A 5 Day Norwegian Escape

Get ready to fall in love with Norway! This Nordic gem is a nature-lover's paradise, with jaw-dropping landscapes that will take your breath away. From vibrant cities to serene fjords, Norway is an adventure waiting to happen. Want to experience it all? Follow our 5-day itinerary to discover Norway's top attractions.

Day 1: Exploring Oslo

The capital city of Norway is a vibrant metropolitan that combines modernity with nature. We took a redeye from New York City and arrived at the Oslo airport at 1pm. Oslo is known for having excellent public transportation so I recommend taking the train to the city center.

Start off grabbing a light bite at the beautiful Vanite Cafe. This trendy cafe offers a menu of Scandinavian-inspired dishes and drinks. After lunch, head to the Viking Ship Museum to see the world-famous Viking ships including three 9th-century ships that have been restored and preserved.

Next, visit the Vigeland Park to see the stunning sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland. The park is the world's largest sculpture park made by a single artist! I recommend budgeting around 2-3 hours to stroll leisurely through the park and sit atop the hill to take in the sights.

End your day with a trip to Mathallen, an indoor food market located by the water. The market offers a wide range of Norwegian and international cuisine, including seafood, cheese, and baked goods. There is often live music and performances in front of the market to enjoy as you eat your food.

Head back to one of the main train stations and catch the rail back to the airport for your flight to Alesund.

Day 2: Alesund and The Majestic Fjords

Start the day nice and early by boarding an 8am ferry tour at the docks in Alesund. This all day experience will show you 3 different fjords from Alesund to Geiranger. The trip takes about 3 hours each way and the tour guides will point out the various waterfalls and historical sites. Once you arrive at Geirganger, you will have about 2 hours to grab some lunch and check out the gorgeous viewpoints of Geirangerfjord (the most famous and visited fjord in Norway). This experience is run by the Geiranger Fjord Service and I highly recommend booking as early as possible because spots are limited! You’ll arrive back around 5:30pm, I suggest heading back to your hotel to freshen up and grab a light dinner.

If you still have energy, head over to the Aksla viewpoint hike, which involves climbing a series of stairs to reach the top of Mount Aksla. The stairs start near the center of Ålesund and wind up through the town's colorful houses and streets, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding islands and fjords. The staircase consists of 418 steps, and it takes about 15-20 minutes to climb to the top. Once you reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views that stretch out over the city and the ocean. This view is especially beautiful around sunset time!

Day 3: The Beautiful City of Bergen

Catch an early flight from Alesund to Bergen and spend the whole day exploring this quaint city. Start the day at the Waterfront, where you can take in the stunning views of the harbor and surrounding mountains. Steps from the waterfront, you can head to the Bergen Seafood Market for lunch and a beer tasting. Sample some of Norway's best seafood and learn about the city's fishing traditions!

Take the afternoon to explore the colorful Bryggen area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its architecture and narrow alleyways. I recommend spending 1-2 hours walking around this area and stepping into the local merchants shops.

Around sunset time, take the funicular up to Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of Bergen and the surrounding fjords. This is one of the most popular attractions in Bergen, so beware of long lines and wait times. If you are looking to experience traditional Norweigian food in a classic setting, I recommend getting dinner at Tre Knoeren or Bare Vestland. Finally, end your evening with a visit to Zachen, a cozy piano bar known for its live music and cocktails.

Day 4: Stavanager and the Epic Pulpit Rock Hike

Get ready for another early and adventurous day by catching a flight from Bergen to Stavanger. We were able to check into our hotel, drop off our bags and get ready for a full day of hiking. I recommend booking the Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) Express Bus. It provides a direct route between the center of Stavanger and the Preikestolen Mountain Lodge, which marks the beginning of the hiking trail. With multiple daily departures, it is the quickest transportation option for the popular hike. The express bus offers a generous 5-hour window for hikers to complete the journey, including rest breaks, which should be ample time for most people.

The hike itself is a moderate level (8km roundtrip) journey and is one of my favorite travel experiences of all time. This destination was popularized in a scene from Mission Impossible-Fallout. I strongly encourage everyone to get a pair of walking sticks and rain jacket (these are available for rent at the Mountain Lodge). Depending on the time of year, you may encounter a lot of rain and fog but the views along the way are absolutely gorgeous.

Plan to be back at your hotel in Stavanger around 6pm to freshen up and get dinner. Stavanger is a charming coastal city known for its beautiful natural surroundings, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. I suggest spending an hour or two walking around the Old Town area.

Day 5: Back to Oslo (Optional Activities)

Take today to relax before your flight and depending on how much time you have, check out some more attractions in Oslo. If you arrive in the morning like we did, start your day by fueling up with some traditional Norwegian waffles and coffee.

Begin your exploration at the Royal Palace, an impressive building with breathtaking gardens that have been the home of Norwegian royalty since the 19th century. Then, make your way to the Oslo Opera House, a stunning modern building that offers sweeping views of the harbor and skyline. For a glimpse into Oslo's past, head to the Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle that has stood the test of time for over seven centuries. The fortress was closed to visitors during our trip but it was fun to walk around and check out the architecture. Finally, take a moment of reflection at the Oslo Cathedral, a beautiful 17th-century church that stands as a testament to the city's deep religious roots.