Ultimate 4-Day Norway Travel Guide: From Oslo to Bergen and the Fjords
Oh hey, Norway! 🇳🇴 👋
Just picture this: jaw-dropping fjords, charming little villages, mesmerizing Northern Lights, and cities that look like Pinterest boards brought to life. Norway is basically nature’s ultimate flex—and trust me, it totally delivers.
Exploring this magical corner of the world feels like stepping straight into a fairytale! From the vibrant streets of Oslo to the peaceful stillness of the fjords, Norway offers the perfect blend of adventure and chill vibes.
So, get ready to pack your bags because I’m taking you on a journey through all the most stunning spots, insider travel tips, and delicious plant-based eats!
✨ Before You Go: What to Know About This Itinerary
Seasonal Vibes: This itinerary is based on a summer trip—hello, endless daylight and prime sightseeing hours! If you’re planning a fall or winter visit, just a heads up: things close earlier, the sun sets way sooner, and snow might change your plans (but also, hello cozy vibes and winter wonderland magic!).
Vegan Finds: Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with all the best plant-based restaurants and cafes in each city. Because traveling hungry? No thanks.
Weather Expectations: Even in summer, Norway can be pretty crisp—especially around the fjords. Layers are your best friend, and a waterproof jacket is a must since rain clouds love to surprise you.
Midnight Sun Madness: Visiting during peak summer means the sun literally never sets. It’s wild! An eye mask will become your new BFF if your hotel’s blackout curtains aren’t up to the task.
Overview of Itinerary:
Viking Ship Museum
Norwegian Folk Museum
Vigeland Sculpture Park
Oslo Opera House
National Gallery
Akershus Fortress
Train from Oslo to Bergen
Day Three: Bergen to Flåm (and back)
Train from Bergen to Flåm
Ferry from Flåm to Bergen
Mount Fløyen
Bryggens Museum
City Exploration
Bergenhus Fortress
Bergen Cathedral
Festplassen
DAY ONE: Oslo
Street view in Oslo
It’s officially Day 1 in Norway—and we’re kicking things off with some sightseeing in Oslo!
Time to shake off that jet lag (or at least fake it) and jump right into the city’s vibe. Today’s all about soaking up the sights and getting your bearings in this super cool capital.
For a smooth and stress-free intro to Oslo, I highly recommend the hop-on-hop-off bus tour. It’s hands-down the easiest way to hit all the major landmarks without having to figure out public transit. Just sit back, snap some pics, and hop off wherever your heart (or camera) desires!
Here are the top stops you can hop off at:
The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace in Oslo is the official home of Norway’s monarch. Built in the 19th century, it’s a stunning example of neoclassical architecture surrounded by beautiful gardens. You can join a guided tour to explore the grand rooms and get a peek into Norway’s royal history.
🕐 Estimated Time: 1 hour guided tour
Vigeland Sculpture Park
Step into a creative wonderland at Vigeland Sculpture Park, featuring over 200 incredible sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. These art pieces capture human emotions and movement in all their complexity, set against the peaceful backdrop of the park. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and some deep thinking.
🕐 Estimated Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Viking Ship Museum
Step into the world of Norse seafaring prowess at the Viking Ship Museum, where awe-inspiring Viking ships that once navigated the open seas now rest as symbols of ancient burial rituals. These ocean-going vessels, carefully preserved, provide a glimpse into the rituals and beliefs of wealthy Vikings. Among the burial mounds, archaeologists have unearthed skeletons, intricate wood carvings, and a diverse array of artifacts, offering a fascinating insight into the Viking era.
🕐 Estimated Time: 1 - 2 hours
Norwegian Folk Museum: Nestled in the serene Bygdøy peninsula, the Norwegian Folk Museum invites visitors to journey through Norway's cultural heritage. Its Open-Air Museum boasts 160 meticulously preserved historic buildings, including the iconic Gol Stave Church dating back to the 12th century. Delve into Norwegian life from the 1500s to the present through indoor exhibits featuring folk costumes, traditional arts, church artifacts, and rich Sami culture. The museum also hosts engaging temporary exhibits, audience programs, and year-round activities for children, making it a perfect family-friendly destination.
📝Personal Note: Our visit to the Norwegian Folk Museum was honestly a fun surprise! Its vastness and immersive exhibits made it one of our favorite stops, although do keep in mind it's primarily outdoors, so plan accordingly for weather conditions.
🕐 Estimated Time: 2 hours
The National Museum: Immerse yourself in the world of art at The National Museum, showcasing a rich collection of Norwegian and international artworks. From mesmerizing landscapes to iconic pieces like Edvard Munch's "The Scream," the gallery offers a comprehensive journey through artistic expression across various genres and periods.
🕐 Estimated Time: 2 -3 hours
Akershus Fortress: Transport yourself back in time at Akershus Fortress, a medieval stronghold overlooking Oslo and its picturesque harbor. Wander through centuries-old halls, ramparts, and dungeons, and soak in panoramic views that blend history with modern urban life, creating a memorable experience for history enthusiasts and sightseers alike.
🕐 Estimated Time: 2 -3 hours
Oslo Opera House: Marvel at modern architectural brilliance at the Oslo Opera House, an iconic structure rising gracefully from the fjord's edge. Besides its striking design, visitors can ascend its sloping roof for breathtaking panoramic views of Oslo and its majestic fjord landscape, offering a unique perspective of the city.
🎟 The Opera House offers a guided hour long tour which you can book on their official website.
🌱 Vegan Options in Oslo:
Cultivate Food
King Falafel
EatHappy Vegan
Nordvegan
Dirty Vegan
Ostara Bar
The Corner
DAY TWO: Oslo ➡ Bergen
View on the train of river
All aboard the ✨most magical✨ train ride of your life! 🚆💫
Today is dedicated to the iconic Oslo to Bergen train journey—a 7-hour ride that feels more like watching a live nature documentary than sitting on public transport. You will see incredible rolling green valleys, epic mountains, flowing rivers and sleepy villages that’ll have you glued to the window (seriously, don’t nap).
This route is consistently ranked one of the most scenic train rides in the world—and for good reason. It’s the kind of journey that turns even the most casual traveler into a full-on landscape photographer.
🎟 Book your tickets early! This route gets snatched up quickly. You can also bundle it with Norway in a Nutshell for the full experience, including tomorrow’s epic cruise adventure. Totally worth it!
Once you roll into town, get checked in and then hit the streets—this city was made for wandering! Bergen is super walkable, so take a stroll and snap some pics!
And don’t forget to treat yourself to a cozy local meal before calling it a night.
🌱 Vegan Options in Bergen:
Dirty Vegan (Fully Vegan)
Solros (Vegetarian)
Daily Pot
Enjoy Saigon (Vegetarian)
Holy Cow
Horn of Africa
Los Tacos
Lovetann Kaffebar
DAY THREE: Bergen ➡ Flåm (and back ⬅ )
View of mountains from train
Today's itinerary takes you on an enchanting journey from Oslo to Flåm, followed by a ferry ride back to Bergen, all arranged through Norway in a Nutshell for seamless travel. This is honestly the easiest way to see some of Norway’s best stuff without any travel headaches.
Since you'll be out all day, remember to pack snacks for the journey!
You’ll be out all day, so definitely pack some snacks—hangry vibes are real.
The train leaves just before 9 AM and heads to Myrdal, where you’ll switch over to the famous Flåm Railway. This train ride is straight-up gorgeous, winding through fjords and mountains that’ll make you wonder if this is real life.
🚨Heads up: The transfer at Myrdal to the Flåm Railway is super chill, no running required. But getting a good seat on the Flåm Railway train? That’s a bit of a challenge. To be honest, I stood between the cars so I could snap all the pics I wanted and didn’t have to fight anyone for seats — 10/10 would do it again.
Once you get to Flåm, it’s a tiny town surrounded by insane natural beauty. Lunch here is a must, but be ready for a wait since cruise ships drop a bunch of people off. Still, totally worth it for those views.
🌱 Vegan Options in Flam:
Ægir microbrewery
Flåmstova Restaurant
Cafe of restaurant
Coop Marked Flåm (grocery store - we stopped here for extra fruit/snacks!)
After filling up your tummy, you'll have about 3 hours to explore Flam before having to get onto the ferry, and here are some options:
Kayaking: Experience the fjords up close with a kayaking adventure, immersing yourself in the serene waters and majestic surroundings.
Electric Minibus to Stegastein Viewpoint: Hop on an electric minibus for a scenic journey to the iconic Stegastein viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the fjords and mountains.
Flåm Railway Museum: Delve into the history and engineering marvels of the Flam Railway at the museum, perfect for train enthusiasts and history buffs.
Leisurely Stroll and Shopping: Spend time leisurely walking around Flam, exploring its charming streets, quaint shops, and soaking in the local ambiance.
Once your exploring time is up, be sure to be super punctual for the ferry—these guys run on a tight schedule and will NOT wait if you’re late. So plan ahead and get to the boarding spot early to avoid any stress (or potentially being left behind).
Now… I thought the train ride to Flåm was absolutely epic and couldn’t be topped, but the ferry cruise through the fjords? Honestly next-level. You’ll find plenty of spots inside and out on the ferry, so you can cozy up indoors or brave the fresh air for those jaw-dropping views.
The ferry stops at cute little towns along the way, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life Disney movie; keep an eye out for Anna and Elsa!
📝Personal Note: We snagged window seats inside to dodge the cold wind, but couldn’t resist stepping outside very often to soak it all in and snap tons of photos — and I mean tons.
As the ferry pulls back into Bergen, get ready for that iconic Bryggen view to greet you—seriously, it’s picture-perfect and totally worth pausing for a moment to soak it all in.
Once you’ve docked, it’s time to find some food. Bergen’s got plenty of cozy spots where you can dig into local flavors and recharge after a full day of adventure. Then, kick back and settle in for a chill evening in this charming city.
Bryggen viewpoint from ferry
DAY FOUR: Day in Bergen
Picture of Bryggen
For a perfect send-off from Bergen, book a later flight and spend your morning soaking up the city’s charm one last time.
Mount Fløyen: Begin your day by experiencing Fløibanen, an essential Bergen attraction. It's one of Norway's most visited sites, located in the heart of the city. Opt for a funicular ride or hike up to Mount Fløyen early in the morning to enjoy breathtaking views over Bergen. Various walking paths around the mountain offer picturesque routes to explore.
🕐 Estimated Time: 1 - 2 hours
Bryggens Museum: Immerse yourself in Bergen's rich history by visiting Bryggens Museum, where exhibits showcase the city's cultural heritage and maritime past.
🕐 Estimated Time: 1 - 1.5 hour
City Exploration: Take a leisurely walk around Bergen, exploring its charming streets, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. Don't miss the iconic Bryggen district, known for its colorful Hanseatic heritage buildings.
Bergenhus Fortress: Discover centuries of history at Bergenhus Fortress, offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings from its ancient walls.
🕐 Estimated Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Bergen Cathedral: Admire the architectural beauty and serene atmosphere of Bergen Cathedral, a historic landmark dating back to the 12th century.
🕐 Estimated Time: 15 - 30 minutes
Festplassen: A central square perfect for relaxing, people-watching, and soaking in the city's vibrant energy before heading to the airport for your flight.
🕐 Estimated Time: As much time as you’d like!
Picture of Festplassen
Leaving Norway is like saying goodbye to a new best friend—bittersweet, full of memories, and honestly, kinda hard. Those epic fjords, cozy villages, and all the good vibes leave a mark that sticks with you.
You’ll find yourself daydreaming about those views and that vibe long after you’ve made it home!
So here’s to you, Norway—thanks for the magic, the memories, and all the “wow” moments. Skål! 🥂✨