How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Norway
Norway is a land of soaring fjords, shimmering glaciers, and charming coastal towns — a destination that feels both ancient and fresh.
We often talk about the long winter months, but they are actually not that long when it comes to planning a perfect trip abroad. The earlier you start planning your trip, the more options you have when it comes to accommodations, transportation, and special events.
Whether you’re drawn by Norway’s Viking heritage, its northern lights, or its pristine hiking trails, a well-planned trip is the key to making the most of this remarkable Scandinavian country. This is especially true if you plan to visit the places your ancestors lived.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to plan your Norwegian adventure, from choosing accommodations to getting around, renting vehicles, and exploring the best of what Norway has to offer.
1. When to Visit Norway
Norway’s beauty shifts dramatically with the seasons.
Summer (June–August): The best time for hiking, fjord cruises, and long daylight hours (the famous Midnight Sun shines above the Arctic Circle). In the summer months, you must expect it to be crowded at tourist attractions.
Winter (December–March): Ideal for skiing, dog sledding, and northern lights hunting.
Spring and Autumn: Quieter, less expensive, and perfect for photography and cultural travel. In this period there may be attractions with limited opening hours.
Your choice of season will shape your itinerary — from city walks in Oslo to skiing in the mountain of Hemsedal.
2. Accommodation Options
Norway offers a range of accommodations to fit every style and budget:
Hotels and Guesthouses: Found in every major city and town, from boutique stays in Bergen to modern chains in Oslo. Expect clean, minimalist design and generous breakfasts.
Cabins (Hytter): A beloved Norwegian tradition. You’ll find everything from rustic log cabins by lakes to luxurious mountain lodges with saunas.
Hostels and Budget Lodging: Great for solo travelers or those watching their budget. Many hostels also have private rooms.
Campervans and Motorhomes: Extremely popular in summer. Norway’s public “allemannsretten” (right to roam) means you can camp freely on uncultivated land, provided you respect the environment and distance rules.
Airbnb and Farm Stays: Staying with locals or on a traditional Norwegian farm adds authenticity and insight into rural life.
3. Traveling Inland: Transportation Options
Norway’s infrastructure makes exploring its dramatic landscape surprisingly easy. Depending on your route and preferences, you can combine several modes of travel.
Trains: The scenic Bergen Line (Oslo to Bergen) is world-famous, cutting through fjords, mountains, and plateaus. The Flåm Railway is another highlight — a short but spectacular ride descending from Myrdal to the fjord village of Flåm.
Buses: Reliable and extensive, especially in rural areas. Nor-Way Bussekspress and local services connect most towns and tourist hubs.
Ferries: Essential for fjord regions and island hopping. The Hurtigruten coastal express is both a ferry and a cruise, running from Bergen to Kirkenes — one of the most beautiful voyages in the world.
Domestic Flights: Norway’s long shape and rugged terrain mean that short flights (e.g., Oslo to Tromsø or Bodø) can save time. SAS, Norwegian, and Widerøe are the main carriers.
4. Renting a Car in Norway
For maximum flexibility, renting a car is one of the best ways to experience Norway — especially if you want to explore fjord routes or remote valleys. Be sure to make such arrangements in advance.
Car Rental Tips:
Major companies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Budget operate in most airports and cities.
International driving license may be required if you’re from outside the EU.
Tolls and ferries: Many roads and tunnels use automatic toll collection; the cost is billed to your rental account.
Fuel and costs: Gas is expensive, but electric vehicles (EVs) are common — and charging stations are widespread.
Sedan vs. Campervan:
Sedan: Ideal for city-to-city travel, day trips, and mountain drives. It’s cheaper, easier to park, and more efficient for short stays.
Campervan: Perfect for road trips along the fjords or Arctic routes. You can cook, sleep, and travel at your own pace. Many campsites and also marinas offer toilets, showers and electricity hookups, while wild camping remains an option in scenic spots.
5. Must-See Sights and Experiences
Norway’s landscapes are among the most photogenic in the world. Don’t miss these iconic highlights:
Southern and Central Norway
Oslo: Explore the Norsk Folkemuseum, MUNCH Museum, and Vigeland Sculpture Park. Note that the Viking ship museum is closed for major renovation until 2027
Bergen: The gateway to the fjords, with colorful wooden houses on Bryggen Wharf and the Fløibanen funicular offering panoramic views.
Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord: UNESCO World Heritage fjords with waterfalls, cliffs, and dramatic cruises.
Flåm Railway: One of the steepest and most scenic train rides in the world.
Northern Norway
Tromsø: The “Gateway to the Arctic,” ideal for viewing the northern lights and whale watching.
Lofoten Islands: Sharp peaks, fishing villages, and beaches that look almost tropical in summer light. Note that Lofoten is very crowded in summer.
Nordkapp (North Cape): Europe’s northernmost point accessible by car, where the sun never sets in midsummer.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking: Trolltunga, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), and Romsdalseggen Ridge are legendary.
Cycling: Atlanterhavsveien (The Atlantic Road) offers one of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives or rides.
Skiing: In the wintermonths try Skimore near Oslo or alpine resorts like Hemsedal and Trysil.
Be sure to check availability and opening hours. This is especially important if you are travelling outside the summer months.
6. Budgeting and Practical Tips
Food: Dining out can be pricey — mix restaurant meals with supermarket picnics.
Currency: Norwegian krone (NOK). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Language: English is widely spoken, though learning a few Norwegian phrases is appreciated.
Weather: Bring layers — even in summer, weather changes quickly, especially in the mountains.
7. Finding your ancestral land
If you plan on visiting the place your ancestors lived in Norway, and you are not sure where this is, it is essential to start the search as early as possible. Also, finding living relatives in Norway may be a time-consuming and laborious task.
Read my articles:
8. Your one-stop-shop for travel in Norway
Instead of cluttering the article with links to a whole lof of services, I give you the link to the one website that tells you everything you need to know to pkan your trip:
Final Thoughts
A trip to Norway isn’t just a vacation — it’s an immersion into nature’s grandest theater. Whether you travel by train through misty fjords, drive a campervan under the midnight sun, or cozy up in a mountain cabin, the experience will stay with you long after you leave.
With thoughtful planning — balancing cost, comfort, and curiosity — you’ll discover why Norway consistently ranks among the world’s most unforgettable destinations.
If you have visited Norway recently, we would love to hear about your experiences. You can comment below. If you are willing to write a little article about your trip I would be delighted to publish it here on the blog. Go to the contact page and send me a word.
