Planning a trip to Norway? This 9-day itinerary includes Bergen, fjord cruises, sunshine buns, whitewater rafting, Oslo and the most magical hotels in Scandinavia! Save this for your next adventure.
Quick Trip Highlights
Just got back from the most incredible 9-day adventure through Norway—and I couldn’t wait to share all the details with you! From reindeer hot dogs and floating saunas to jaw-dropping fjords and cozy cinnamon rolls cooked by a local dad, this trip had it all. We started in Bergen and made our way through the fjords, valleys, and historic towns before wrapping up in Oslo. If you’re dreaming of dramatic landscapes, fairytale hotels, and sunshine buns on repeat—Norway is it.
Full Itinerary + Recap
Day 1: Bergen Beauty & Troll Tales
We landed in Bergen Friday night and checked into the Bergen Børs Hotel which used to be an old bank. Frescohallen, the hotel restaurant, is stunning—vaulted ceilings covered in painted frescoes. Pro tip: get the burger!
Our hotel included breakfast each morning, and Norwegian breakfasts did not disappoint. Think fresh breads, cheeses, eggs, fruit, and so much more!
We kicked things off with a guided walking tour of Bergen—about 4 hours of history, charm, and colorful wharf houses. Highlights:
- The famous fish market
- Bryggen Wharf
- Local lore about trolls
- Ride up Fløibanen Funicular up to Mount Fløyen, then walked back down
Snacks we loved that day:
- Reindeer hotdogs at Trekroneren (make sure to get it the traditional way with the lingonberry sauce)
- Sunshine buns – buttery, fluffy cardamom rolls. We got them every chance we could.
- Hallaisen ice cream – 10/10
- Hot chocolate at Fjåk – you pick your chocolate base. YES.
Dinner at Villani capped off our day. Loved the cozy vibe and delicious pizza.
Day 2: Rainy Hike Turned Homemade Feast
This day might be my favorite memory from the whole trip. We went on a guided hike with Malin and her husband through Øygarden (book through Klyva Guiding). It drizzled early on, but cleared up just in time for panoramic ocean views.
Instead of cooking lunch outdoors (due to the rain), Malin invited us into her home where her dad made us a traditional meal:
- Fresh salmon
- Potatoes
- Homemade cinnamon rolls
- Pickled cucumbers
It was simple, homemade, and absolutely unforgettable. The warmth of that experience is something we’ll never forget.
Later, some of us took the Mount Ulriken Cable Car, but it was so windy up top that we could barely walk. Definitely skip unless the weather is clear because it’s not a cheap ride. If you have good weather, it’s an incredible view and there are tons of walking and hiking trails.
Dinner back at Frescohallen—easy and still a solid choice.
More pictures of Norway: PART 1, PART 2, PART 3
Day 3: Trains, Fjords & Fairytale Vibes
Time to head into fjord country! We used a porter service to move our luggage—worth it.
Travel route:
- Train from Bergen to Myrdal
- Transfer to the famous Flåm Railway – this felt like stepping into the Polar Express. You pass waterfalls, mountains, and storybook villages.
Next: a private fjord cruise through Aurlandsfjord, stopping in Undredal, a tiny town that inspired Arendelle in Frozen!
We ended the day in Balestrand at the beautiful Kviknes Hotel, which looks like something straight out of Disneyland—only better. Incredible views, easy hiking trails, and we loved both dinner and breakfast at the hotel.
Day 4: Glacier Views & Fairytale Stays
Our private driver took us on a scenic trip through Fjærland (Norway’s book town) to the remote and jaw-droppingly beautiful Hotel Union Øye. We skipped the Loen Skylift due to crowds and clouds, and didn’t love the glacier museum (you can skip it too), but the glacier itself was beautiful worth the drive.
Hotel Union Øye was our favorite hotel of the trip. Each room is unique and named after a historical figure—think royalty, celebrities, and writers. This hotel is a peaceful dream tucked away in the mountains. We ate dinner there both nights and it was absolutely delicious, but pricey. Their breakfast was my favorite of all the stops too.
Day 5: Saunas, Rafting & Norwegian Pancakes
Started the morning with a floating sauna session (yes, we jumped into the freezing lake—it’s tradition!) before heading out for whitewater rafting in Valldal Valley. The experience was safe, thrilling, and so much fun. They provided wetsuits, helmets, and expert guides.
We stopped along the way for sveler—a thick, sweet Norwegian pancake served with sour cream and strawberry jam. I have to recreate this at home!
Dinner at our hotel that night was simple and comforting.
Day 6: Cider & Stair Climbs in Ålesund
We drove to Ålesund, stopping at Skarbø Farm for a private cider tasting and farm-to-table lunch. The owners are a husband-and-wife team who inherited the farm from her parents. It’s a charming spot with delicious food and even better company.
Checked into Hotel Brosundet in Ålesund, explored the art nouveau-style town, climbed 418 stairs to a viewpoint, and had dinner at Anno—good, but not a standout.
Day 7: Oslo by E-Bike
Quick flight to Oslo, where we stayed at Hotel Continental Oslo. Lunch next door at Theatercaféen was SO good—burgers, fresh salads, and desserts fit for royalty (literally—the pastry chef is a royal favorite!).
We did a Viking Biking e-bike tour, which was such a fun and efficient way to see the city. Later, we wandered through shops and had pizza at Casbar—would totally go again.
Day 8: Family Roots in Fredrikstad
We wrapped up the trip with a day trip toFredrikstad, a quaint town tied to family history. It’s quiet, charming, and full of art. Go on a Saturday when they have their flea market in town. While we had originally planned lunch elsewhere, we ended up wishing we had just stayed in Oslo to explore more.
Dinner at Theatercaféen again? Yes please.
Also, there are so many incredible bakeries in Oslo, but with our timing of activities and the bakeries’ hours, we didn’t get a chance to try them. I was so sad… but I guess that means I’ll just have to go back!
Day 9: Homeward Bound
After a final breakfast, it was time to head home—hearts full, phones packed with photos, and a newfound love for cinnamon buns, fjords, and friendly locals.
This trip was a dream. Norway’s beauty is truly breathtaking, but what made it even more special were the people, the quiet moments, and the small details: a reindeer hotdog here, a homemade cinnamon roll there, sunshine buns in hand while watching the mist roll over a fjord.
If you’re planning a trip to Norway, I hope this itinerary gives you ideas and inspiration—and maybe a little nudge to book the flight.
And we couldn’t have done this trip the way we did without Ricardo from HL Adventure, who planned every detail and made sure it went smoothly.