Norway is a country of elemental drama—where fjords carve into mountains, cities gleam with Nordic design, and the sky itself puts on a show. From Viking sagas to contemporary architecture, every stop tells a story shaped by sea, ice, and ingenious Norwegians who learned to thrive in both.

In seven days, you’ll trace a classic arc: Oslo’s museums and modern waterfront, Bergen’s Bryggen wharf and a spectacular day in the fjords, then Tromsø for Arctic landscapes, Sami culture, and Northern Lights. This route balances culture, cuisine, and wildlife—no rush, just well-timed moves.

Practical notes: Norway is cashless-friendly; tap to pay nearly everywhere. Dress in layers, even in summer—weather changes quickly by the coast and in the mountains. Book long-distance trains and internal flights early, and remember: the Northern Lights are best from September–March, while summer brings midnight sun and hiking.

Oslo

Oslo is a waterfront capital where striking architecture meets green space. Stroll the marble-slope roof of the Opera House, dive into Edvard Munch’s world in Bjørvika, and ride the metro into the forest—Oslo’s wild edges are part of city life.

• Don’t miss: MUNCH museum masterpieces, the sculpture-laden Vigeland Park, Fram Museum (polar exploration), and the skyline views from Holmenkollen.
• Eat and drink: Coffee temples like Tim Wendelboe and Fuglen; dinner at Hot Shop (inventive, Michelin-starred) or neighborhood favorite Smalhans; cocktails at HIMKOK with house-distilled aquavit.
• Fun fact: Oslo’s harbor promenade links neighborhoods like a museum walk—art, saunas, and sea swims included.

Stay in Oslo: Design-forward splurge at The Thief in Tjuvholmen; scenic hillside wellness at Scandic Holmenkollen Park; budget-smart and central at Citybox Oslo. Or browse stays on Hotels.com Oslo or VRBO Oslo.

Getting to Oslo: Compare long-haul flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If you’re already in Europe, compare intra-Europe fares on Omio Flights and trains on Omio Trains.

Day 1: Arrive Oslo, Waterfront Walks, and New Nordic Plates

Afternoon: Land in Oslo and drop bags at your hotel. Stretch your legs along the Opera House roof—walk up the slanted marble for harbor views—then continue to MUNCH for an hour with The Scream, lesser-known murals, and the top-floor terrace. Coffee at Fuglen Bjørvika for a smooth hand-brew.

Evening: Dinner at Smalhans (organic, seasonal “husmannskost” tasting early; à la carte later) or Hot Shop (reservations recommended). Nightcap at HIMKOK—ask for a house aquavit flight—or a quieter beer at Crowbar & Bryggeri.

Day 2: Museums, Parks, and Hilltop Vistas

Morning: Cappuccino and cardamom bun at Åpent Bakeri. Tram or ferry to Bygdøy: explore the Fram Museum’s polar ship and the Kon-Tiki raft next door. If you prefer open-air history, the Norsk Folkemuseum’s stave church and historic homes are a great alternative.

Afternoon: Wander Vigeland Park’s dramatic granite and bronze sculptures; grab lunch at Vippa food hall (global street food stalls with a fjord view). Ride up to Holmenkollen for the ski jump tower and panoramic Oslofjord vistas.

Evening: Dine at Katla (wood-fired, Nordic-Asian mashup) or Lorry (classic Norwegian fare—elk stew, fish cakes—in a storied pub). If you’re a coffee fan, end with an espresso at Tim Wendelboe in Grünerløkka, then a stroll along the Akerselva river.

Bergen

Encircled by seven mountains, Bergen pairs seafaring history with a lively food scene. The pastel wooden warehouses of Bryggen (a UNESCO World Heritage site) once anchored the Hanseatic League’s trade in stockfish—and they still creak with character.

• Top sights: Bryggen’s narrow passages, the funicular to Mount Fløyen, cable car to Mount Ulriken, and the historic Fish Market.
• Eat and drink: Local comfort food at Pingvinen; fjord-to-table menus at Bryggen Tracteursted; seafood splurge at Cornelius (boat ride required, book ahead). Coffee at Bergen Kaffebrenneri or Kaffemisjonen.
• Insider tip: If the weather turns, pop into the KODE art museums for Munch, 19th-century landscapes, and design.

Stay in Bergen: Central and stylish at Hotel Norge by Scandic; great value at Citybox Bergen; mountain and city views at Scandic Ørnen; refined comfort near Bryggen at Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen. Or browse Hotels.com Bergen and VRBO Bergen.

Day 3: Train to Bergen, Bryggen and Mount Fløyen

Morning: Depart Oslo by rail to Bergen (about 6.5–7 hours; from ~$50–$120). This is one of Europe’s great scenic rides—book seats in advance on Omio Trains. Bring snacks; the views over Hardangervidda plateau are spectacular.

Afternoon: Check in, then stroll Bryggen’s crooked lanes and the Hanseatic wharf. Coffee at Kaffemisjonen (multiple brew methods) and a browse at Bergen’s indie shops.

Evening: Ride the Fløibanen funicular for sunset over the tiled roofs and fjord. Dinner at Pingvinen (budget-friendly classics like raspeballer and fish soup) or Bryggen Tracteursted (historic interiors, local seafood). Cocktails at No Stress, or vinyls-and-ales at Apollon Platebar.

Day 4: Bergen–Flåm–Nærøyfjord Day Adventure (Norway’s Classic Fjord Loop)

This is a full-day, multi-leg journey: train Bergen–Voss (~1h15), bus Voss–Gudvangen (~50 min), cruise Gudvangen–Flåm through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord (~2h), then Flåm Railway to Myrdal (~1h) and mainline train back to Bergen (~2h). Expect 9–12 hours door to door and costs around $150–$230 depending on season and flexibility. Piece together tickets via Omio Trains and the fjord leg via Omio Ferries.

In Flåm: Break for lunch at Flåm Bakery (cardamom knots, savory pies) or Ægir BrewPub (Viking hall vibe, beer pairings with salmon and game). If you choose to stay the night, consider Fretheim Hotel, Flåmsbrygga Hotel, or budget-friendly Flåm Hostel. Otherwise, return to Bergen for a late dinner near the harbor.

Tromsø

Tromsø sits above the Arctic Circle, where crisp light and dramatic peaks meet a surprisingly vibrant food and bar scene. It’s a gateway to the aurora in winter and to midnight sun hikes in summer.

• Top sights: The iceberg-like Arctic Cathedral, the Fjellheisen cable car for panoramic views, Polaria for Arctic aquariums, and storied Mack brewery’s bar Ølhallen.
• Eat and drink: Fiskekompaniet (seafood on the water), Mathallen Tromsø (modern Nordic), Bardus Bistro (local, seasonal), Hildr (cozy bistro). Coffee at Risø or KaffeBønna.
• Good to know: Aurora season runs roughly Sep–Mar; whale-watching peaks Nov–Jan (often in Skjervøy). Dress for wind and ice; tours provide thermal suits in winter.

Stay in Tromsø: Waterfront views and easy logistics at Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromsø; wallet-friendly and central at Smarthotel Tromsø. Or browse Hotels.com Tromsø and VRBO Tromsø.

Day 5: Fly to Tromsø, Fjellheisen Views, and Your First Aurora Hunt

Morning: Fly Bergen–Tromsø (~2 hours; from ~$90–$180). Compare fares on Omio Flights. Grab a cinnamon roll at Baker Brun in Bergen before you go.

Afternoon: Check in, then take Fjellheisen up Storsteinen for a sweeping look at the city and surrounding fjords. Coffee at Risø Food & Coffee (great sandwiches) back in town.

Evening: Early dinner at Bardus Bistro (try the reindeer or skrei in season), then head out on a guided Northern Lights chase that leaves the city’s light pollution behind:
Tromso Aurora Hunt with Bonfire, Soup, Winter Gear & Transfers

Expect 6–8 hours with warm gear, hot drinks, and expert guides who read the weather.

Day 6: Dog Sledding and Cozy Tromsø Evenings

Morning: Warm up with a flat white at KaffeBønna, then head out for an intimate dog-sledding experience at a small, ethical kennel—meet the huskies, learn mushing basics, and ride through a snowy valley:
Small scale and Intimate Wilderness Dog Sledding 2h from Tromsø

Afternoon: Late lunch at Mathallen Tromsø (smart, seasonal plates) or a fish soup at Full Steam. Pop into Polaria to learn about Arctic ecosystems, then a pre-dinner beer at Ølhallen, Tromsø’s oldest pub.

Evening: If forecasts look promising, consider a second, photography-focused aurora tour for different scenery and pro tips:
Tromsø: Northern Lights Adventure with Free Photos

Otherwise, linger over Arctic char at Fiskekompaniet by the harbor.

Day 7: Fjord Scenery, Brunch, and Departure

Morning: For a final Arctic fix, join a scenic minibus outing with photo stops, wildlife spotting, and a light meal:
Tromsø: Fjord Adventure Tour with Wildlife and Lunch

Many departures return by early afternoon—confirm timing to make your flight. If you prefer to take it easy, have a late brunch at Hildr or Smørtorget café and browse local design shops for wool and ceramics.

Afternoon: Depart Tromsø. Compare flights on Omio Flights for connections via Oslo; for transatlantic or Asia-Pacific routes, check Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: If you’re overnighting one more night, book a final aurora chase or a Sami reindeer-culture dinner for storytelling and traditional flavors:
Reindeer Camp Dinner with Chance of Northern Lights in Tromso

Getting Between Cities (At a Glance)

• Oslo → Bergen (Day 3): Train ~6.5–7h, scenic; from ~$50–$120. Book on Omio Trains.
• Bergen → Tromsø (Day 5): Flight ~2h; from ~$90–$180. Compare on Omio Flights.
• Local ferries/trains (Day 4 fjords): Use Omio Trains and Omio Ferries.

In one compact week, you’ll sip world-class coffee in Oslo, wander Bergen’s colorful wharf, cruise a UNESCO fjord, and stand beneath the Aurora in Tromsø. It’s a Norway itinerary that feels both rich and unrushed—woven with landscapes, stories, and flavors you’ll replay for years.