Let's Go To Norway!
As an avid nature lover, Norway has been in my travel sights for a few years now. After much research, I tailored my much-anticipated trip this way: 3 nights in Oslo, 3 nights in Stavanger and 3 nights in Bergen. Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands are also very popular tourist destinations, but for reasons of time and ease of travel, I decided to explore southern Norway.
Itinerary:
Day #1: Airport arrival from Zurich, and then to Oslo via train
Oslo is a must stop when in Norway, and since it is the main gateway for most incoming flights, I would plan on at least 2-3 days to explore the offerings of this contemporary Scandinavian capital. Since my train to Stavanger left the next morning, I divided my time and spent the afternoon exploring Oslo's waterfront area. My hotel, the Thon Opera, was beautifully situated between the train station and Oslo's iconic opera house, with each only a 5 minute walk from the hotel. The other attraction that I visited before making my way to Stavanger was the Munch Museum, most famous for Edvard Munch's world-renowned painting "The Scream." In addition to its rich history and culture, I also loved Oslo for its clean and ultra modern design.
Day #2: Travel via train from Oslo to Stavanger
My travel to Stavanger started by bus (one of the rail sections was closed due to excessive rains), and then via train. My trip encompassed the better part of the day (approximately 8 hours), so after I arrived in Stavanger and got settled in, I decided to go for a walk about. Since it was late Sunday afternoon, most shops were closed (August 2025).
Day #3: Exploring Stavanger
After reviewing the "top things to do in Stavanger," and seeing that the weather was in my favor, I decided to book a morning tour for Flor&Fjære. **https://florogfjare.no/en/ Nothing could have prepared me for the exquisite beauty of these gardens, and seeing palm trees growing outside in Norway was another source of sheer bewilderment and awe. The ticket to Flor&Fjære included the boat ride to and from the island, tour of the gardens, delectable three course meal, and time to explore the gardens. My tour departed from their dock in Stavanger at 11:00a.m. and returned at 3:30p.m. Almost on cue, it started to rain once we reached Stavanger. It was an absolute blessing to be able to have explored the gardens before the rains came down. On my way back to my hotel, I decided to stop at a local Indian restaurant, **The Curry Heaven, near the waterfront. Let me tell you, there's nothing like a delicious paneer tikka masala and accompanying garlic naan to warm the soul after a short trek in the rain.
** Compensation is not provided for my recommendations. I simply believe in promoting quality places, services and products.
Day #4: Lysefjord cruise and Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock Hike)
Well, the weather did not cooperate for this one, and my excursion only ended up being the fjord cruise. With high winds and torrential downpours they did not want to risk having any tourists being blown or washed off of Pulpit Rock. While understandably disappointed, I was not about to argue. Since the weather in Norway can be unpredictable, a raincoat and umbrella are a must when visiting during the summer months. If you plan on hiking, then also include waterproof pants and boots.
After returning to Stavanger, I decided to make the most out of my last full day by visiting Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger) and several of the recommended museums: The Norwegian Canning Museum, Stavanger Maritime Museum and the Petroleum Museum(Norsk Oljemuseum). On the way to the Petroleum Museum, I wandered through the city center, and saw the Valberg Tower (Valbergtårnet). It was wonderful to have a number of indoor sightseeing options, especially when Norway's weather was not conducive to outdoor activities.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the **Thon Hotel Stavanger. Its location in Stavanger's City Center provided walking access to the overwhelming majority of sites that I wished to visit. Besides its fantastic location and comfortable beds, the breakfast was fabulous!
Day #5: Travel via bus and ferry to Bergen
Before departing for Bergen, I had decided to take a local bus to see the Sverd i fjell (Swords in rock) monument. It was a relatively short bus ride, around 15 minutes, so I do recommend seeing it. The site commemorates and marks the Viking battle that united Norway into one kingdom in 872 A.D.
My coach bus to Bergen departed around 11:30 a.m., and placed me in the city around 4:30p.m. I was completely fascinated by this part of the journey due to the fact that our very large, double-decker coach bus was required to board a ferry at least three separate times. Norway's coastline is quite irregular, so it was a very necessary part of the journey. This is where I whole-heartedly promote taking public transport for trips under 2 weeks in Norway. There is so much to navigate around and through, that having someone else do it makes the trip far more pleasurable. It allows you to take in and enjoy the stunning scenery of Norway.
After I arrived in Bergen and got settled into my hotel, I decided to explore Bergen. Even though my hotel was very conveniently located next to the bus and train station, it was about a 15 minute walk into the city center. Along the way I saw and stopped at many sites, such as the Bergen visitor center (lots of helpful info), Bryggen (Bergen) Hanseatic Wharf (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Bergen Fish Market, Bergenhus Fortress and Rosenkrantz Tower and the Byparken, which is a lovely park near the entrance of the city center. Bergen also has many statues honoring some of its most famous residents including: violinist Ole Bull, composer Edvard Grieg and playright Henrik Ibsen. A special consideration to note when travelling to Norway during the summer months is that the hours of daylight are fairly extended. During my visit in August, it still was relatively light at 10:30p.m. which was great for exploration! On average for this time of year, Bergen receives about 15-17 hours of daylight.
Day #6: Exploring Bergen
My first full day in Bergen started with a ride on the Fløibanen, a funicular railway that takes you to the top of Mt. Fløyen. This can be a very popular attraction, so time your visit carefully. Also, please check the weather conditions, because you won't get much of a view if it's raining heavily. When on the top of Mt. Fløyen, be sure to look for their famous goats!
After returning from my Mt. Fløyen excursion, I made a brief stop in the Bergen Wharf area to pick up one of Baker Brun's famed cinnamon rolls before going to board my bus to the Troldhaugen museum (Edvard Grieg's house). No stop in Bergen would be complete without visiting Troldhaugen. Even if you are not necessarily a fan of classical music, you most likely have heard and enjoyed selections from his "Peer Gynt Suite." I chose the tour option that included a recital of Peer Gynt - suites I and II, which were performed in the beautiful 200 seat Troldsalen concert hall. On the day of my visit, the recital was performed by Sigurd Mosbakk on the hall's 9ft Steinway concert grand. Hearing Grieg's masterpiece performed on the very grounds where it was created, was a special experience that truly connected one to the composer. Upon my return, I decided to check out the Kode 3 museum (where the tour to Troldhaugen originated), and thoroughly enjoyed the art work. Kode 3, also known as the Rasmus Meyer Collection, featured works by Munch and other artists from Norwegian's Golden Age(1880-1905). After taking great delight in the artwork, I took a museum staffer's recommendation and went to Bien Centro for a pretty legit Italian-style pizza. My heart was full!
Day #7: Exploring Bergen
I was looking forward to taking the Ulriken643 Cable Car to Bergen's highest point, Mount Ulriken. To arrive at the cable car, I took a local train. The journey from the train station to the base of the cable car takes about 15-20 minutes. Included in that travel time was a 10 minute walk up the hill from the train station to the cable car entrance. On a clear day the views are quite expansive, and well worth the visit. There is also a very popular hike known as the Vidden Hike that connects Mount Ulriken with Mt. Fløyen. It's about 13-15km and takes around 5-6 hours on average. Since the weather was tenuous that day, I decided to go back to Mt. Fløyen via their funicular railway, but first......coffee!
Fully caffeinated, I returned to Mt. Fløyen's funicular railway for another visit. This time I was finally able to meet the famous Mt. Fløyen Goats. What a joy! After spending some quality time at the top, I decided to hike back down to Bergen. The walk down a paved trail took about 1 hour, and provided spectacular views of the lush Norwegian forest. I was in heaven!
Day #8: My return to Oslo via the Norway in a Nutshell route
After a hearty breakfast at my hotel, I made my way over to the train station for an early 8:30a.m. departure to Oslo, with scheduled arrival at 10:30p.m. This made for a very full day of travel, but it was an enjoyable one because the Norway in a Nutshell route is well timed and organized. When you book this leg of the journey, you will have many options including staying over in Flåm or Gudvangen, as well as many excursions to extend your tour. I chose the one day option, and booked all of my city to city transportation, as well as my Lysefjord cruise and Preikestolen hike on Fjord Tours official website:
This website was extremely helpful in crafting my travel itinerary, and I highly recommend it for those who enjoy the benefits and freedom of a self-guided tour. Along the route we traveled by train to Voss, then from Voss via coach bus through the scenic Nærøydalen Valley, with a photo stop at the Stalheim Hotel. Once we arrived in Gudvangen we boarded a zero-emission catamaran and made our way through the breathtakingly beautiful Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our cruise ended in the charming town of Flåm where we were afforded some time to shop and enjoy a bite to eat before boarding the Flåmsbana Railway. This rail journey was quite steep at times, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful by Lonely Planet. (I happily second this!) The journey on this segment was about 1 hour, and made a brief stop at the stunning Kjosfossen waterfall. Once in Myrdal you board your final train bound for Bergen, but wait a minute....what does Star Wars have to do with the train ride? (Read the caption below to find out!)
Day #9: Last full day in Oslo
Determined to make the most of my last full day in Oslo, I crafted a very ambitious itinerary that included: a ferry over to the Norsk Museum and Fram Museum, a jaunt through the Akershus Castle and surrounding grounds, Nobel Peace Prize Center, and a stroll through the city's main shopping district (Karl Johan's Gate). If I would have had another day, I would have loved to go to the Vigeland Sculpture Garden, so be sure to add that to your itinerary! After a gratifying and grounding dinner, I returned to my hotel to pack for the return trip.
Day #10: Return to the U.S.
My Hotel, the Thon Opera, was so wonderfully accommodating that they were able to pack a "breakfast to go" bag for my early return to the airport. The easiest and fastest way to the airport was via the Flytoget Train. The departure platform was barely a 5 minute walk from my hotel, which is another great selling point of this property. After a relatively easy time at the airport, I boarded my first flight to London, and left Norway with many beautiful memories and warm feelings for this Scandinavian masterpiece. Until next time, Norway!
In a nutshell.....Norway was phenomenal, and we highly recommend putting this destination on your travel list. Please note that as with any of the other locations that we have traveled to, we are always happy to share our best travel ideas with you. If you are considering visiting Norway, please feel free to reach out via this website or email us at: sorellasnaps@gmail.com
Thank you for adventuring through Norway with us. May you find wonder and awe in our beautiful world.
Keep Adventuring On,
Julie & Patricia
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