Norway, with its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, is a destination that offers endless possibilities for adventure and exploration. Embarking on a several-week-long journey from the Arctic city of Tromsø to the capital city of Oslo is a fantastic way to experience the best of what Norway has to offer, and it was a dream I realised in 2023.
Here’s a detailed map of my 47-day unforgettable journey through the land of Vikings and a quick guide to my itinerary. I will detail all the journey stages with dedicated articles that I plan to write in the coming weeks.
The Arctic wonderland – Tromsø to Narvik
Day 1-3: Tromsø
I started my journey in Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic. Known for its stunning Arctic scenery and as a prime spot for viewing the Northern Lights, Tromsø blends natural beauty with rich culture.
- Must-See: The Arctic Cathedral, Polaria Arctic Aquarium, Fjellheisen cable car for panoramic views.
- Activities: Northern Lights hunting (I did it with the Ami Hotel, the cheap and cosy hotel I selected for my stay in town), dog sledging, hiking in the surrounding mountains and skiing with a sea view.
Day 4-7: Tromsø to Senja, Dyrøy and Narvik
I took a local bus and ferry combo to reach Senja, the second-largest island in Norway. It is a popular destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and photographers. The island is known for its rugged landscape, majestic mountains, and picturesque villages. It’s also home to various wildlife, including reindeer, seals, and birds. Be sure to explore the Senja National Park, which offers breathtaking views and exciting hiking trails.
I used the same combo to reach Dyrøy, a fishing paradise I added to my itinerary for its beautiful fjords and scenic landscapes.
The bus ride to Narvik is a quick and scenic one. Narvik is most famous for its history during World War II, as it was a key location for the battles between German and Allied forces. I only included it in my itinerary because I watched the Netflix movie just days before leaving for Norway.
Today, Narvik is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. It offers excellent conditions for skiing while admiring its unique Fjord scenery and stunning Northern Lights displays. It was one of the highlights of my first week in this amazing country!
Best of Lofoten in the wildest season – on a sailing boat!
Day 8-16: the best of Lofoten, from Svolvær to Bodø
There is something special about the atmosphere in Lofoten during winter, and I wanted to experience it on board a sailing boat. I wanted something a bit adventurous and as authentic as possible, and I got it!
This trip allowed me to experience the wild nature in Lofoten at the most raw time of the year, from the very special winter light to the historic winter fishing. On board the boat, there was no noise besides the wind and waves and no street lights or other light pollution, so I got to experience all the shades of the sky. Just magic!
I met my other six companions in Svolvær, which I reached in a few hours’ bus trip. After filling the boat with enough groceries, we set sail and spent a week south to Bodø, exploring Steigen and Lofoten on the way. We hiked, kayaked, fished, laughed, froze, shovelled the boat a few times, stopped to enjoy waterfront saunas at nights, visited villages, and I even broke two fingers…
A challenging and unforgettable experience I booked with SeilNorge.
Fjords and mountains – Lofoten islands to Trondheim and Kristiansund
Day 17-20: Bodø to Trondheim (and Røros)
Once disembarked, I quickly visited Bodø, a coastal city that’s a gateway to some of Norway’s most stunning fjords.
- Must-See: Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest tidal current.
- Activities: Explore Kjerringøy, a well-preserved trading post from the 19th century.
I then took a tiny (!) night plane operated by Wideroe to Trondheim, Norway’s third-largest city, known for its historical significance and vibrant cultural scene.
- Must-See: Nidaros Cathedral, the largest medieval building in Scandinavia.
- Activities: Stroll through Bakklandet, the city’s old town with colourful wooden houses, and enjoy the lively waterfront area.
While in Trondheim, I took a train to Røros, A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981 and a charming town in Hedmark County. Founded in 1644, it’s known for its well-preserved wooden architecture, charming streets, and rich cultural heritage (don’t miss the Røros Museum, which showcases the town’s history and copper mining industry). Røros is also the main set of the Netflix TV show “Home for Christmas”; this is how I discovered it and added it to my bucket list!
The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside, mountains, and lakes, offering plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and fishing. I must return and spend a few days there, possibly over Christmas. Visitors can also explore the Røros Museum, which showcases the town’s history and copper mining industry.
Day 21-22: Trondheim to Kristiansund
Once more motivated by cinema, I took a ferry to Kristiansund! This Norwegian city has gained international recognition due to its association with the 2013 James Bond film “Skyfall”. In the movie, it served as the fictional Estorch, the birthplace of Bond’s mentor, Rafael. The city’s harbour was used as the backdrop for the film’s stunning stunts and scenes. Kristiansund’s unique architecture, picturesque fjords, and charming atmosphere make it an attractive destination for visitors and if you’re a Bond fan or simply looking for a unique vacation spot, Kristiansund is definitely worth exploring.
From Kristiansund, you can also take a ride on the Atlantic Road, also known as the “Atlantic Ocean Road.” This 6.6-mile stretch of Norwegian highway was built on a series of small islands and skerries in the Atlantic Ocean, winning the 2005 Gasworks Award for “Best Architectural Work of the Year.” The Atlantic Road has been featured in various media, but what inspired me to take the trip was the last James Bond car chase in “No Time to Die.”
Exploring the heart of Norway – Kristiansund to Geirangerfjord
Day 23-26: Kristiansund to Ålesund
I departed Kristiansund and boarded yet another ferry to Ålesund, a charming city located in western Norway, known for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and picturesque waterfront. The city was largely rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1904, and the resulting buildings are a unique blend of medieval and Art Nouveau styles. Alesund is also popular among outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking (I loved it!), kayaking, and skiing opportunities.
- Must-See: The Atlantic Sea Park, one of the largest aquariums in Scandinavia (which I didn’t enter), and the viewpoint at Aksla for panoramic city views.
- Activities: Explore the surrounding fjords and islands by boat, wander through the city’s beautiful streets, and explore the colourful youngsters’ home, the Jugendstilsenteret.
Day 27-29: Ålesund to Geirangerfjord
From Ålesund, I went to Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s most famous fjords and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Must-See: The Seven Sisters and The Suitor waterfalls.
- Activities: Take a fjord cruise or kayak to get up close to the waterfalls, hike to viewpoints like Dalsnibba, or explore the charming village of Geiranger.
Fjords paradise – Bergen to Stavanger
Day 29-34: Geirangerfjord to Bergen
I embarked on yet another ferry to reach Bergen, and the journey among fjords has been spectacular!
Bergen is a beautiful coastal city in western Norway, known for its vibrant cultural scene and picturesque wooden houses. It is also the gateway to the famous fjords of Norway, offering breathtaking boat tours and hiking opportunities. The city’s historic Bryggen district boasts colourful wooden buildings, boutiques, and restaurants. Bergen is also home to the Edvard Grieg Museum and the Viking Museum, which showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, foodies, and culture enthusiasts alike!
- Must-See: Bryggen, the old Hanseatic wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Fløyen mountain for spectacular views and the best forest hikes.
- Activities: Explore the colourful fish market, take a fjord cruise if you arrive by train or bus, and ride the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Fløyen.
Day 34-37: Bergen to Stavanger
Stavanger is a city located on the west coast of Norway, a few hours bus ride from Bergen. It’s known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. It is situated at the head of the Byfjorden, a fjord off the Norwegian Sea, and is surrounded by mountains and waterways. The city has a significant history dating back to the 12th century and is home to the medieval Stavanger Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take a stroll along the narrow streets of the Old Town, admiring the charming wooden houses and exploring the vibrant harbour area. Visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum to learn about the region’s oil industry.
Stavanger is also a popular tourist destination, with activities like hiking, kayaking, and skiing in nearby fjords and mountains. Among the hikes, I opted for the nearby Preikestolen, also known as Pulpit Rock, my smartphone screen since that day. It’s a famous rock plateau in Forsand, offering breathtaking views of the Lysefjord and the surrounding landscape. The hike is a 3-hour one from the nearby village of Øygardstølen.
From the Fjords to the Capital – Stavanger to Oslo
Day 38-43: Norway in a nutshell
If you only have a few days to discover Norway and want to grasp its essence, you can definitely book a quick Norway in a Nutshell experience.
For the final leg of my long journey, I followed their itinerary but booked it myself. I took my time, treating myself to two more days of slopes in Voss, visiting the Viking village of Gudvangen, relaxing in Flåm and enjoying every last hour on the snowy fjords and mountains on the scenic Bergen Railway, one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys.
No matter your plan:
- Must-See: Vøringfossen waterfall, Hardangervidda National Park, and the charming village of Flåm.
- Activities: Ride the Flåm Railway, explore the Stegastein viewpoint, and visit the famous stave churches along the way.
Day 44-47: Oslo
I ended my journey in Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital, where I had already spent the first night before travelling to the Arctic North, treating myself to a night at the opera.
- Must-See: The Viking Ship Museum, Vigeland Sculpture Park, and the Royal Palace.
- Activities: Explore the modern architecture at the Barcode Project, walk along the Oslo Opera House roof, and enjoy the city’s diverse culinary scene.
Practical Tips for Your Norwegian Adventure
Travel mode
Renting a car allows you to explore independently, but I skipped this option because I wanted to relax. Norway’s extensive public transport network, including trains, ferries, and buses, is a great way to travel, and you can plan all the details on the Entur website.
As you will quickly discover using the Entur website, the bus company is different on almost every stretch of the trip, and they all require you to download their own app to get the ticket, which is often a combo one, including the needed ferry rides to your destination.
Trains are much easier and you can get your tickets on the official railway website.
When possible, I travelled by ferry to fully enjoy the fjords. I booked all the rides on the Hurtigruten website, sometimes with cabin and breakfast included. The only way to book a single stretch at a time is to navigate the Norwegian website, as in any other language, they only sell whole cruises.
Accommodation
From cosy cabins and boutique hotels to more budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses, plenty of options suit all preferences.
Besides spending one week on a sailing boat in a shared bunk-bed cabin, I saved money staying in “pensjonat”, the Norwegian hostel-type accommodation, for most of the trip.
I also took two night ferries to enjoy the sunset and sunrise sailing between the fjords.
Food and beverage
Let’s be honest: eating and drinking are overly expensive compared to prices at home (and I live in an overpriced tourist area in Italy)! I saved money by eating mostly vegetable soups purchased in grocery stores and treating myself only a few times to a restaurant.
Travel Insurance
I used Nomad Insurance, by Safety Wing, and I recommend it!
Packing tips
Winter visits are perfect for those wanting to see the Northern Lights, indulge in winter sports, or for those whose is the only option, like myself. The only issue is, of course, clothing. You can find a detailed polar winter packing list in this post I wrote after visiting Hokkaido.
A month and a half in Norway lets you fully immerse yourself in its breathtaking natural beauty and rich culture. From the Arctic landscapes of Tromsø to the Lofoten sailing experience to Oslo’s urban vibrancy, every part of my journey was filled with unforgettable moments I will detail in the following weeks.
