Norway 8 Day Itinerary from Oslo to Tromsø

In Norway for about a week and want to fill your 8 days with amazing sights and activities? Here’s how I spent 8 days visiting Norway – itinerary includes visiting the fjord village of Flåm as well as the arctic city of Tromsø to chase the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).

Intro

From the sleek city streets of Oslo to the snow-dusted peaks and northern lights of Tromsø, this 8 day Norway itinerary takes you on an unforgettable journey through the country’s diverse landscapes and culture. You’ll explore vibrant urban life, ride one of the world’s most scenic train routes, cruise through dramatic fjords, and end your adventure under the Arctic sky. 

Note that this itinerary is jam-packed with activities to see as much as you can in a short amount of time. So of course, feel free to tailor this itinerary to fit your own interests, pace, and/or schedule.

Recommended Norway Tours & Activities

Book unforgettable experiences and check out the below recommended <City>  tours, activities and attractions that are mentioned throughout this post:

• Oslo Combo Tour: Grand City Tour and Oslo Fjord Cruise
• Stegastein Viewpoint
• Bergen Day Tour to National Park Folgefonna and Glacier Lake
• Arctic Roadtrip: fjords with scenic picnic | Sightseeing
• Tromsø: Northern Lights Chase in a Minibus with Free Photos
• Tromsø: Aurora Hunt with Citizen Science with Wandering Owl

Day 0: Arrive Oslo

“Day zero” is your arrival at Oslo airport (OSL) in Oslo, Norway. Get to your hotel, check-in, and settle in. Your 8 day itinerary in Norway begins now!

For more details of how the next day will look like in Oslo, check out my more detailed post Oslo Itinerary: Exploring the Best Highlights in 1 Day.

Day 1: Explore Oslo & Oslofjord Cruise

For your first full day in Oslo, explore the city! In the morning head to the Holmenkollbakken Ski Jump to get a look at Norway’s iconic ski culture, then head to the Vigeland Scuplture Park to see some incredible sculptures made by Gustav Vigeland.

Then in the afternoon, learn about some Norwegian sailing history at the Fram Museum, which houses the boardable Fram ship that ventured to the Arctic and Antarctic poles. Then at the Norsk Folkemuseum, take a look at traditional Norwegian houses and an intricately constructed wooden stave church.

In the late afternoon, hop on a cruise through the Oslofjord, where you can get incredible view of the fjord and of Oslo’s waterfront. Riding the cruise in the late afternoon as the sun was lowering also made the scenery look more dramatic and pretty!

Then end your day in Oslo at the Oslo Opera House! Here, you can walk up the sides onto the roof of the Opera House, and enjoy the views of the city, and watch the sunset.

If you want to see Oslo with a tour guide, with transportation included, book an Oslo City Tour by clicking here, or click “Book Now” in the widget below:

Explore Oslo • photos by Jeanie A

Where To Stay in Oslo

In Oslo, I stayed at the Thon Hotel Opera, which was centrally located and within walking distance to both the Oslo Opera House and the Oslo Central Train Station. Book your stay by clicking here , or check availability for your dates below and click “Search”:

Day 2: Oslo to Flåm (via Bergen Railway & Flåm Railway), & Stegastein Viewpoint

Today, you’re going to head to Flåm by taking two famous Norwegian trains: the Bergen Railway and the Flåm Railway. For a full guide on how to do this, read my full guide Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Taking the Train from Oslo to Flam.

Bergen Railway & Flåm Railway

First, you’ll head to the Oslo Train Station where you’ll hop onto your Bergen Railway train. You’ll ride it for about 5 hours, then get off at the mountain station of Myrdal where you’ll then transfer on the Flåm Railway.

Then, you’ll hop on the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) for an hour as it navigates through valleys and mountains, winding down to the fjord village of Flåm.

Bergen Railway & Flam Railway • photos by Jeanie A

Flåm & Stegastein Viewpoint

You’ll arrive in Flåm in the afternoon, plenty of time to go on a short 1.5 hour excursion to the Stegastein Viewpoint for some amazing fjord views! Then end your day in Flåm enjoying dinner and a beer at the Ægir Brewpub.

Stegastein Viewpoint • photos by Jeanie A

Where To Stay in Flåm

In Flåm, I stayed at the Fretheim Hotel, a historic hotel and within walking distance to central Flåm where the Train Station and Pier is located. Book your stay by clicking here, or check availability for your dates below and click “Search”:

Day 3: Flåm to Bergen via Næroyfjord Cruise & Bergen Railway

Explore Flåm

Unfortunately, if you’re following this itinerary to a tee and don’t have a ton of time off, then you’ll have to check out your hotel and head to the next destination: Bergen. But before that, you have some time to explore the charming fjord village of Flåm. Explore the waterfront docks and get some amazing views of the fjord, check out the Flåm Railway Museum, or even do some cold-weather gear shopping!

Explore Flåm • photos by Jeanie A

Næroyfjord Cruise & Bergen Railway

Then in the late afternoon, you’ll board a fjord cruise (Næroyfjord Cruise) to Gudvangen, where you get on a bus to Voss, then hop on the Bergen Railway to Bergen.

For a full guide on how to do this, read my full guide From Flam to Bergen Guide: A Scenic Journey via Nærøyfjord Cruise and Bergen Railway.

Næroyfjord Cruise • photos by Jeanie A

Where To Stay in Bergen

In Bergen, I stayed at the Bergen Børs Hotel, which is centrally located and within walking distance to central Bergen and the main harbor. Book your stay by clicking here , or check availability for your dates below and click “Search”:

Day 4: Explore Bergen & Fløibanen

Today is a rest day and a free day! Sleep in in case all the traveling and short stays of the past few days exhausted you. Then spend the day exploring the city of Bergen.

Check out the colorful wooden houses at the old wharf, Bryggen, and eat at a waterfront restaurant like Bryggeloftet Restaurant, Bryggeriet Restaurant, or Fish Me Fishmarket.

Bergen also has numerous attractions and museums you can check out like the Bymuseet i Bergen (Bryggens Museum), Rosenkrantz Tower, Bergenhus Fortress, Hanseatic Museum, all near Bryffen. On the other ide of the water and great for kids is the Akvariet i Bergen (National Aquarium).

Then go to the Fløibanen, a mountain cable car that will bring you high up in the mountains where you can get incredible panoramic views of Bergen and the surrounding landscape.

Explore Bergen • photos by Jeanie A

Day 5: Bergen Day Tour to Folgefonna National Park

Then on your second day in Bergen, head out of the city and go on a Day Tour to Folgefonna National Park. On this tour, you’ll hop on a coach bus as it takes you away from Bergen and into a scenic drive towards Folgefonna National Park. You’ll stop to see views of waterfalls (and even walk behind one!), and of the Hardangerfjord before getting onto the ferry to cross it.

Arriving at Folgefonna National Park, you’ll get free time to hike the Bondhus Trail to the Glacier Lake, Bondhusvatnet. Once you reach the Glacier Lake, enjoy a light lunch or some snacks you brought with you, and simply soak in the incredible views.

The tour bus will bring you back to Bergen, just in time for dinner!

To book the Day Tour to Folgefonna National Park, click here or click “Book Now” in the widget below:

Folgefonna National Park Day Tour • photos by Jeanie A

Day 6: Bergen to Tromsø and Northern Lights

Bergen to Tromsø

Today, you’ll head to the Bergen Airport (BGO) to hop on your flight to your last Norwegian city, Tromsø. You’ll arrive at the Tromsø Airport, and once you exit, you’ll immediately notice you’re in the Arctic!

Explore Tromsø

Spend the rest of your day settling into your hotel, and exploring the cute arctic town’s many shops. If you didn’t bring sufficient gear for the arctic nights (especially if you’re going to chase the Northern Lights), then definitely shop for some thick winter jackets.

Chase the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

Then at night, meet up with a tour group and head away from Tromsø’s city lights into the dark wilderness to chase the Northern Lights! Northern Lights Chasing Tours usually includes hot drinks and if the weather is too cold, thermal suits can also be provided to keep you warm.

For chasing the Northern Lights, book one of the below:

• Tromsø: Northern Lights Chase in a Minibus with Free Photos
• Tromsø: Aurora Hunt with Citizen Science with Wandering Owl

Where To Stay in Tromsø

In Tromsø, I stayed at the Enter Amelie Hotel, which is centrally located and within walking distance to all the shops and the main meetup point for most tourse. Book your stay by clicking here , or check availability for your dates below and click “Search”:

Day 7: Tromsø Arctic Roadtrip and Northern Lights

On your first full day in Tromsø, see what the arctic has to offer and go on an arctic roadtrip! You acn do this on your own or join a half-day tour around Kvaløya Island.

On the roadtrip, there will be stunning scenery at every turn. Stop at the Arsa aurora viewing spot, Ersfjord Viewpoint, Kattfjorden, Little Beach, Steinsvika, and Norwegian Traditional Houses. If you take the tour, it ends right around 4:30 PM back in Tromsø, perfect timing to rest and eat before chasing the Northern Lights again.

To book the Arctic Roadtrip tour, click here or click “Book Now” in the widget below:

Arctic Roadtrip • photos by Jeanie A

Chase the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

End your last night in Norway chasing Northern Lights again! Every Northern Lights you see will never be the same as the last, so always try to maximize your chances at seeing them and seeing a whole new light show.

For chasing the Northern Lights, book one of the below:

• Tromsø: Northern Lights Chase in a Minibus with Free Photos
• Tromsø: Aurora Hunt with Citizen Science with Wandering Owl

Northern Lights (Borealis Aurora) • photos by Jeanie A

Day 8: Depart Tromsø

Unfortunately, you only have a short time in Norway, so today you’ll hop on your flight back home or to your next destination.

Norway Travel Guides

⛴️ Naeroyfjord Cruise Guide: How to Sail from Flåm to Gudvangen

🚞 Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Taking the Train from Oslo to Flam

🇳🇴 Explore More →

Final Words

You’ll leave with memories of Norway’s breathtaking contrasts , from glassy fjords and towering mountains to cozy cafés and colorful harbor towns. In just 8 days, you’ll have experienced the country’s heart and soul: its wild beauty, peaceful pace, and welcoming spirit. A week in Norway is surely not enough time to see and do everything Norway has to offer, but hopefully this 8 day itinerary has given you a nice taste where you’ll be planning your return to see more of this beautiful country in no time..

Have you traveled around Norway?
What were your favorite sights – Let me know in the comments below!