2 Weeks in Norway: 2 Itineraries

by

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

Norway, a land of breathtaking fjords, cascading waterfalls, and the ethereal Northern Lights, beckons travellers with its unparalleled natural beauty.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

From the vibrant urban life of Oslo to the serene Lofoten Islands, the country offers a captivating blend of modernity and tradition. Its unique geographical wonders, rich Viking history, and deep appreciation for the arts and sustainability make Norway a top destination for adventure and tranquillity.

2 weeks in Norway means you can see plenty of places, experience many things, and try local dishes. This Norway travel guide covers things you should know about vacationing there, choose between 2 itineraries, dishes to eat, and more.

TABLE OF CONTENTS show

BASIC TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR NORWAY

4 images - top left is a row of traditional colourful houses in Oslo along the pier, top right is Trolltunga cliff, bottom right is Oslo National Theatre- bottom left is northern lights - 2 Weeks in Norway Itinerary

To ensure that you have an incredible time in Norway, you should know the best time to go, how much to budget, how to get around, and visa policy, all needed for planning an itinerary. All these are covered below:

When is the best time to travel to Norway

The best time to visit Norway is June to August, as these months have longer days and warmer temperatures. However, these months are also the peak season, meaning booking in advance is required.

For those who are fond of skiing and other snow-related activities, the winter season is from mid-November until the last week of January. Please take note that the winter months are also the rainy season in Norway.

Are 2 weeks enough for Norway

While two weeks in Norway provides a good introduction, the country’s vastness and diversity mean some regions will be left unexplored. Within two weeks, travellers can focus on key attractions like Oslo, Bergen, the Fjords, Trondheim, and perhaps a venture into the Arctic Circle to places like Tromsø.

However, more remote areas like the Lofoten Islands or the northernmost regions might require additional time. A two-week trip will offer a rich experience, but those seeking a deeper dive into Norway’s landscapes and culture might yearn for more time.

The bottom line is, if it’s your first time in Norway, plan to see 3-4 cities only that are well-connected from one another. If you’ve travelled here before, you can make your itinerary more “off-the-beaten-path” style and skip the cities you’ve been to. Don’t try to see too many places in just 2 weeks in Norway.

How to get around

Trains are the best way to get around Norway if you want to avoid renting a car and driving alone. They are often faster than buses and are very comfortable. The cheapest way to get around is by bus, albeit slower. Other modes of transportation include trams, flying, car rental, and hitchhiking.

Language and currency

Norway has two official languages, which are Sami and Norwegian. Most of the locals, however, could speak or understand English, so you wouldn’t have any difficulty in terms of the language barrier. The Norwegian currency is called the Norwegian crone (NOK).

Debit and credit cards and online payments such as Google and Apple Pay are commonly used here. But it’s still advisable to have cash on hand because some small shops or stalls cannot accept other modes of payment. The most commonly used credit cards here are Mastercard and Visa.

Visa

Interestingly, Norway is not a member of the EU. However, its government has a Schengen State visa policy in place. This means that the visa policies for countries such as Italy, Germany, France, and such are similar to Norway.

If your passport is issued by the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, the EU, and many parts of Latin America, you can travel in Norway for up to 90 days in a 180-day calendar period.

If your citizenship was not mentioned, this means that you must apply for a Schengen visa in advance from the nearest Norwegian Embassy in your location.

Cost of 2 weeks in Norway

Norway is often considered one of the more expensive destinations in Europe due to its high standard of living and a strong economy. On average, 14 days in Norway costs around NOK 30,000 ($2,800 or $200 a night). Here’s a breakdown depending on your style of travel and budget:

INFO: $1 = NOK 10.43

  • Affordable:
    • Accommodation: Hostels or budget guesthouses can cost NOK 300-700 per night.
    • Food: Opt for supermarket meals, local cafes, and picnics, spending around NOK 100-200 per meal.
    • Activities: Focus on free attractions, walking tours, and nature explorations. Budget NOK 50-150 daily.
    • Estimated Total: NOK 8,400-19,600.
  • Mid-Range:
    • Accommodation: Standard hotels or Airbnbs range from NOK 800-1,500 per night.
    • Food: Dine in mid-range restaurants, spending NOK 200-500 per meal.
    • Activities: Museum entries, occasional guided tours, allocate NOK 200-500 daily.
    • Estimated Total: NOK 28,000-42,000.
  • Luxury:
    • Accommodation: Luxury hotels or lodges can be NOK 2,000-5,000+ per night.
    • Food: Fine dining experiences may cost NOK 500-1,200+ per meal.
    • Activities: Private tours, fjord cruises, and premium attractions. Budget NOK 700+ daily.
    • Estimated Total: NOK 49,400-98,800+.

While Norway is not the most budget-friendly destination, its unforgettable experiences offer significant value for the price.

Travel arrangement tips

HOTELS
VISA
CAR RENT
TOURS
FLIGHTS
BUS (EU/US/CA)
TRAINS (EUROPE)
TRAIN/BUS (ASIA)
BOOKED TOURS
TRAVEL INSURANCE
TOURS (ASIA)
HOSTELS
AIRPORT PICK UP
ESIM
BIKE RENTAL

MAP OF TOP SITES AND ACTIVITIES IN NORWAY

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN NORWAY ITINERARY

In this article, I prepared 2 itineraries for you. You don’t have to follow all of them to a tee, but you can modify them as you wish. Feel free to interchange or skip some of the locations mentioned in order to stay at another site longer.

ALSO READ: 2 weeks in Europe; 6 travel itineraries to choose from or 2 weeks in East Europe or 2 weeks in the Baltics, which are more affordable destinations

Itinerary #1: First-timers (Oslo, Lysefjord, Bergen, Hurtigen Alesund, Tromso)

The first itinerary is most suitable for first-timers as it has a little bit of everything. It consists of Oslo, Lysefjord, Bergen, Hurtigen Alesund, and Tromso. Oslo is Norway’s most ethnically diverse city. It is also famous for its rich culture, cuisine, and outdoor activities that they offer.

Lysefjord, on the other hand, is one of the best fjords in Norway and is filled with natural sceneries, including waterfalls, mountains, and wildlife.

Bergen features Norwegian fjords and was voted the world’s most unspoiled tourist destination by National Geographic, while Alesund is famous for its fairytale-like architecture in a natural setting. Last but not least is Tromso, which is home to Northern Norway’s oldest research institution.

Oslo for 3 days

Oslo is the economic and governmental centre of Norway. It is famous for its historic buildings, including Parliament, City Hall, and Royal Castle. Aside from that, Oslo is also well-known for Grunerlokka, which is its trendiest neighbourhood. For skiing enthusiasts, you can visit Holmenkollen Ski Jump.

For those who want to do some activities, you could kayak and swim to your heart’s content or have a cruise at Oslofjord. This is also a haven for chocolate lovers as it houses Freia Chocolate Factory. If you are planning to drive throughout your 14 days in Norway, renting a car here is best.

2 images - Akershus Fortress on the left. On the right is Preikestolen Pulpil Rock Cliff in Lysefjord

Lysefjord for 3 days

Lyserfjord is a 42-km long fjord located in Rogaland County. It literally means light fjord and is well-known for Mount Kjerag and The Pulpit. If you are a hiker, hiking the Preikestolen Trail is a must. You could also climb the world’s longest staircase and take a sightseeing cruise.

The distance between Oslo and Lyserfjord is 459.5 km. To reach Lyserfjord, I highly recommend that you ride the train, which has a travel time of more than 8 hours and costs anywhere between $172-$233. Other options include riding the bus, driving, or riding the train, then flying, then riding the Line 100 bus.

Bergen for 3 days

Bergen is a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its quaint shops, cafes, wharfside houses, and Hanseatic history. You could hike Mt. Floyen, a museum, or a fish market. You could cruise to Balestrand, then head back to Bergen through Flam.

There’s no direct route from Lyserfjord to Bergen, but you could drive to the Aksdal bus terminal and then take the bus to Bergen bus station. Another option is to take a ferry with a travel time of almost 9 hours.

Hurtigruten Alesund for 2 days

Alesund is a municipality in More Og Romsdal County in Norway. It is a port town on the West coast where you could explore art nouveau buildings. Alesund isn’t only famous for its architecture. It is also filled with breathtaking fjords, fresh seafood, and snow-capped mountain peaks.

The distance from Bergen to Alesund is 422 km, but it is a straightforward journey.The fastest way to reach Alesund is via plane, which has less than an hour of travel time.

You could also take a cruise that lasts a day, hire a private transfer, or drive for 7 and a half hours to reach your destination.

Tromso for 3 days

Tromso is the 12th most populous municipality and 21st largest area in Norway. It is also the largest city in the north. This Arctic capital, also dubbed Paris of the North in the 19th century, is famous for the world’s northernmost university and houses the northernmost planetarium and botanical garden.

You have a chance to see the Northern Lights here when you visit during the winter or the Midnight Sun during summer.

The journey to Tromso from Alesund lasts for almost 29 hours by bus and train and covers a distance of 1414 km, so I highly recommend that you fly to reach your destination. The travel time is more than five hours, and tickets cost between $92-$252.

This is the perfect place to end your 2 weeks in Norway itinerary because of its never-ending series of festivals, numerous activities, and restaurants. You’ll always have things to do and places to explore in Tromso, no matter what season. However, you could also use the time allotted here to extend to other places I listed on this itinerary.

2 images - on the left is Tromso Northern Lights. On the right is the Norwegian Petroleum Museum

Itinerary #2: Balanced (Oslo, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Floyen, Dombas, Tromso)

This second itinerary is ideal for people who like to experience the best of both worlds, as I included attractions popular among foreign visitors and smaller cities if you want to get away from crowds for a bit. Oslo is famous for being one of the most eco-friendly cities in Europe. Aside from that, you’ll also be able to visit all its must-see attractions in a day or two because of its compactness.

On the other hand, Kristiansand is home to music, arts, and cultural festivals. The city is just pulsing with creative energy all year long. Stavanger is famous for its street art, museums for all ages, and some of the best restaurants you’ll find in Norway

You can have an unforgettable moment and listen to an orchestra in an actual cathedral if you visit Tromso, while both Mt Floyen and Dombas are famous for their hiking trails.

Oslo for 2 days

Oslo is a city that is suitable for everyone as it has snowcapped mountain peaks and green open spaces for nature lovers, museums for history buffs, cafes for those who want to have slow travel, and nightlife.

You can do ziplining, ice skating, or try out one of their floating saunas. Some other places to visit here include Vigeland Park, University Botanical Garden, The Norwegian Folk Museum, and more.

It is a perfect starting point as everything is easily accessible here. In fact, I suggest that you rent a car here if you’re planning to rent a car all throughout or during a part of the duration of your trip.

Kristiansand for 2 days

Kristiansand is the Southernmost city in Norway and is the gateway to and from the continent of Europe. It is well-known for zoos and waterparks. Some of the must-visit attractions here include Koanonmuseum, Dyreparken, Abra Havn Pirate Village, Badelandet Aqua Park, and more.

The distance between Oslo to Kristiansand is 318.2 km, and the most recommended option is to ride a train with a travel time of more than 4 hours. Tickets cost anywhere between $35-$60. Other options include riding the bus, the night train, and driving.

Stavanger for 3 days

Stavanger is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Norway. It is famous for day hikes, museums, and well-preserved structures such as Gamle Stavanger, which has less than 200 wooden houses and is considered some of the best preserved in Europe.

In order to reach Stavanger, if you’re coming from Kristiansand, I highly recommend that you take the train as it is the fastest option, with a travel duration lasting almost 3 hours. Tickets cost anywhere between $28 to $45. Other options include riding the bus, night train, or driving.

2 images - on the left is Trolltunga cliff near Bergen overlooking a lake. On the right is a funicular climbing Mount Floyen

Floyen/Bergen for 2 days

Floyen is one of the city mountains found in Bergen. It is famous for hiking and its panoramic views. You could also go to Mt Ulriken, where you can dine at the Skyskraperen Restaurant by riding a funicular.

If you are travelling from Stavanger, there are numerous ways to reach Bergen, where you would find Mt Floyen. If you’re unsure where to fly into Bergen, here’s a guide to airports in Bergen.

The fastest would be through flying, which takes only 40 minutes. Other options include riding the bus or driving via Fjord Line Ferry. From there, you would ride another bus towards Mt. Floyen.

Dombas for 3 days

Dombas is a village or small town in Northern Innlandet in Norway. It is a central hub for both cars and railroads. There are many restaurants and accommodations, and they also offer several activities here, such as biking, camping, and fly fishing. They also have ski resorts for those who are fond of skiing.

The distance between Bergen (the city where Mt Floyen can be found) and Dombas is 431.8 km. I highly recommend the bus to reach your destination, which has a travel time of more than 11 hours. If you want to reach Dombas faster, you can also fly and then take the train. The travel time for this is almost 8 hours. Other options include riding the ferry, then the bus, and driving.

Tromso for 2 days

Tromso is well-known for reindeer meat, dogsled rides, its fjord, and ice domes, among others. Some of the must-visit places here include The Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden, Polar Museum, Polaria, and their floating saunas.

The distance between Tromso and Dombas is 1,321 km, so I highly recommend flying when going here. The cheapest option is to fly from Tromso to Trondheim and then take the train. The travel time lasts for almost 8 hours, and the tickets cost anywhere from $89 to $278.

Tromso is the perfect place to finish your trip because it offers so much. You could do the activities there, including hiking, skiing, whale watching, fjord cruises, trips to galleries, museums, and shopping. They also have a Northern Lights festival, which is perfect for those who love nightlife.

WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN NORWAY (per city)

After helping you have some ideas on where to go and how many days to stay in each place, let me give you a list of attractions and activities you should add to your itinerary:

Oslo

SEE ALL TOURS AROUND OSLO

Bergen

VIEW ALL BERGEN ACTIVITIES

Lysefjord and Stavanger

  • Hike to Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) – tour from Stavanger
  • Take a Fjord Cruise
  • Climb the Kjeragbolten
  • RIB tour to Lysefjord – from Stavanger
  • Explore Lysebotn Village
  • Go Kayaking in the Fjord – from Stavanger or from Lysejord
  • Visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum
  • Explore Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger)
  • Take a Fjord Cruise
  • Visit Stavanger Cathedral
  • Get a hop-on, hop-off bus for Stavanger – see the price
ALL TOURS FROM LYSEFJORD
ALL TOURS FROM STAVANGER

Alesund

ALESUND ACTIVITIES

Tromso

SEE ALL TROMSO TOURS
MORE TROMSO EXCURSIONS

Kristiansand

  • The Inverted Boat
  • Visit Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park
  • Explore the Posebyen Old Town
  • Relax at Bystranda Beach
  • Walk through Ravnedalen Natural Park
  • Visit Kristiansand Museum
  • See all tours around Kristiansand

Dombas

  • Visit Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park
  • Go Moose Safaris
  • Try Cross-Country Skiing
  • Explore the Pilgrim Trail
  • Take a Scenic Train Ride on the Dovre Line

LOCAL NORWEGIAN DISHES AND DRINKS TO TRY

3 images of Norwegian dishes - Brunost, Kjottkaker, and Glogg - 2 weeks in Norway

I love trying local dishes to see which ones I like the most. I recommend you dine out and check out at least 3-4 dishes during your 2 weeks in Norway. Certainly, Norway offers a rich culinary landscape influenced by its coastal geography and cold climate:

  • Rakfisk: Fermented fish, a traditional Norwegian delicacy.
  • Kjøttkaker: Norwegian meatballs, often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce.
  • Lutefisk: Dried fish reconstituted in a lye solution, then steamed or baked.
  • Pinnekjøtt: Salted, dried, and sometimes smoked lamb ribs, steamed and served during Christmas.
  • Gravlaks: Salmon cured in sugar, salt, and dill, typically served with mustard sauce.
  • Fårikål: A stew made of mutton and cabbage, seasoned only with salt and pepper.
  • Klippfisk: Dried and salted cod, which is rehydrated and then cooked.
  • Sursild: Pickled herring, often consumed during festive occasions.
  • Krumkake: Thin, delicate rolled cookies with intricate patterns.
  • Multekrem: A dessert made of cloudberries and whipped cream.
  • Brunost: Caramelized whey cheese, often sliced thin and eaten on bread or waffles.
  • Akevitt: A potent spirit flavoured with spices and herbs, traditionally consumed during festive events.
  • Gløgg: A warm spiced wine, often enjoyed during the winter months.
  • Karsk: A cocktail made from coffee, moonshine, or vodka, popular in some rural areas.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN NORWAY (per city)

Now, it’s time for a quick list of best accommodations to stay in Norway, which is arranged by city to help you easily arrange and book your hotels.

Oslo

Bergen/Floyen

Alesund

Tromso

Kristiansand/Lysefjord

Stavanger

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN NORWAY

Norway has so much to offer that even staying here for a year wouldn’t suffice. However, I included the greatest tourist spots in these itineraries that will fill your 2 weeks with unforgettable memories.

There are many places, things to do, and natural phenomena that you will only see here and not everywhere else, so if you’re thinking of visiting a country that can offer you something different, Norway is one of the best places to go.

I hope these travel itineraries for 2 weeks in Norway helped you plan your trip.

TO SAVE THIS ITINERARY, PIN THIS IMAGE BELOW:

Planning a solo trip to Norway? Explore Oslo's cultural treasures, hike the stunning fjords, and witness the Northern Lights in Tromsø. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and unforgettable adventures for a remarkable solo travel experience. via @twoweektraveller