Norway Holidays
With jagged peaks soaring steeply from the surf and fjords chiselled deep into the Earth’s crust, Norway’s topography is dramatically diverse, providing a spine-tingling backdrop for hikes, kayak rides and aurora hunting. Fishermen’s tales have shaped popular culture, and every island and islet has a story to tell.
Norway Holidays
From the secluded fishing villages of Northern Norway to the tranquility of the Western fjords, Norway is home to some beautiful stays. Below you will find some of our favourite Norway holiday ideas for inspiration.
Norway Summer Holidays
-
Photo: Hans Petter Sørensen | Faroutfocus | Visit Norway
Photo: Andre Morales Kalamar | Unsplash
Day 1 | Arrive Oslo
Photo: Nick Night | Unsplash
Day 2 | Explore Oslo
Photo: Casper Steinsland | Visit Bergen
Day 3 | Bergen Line & Flåm Mountain Railway
Photo: Øyvind Heen | fjords.com | Norway Brand Centre
Day 4 | Stegastein Viewpoint & Hiking
Photo: Øyvind Heen | fjords.com | Norway Brand Centre
Day 5 | Fjord Kayaking
Photo: Øyvind Heen | Visitnorway.Com
Day 6 | Fjord Cruise & Scenic Bus Ride
Bergen by Robin Strand / Visit Bergen
Day 7 | Explore Bergen
Photo: Øyvind Heen | fjords.com
Day 8 | Departure Day
7 nights
Oslo, Bergen & Aurland Adventure
Visit Norway’s contrasting cities of Oslo and Bergen where fjord-side summer adventures, hiking trails and a glorious boutique eco hotel awaits. -
Trolltunga by Sveinung Klyve
Hardangerfjor by Øyvind Heen/ Fjords.Com
Day 1 | Arrive in Norway
Day 2 | Sunset Hike to Trolltunga
Trolltunga Lake by Kaptenhal / Trolltunga Adventures
Day 3 | Descend Trolltunga at Sunrise
Bergen by Robin Strand / Visit Bergen
Day 4 | Scenic Journey to Bergen
Bergen by Lars Korvald / Visit Bergen
Day 5 | Discover Bergen
Day 6 | Departure Day
5 nights
Sunset & Sunrise along the Trolltunga Trail
From the cobbled beauty of Bergen to the glistening nearby fjords, camp overnight at Trolltunga rock and take in mesmerising views under the glow of the sun. -
Bryggen in Bergen | Photo by Lars Korvald | Visit Bergen
The City of Trondheim in Norway | Photo by Sébastien Goldberg | Unsplash
Day 1 | Arrive in Trondheim
Nidaros Cathedral Trondheim, Norway | Photo by Sven Erik Knoff | Visit Norway
Day 2 | Explore Trondheim
The Dovrefjell National Park | Photo by Kongsvold Fjeldstue Dovre Design Frich´S Management | Visit Norway
Day 3 | Døvre Railway from Trondheim to Oslo
Viewing platform in Oslo | Photo by Arvid Malde | Unsplash
Day 4 & 5 | Explore Oslo
Train On Kylling Railway Bridge In Rauma | Leif Johnny Olestad | Visit Norway
Day 6 | Norway in a Nutshell
Bergen by Robin Strand / Visit Bergen
Day 7 & 8 | Explore Bergen
Stavanger at night | Photo by Gunnar Ridderstrom | Unsplash
Day 9 | Coastal cruise to Stavanger
Stavanger from above | Vågen Fotoknoff Sven Erik Knoff | Visit Region Stavanger
Day 10 | Explore Stavanger
Aerial View of Stavanger | Photo by Oleksii Topolianskyi | Unsplash
Day 11 | Departure Day
10 nights
Norway’s Adventure Capital Explorer
Enjoy fjord side train journeys between Norway's most impressive cities. From Trondheim to Oslo, Bergen and Stavanger, all offer a variety of unique experiences.
Norway Winter Holidays
-
Day 1 | Arrive in Tromsø
Day 2 | Silent Whale Watching
Photo: Best Arctic
Day 3 | Explore Tromsø & Evening Aurora Search
Day 4 | Snowshoe Hike on Tromsøya
Day 5 | Departure Day
4 nights
Tromsø Winter Escape
Norway's northernmost hub is a lively city surrounded by mountains and fjords. Join reindeer for a night in the wild and search for Orcas and Humpback whales. -
Snowshoe hiking by Pukka Travels
The northern lights by Yngve Olsen Saebbe / nordnorge.com
Day 1 | Arrive in Northern Norway
Day 2 | Snowshoe Hike & Northern Lights Cruise
Orca by Ismaele Tortella / Visit Norway
Day 3 | Silent Whale Watching
Day 4 | Tromso Sight Seeing & Ferry To Vengsoy
Day 5 | Nordic Sea Lodge
Northern Lights by Jake Osborne / Visitnorway.com
Day 6 | Departure Day
5 nights
Arctic Silence at the Top of the World
From Tromsø, enjoy a silent whale watching trip on the Brim Explorer, before an aurora hunt and a snowshoe hike alongside sparkling fjords. -
Northern Lights by Jake Osborne / Visitnorway.com
Day 1 | Arrive in Arctic Norway
Day 2 | Explore Tromsø
Day 3 | Arrive Lyngen & Evening Aurora Hunt
Orcas by Ismaele Tortella / Visit Norway
Day 4 | Whale Safari
Photo: Baard Loeken | www.nordnorge.com
Day 5 | Dog-Sledding & Sauna Relaxing
Photo: Lyngen Experience Lodge
Day 6 | Departure Day
5 nights
Arctic Getaway to Northern Norway
Discover Norway's northernmost city of Tromsø with a stay in the Lyngen Alps. Search for the northern lights by electric car and explore the wilderness by dog sled.
Mrs Tracey Poulter | Travelled to Norway in November 2019"We had a wonderful time, experiencing the Northern Lights as well as seeing humpback whales and orcas in the wild while aboard the fabulous Brim Explorer hybrid boat"
Tell me more
Perfectly suited to the wild at heart, a fractured northern coastline demands exploration. Paddle between rocks smothered with seals or take boat trips to discover remote, weather-beaten islands where puffins choose to nest. In winter, orcas fish for herring outside Tromso, and year-round, resident sperm whales and humpbacks visit surrounding shores.
Since Viking times, the sea has been a focus: traditional rorbu cabins fringe coastal towns such as Bergen, cod is often found on menus, and stockfish dried on wooden A-frames (known as hjell) is a common sight.
In a country where nature belongs to no-one and people have a legal right to roam, boundaries are limitless. Famous peaks and plateaus have rightfully earned iconic status, and the mountain-hugging Flam Railway is regarded as one of the most scenic journeys in the world. But lesser known sights are equally alluring and new discoveries are itching to be made every day.
Norway Map
THE FAR NORTH
Gateway to the Arctic, Tromsø and the far north are home to blazing aurora skies and snow capped mountains.
NORDLAND & TRØNDELAG
Thick forests, breeze-swept meadows and vast lakes make up this breath-taking slice of Norway.
BERGEN & THE WESTERN FJORDS
From UNESCO World Heritage sites to iconic peaks, meet the meandering glassy fjords of the West.
CENTRAL NORWAY
A thriving cultural core meets a network of national parks, Central Norway is a location like no other.
STAVANGER & THE SOUTHWESTERN FJORDS
Stavanger's storybook hillside houses offer the perfect retreat beside the enchanting Southwestern fjords.
OSLO & SOUTHERN NORWAY
This harbourside metropolis combines art museaums and music venues with direct access to calm, coastal living.
The northern lights by Ismaele Tortella / Visit Norway
The northern lights by Ismaele Tortella / Visit Norway
Arctic Norway
Where the northern lights collide with star-lit skies, the undulating topography of Norway's far north must be seen to be believed. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, fjords and forests, the Arctic capital of Tromsø is a bustling hub combining cultural sightseeing and wild excursions. Spot Orca's in their natural habitat before discovering the snow-shrouded wilderness on husky and snowmobiling adventures. Relax by the shores of the Varangerfjord or feel the glowing midnight sun atop the green peaks of Senja.
Nordland & Trøndelag
Expansive forests, meadows and deep blue lakes make up this thin stretch of Norway. The Nordland Railway begins in Trondheim and extends 729 kilometres, gliding through 154 tunnels and 293 bridges before crossing the Arctic Circle into the town of Bodø. The core of Norway, Trøndelag is a grounding region where the way of life is 'kos', to 'have a good time'. The surrounding regions of Norway are easily connected, and the very best of history, culture, food and nature are blended into a central hub.
Bergen by Espen Bakketun / Visit Bergen
Bergen by Espen Bakketun / Visit Bergen
Bergen & The Western Fjords
Where colourful timber cottages cling to sloping hills leading to Vågen Harbour, the bustling pathways of Bergen capture the essence of Norway's charm. Home to one of the largest art collections in Scandinavia, visiting the city's museums and galleries is a must, whilst the historic quarter of Bryggen offers an enchanting step back in time. The ideal cityscape to explore the country's infamous viewpoints, hop between breathtaking fjords on journeys to some of the world's most iconic viewpoints.
Central Norway
Tucked between the fjords and Sweden, Central Norway is a patchwork of undulating mountainous plains. From the Olympic Park and Lillehammer Art Museum to the network of hiking and cycling routes through Jotunheimen, Rondane and Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Parks, the core of the country is steeped in history. Stretching over 5000 kilometres, the Valdres Valley is home to a rural farming community that has dwelled between glassy lakes and mossy hillsides for generations.
Pulpit Rock in Norway by Alexey Topolyansky / Unsplash
Pulpit Rock in Norway by Alexey Topolyansky / Unsplash
Stavanger & The Southwestern Fjords
Known for its colourful buildings splashed with bright street art, Stavanger is a thriving cultural hub home to delicious eateries, a collection of museums and harbourside bars. This vibrant metropolis is also gateway to the mighty Southwestern Fjords, where access to white sandy beaches and craggy peaks are just a blissful boat trip away. A journey to the beautiful Lysefjord is a must. Home to Pulpit Rock, this iconic lookout was named one of the world's most spectacular viewpoints by Lonely Planet.
Floating Sauna in Oslo by Didrick Stenersen / Visit Oslo
Floating Sauna in Oslo by Didrick Stenersen / Visit Oslo
Oslo & Southern Norway
Home to some of Europe's largest art museums and a magnificent opera house, Oslo is bursting with creativity. From the harbour promenade lined with beautiful architecture, fabulous food and music venues, to the lush green islands scattered across Oslofjord, the metropolis meets natural tranquility. Southern Norway is the summer destination amongst locals and it's not hard to see why; stroll past coastal timber houses into the port city of Kristiansand to discover a thriving artisanal handicraft and musical scene.
Marie | Travelled to Norway in February 2022"We had a very special time, both in Tromso and on Vengsoy Island. Both very different, but both very wonderful. Highlights - hot tub at the cabins in Vengsoy and our Northern Lights trip by Tesla in Tromso..."
Highlights of Norway
Northern lights in Lofoten by Alex Conu / Visitnorway.com
Northern lights in Lofoten by Alex Conu / Visitnorway.com
The Northern Lights in Norway
From September to March, Norway's skies are plunged into polar darkness and the spell-binding power of mother nature's most famous light show can be seen soaring between the stars. Travel north, across the Arctic Circle and beyond the vibrant cities into cosy corners of the country, where the limited light pollution makes for optimum aurora gazing. From an aurora-chasing cruise to a front-row seat in the luxury of a private sauna and hot tub, catching a glimpse of this mesmerising phenomenon is a must.
Hans Petter Sørensen @faroutfocus / Visit Norway
Hans Petter Sørensen @faroutfocus / Visit Norway
Whale Watching
From Tromsø to Oslo, catching a glimpse of these magnificent giants of the water is an opportunity not to be missed. The herring-rich fjords surrounding Norway's vibrant cities are the perfect feeding ground for Humpbacks and Orcas. Our wonderful friends at the Brim Explorer offer a unique insight into marine life. Bringing sustainable innovation to the forefront, hopping aboard their zero emissions, silent catamarans is the ideal way to watch in awe without disturbing their natural habitat.
Lofoten Islands by Berge Knoff / Visitnorway.com
Lofoten Islands by Berge Knoff / Visitnorway.com
The Lofoten Archipelago
High above the Arctic Circle a scattering of sand-draped beaches, volcanic rock formations, plunging fjords and tumbling waterfalls comprise the Lofoten archipelago. Rich waters and diverse landscapes provide a natural playground for the adventurous traveller. From winter hiking and skiing under the northern lights, to rafting, scuba diving and surfing under the midnight summer sun, the warming flow of the Gulf Stream makes this destination a must for those wanting to experience Arctic life at a milder pace.
Andy | Travelled to Norway in October 2019"This trip ticked 3 things off my bucket list, 1. stayed within the Arctic Circle, 2. saw the Aurora Borealis, 3. saw Orca whales in the wild. If you’re looking for a unique and hassle free experience to somewhere ‘wild’, then I would have no hesitation in recommending Where the Wild Is...”
The Flåm Railway in Norway by Øyvind Heen / Fjords.com
The Flåm Railway in Norway by Øyvind Heen / Fjords.com
The Fjords
In a country that isn’t short on beauty, the Western Fjords offer some of its most spectacular scenery. Thanks to a natural phenomenon millions of years in the making, ice, meltwater and gravel has worn away the rock carving out vast puddles of breathtaking blue and networks of narrow rivers. This unique landscape inspires visitors to immerse themselves in nature through unforgettable adventures. And when the steep cliffs close in, the waterfalls thunder and the rivers and lakes ebb and flow, the enormity of nature is truly on display. In Norway’s Western Fjords you can be at one with it like nowhere else on Earth.
Trolltunga Rock Formation by Scott Sporleder / Visit Bergen
Trolltunga Rock Formation by Scott Sporleder / Visit Bergen
Iconic hikes
Hiking in Norway is not for the faint of heart. Take one look at the vertiginous mountains, tranquil fjords and dramatic gorges and you will understand why. The landscape is majestic in its stark simplicity but undeniably challenging when it comes to conquering its trails. One of the most famous climbs is to Trolltunga where you can stare into the depths of Lisefjord, as the ‘troll’s tongue’ pokes out from the mountainside. Or reach for the clouds at the iconic Pulpit Rock, a striking plateau 2000ft above sea level, which provides a magnificent viewing point to gaze out to the mountains beyond.
Wonderful Places to stay in Norway
Norway in Pictures
Anestølen by Vegard Aasen / Veri Media
Reine in Lofoten by Sven Erik Knoff / Visit Norway
Reine, Lofoten by Mattias Fredriksson / Visitnorway.com
Northern Lights by Jake Osborne / Visitnorway.com
We can plan your tailor-made trip of a lifetime to Norway. Get in touch today.