Itinerary
- Day 1
Oslo to Larvik
Start your Norwegian adventure by picking up your rental car in Oslo, then drive south along the Oslofjord toward Larvik. Stop at Verdens Ende on Tjøme island to walk around the rocky coastline and check out the hiking trails there. From there, continue on to Larvik for the evening and settle in.
Optional Activities
- Visit Verdens Ende (End of the World) on Tjøme island for hiking and swimming
- Photo opportunity at the iconic bobbing beacon at Verdens Ende
- Beach visit in Larvik
- Dinner at a Norwegian restaurant in Larvik
Landmarks/POIs Verdens Ende (End of the World) Oslofjord - Day 2
Larvik to Kristiansand
Head south along the Skagerrak coast today, stopping through Kragerø, Risør, and Gjeving to see the Norwegian wooden architecture in these smaller towns. You'll also hike through coastal forest at Kalvehageneset near the Homborsund lighthouse, then finish the day in Kristiansand where you can walk through the old town, check out the street art, and visit Bystranda beach.
Optional Activities
- Leisurely stroll through Kragerø
- Explore Risør's alleyways and cinnamon buns
- Hire a boat in Gjeving for a discovery tour from skerry to skerry
- Hike through coastal forest at Kalvehageneset with picnic view of Homborsund lighthouse
- Explore street art in Kristiansand
- Walk through old town wooden houses in Kristiansand
- Visit Bystranda white city beach in Kristiansand
- Dine at restaurants in Kristiansand
Landmarks/POIs Kragerø Risør Kalvehageneset Homborsund Lighthouse Bystranda - Day 3
Kristiansand to Stavanger
Leave Kristiansand early and drive to Stavanger through varying landscapes. Once there, you'll hike Preikestolen with good hiking boots and supplies on you. The hike takes about 4 hours round trip to reach the famous cliff plateau, which drops 600 meters straight down into the Lysefjord.
Optional Activities
- Hike Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) - approximately 4 hours round trip including ascent and descent
Landmarks/POIs Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) Lysefjord - Day 4
Stavanger to Bergen
Today's a scenic drive along the North Sea coast toward Bergen. You can choose between a route with islands and bridges showing off fjord views, or detour to hunt for waterfalls at Langfossen, Låtefossen, and Steinsdalsfossen where you can walk behind the water. Once in Bergen, consider taking the Fløibanen funicular up Mount Fløyen for views of the colorful Bryggen boathouses.
Optional Activities
- Drive scenic island and bridge route along North Sea coast
- Visit Langfossen waterfall
- Visit Låtefossen waterfall
- Visit Steinsdalsfossen waterfall and walk behind the water
- Take Fløibanen electric funicular up Mount Fløyen (approximately 400 meters) for city and fjord views
Landmarks/POIs Langfossen Låtefossen Steinsdalsfossen Mount Fløyen Bryggen (Hanseatic District) - Day 5
Bergen to Hemsedal
Drive to Flåm village on Aurlandsfjord and think about riding the Flåm Railway, one of the world's steepest rail lines that spirals up 870 meters through gorges, waterfalls, and snow peaks over 20 kilometers. Head to Stegastein lookout at 650 meters for fjord views, then continue into the mountains toward Hemsedal where you can swim at Fekjanåenefossen waterfall if you want.
Optional Activities
- Ride the Flåm Railway (optional, can be booked online in advance) - steepest and one of most beautiful railway lines, 20+ kilometers spiraling 870 meters into mountains
- Visit Stegastein lookout at 650 meters altitude for fjord panorama views
- Swimming at Fekjanåenefossen waterfall in Hemsedal
Landmarks/POIs Flåm Aurlandsfjord Flåm Railway Stegastein Lookout Fekjanåenefossen Waterfall - Day 6
Hemsedal to Oslo
Drive back to Oslo following the merging rivers and crossing Tyrifjord on your way. Check into your hotel when you arrive, freshen up, then head to the Aker Brygge district to walk the harbor promenade and see the industrial and modern architecture before finding somewhere for dinner.
Optional Activities
- Walk through Aker Brygge district and harbor promenade
- Dine at stylish restaurants in Aker Brygge
Landmarks/POIs Tyrifjord Aker Brygge - Day 7
Oslo
Spend your day exploring Oslo's cultural side by walking through Frogner Park and Vigeland Park to see the sculptures, then head over to Oslo City Hall and the futuristic Opera House by the harbor. Climb onto the Opera House roof for views of the Oslo Fjord. If you want more, the Munch Museum has 'The Scream', the Viking Ship Museum is on Bygdøy peninsula, and there's also the Kon-Tiki Museum.
Optional Activities
- Walk through Frogner Park and Vigeland Park sculpture park
- Walk past Oslo City Hall
- Climb to Opera House roof for Oslo Fjord views and rooftop exploration
- Visit Munch Museum to see 'The Scream' (optional, payable on site)
- Visit Viking Ship Museum on Bygdøy peninsula - original 9th century Viking ships (optional, payable on site)
- Visit Kon-Tiki Museum (optional)
Landmarks/POIs Frogner Park Vigeland Park Oslo City Hall Oslo Opera House Munch Museum Viking Ship Museum Kon-Tiki Museum Oslo Fjord - Day 8
Oslo Departure
Drop off your rental car at the airport and head home with your memories from this Norway trip.
