Norway itinerary: 10 days of fjords, glaciers & endless views
- Aube Vandingenen
- Mar 6
- 4 min read
Norway had been on our bucket list for a while, so my dad and I finally decided to go for it in 2022. With a mix of city visits, scenic train rides, and a spontaneous road trip through some of the most beautiful landscapes we’ve ever seen, it became a trip we’ll never forget. And while Norway is truly incredible, it’s no secret that it’s also expensive. So if you’re planning your own trip, take notes, we’re sharing all our stops, the whole itinerary, tips, and must-sees to help you out.
Day 1 – Arrival in Oslo
We landed in Oslo and took the train from the airport to the city center, which took around 20 minutes and cost about €10 per person. It was such a smooth ride with lovely views of the surrounding countryside. After arriving at the central station, we walked to our hotel and spent the evening strolling around the water to catch the sunset. The restaurant we picked wasn’t worth mentioning, but the peaceful evening atmosphere by the water definitely was.
Day 2 – Exploring Oslo
We started the day at the Oslo Opera House, a must-visit right next to the water where you can walk on the roof and enjoy the views. Afterward, we stopped by the iconic Freia chocolate shop to try some local chocolate, which was surprisingly good! After a quick lunch (tip: most supermarkets like Coop and Rema 1000 have salad bars, perfect for a budget-friendly meal), we headed to the Royal Palace for the changing of the guards at 13:30 — a nice event to see, but get there early because it gets busy. In the afternoon, we visited the National Museum, which is a real highlight if you love art, fashion, or history (+ you can admire the real painting ‘The Scream’) and afterward we wandered through Frogner Park, the perfect place to unwind on a sunny day, a park with more than 200 sculptures!
Day 3 – Oslo to Bergen
We woke up around 5AM to catch the train to Bergen. I wasn’t feeling great that day, but honestly, the views from the train made it totally worth it. For around €90 per person, you’ll get one of the most scenic rides in the world. Bergen welcomed us with typical rain, but that didn’t stop us from hiking to a viewpoint (even if the fog ruined the view). We found a cozy spot for dinner and called it a night.
Day 4 – Bergen by Water and Cable Car
We started our day with a boat trip around Bergen for €60 per person, which felt a bit pricey for just three hours, but the views of the small Norwegian houses and waterfalls from the water were totally worth it. Don’t forget warm clothes, even in summer, the wind is freezing! In the afternoon, we visited Ulriken, Bergen’s highest mountain. You can either hike or take the cable car, and we were lucky to get clear skies and absolutely stunning views.
Day 5 – The Road Trip Begins
We rented a car and kicked off our road trip with no fixed plan, just stopping wherever looked beautiful (which was everywhere). First up was Skjervsfossen Waterfall, which was super peaceful with barely anyone there. Then we made a quick stop at Tvindefossen, but it was crowded with buses, so we didn’t stay long. We kept driving through Gudvangen and made spontaneous photo stops every few kilometers — honestly, every corner of the road deserves a break. We ended the day with the famous Flåm Railway (€70 per person), an old-fashioned train with windows you can open to take in the views and waterfalls along the way.
Day 6 – Glaciers and Fjords
We drove towards Briksdalsbreen Glacier, which involved a beautiful hike, though it was also a bit confronting (the signs showing how far the glacier used to reach really make you think). Make sure to stop at the swing on the way back for the perfect picture! In the afternoon, we made our way to Geiranger Fjord, one of the most stunning fjords in Norway. We took the ferry, passed the Seven Sisters Waterfall, and spent the evening in Hornindal, staying at Havila Hotel Raftevold, which I can actually recommend, the views from our room were amazing.
Day 7 – Birds and Colorful Cities
We visited Runde, the famous bird island known for its puffins, but unfortunately, we didn’t spot many due to bad weather and declining populations. Instead, we continued to Ålesund, where the charming colorful houses and cozy cafés made for a perfect rainy-day stop.
Day 8 – Glacier Hikes and Unexpected Drama
We hiked to Brenndalsbreen Glacier, which was quiet and less touristy, making it one of my favorites. That is… until my dad lost his visa card and we had to redo the entire hike! Later, we visited Nigardsbreen Glacier, where you can get surprisingly close to the ice. We ended the day rafting (definitely recommend!) and took the ferry from Manheller to Fodnes before visiting Borgund Stave Church, a black wooden church that’s worth a short visit.
Day 9 – Jotunheimen National Park
Finally, the sun came out! We drove to Beitostølen and enjoyed one of the most beautiful sunsets of the trip. The next day, we explored Jotunheimen National Park, especially Road 51, which is full of stops with stunning views and hiking opportunities. Honestly, every minute there felt like we were inside a postcard.
Day 10 – The Grand Finale
For our last day, we took the car ferry from Kaupanger to Gudvangen through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. This is one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway, and the perfect way to end the trip.
Budget Tips for Norway:
• Supermarkets like Coop, Rema 1000, and Kiwi are your best friends. Most have salad bars, fresh bread, and easy lunch options at reasonable prices.
• Norway is expensive! If you’re driving from home, definitely bring as much food as possible. Think pasta, snacks, and breakfast essentials.
• Camping is a great budget option. Norway has plenty of free camping spots with incredible views, and it’s allowed in most places.
• Ferry rides are often cheaper than tourist boat tours and offer the same incredible fjord views.
Norway might be pricey, but trust me, the landscapes, nature, and experience make it absolutely worth it. Take your time, stop wherever looks nice, and enjoy the adventure.
Lots of love,
The Traveling Athlete
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