Last Updated: August 2026
Oh hey, Norway! 🇳🇴 👋
Just picture this: jaw-dropping fjords, charming little villages, 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.
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!).
Book Your Train Early: The Oslo–Bergen route is one of the most scenic (and popular) train rides in the world, and seats sell out fast. Book the second your dates are locked in.
No Car Needed: Unlike a lot of Norway itineraries, this one runs entirely on trains and ferries—no rental car required!
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.
Budget Ahead: Norway is one of the priciest countries in Europe. Grocery stores and bakeries for lunch will save you a lot compared to eating out for every meal.
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:
Royal Palace
Vigeland Sculpture Park
Viking Ship Museum
Norwegian Folk Museum
The National Museum
Akershus Fortress
Oslo Opera House
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
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.
Heads up: this is more of a menu than a strict itinerary — we didn't hit every single stop below in one day, and you probably won't either. Pick the ones that call to you most and build your day around those.
For a smooth and stress-free intro to Oslo, I highly recommend the hop-on-hop-off bus tour!
The Royal Palace
🕐 Estimated Time: 1 hour guided tour
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.
Vigeland Sculpture Park
🕐 Estimated Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour
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.
Viking Ship Museum
🕐 Estimated Time: 1 - 2 hours
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.
⚠️ Currently closed for a major rebuild — it's set to reopen in 2027 as the Museum of the Viking Age. The famous Oseberg and Gokstad ships are in storage until then. In the meantime, Viking Planet and the Historical Museum's Oseberg collection are the go-to substitutes if you want a Viking fix.
Norwegian Folk Museum:
🕐 Estimated Time: 2 hours
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.
The National Museum:
🕐 Estimated Time: 2 -3 hours
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.
Akershus Fortress:
🕐 Estimated Time: 2 -3 hours
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.
Oslo Opera House:
🕐 Estimated Time: 1 hour (self-guided roof walk) or 1 hour guided tour
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:
King Falafel (Fully Vegan)
EatHappy Vegan (Fully Vegan)
Nordvegan (Fully Vegan)
Dirty Vegan (Fully Vegan)
The Corner (Fully Vegan)
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.
🎟 Quick reminder: seats on this route sell out fast, so book early — see the Before You Go section above. 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!
🌱 Vegan Options in Bergen:
Dirty Vegan (Fully Vegan)
Solros (Vegetarian)
Daily Pot (Vegan Options)
Enjoy Saigon (Vegetarian)
Holy Cow (Vegan Options)
Horn of Africa (Vegan Options)
Los Tacos (Vegan Options)
Løvetann Kaffebar (Vegan Options)
DAY THREE: Bergen ➡ Flåm (and back ⬅ )
View of mountains from train
Today's itinerary takes you on an enchanting journey from Bergen to Flåm, followed by a ferry ride back through the Nærøyfjord 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.
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 Flåm:
Ægir Gastropuby (Vegan Options)
Flåmstova Restaurant (Vegan Options)
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
🕐 Estimated Time: 1 - 2 hours
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.
✍ Pro Tip: We took the funicular up and hiked down—best of both worlds. We also got there right when it opened, so there was zero wait for the funicular. Highly recommend an early start if you want to skip the line.
Bryggens Museum
🕐 Estimated Time: 1 - 1.5 hour
Immerse yourself in Bergen's rich history by visiting Bryggens Museum, where exhibits showcase the city's cultural heritage and maritime past.
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.
📝Personal Note: One of my favorite parts of wandering Bergen was just looking up—so much of the artwork painted right onto the buildings. Keep your eyes open as you walk, some of the best stuff isn't at eye level.
Bergenhus Fortress
🕐 Estimated Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Discover centuries of history at Bergenhus Fortress, offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings from its ancient walls.
Bergen Cathedral
🕐 Estimated Time: 15 - 30 minutes
Admire the architectural beauty and serene atmosphere of Bergen Cathedral, a historic landmark dating back to the 12th century.
Festplassen
🕐 Estimated Time: As much time as you’d like!
A central square perfect for relaxing, people-watching, and soaking in the city's vibrant energy before heading to the airport for your flight!
🚨Heads up: Bergen Airport is about 20-30 minutes away by car, or 45 minutes by train. We took a car for ease, but either way, don't cut it too close—build in buffer time before you plan your last Festplassen stroll.
Picture of Festplassen
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 4 days enough for Norway?
For this specific route — Oslo, the Oslo-Bergen train, Flåm, and Bergen — yes, 4 days covers it well. But Norway is a big country, and this itinerary doesn't touch the North (Lofoten, Tromsø) or other fjord regions like Geiranger. If those are on your list, plan for a longer trip or a separate one.
Do you need a car for this itinerary?
Nope — this whole route runs on trains, ferries, and Oslo's hop-on-hop-off bus. No rental car needed, which also means no stressing about driving on unfamiliar mountain roads.
What's the best time of year for this itinerary?
I personally loved going during summer, around the midnight sun — the weather felt sooo good, and having that much daylight to explore was such a cool experience. I'd love to try winter next!
Unlike Iceland, though, I actually think winter could be a great time for a first visit to Norway too. So I really don’t think you can go wrong either way with this one! Just keep in mind during winter places typically close early and daylight is limited.
Is it easy to eat vegan in Norway outside of Oslo?
Yes — Bergen has a solid handful of vegan and vegetarian-friendly spots, and even Flåm, which is tiny, has options if you know where to look (Coop Marked and a couple of nearby cafés). Oslo has the deepest scene of the three, but you won't go hungry anywhere on this route.
Do you need to book anything in advance?
Yes, and this one's important: the Oslo-Bergen train sells out, especially in summer — book as soon as your dates are set. If you're bundling it through Norway in a Nutshell, book that as a package rather than piecing the legs together separately.
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! 🥂✨
Loved this itinerary? Save this post for your own Norway adventure, and follow along @keriononly for more day-by-day travel breakdowns! And if fjords have you craving more Nordic magic, this trip actually started in Iceland — you can check out that 4-day adventure here.