring and taking photos of the ridiculously clear water and just taking a few moments to revel in Norway’s beauty..

Note that there’s a parking lot at the beginning of the trailhead, and no fee to enter to park (from this entrance at least). If you’re feeling a bit thirsty, you can fill up your water bottle with glacial water at the beginning or end of the walk from the nearby streams – do it, the water is delicious!

***If you have ample extra time (completing the drive on your second day after doing Trolltunga perhaps), you can keep going on the trail after the lake in order to see the glacier. We didn’t have enough time for this, so walked to the lake and back.

7. Second Car ferry of the day: Jondal to torvikbygd (120 NOK for car/driver and an additional person). You know the drill – get in line, wait your turn, pay, and get on!

8. Steinsdalsfossen: Last waterfall stop of the day! Even if you’re semi-waterfall-ed out by now, do me a favor and don’t miss this one! You can actually walk behind it!

Finish the drive to Bergen, which will take about an hour and a half.

Where to Stay: Bergen Harbor Hotel

Although the rooms were somewhat tiny (common in Bergen), the bed was super comfy, location was extremely convenient, small balcony (depending on room type I’m presuming), and the hot breakfast with some typical Norwegian specialties among your typical breakfast options more than made up for the tightness.

Despite the inconvenient parking situation (which was easily figured out after doing some research – more on that below), we thoroughly enjoyed our time at this hotel and recommend it.

Where to Park: We originally had a difficult time figuring out where to park our rental car, and after talking to a few hotel receptionists (at our hotel and others), we ultimately decided that the ByGaragen (the biggest indoor garage in Bergen) was the best choice.

The price varies from 12 NOK per hour on Sundays to 24 NOK per hour daytime during weekdays, with a maximum price of 150NOK for 24 hours. Including these costs so you can add them to your budget. If I remember correctly, I think we paid roughly $30USD for parking in Bergen.

Day 6: Bergen!

Driving Hours: 0

No driving today, yes! Since Bergen is such a walkable city, you can leave your rental car in the garage and set out on foot! The city is absolutely beautiful, and the fact that it’s surrounded by mountains and fjords makes it even more appealing to visitors!

Although Bergen is Norway’s second largest city (yes, really!), one day is enough to see all it’s colorful highlights. It actually looks like a small coastal town, you’ll see! And PS – Bergen is said to be one of the rainiest cities in all of Norway, so bring along your umbrella and/or rain jacket if the skies look a bit dark.

Be sure to not miss:

Bryggen and the Wharf: You know those colorful wooden houses I’m sure you’ve seen all over? They’re over here at Bryggen! A little interesting fact: since these houses are constructed entirely from wood, this means two things – 1) It’s quick and easy to build, but 2) it’s also quick and easy to burn down!

Bryggen has been burning down for centuries upon centuries (with a history of fires since the 14th century when it came into being), with its most recent fire in 1955. Make sure to wander the streets behind Bryggen as well (through the small alleyways between the buildings on the harbor) to see what the area would have been like during the Middle Ages.

This medieval wharf part of Bergen is actually a UNESCO Heritage Site! You can also check out the The Hanseatic Museum if you’re interested in doing so.

The Fish Market: Not in the mood for fish? Don’t fret – there’s way more than fish at the fish market! Whale sausage, anyone?! Those Norwegians sure do love their sausages! What about some seafood paella?! It actually looked really good! You’ll be able to sample lots of Norwegian delicacies before buying, don’t you worry! Psst – the whale and reindeer sausages were really good!

Funicular (or hike!) to Mt. Floyen: Nature fiend like I am? You’ll absolutely love taking the Fløibanen Funicular up Fløyen Mountain for panoramic views of the whole town and the old harbor. If you’re feeling a bit extra and want to work off that bacon-wrapped hot dog, you can hike up the mountain (but note that some parts are quite steep).

Try some reindeer meat: You can’t visit Bergen and not indulge in (or at least try!) some reindeer meat – it’s a specialty here (that and whale meat)! Go for lunch or an early dinner at Pingvinen, a cozy gastro bar cafe right near the center of Bergen with authentic Norwegian cuisine.  Be sure to order a Norwegian beer as well!

Hot Dogs and Reindeer Dogs at Trekroneren: Another top spot for the foodies, as dogs at Trekroneren just can’t be missed over here. And plus, hot dogs are the best cheap Norwegian food (at about ~$8), which we greatly appreciated after getting tired of paying $30 a meal per person.

While the options at Trekroneren are endless, we both opted for the reindeer dog with lingonberry sauce, crispy fried onions (sprøstekt løk), and mustard, and both agreed the odd flavor combinations were absolutely sensational. Note that there’s no seating, so head here when you want a quick bite during your wanders! Also, the stand is open quite late so if you find yourself especially hungry late at night, you know where to go.

To be honest, it was kinda nice that there wasn’t a whooole whole lot to do here in Bergen. There were enough activities to fill a leisurely day with extra random wanderings and relaxing at a cafe. We even headed back to the hotel for a midday snooze (which we never do!).

It doesn’t hurt that the sun sets super late here in the summer (11pm-ish), so we didn’t feel like we had to cram everything in ! Greatest feeling ever, especially for an overachiever like myself (I have FOMOOOO at its worst)!

Where to Stay: Bergen Harbor Hotel

Day 7: Nærøyfjord Fjord Cruise and Flam Railway

Most definitely the most touristy day of the trip, but the views were pretty spectacular, so oh well!  Wake up early from Bergen, and make the 2 hour drive to Gudvangen. Note that you can start the Nærøyfjord Fjord Cruise in either Gudvangen or Flam, it just depends on the availability when you book.

On the way to Gudvangen/Flam, be on the lookout for Tvindefossen, another waterfall located right on the side of highway. We saw sooooo many waterfalls already we didn’t feel the need to stop, but still worth looking out for on your drive to the Flåm area.

The next two stops/activities are probably the most touristy on this entire 10 day Norway itinerary (as noted above), but I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

Note that this day on the Norway itinerary is basically a DIY Norway in a Nutshell (and if you’ve been researching things to do in Norway you’ve definitely come across this). You can either book the following as part of a tour package, or book the tickets yourself (which is what we did).

You save a decent amount of money booking everything yourself, and you get the same exact experience as those on the “tour”. FYI, the “tour” isn’t really a “tour” at all- all the Norway in a Nutshell company does is book your tickets, which is all public transportation anyways. Do yourself a favor, book everything yourself and save a few NOK (try some local beer or a reindeer burger instead).

Book the Nærøyfjord Fjord Cruise here.

Book the Flam Railway here (called the Flamsbana)

 You’re welcome.   

I suggest booking way in advance (a few months), especially if you’re visiting during Norway’s summer, June-August. We waited a bit and had limited availability, but thankfully I was able to figure it all out with tour timings and such.

Still don’t feel like figuring out all the logistics yourself? I totally get it – it was honestly kinda a pain to put together myself, especially since I waited a bit too long to book everything and times got filled up.

Thankfully there’s now companies offering complete self-guided packages, like this one which includes all the tickets you need for the day (albeit more expensive since they’re doing all the work for you). But worth it if you don’t wanna miss anything (it can get pretty tricky with all the different bookings).

Here was our itinerary for the day, and I suggest you book similar times for the fjord cruise and train ride (feel free to do the train ride first if that’s all that’s available). Just remember that you’ll need to drive approximately 2-2 ½ hours from Bergen to the area, so don’t book anything too early unless you want to wake up at the crack of dawn.

Fjord Cruise: 10am-12pm

The fjord cruise was super windy at times, so be sure to take a jacket! Thankfully, there’s inside seating if you wish to warm up for a bit (which we did throughout the ride).

Shuttle from Gudvangen to Flam one way (or reverse): Since you’ll be parking your car in Gudvangen (or Flam, depending on availability), you’ll need to take the shuttle back to Gudvangen (Flam to Gudvangen) to pick up the car. Note that the drive back to Flam is about 20 minutes.

Tickets for roundtrip (fjord cruise + shuttle) are available, but we booked too late and had to buy seperate tickets (which was completely fine, just was a tad more confusing to us at first when figuring out the website).

Flam Railway: 1:30pm-3:30pm roundtrip

Next up, the Flam Railway, which has been named one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world! Because of this, it’s rightfully so one of the leading tourist attractions in Norway, hence it can get crowded (aka get there a bit early!)

You’ll want to sit on the right side of the car departing from Flam for better views. Feeling a bit extra? The windows open at the first and last seat of every car –  which makes it much better for photos. Sit here!

From the train, you’ll see tons of waterfalls and mountain views all the way to Myrdal Station (the ending and where you’ll get back on to return to Flam). I enjoyed it, but didn’t think the scenery was any better than our own views we got while driving throughout other parts of the country. Just my honest opinion.

I’m glad we did it, but the round trip wasn’t necessary (we both fell asleep on the way back to Flåm). PS- you actually DO need a round trip ticket in order to get back to Flåm to pick up your car, just saying seeing the same monotonous scenery twice wasn’t necessary.

The train ride felt a tad overrated considering all the breathtaking scenery we had seen thus far on our Norway road trip, but I admit it was nice to just sit back, relax, and take in the views (and I’m sure the husband appreciated someone else doing the driving). The train cost $140 for both of us roundtrip, Flam → Myrdal → Flam, and took ~2 hours roundtrip.

Stalheimskleiva

Something else to squeeze in during the day – Stalheimskleiva, one of Northern Europe’s steepest roads (which of course offers beautiful views). It’s only a few minutes drive from either Flam or Gudvangen, and we chose to do this between the fjord cruise and train ride. Our time was a bit rushed so I’d say it’s possibly better to do this before the cruise (depending on the time of your ticket) or after both activities.

Stop at Stalheim Hotel viewing platform in order to see the spectacular views. Note that you don’t need to stay here to admire the scenery below; just walk right through the lobby to the back viewing platform.

However, be careful when using a GPS to get here – the twisty road is one way (driving down only), and our GPS didn’t pick this up! To say we got a nasty glare from a bus driver on his way down is an understatement. Our bad! You’ll see why it’s one way as you’re driving down the 13 sharp hairpin bends – be careful!

Where to Stay: Since we booked last minute, we opted to rent an AirBnB for the night. And to say our accommodation was a surprise was an understatement. Although the house was located in a beautiful spot overlooking Aurlandsfjord, we had to make our own beds and sleep in separate twin beds (not huge deals but not what we were expecting).

I’d say look for something a bit less “unique”, like Fretheim Hotel or Flåmsbrygga Hotel if you want to cuddle up. I recommend finding accommodation in Flam or one of the surrounding small villages (Aurland, Undredal, or Dyrdal).

Day 8: Drive the National Tourist Routes

Hours of Driving: 9

A verrrrry long driving day today, but well worth it! You’ll be rewarded with more spectacular mountainous scenery than you ever thought possible, with a whole slew of glacial lakes towards the end (OMFG I can’t contain my excitement).

Everyday on this Norway itinerary is undoubtedly scenic, with the views just getting better and better as the days go on. Today’s long drive encompasses 3 National Tourist Routes: Aurlandsfjellet, Sognefjellet, and Gamle Strynefjellsvegen (my absolute favorite). Here’s the itinerary we followed for the day:

1) Stegastein Lookout

Start the day off at Stegastein Lookout, only 15-20 minutes drive from the Aurland area (where our wacky AirBnB was located). Stegastein is a popular sightseeing spot from Flam, being 650 metres above Aurlandsfjord and all! I’d recommend going early in the morning as the road and viewpoint can get especially crowded. We ate breakfast at the viewpoint and only saw one other couple during our time there.

Time to get away from the fjords for the day (we’ll be back, don’tchu worry!) and head into the mountains!

2) Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route (Road 243)

Up next, Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route, which runs from Aurlandsvangen (near Stegastein) to Lærdalsøyri, covering a distance of 47km and taking roughly an hour and a half to drive without stops.

Be sure to NOT drive through the Lærdal Tunnel, the world’s longest road tunnel with a length of 24.5 km, as you won’t see any of the stops along the way on the actual scenic route itself. The tunnel can be used to bypass the National Tourist Route or if you’ll be traveling roundtrip, which we won’t be. Promise me you’ll take scenic road 243 instead of the tunnel!

• Stop at Flotane (viewing spot and bathrooms)
• Stop at Vedahaugane (infinity bench with great views)
• Pit stop to see Borgund Stave Church (25 minutes from Laerdalsoyri) – really cool and you must see at least one Stave Church on your Norway road trip!!

3) Take the Mannheller-Fodnes/Rv5 ferry (28 minutes)

4) Sognefjellet National Tourist Route (Road 55)

Sognefjellet Scenic Road runs from Gaupne to Lom, covering a total distance of 108 km. It will take you about 30 minutes to get to the start of the route, and then another 2 hours+ to drive the entire thing.

Sognefjellet is the highest and most impressive mountain pass in Northern Europe, so it’s easy to see why this road made it as one of Norway’s 18 National Tourist Routes (scenic roads).

• Stops on the road:
  • Feigefossen waterfall: look for it across the water from 55 (close to Guapne)
  • Turtagrø hotel: red-painted modernistic building, quick photo stop
  • Nedre Oscarshaug: provides one of the best vantage points along the road across the Sognefjellet mountains. A glass telescope with the names of the peaks gives an overview of the surrounding Hurrungane massif.
  • Mefjellet (rest area with cool stone structure/platform)
  • Sognefjellshytta (attractive training centre for national ski teams from all over the world) – cool wooden architecture
  • Vegaskjelet (viewing platform)
  • Lom Stave Church

To be completely honest, after about ½ – ¾ of the drive through Sognefjellet we had had enough of the mountains. Sure, they were beautiful and all that, but it seemed like many of the stops had views of the same thing. I think next time we’d only stop at 2-3 and get on with the show.

Plus, it was cold and windy that day so that’s proooobably why this drive seemed a bit monotonous and somewhat sad –  we didn’t have the energy to hang out in the cold for too cold!

5) Gamle Strynefjellsvegen National Tourist Route (Road 258)

You’re allllllmost to your final destination of the day (Hjelle), I promise! But whatever you do, DO NOT SKIP THIS NEXT ROAD. Be sure to take Road 258 instead of 15. The drive is short, being only 27km, but it’s an absolute stunner.

Boy oh boy, this short stretch was one of my absolute favorite hours or so of our entire trip, for the views alone. It’s hard to put into words what seeing glistening glacial lakes, towering mountains, and remnants of snow from colder months will do to you. I’m not sure anything will beat those views I saw that day.

Where to Stay: Hjelle Hotel

Hjelle Hotel was a perfect place to rest our heads after the long day of driving – and I’d highly recommend it! Our “romantic room” was simple yet charming, with a clean, and spacious feeling with a four-poster king bed and chandelier.

Make sure to order the dinner (fixed-price 3 course) – it was absolutely delicious (and have the creme brûlée if you’re lucky enough to see it on the menu which changes nightly).

Hjelle Hotel is situated right on another beauty of a lake (Oppstrynsvatnet) with great views of the mountains, which we loved for a nightly walk after dinner! In addition, the hotel staff was extra accommodating and the breakfast spread was more than decent! Stay here, they’re doing something right having been run by the same family since 1896!

IMPORTANT NOTE: This wouldn’t be a very thorough Norway travel blog if I didn’t mention Hotel Utsikten.

Why? For one, it’s one of the most popular hotels in the Geiranger area, and for good reason. The hotel sits right on the base of Geirangerfjord – meaning, if you ask for a room that faces the road, you’ll have a panoramic view of the fjord right from your view!

Secondly, if you want to stay here (instead of Hjelle Hotel), book Hotel Utsikten as soon as you know your dates. It was unfortunately completely booked once I finally got around to making hotel reservations, so we opted for Hotel Hjelle (which ended up being a pleasant, positive surprise).

Note that if you decide to stay at Hotel Utsikten you’ll need to back track about a half hour or so for Dalsnibba (more below) if you couldn’t squeeze it in the previous day.

Day 9: Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen

Get ready for your last day of driving in Norway! You’ll be going from Geirangerfjord → Trollstigen → Andalsnes → Alesund, which will prove to be yet another stunningly spectacular day full of epic scenery, fjords galore, and and curvy, bendy roads. Today’s a tiring day but one for the books, and you’ll be driving on another National Tourist Route!

If you’d rather someone else do the driving (or you’re basing yourself out of Geiranger and not actually doing a road trip in Norway), this tour to Dalsnibba and its surroundings hits almost the same spots! You’ll just need to make the drive to Alesund afterwards, which is actually less than 2 1/2 hours direct (including a car ferry).

*Note that the Norwegians pronounce it “Gai-raan-Gyer” (I was butchering the entire language our whole trip and it was awful).

1. Dalsnibba

In one hour from the Hjelle Hotel, you’ll reach Dalsnibba, which is a very popular mountain top viewing platform in Norway. It’s brand spankin’ new, opened just a few years ago in 2016, and it’s actually Europe’s highest fjord view by road at 1,500 meters! Whoa!

Be sure to go on the “skywalk” which has a steel and see-through floor which rails made of glass. It’s definitely a bit nerve-racking to look down at your feet and beyond and see just how high you are with only a piece of glass between you and 1500 meters!

In order to get to the Dalsnibba viewing platform, you’ll need to pay a toll. Prices are payable by vehicle and if you’re coming by car or motorbike you’ll have to pay 130 NOK via credit card (pretty sure the AutoPass Device didn’t work here).

2. Flydalsjuvet Lookout Point

Another lookout point worthy of your time, this one 45 minutes from Dalsnibba (and completely on the way to where we’re going, promise!)  Flydalsjuvet is located higher above the town of Geiranger, providing phenomenal views of the Geirangerfjord, town below, and all the surrounding mountains. These impressive views sure make an excellent photo stop – be sure to have your cameras handy.

The area is well organized with informational signs, toilets, upper and lower viewing platforms, and railings and fences to protect everyone. Fingers crossed you get a clear day, as the fjord can be hidden by fog/mist.  t’s right off of the main road so can get quite busy, with tour buses as well, but wait for them to clear and you’ll get absolutely perfect photos.

3. Geiranger

Time for yet another fjord cruise! You just saw the fjord from up above, now it’s time to see it from another angle – right on it! It’ll only take 10 minutes to reach the town of Geiranger from Flydalsjuvet, so go for a little wander and have a quick lunch.

We honestly couldn’t find too much food besides a bakery and some ice cream, but maybe we didn’t look hard enough. And plus, ice cream is a healthy, obvious meal in Geiranger when the weather is absurdly hot! ;p

We decided to take a 60 minute fjord cruise around noon, but note that 90 minute boat tours are available as well if you feel so inclined or that’s all that’s available. You’ll pass the famous “Seven Sisters” waterfall on either one. I highly recommend booking in advance as the boat was very crowded and it was completely sold out (in high season). Book here.

I feel like a broken record saying this, but yes, the fjord views were absolutely stunning right on the water!

4. Ørnesvingen and The Eagle Road

After gawking at all the views on the fjord cruise, drive the 10 minutes to yet another famous viewpoint, Ørnesvingen, the highest of the hairpin bends in Ørnevegen (also known as The Eagle Road). From here you’ll enjoy more magnificent panoramas of the town and fjord, although be aware that weather plays a key role in how visible your views will actually be (like at Flydalsjuvet).

Hope for a clear day! Look out for the cruise ships passing through the fjord below, as they can only add to the uniqueness of your photos! To uncomplicate things, Ørnesvingen is the name of the viewpoint, while Ørnevegen is name of the actual road. Things can get tricky around here, haha.

5. FERRY time: Eidsdal-Linge/Fv63 ferry

This one’s a short one, only taking about 10 minutes and costing 79 NOK (~10) for a small sedan and 2 passengers. As all the other ferries on this Norway itinerary, don’t worry about booking in advance because you can just show up on the port and fall in line with the other cars. I’m pretty sure the ferries leave every 30 minutes or so, but I think it depends on the season and how busy they are.

6. Trollstigen, The Trolls Road

After the ferry and a short drive, you’ll arrive at Trollstigen (The Trolls Road), part of one of the most famous National Tourist Routes in all of Norway (Geiranger – Trollstigen)! And don’t worry, if you’ve followed this itinerary, you’ve already driven on the other part of the scenic road.  

Be sure to stop at The Trolls Path Viewpoint at the Visitor Centre, which will give you unparalleled views of the road snaking below amongst the skyrocketing mountains. Breathe in the the fresh mountain air!

Make sure you venture to both the near and far viewing platforms, as the closer one will provide you with a close-up look at the waterfall, while the latter the actual twists and bends of Trollstigen. Once you make your way to the farther one, you’ll be able to see all the way down the mountainside, being 200 meters above the snaking Trollstigen road.

Once you’re done gawking at the views (don’t be shy – I think I took over 50 photos here), drive down the 11 hairpin bends of Trollstigen. It’s important to note that each bend actually has its own name (usually named after the person who supervised the construction work on that particular section), but just follow it down and you’ll eventually reach the bottom.

The rest of the day will have you driving to your final destination, Alesund, which is about 2 hours from Trollstigen. You’ll first drive north to Åndalsnes, then cut west for Alesund!

Where to Stay in Alesund: Thon Hotel Ålesund

The hotel was in a great location, right on the water, which made looking out the window of our room super fun! We booked a “superior room” with large open windows with views of the water- I watched a huge cruise ship come into port around midnight one night (so cool and completely unexpected) and a pilot doing tricks in his private plane (also quite surprising but fun to watch).

Plus, the sound of the water is just oh so relaxing (keep your windows open). The breakfast was included and had all the breakfast staples and then some.

Where to Park in Alesund: mobile home parking (free from 4pm-8am, 20NOK per hour from 8am-4pm // 160NOK for full day). Ask the hotel and they’ll give you easy directions. It’s only about a 10 minute from the hotel and will save you boat loads of money. Street parking is pretty much non-existent over here. Note that you need to pre-pay for the number of hours you want.

Day 10: Alesund

Last full day on our Norway itinerary – Alesund! I admit that we were pretty tired at this point in our trip, and while we explored the small city a bit, we used this day to mostly relax and recoup from the crazy busy previous days.

Alesund is a port town, meaning it’s right on the water, so expect some great views and lots of seafood! The city center has a very unique Art Nouveau style, which you’ll soon notice once you get your bearings – so keep your camera handy! Keep your car parked in the lot, as Ålesund is an incredibly walkable small city with the the downtown being rather compact.

A few things to do below, which can all be easily done in less than a day:

• Walk up Mount Aksla for a view over Ålesund: This viewpoint is the #1 thing to do in Ålesund by far, so be sure not to miss this impressive site! If you’re up for a little wander (ok, so 418 steps up is kinda a lot), you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Ålesund’s architecture, the surrounding archipelago, the amazing Sunnmøre Alps, and fjords galore!
  • You’ll find the stairs up to the viewpoint from the town park, Byparken, with no entrance fee. Note that you can also drive up or take the City Train to Fjellstua (small fee) to reach the peak. There’s a small cafe at the top for water and ice creams.

• Walk through downtown Ålesund’s Art Nouveau district: Admire the colorful art-deco buildings, as this is what this part of Norway is famous for! After a fire destroyed the entire city in 1904, it was rebuilt in vibrant Art Nouveau fashion.

• Stop in the Ålesund Church: Even if you’re not religious, the Ålesund Church is worth a quick peek inside. Stare at the beautiful stained glass windows and just appreciate that it only costs about 3NOK to visit.

• Walk around the harbour and eat some fish! Have lunch at Jafs, and sit outside with some fresh fish and chips while enjoying the beautiful views out over the harbor. Crispy batter on thick fleshy cod fish, decently priced, and harbor views?! What could possibly be better on a warm, summer day?!

• Sunnmore Museum: The Sunnmore museum is an open-air museum with a collection of 55 old picturesque houses and indoor exhibitions, giving you an insight into the cultural and architectural history of the area. A great spot for an afternoon stroll! *Take note of the opening and closing hours before heading over, as we completely missed the time slot.

• Alnes Lighthouse: Located only 30 minutes away (by car), you’ll come across a picturesque lighthouse on the island of Godøy. This relic of Norwegian coastal culture was built in 1876 and is protected as of today.
  • Full disclosure: We decided to take a rest at the hotel instead of heading to the lighthouse because 1) we were pooped and 2) we didn’t feel like having to fight over a spot in the parking lot afterwards. Go if you’re up for a small adventure (at the lighthouse and parking lot).

In retrospect, we should have gone last thing the night before, before heading to our hotel in Alesund. Also, note that the lighthouse is halfway between the main town of Alesund and the airport, so depending on your flight time, you can always go the next day before your flight.

Where to Stay in Alesund: Thon Hotel Ålesund

Have a few more days in Norway? Consider heading to the Atlantic Road, another famous Scenic Route, which is about 2 and a half hours from Alesund. If we had more time I would have included this in the Norway itinerary.

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