Norway pairs mythic landscapes with forward-thinking cities. Oslo, founded in the 11th century, is now a waterfront capital of architecture and design; Bergen, the historic Hanseatic gateway to the fjords, wraps around a sheltered harbor flanked by seven mountains.

In one week you’ll walk rooftop architecture at the Opera House, ride mountain cable cars, glide through narrow fjords framed by waterfalls, and (if you choose) take the famous Flåm Railway. Along the way, refuel with fresh seafood, cinnamon buns, and hearty stews. Norway’s sauna culture—dip into the fjord, then thaw in a toasty cabin—provides the perfect post-hike ritual.

Practical notes: Cards are widely accepted; the currency is NOK. Weather shifts quickly—pack layers, waterproofs, and sturdy footwear. Museum hours and mountain lifts vary by season; book long-distance trains and popular fjord tours in advance, and check conditions on hiking routes before you go.

Oslo

Norway’s capital is clean-lined and creative, with fjord-facing districts like Bjørvika and Aker Brygge. You’ll find world-class museums (MUNCH, the National Museum, the Fram Museum), green city hikes, and a thriving coffee and cocktail culture.

• Top sights: Oslo Opera House (climb the roof), MUNCH (Edvard Munch’s The Scream), Akershus Fortress, Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower, Bygdøy’s polar/expedition museums.
• Outdoors: Forest trails in Oslomarka; quick summit walks like Vettakollen for sweeping city-and-fjord views.
• Food & drink: Seasonal Nordic plates at Smalhans; seafood at Fiskeriet; bold flavors at Katla; third-wave coffee at Tim Wendelboe and Fuglen; award-winning cocktails at HIMKOK.
• Spas & saunas: Floating fjord saunas (e.g., KOK or SALT) and, for a full spa day, The Well (short transit south of the city).

Where to stay (Oslo): Mid-range and well-located options abound. Browse Hotels.com Oslo or apartment stays on VRBO Oslo. Standouts: The Thief (design-forward splurge on the water), Citybox Oslo (great value in the center), and Scandic Holmenkollen Park (hilltop views, access to trails).

Getting to Oslo: Fly into OSL. For Europe routes, compare fares on Omio (flights). If combining with non‑European legs, also check Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. From OSL, the Vy regional train to Oslo S takes ~23 minutes and costs less than the Flytoget express; both are frequent. Urban transport is efficient and tap-to-pay friendly.

Day 1 (Arrival in Oslo): Waterfront Icons + Sauna Dip

Afternoon: Arrive and drop bags. Stretch your legs along Karl Johans gate to the Oslo Opera House—walk the marble roof for fjord views and clean Nordic lines. Coffee at Fuglen (retro interiors, Japanese-Nordic beans) or Tim Wendelboe (precision espresso, tiny and revered).

Evening: Dinner at Fiskeriet Youngstorget: order fish soup and pan-fried skrei (in season) or a crispy fish burger. Cap the night with a fjord sauna session (think cold plunge followed by eucalyptus-steamed warmth)—perfect jet lag therapy. Cocktails at HIMKOK if you’ve got a second wind (house-distilled aquavit, seasonal infusions).

Day 2 (Oslo): Hike + Museums + Barcode District

Morning: Cinnamon bun and cappuccino at Åpent Bakeri, then metro to Sognsvann for a mellow lakeside loop or continue to Vettakollen for a short, satisfying summit (rocky steps; sturdy shoes). On a clear day you’ll see the Oslofjord spread beneath you.

Afternoon: Ferry or bus to Bygdøy for the Fram Museum (polar exploration and the mighty Fram vessel) and the Kon-Tiki Museum (Thor Heyerdahl’s balsa raft). Alternatively, art lovers can linger at MUNCH—try the top-floor terrace for views.

Evening: Dinner at Smalhans (daily-changing menus, local producers) or Katla (wood-fired, pan-Nordic with Asian/Latin accents). Stroll the Barcode district’s angular skyline and the Deichman library’s glowing atrium.

Bergen

Bergen, the “city of seven mountains,” wears its maritime history proudly—Bryggen’s colorful wooden wharf is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also your springboard to the Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord, and the Sognefjord region.

• Top sights: Bryggen alleys, Mount Fløyen (via Fløibanen), Mount Ulriken cable car, KODE art museums, the lively Fish Market.
• Hiking: Short spruce-scented loops on Fløyen, or go bigger on the Ulriken–Fløyen ridge (Vidden) in summer/early fall with proper gear and weather checks.
• Food & drink: Classic seafood at Bryggeloftet & Stuene or Enhjørningen; casual Norwegian comfort at Pingvinen; legendary hot dogs at Trekroneren; specialty coffee at Kaffemisjonen.
• Spas & saunas: Heit Bergen Sauna or the historic Nordnes Sjøbad (sea pool + sauna) for a bracing, very local ritual.

Where to stay (Bergen): Search centrally located stays on Hotels.com Bergen or VRBO Bergen. Excellent mid-range picks: Citybox Bergen (smart-value, central), Scandic Ørnen (near the station), Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen (steps from Bryggen), or Hotel Norge by Scandic (stylish rooms by the lake).

Getting to Bergen from Oslo: Take the Bergensbanen scenic train (~6h45–7h). Book seats on Omio (trains in Europe). Early fares often range from ~NOK 499–1099 ($45–$100). From Bergen Airport, the Bybanen light rail takes ~45 minutes to the center and is great value.

Day 3 (Travel to Bergen + Old Wharf Walk)

Morning: Board the Oslo–Bergen train. Grab pastries and a sandwich for the ride—sit on the left side leaving Oslo for lake views; watch for the high plateau at Finse.

Afternoon: Arrive, check in, then wander Bryggen’s creaking wooden lanes and the Hanseatic Museum area to picture the stockfish trade that powered Bergen’s past. Espresso at Kaffemisjonen; if hungry, try a fish soup at Søstrene Hagelin (light, classic).

Evening: Ride the Fløibanen funicular near sunset for a short walk to Skomakerdiket lake or the Fløyen viewpoint boardwalks. Dinner at Pingvinen (elk stew, fish cakes, local beers) or Bryggeloftet & Stuene (cod, mussels, traditional sauces). Nightcap at Apollon Platebar (record store + craft beer).

Day 4 (Full-Day Fjords + Flåm Railway)

Spend the day on a guided journey through Norway’s most dramatic scenery—narrow Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord, and the iconic Flåm Railway, with storytelling and logistics handled.

Recommended tour: Guided tour - Viking Village, Nærøyfjord Cruise and Flåm Railway

You’ll bus or train from Bergen to Gudvangen, cruise the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord (look for hanging farms and waterfalls), visit a Viking village interpretation site, then ride the Flåm Railway’s switchbacks and waterfalls before returning to Bergen by rail. Pack layers; cafeteria-style meals and snacks are available en route, or bring sandwiches and fruit from the morning market.

Optional overnight in Flåm: If you prefer to linger, stay at Fretheim Hotel or the cozy Flåmsbrygga Hotel (budget: Flåm Hostel), then return to Bergen the next morning.

Day 5 (Bergen Mountains + Sauna)

Morning: Take the Ulriken643 cable car to Bergen’s highest peak (weather-dependent). Adventurous hikers can follow part of the Vidden ridge toward Fløyen—do this only in good conditions with proper gear, snacks, and water; otherwise enjoy loop trails on Ulriken’s plateau.

Afternoon: Back in town, lunch at Trekroneren (try reindeer or lamb sausage with lingonberry), then art time at KODE 3 (Munch and Dahl) or KODE 4 (design). If skies clear, a relaxed forest loop on Fløyen’s signed trails is a joy.

Evening: Warm up Nordic-style at Heit Bergen Sauna or take a sea dip at Nordnes Sjøbad before a comforting dinner at Enhjørningen (classic fish dishes in a historic Bryggen house). For something special, book the boat to Cornelius Sjømatrestaurant on a nearby island (weather/seasonal; a memorable splurge).

Day 6 (Mostraumen Fjord Cruise + Local Flavors)

Morning: Coffee at Det Lille Kaffekompaniet (near the funicular) and a brisk Bryggen-to-Nordnes harbor walk.

Afternoon: Cruise deep into steep-sided fjords with cascades close enough to taste the spray.

Recommended tour: Mostraumen Fjord Cruise - the local operator

This 3–4 hour roundtrip is ideal if you want dramatic scenery without a full-day commitment. Afterward, browse Skostredet’s indie shops and street art or pop into the Fish Market for a snack.

Evening: Dinner at Bryggeloftet & Stuene (try baked stockfish or creamy fish gratin). Dessert at Hallaisen (small-batch ice cream and cheeky cocktails). If it’s still light (summer!), wander the harbor for golden-hour photos.

Day 7 (Bergen Farewell + Departure)

Morning: Easy breakfast—try Godt Brød for organic pastries—then a last ramble through Bryggen’s wooden passageways and the harborfront. If time allows, a quick sauna + dip at Nordnes Sjøbad is a refreshing send-off.

Afternoon: Head to Bergen Airport on the Bybanen light rail (~45 minutes). For onward flights within Europe, compare on Omio (flights). If returning to Oslo by train, book via Omio (trains).

Alternative/Additional Fjord Option (from Bergen)

If you prefer a Stegastein viewpoint and Aurlandsfjord focus, swap Day 6’s cruise for:

Alternative tour: Guided Tour To Nærøyfjorden, Flåm And Stegastein - Viewpoint Cruise

This brings you to an airy viewing platform above Aurlandsfjord plus a serene fjord cruise—great if you love viewpoints and photography.

Eating & Drinking Cheat Sheet (Quick Picks)

• Oslo coffee: Tim Wendelboe (espresso temple), Fuglen (retro-cool), Supreme Roastworks (competition-grade brews).
• Oslo lunch: Fiskeriet (seafood), Mathallen food hall (tasty stalls at Vulkan), Oslo Street Food (global bites).
• Oslo dinner: Smalhans (seasonal), Katla (bold, wood-fired), Vaaghals (Barcode, modern Norwegian).
• Bergen coffee: Kaffemisjonen (specialty), Det Lille Kaffekompaniet (cozy pre-hike spot).
• Bergen lunch: Søstrene Hagelin (soups), Trekroneren (gourmet hot dogs), Fish Market stands (seasonal).
• Bergen dinner: Pingvinen (comfort classics), Bryggeloftet & Stuene (heritage seafood), Enhjørningen (white-tablecloth fish).

Logistics & Budget Tips

• Transport passes: In both cities, buy 24-hour transit tickets if you’ll ride multiple times in a day. Tap-in/tap-out is straightforward.
• Train seats: Reserve the Oslo–Bergen rail early on Omio for the best price and window seats. Bring layers—carriages are comfortable but high plateaus can be wintry year-round.
• Spas & saunas: Book sauna slots in advance during weekends. Bring swimwear and sandals; many places provide towels for a fee.
• Dining on a 65/100 budget: Mix sit-down dinners with market lunches and bakery breakfasts; supermarkets (Rema 1000, Coop) are great for fruit and snacks.

Where to Sleep – Quick Links

• Oslo: Citybox Oslo | The Thief | Scandic Holmenkollen Park | All Oslo hotels | VRBO Oslo
• Bergen: Citybox Bergen | Scandic Ørnen | Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen | Hotel Norge by Scandic | All Bergen hotels | VRBO Bergen
• Optional Flåm overnight: Fretheim Hotel | Flåmsbrygga Hotel | Flåm Hostel

Why this route works: With 7 days, two bases (Oslo and Bergen) keep travel time reasonable while delivering Norway’s signature experiences: a design-forward capital, a UNESCO harbor town, wild mountain air, and glassy fjords. The mix of sightseeing, hiking, and spa time suits an adventurous but balanced pace, aligned with a mid-range budget.

Summary: In a week you’ll savor Oslo’s culture, cross the mountains by rail, and dive into fjord country from Bergen with cruises, the Flåm Railway, and scenic hikes. Expect big views, clean air, and cozy sauna moments—memories that linger long after the last fjord sunset.