If exploring 2 cities, hiking up mountains in rural areas, riding across fjords, and trying amazing, farm to table, and unique food is what you are looking for in a long weekend getaway, than look no further than spending 4 days in Norway.
Last time Pat and I did a 4-day weekend we did London. This year, we wanted to go somewhere less popular than London or Paris so decided to do 4 days in Norway. As always, I wanted to see as much as I could of Norway so decided to travel from East to West to get a taste of all the experiences Norway has to offer. If this is your first time considering a trip to Norway and you want to see the most iconic spots, then this is the itinerary for you! We headed here during Memorial day weekend, end of May. This is the BEST time to visit Norway because of the weather, so I highly recommend you visit during the same time period!
Quick Navigation
The Svadore Secret: How I Actually Get There
You know all those people on social who claim they traveled in business class or economy for free? This is the "cheat code." I use it to find those hidden Business Class seats for 65k points (instead of $8K). Whether I’m flying Sibby to Milan or heading somewhere new with Patrick, I use Seats.aero.
Note: I only share the tools I actually use
~ Day 1: Oslo ~
We landed in Oslo, the capital of Norway, later then we wanted to due to a flight delay. Luckily, the sun never truly sets in Norway, with the sun turning into twilight at 11PM and rising again at 4AM. This still gave us a lot of daylight time to explore the city. In 4 hours we saw A LOT. The main tourist attractions in Oslo are all concentrated in one area so it’s easy to see them all in a short amount of time if you’re willing to walk.
We started off by walking down Damstredet street and visiting the art district of Blä. After grabbing a coffee we headed for the main street of Karl Johan and walked to Aker Brygge, a cool boardwalk lined with locals having happy hours and hopping into the water to cool down. Tjuvholmen was located farther down from Aker Brygge and is a cool residential area where many locals go to swim. From here you walk up a hill towards Akerhus Castle and fortress and walk across the city until you reach the Oslo Opera House. After all that walking, I’m sure you’re starved! So make your way to Statholderens Mat & Vinkjeller for dinner.
~ Day 2: Oslo to Flam & Aurland ~
Oslo to Flåm via the Flåm Railway: Is It Worth It?
The journey from Oslo to Flåm has been called one of the most beautiful in the world. A mix of waterfalls, mountains, and diverse scenery has you on your feet for the entire 6 hours of the trip. Now 6 hours may sound like a lot, but I promise you it is not. We woke up early in the morning to take the train from Oslo to Flåm. The first leg of the trip is about 3 hours and goes from Oslo to Myrdal, stopping by the Star Wars film location for the planet of Hoth. The second leg of the trip is the more touristy one from Myrdal to Flam and takes about 45 minutes. I gather all the info, tickets, pictures, and intel so you can recreate this once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Best Hotel in Aurland: Taste Rural Norway at 29|2 Aurland
Rather than stay in Flam we decided to head to Aurland, a neighboring town along the Aurlandsfjord, for a more authentic Norwegian experience. We rented a hybrid car from Flam Travel AS and drove to 29|2 Aurland where we would be spending the night. More on my experience with Flam Travel AS here. This unforgettable farm and boutique stay is as authentic as Norway gets and was our favorite part of the trip. When we arrived, our host recommended we head across the street to Turlifossen waterfall for a quick hike before dinner. After our hike we spent the night enjoying a communal meal with other guests at 29|2 Aurland and got a real feel for Norwegian culture. As we fell asleep we could hear the bleeping of the Sheep outside as they lulled us to sleep.
Visit Aurland & Aurlandsfjord: 3 Can’t Miss Experiences
Directly across from 29|2 Aurland is Turlifossen waterfall, an underrated and untouched waterfall that should be climbed by all adventure and thrill seekers. It will get your adrenaline going and will immerse you into what rural Norway is all about. It’s the perfect introduction to your trip to come.
~ Day 3: Aurland & Flam to Bergen ~
Visit Aurland & Aurlandsfjord: 3 Can’t Miss Experiences
On Day 3 we woke up early so we could do a 3 hour Hike to Prest. We stopped by Stegastein Point to take in the views of Aurlandsfjord before our hike, but to be honest the hike to Prest is really where the best views came in. Stegastein Viewpoint is a major tourist attraction in the area. You can either get there by tour bus along with masses of other people, or rent your own car and avoid the flood of people. I recommend you head there early in the morning to avoid the tour groups. It will be less crowded and allow you to really take in the views.
A hike to Prest will offer you one of the most untouched and jaw-dropping views overlooking Aurlandsfjord. If you are looking to experience authentic rural Norway, this is the outdoor experience.
Flam to Bergen via Ferry: Uncovering the Sognefjord
Following the hike we grabbed a bite to eat in Flam and hopped on the 5-hour ferry that would take us across the fjords to Bergen. 5 hours may seem like a lot, but when you have the breathtaking views that Norway has to offer time flies by. When we arrived in Bergen, we grabbed dinner and headed straight to bed so we could see as much of the city the next morning.
~ Day 4: Bergen ~
Travel Guide to 24 Hours in Bergen, Norway: 13 Things to Do
One of the main things to do in Bergen is to lose the itinerary and just get lost in the many quaint streets. You’ll find yourself doing this for at least an hour and it’s totally worth it. Around lunch time head to Fisketorget Fish market, the historic fish market that is there every day from May to end of September, for some fresh fish. After lunch, walk around Skostredet art district and take in the street art on the walls.
Head in the opposite direction and make your way up to the top of Mount Floyen via the funicular, or hike it if you have more time, for stunning views of the city from above. While you are up there, see if you could spot Tubakuba, a rare house open to the public and the only one on Mount Floyen.
Tip: The best time to visit the Hanseatic headquarters is when you get down from Mount Floyen, since that’s when all the tourists are gone. If you still have time walk to Bergunhaus Fortress and take a stroll inside if you get the chance. End the day with a happy hour at the cool and hip Rock & Roll American Diner in Skostredet before grabbing dinner at Spisekroken.
~ Day 5: Bergen to Oslo and Back Home ~
On our last day we took a flight from Bergen to Oslo, because it was cheaper to fly in and out of Oslo from New York, and then took a direct flight back to New York. As you can see, Pat and I can get A LOT done in 4 days, so this itinerary isn't for everyone! But at least it gives you an idea of what to focus on when in Norway for the first time, so feel free to revise the itinerary however you see fit. If you're looking to see the most iconic places in Norway from East to West in a short amount of time, then this is the itinerary for you!
~ 4 Days in Norway Map ~
>> Next: 2 Days in Milan: A Local's Guide & Iconic Stops
4 days in Norway. 4 days in Norway. 4 days in Norway. 4 days in Norway. 4 days in Norway.
1 comment