MEG & ANDREW

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There are some trips you enjoy…and then there are the ones that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked your bags. Norway turned our to be firmly in the second category.

From the moment we arrived, it felt like we’d stepped into a completely different world – one of towering fjords, glassy lakes, endless waterfalls and a train journey that somehow managed to be as breathtaking as the destinations themselves.

In this post, I’m sharing our full 8-day Norway itinerary – exactly how we planned it, what we did each day, and a few honest thoughts on what we’d do differently. If you’re thinking about a trip to Norway (or just want to live it vicariously for a few minutes), this should give you a solid starting point.

Day 1 – Flying to Oslo (29/3/26)

As travel days go…this one was a bit of a slog.

We booked ourselves onto the first flight out of Stansted at 5:55am, completely forgetting that the clocks were going forward at 2:00am that morning. Not ideal.

The flight itself was fairly quick at just over two hours, although a little bumpier than we would have liked – made slightly more dramatic by a foggy arrival and an impressively smooth auto-landing in Oslo.

Anyway, enough of that. On to the good stuff.

Oslo felt like a calm, easy introduction to Norway. Clean, modern and effortlessly well put together, it’s the kind of city that’s very easy to explore on foot for a day.

We headed straight down to the waterfront and the Opera House, which is every bit as striking in person – a huge glass structure rising out of the water like an iceberg. You can walk right up (and onto) the roof, which gives some great views across the harbour.

With limited time and fjords firmly on the agenda in Bergen, we skipped a boat trip here and kept things simple – wandering the city, dipping in and out of shops, and finding good food along the way.

The standout? A moose burger from Helt Vilt in Mathallen Food Hall. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s comfortably in my top five burgers of all time – the lingonberry mayonnaise alone deserves a mention.

We wrapped things up with an early night at the Radisson Red, which made for a perfect stopover – compact room, but great location and exactly what we needed before heading west.

Oslo is an easy, enjoyable city for a short stay – a great place to spend a day or two, especially if you pair it with a fjord trip. For us though, one day was just enough before moving on to the main event.

Best for: 1-2 days
Don’t miss: Opera House
Food Highlight: Mathallen

Day 2 – 7 Hours on a Train to Bergen (30/3/26)

After another early start, we were more than happy to hop on the Bergensbanen train – easily one of the nicest passenger trains we’ve ever been on. We paid 5,156kr total for ‘Plus’ seats by the window (roughly £400 for two return tickets), and before the train had even started moving, we could already see it was money well spent.

There was serious leg room, unlimited hot drinks (the hot chocolate was unreal), and a sturdy little adjustable table that made settling in for the long haul very easy. If you’re doing this journey yourself, I’d definitely recommend upgrading if you can—on a 6–7 hour trip, the extra comfort really makes a difference.

Once the train got going, we were treated to Norway showing off in the best way possible. The scenery doesn’t just look good—it constantly changes. One minute you’re rolling past dense forests, the next you’re climbing into snow-covered mountain plateaus, before dropping back down alongside frozen lakes and fjords. It never really gives you a chance to get bored.

For the Star Wars nerds amongst you, we even passed the Hardangerjøkulen glacier—better known as the filming location for Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back. Not a bad bit of trivia for a casual train ride.

I’ll be honest—long train journeys are usually about as exciting to me as watching pasta boil—but this one completely changed my mind. The scenery alone made the 6 and a half hours fly by, and it genuinely felt like part of the adventure rather than just a way of getting from A to B.

A couple of quick tips if you’re planning the trip:

• Try to grab a window seat (ideally on either side—you won’t miss out either way)
• Bring a camera or keep your phone charged—you’ll use it a lot
• Snacks aren’t essential with Plus, but never a bad idea for a journey this long.

Upon arrival in Bergen, after checking into the Skostredet Hotel and Spa, we were immediately welcomed by some proper Bergen weather—a rainy wander around Bryggen.

Bryggen quickly became a regular stop for us, and it’s easy to see why. The colourful wooden buildings, narrow alleyways, and waterfront setting make it one of the most recognisable spots in Norway. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site too, which explains the crowds—but it still manages to feel charming rather than overrun, with plenty of cosy shops and cafés tucked away.

For dinner that evening, we visited a local gastropub, Pingvinen. I went for another local favourite—reindeer steak—while Meg got strong IKEA vibes (wrong country, I know) from a plate of meatballs. I’ll put together a full Norway food ranking soon, but safe to say… both were unreal.

Day 3 – Hiking Mount Fløyen (31/3/26)

This was the day we’d been building up to.

An early ride on the Fløibanen funicular took us straight to the top of Mount Fløyen, and with the viewing deck completely to ourselves, we excitedly stepped out to take in the famous panoramic views over Bergen…

…only to be greeted by absolutely nothing.

The fog was thick. Not just a light mist—proper “can’t see more than a few metres ahead” kind of thick. The iconic view over the city was completely swallowed up, which was equal parts hilarious and slightly concerning, given what we had planned next.

Undeterred, we set off on the hike we’d been looking forward to since booking the trip two months earlier: the Vidden Trail. The plan was to hike from Fløyen to Mount Ulriken—roughly 8 miles across one of Bergen’s most famous routes.

It started off beautifully. The trail wound through what felt like an enchanted forest, dusted with fresh snow from the night before. But as we climbed higher, the conditions quickly turned. The snow got deeper, the fog got heavier, and the path became harder to follow.

At a certain point, common sense kicked in.

With visibility dropping and the terrain getting trickier underfoot, we made the call to turn back after about an hour and a half. Slightly gutting, not going to lie—but definitely the right decision.

After a quick regroup (and a warm drink), we pivoted to plan B.

A bit of searching on AllTrails led us to a different route from the top of Fløyen—the Blåmanen Loop. And honestly, it turned out to be a bit of a hidden gem.

In the snow, it was an enjoyable, moderately technical hike, with just enough challenge to keep things interesting without being sketchy. And best of all, as the fog started to lift slightly, we were finally rewarded with some incredible views over Bergen below, with Mount Ulriken looming in the distance like a bit of unfinished business.

A couple of quick takeaways if you’re planning this hike:

• The Vidden Trail is weather-dependent—don’t be afraid to turn back
• Good footwear is a must, especially in snow
• Have a backup route in mind (AllTrails came in clutch for us)

Back in the city, we treated ourselves to a well-earned 2 hours in the spa at the Skostredet Hotel and Spa.

For guests, it’s a seriously relaxing setup—steam room, sauna, hot and cold baths, and our personal favourite, the snow room (which hits different after a hike). One thing to note though: there’s no swimming pool, which we’ve found on other trips—like Slovenia—can be ideal for recovery after a long day on the trails.

That evening, we headed to Røyk BBQ, which offers a Norwegian twist on a classic American BBQ joint. We went all in on the BBQ Grillplanke for two, followed by what might genuinely be the best sticky toffee pudding we’ve ever had.

Safe to say, we didn’t walk back to the hotel so much as… slowly roll.

Day 4 – Cruising the Fjords (1/4/26)

If you’re travelling to Bergen over Easter, heed this warning: you cannot trust the weather.

On paper, the temperatures didn’t look too bad—but every single day felt at least 5 degrees colder than advertised. Whether it was the wind, the damp air, or just Bergen being Bergen, it constantly caught us off guard… and nowhere was that more obvious than later on during our fjord tour (we’ll get to that).

Another thing worth knowing—if you’re not heading out of the city for hikes or outdoor activities, there isn’t a huge amount to fill your time. Bergen is beautiful, no doubt, but it’s definitely more of a gateway to nature than a packed city-break destination.

With that in mind, we took a wander around Store Lungegårdsvann, a quieter spot just outside the main tourist centre. It offered some really nice views back towards Mount Ulriken and the surrounding mountains, and felt a bit more local compared to the busier waterfront areas.

Before heading off on our fjord tour, we made what turned out to be an elite food stop at Trekroneren. Reindeer hot dogs, topped with lingonberry sauce and mustard… it sounds slightly chaotic, but trust me—it works. An absolute must-try.

That afternoon, we boarded a fjord cruise out to Mostraumen, and it ended up being one of the standout experiences of the trip.

The fjords genuinely feel otherworldly. As the boat moves deeper in, the cliffs on either side slowly close in—towering above you in a way that’s hard to properly describe until you see it for yourself. It’s the kind of scenery that just makes you stop talking for a bit.

We happened to go on a particularly foggy day, which only added to the atmosphere. The low cloud drifting between the cliffs gave everything this eerie, dramatic feel—like something out of a film set rather than real life.

Now for the health warning.

I don’t think I’ve ever been as cold as I was on that boat.

We spent most of the cruise out on the open deck (worth it for the views), only retreating inside briefly to thaw out once we’d left the main fjord. If you’re doing this in the colder months, seriously overprepare:

• Multiple layers (more than you think you need)
• Hat, gloves, snood—the full works
• Something windproof if you have it

It’s 100% worth it… but you’ll earn it.

That evening, we returned to Pingvinen for dinner, where we were introduced to possibly the strangest fish pie we’ve ever seen.

It was fried and served more like a slice of tray-baked cake than anything resembling a traditional pie. It took a minute to get our heads around—but once we did, it was (unsurprisingly at this point) absolutely delicious.

Day 5 – Mount Fløyen – The Comeback Tour (2/4/26)

Finally… blue skies.

After a few days of unpredictable weather, this felt like our moment. So naturally, we headed straight back up Mount Fløyen—round two.

This time, expectations were firmly in check. After being turned back earlier in the week, we’d already accepted that the Vidden Trail wasn’t happening for us in the snow. The plan was simple: a couple of easier trails, take in the views (if we actually had any this time), and head back down.

Yeah… that didn’t quite go to plan.

Our expectations were completely blown out of the water.

I’ve recently got into outdoor photography—landscapes, nature, wildlife, that sort of thing—and this second trip up Fløyen was honestly a dream. Every turn seemed to offer something different: open viewpoints, dense woodland, patches of lingering snow catching the light, and that crisp, clear air you only seem to get on days like this.

The initial hike was tough, reaching the top of Mount Fløyen, where the Vidden Trail begins. It was still snowy, and I have never known wind like it. But to be clear, following that, most of the trails we explored weren’t especially technical—more like steady walks with a decent gradient than full-on hikes—but that actually made it better. It meant we could take our time, stop constantly (mainly me, taking photos), and really soak in how varied the landscape is up there.

If you’re visiting Bergen, this is something I’d strongly recommend: don’t just go up Fløyen for the viewpoint and head back down. Spend a few hours exploring the trails—you’ll get far more out of it.

The day built towards one final climb: Stoltzekleiven.

It’s a little steep. But once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with what is, in our opinion, the best view over Bergen—completely open, totally uninterrupted, and absolutely worth the effort.

After the false start earlier in the week, finally getting that view felt genuinely satisfying. A bit of a full-circle moment for the trip.

That evening, we kept things a little more casual and headed to Inside Rock Cafe—widely regarded as one of Bergen’s best burger spots.

Huge selection, great atmosphere, and quite possibly the best potato wedges I’ve ever had. If you’re even remotely into burgers, this place is an easy win.

Day 6 – Crab Legs and Hot Dogs (3/4/26)

One of the biggest lessons we learnt on this trip: if you’re travelling over Easter, really check how it affects the place you’re visiting.

We’d fully expected our final full day in Bergen to be a relaxed wind-down—but we hadn’t quite anticipated just how much the city itself would wind down with us.

Being Good Friday, most shops and restaurants were completely closed, aside from a handful of tourist spots around Bryggen. It meant our plans naturally shifted into a slower day of wandering, revisiting favourite spots, and—unsurprisingly—seeking out a couple of final food highlights.

Our first stop was the famous Fisketorget Fish Market.

We’d been eyeing up the enormous crabs there for a few days, and knew we couldn’t leave Norway without trying fresh fjord salmon. So, we went for both.

The salmon was fresh, simple, and full of flavour—maybe slightly smaller than expected, but definitely delivered on quality. The crab legs, on the other hand, were ridiculous in the best way. Huge portions, packed with flavour, and exactly what we’d been hoping for after days of build-up.

Stop number two was a return visit to Trekroneren—because once you’ve had a reindeer hot dog with lingonberry sauce, it’s very hard to just walk away from that chapter of your life.

Still just as good the second time around. No regrets.

We wrapped up the evening at Tiempo Tiempo Bar, right next to our hotel—one of those places you walk past a few times before finally going in, and then wish you’d discovered on day one.

A perfect, low-key end to our time in Bergen.

Day 7 – Back to Oslo (4/4/26)

Our final couple of days in Norway were a little less action-packed, with the focus shifting towards the journey home.

We took our return trip on the Bergensbanen back to Oslo, departing just before midday and—after a bus replacement along the way—arriving a little after 6:00pm.

The journey itself was no less spectacular the second time around. The same sweeping landscapes, snow-covered plateaus and dramatic scenery were all still there… but it’s fair to say it felt slightly different knowing the trip was coming to an end.

After a long day of travel, we were glad to be back in Oslo.

We checked into the Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, which served as a perfectly comfortable pit stop for the night, before heading out for dinner at Vino al Vino. A simple, no-frills Italian meal, but exactly what we needed—good food, easy atmosphere, and a chance to recharge before the final leg of the journey.

Day 8 – Flying Home (5/4/26)

An early train to Oslo Airport kicked off our final day—and one thing immediately stood out: just how quiet it was.

Whether it was down to Easter Sunday, travel patterns, or something else entirely, the airport felt almost empty. At a guess, we couldn’t have seen more than a few hundred people the entire time we were there, which made for a surprisingly relaxed airport experience.

The airport itself was clean, modern, and easy to navigate, with a decent (if slightly limited) selection of food options and a solid duty-free area.

We did hit a small delay—around an hour—thanks to a heavy snowstorm that rolled in shortly before departure. A pretty fitting send-off from Norway, really.

After that, it was a smooth and uneventful flight home… and just like that, the trip was over.

Final Thoughts

We’ll go into more detail on some of our key takeaways from this 8-day trip, but one thing stood out above everything else:

Norway is stunning.

We only explored a small part of the country, mainly in the south, but even in that short time we were completely blown away by the ever-changing landscapes and, at times, almost ridiculous natural scenery.

From dramatic fjords and snow-covered mountains to quiet forests and coastal towns, it’s the kind of place that constantly reminds you how impressive nature can be.

If you’re planning a trip to Norway, we hope this itinerary gives you a bit of inspiration—and maybe helps you avoid a couple of the mistakes we made along the way.

It’s a country that absolutely deserves a spot on your bucket list.