The Ultimate 7 Day Norway Itinerary: Big Hikes, Fjords & Culture

If you want to make the most of 7 days in Norway, the best itinerary is a split between Stavanger and Bergen. Both cities are close to Norway’s most iconic sights, like Kjeragbolten, Mount Floyen, and Sognefjord, and have historic elements like Bryggen and Bergenhus Fortress. Stavanger and Bergen are also relatively close together, so you won’t spend too much of your trip in transit.

This Norway travel itinerary is best suited for the active and adventurous lot. It is for first-timers looking for big views, walkable towns, and a balance of adventure and culture. In this guide to the perfect 7 day Norway itinerary, you’ll find two of Norway’s big hikes, fjord tours, historic colourful wharfs, off-the-beaten-path hikes and viewpoints. You will also find all the logistical information you need to make this trip a wonderful success! 

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How Many Days Do You Need for Norway

While you could spend months here, one week in Norway is enough to see some of the country’s most famous highlights. It’s best to focus on one or two regions, instead of trying to cover everything. This 7-day Norway travel itinerary avoids unnecessary transit time so you can focus on seeing the most with a relatively limited time frame. 

Some of the most famous cities in Norway besides Bergen and Stavanger include the capital city of Oslo and Tromsø. If you are spending more time in Norway, you can explore the vibrant and modern city of Oslo. It combines historical Nordic charm with a thriving cultural scene. Then there is Tromsø, which is known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle. Tromsø is best visited in winter for viewing the Northern Lights, and activities like skiing and dog sledding.  

The Best Norway 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Stavanger, Pulpit Rock, and Lysefjorden

Start your Norway trip by flying into Stavanger. Stavanger is also a popular port city for direct ferries from places like Denmark. Day 1 of this itinerary will focus on one of Norway’s big hikes, Preikestolen (also known as Pulpit Rock). In the afternoon, you’ll soak up nearby fjords and Stavanger’s local culture. 

Morning: Hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

Pulpit Rock is a massive cliff that stands 604 meters above the fjord Lysefjorden. It is one of the 3 big hikes in Norway because of its stark shape. It has incredible views over mountain fjords below and water snaking through. 

Distance from Stavanger: About 1 hour by car 

Hike Time: 4 hours round trip. 

Hike Length: 8 km (5 miles).

Difficulty: Moderate with 500 meters of elevation gain. 

Start Point: Preikestolen Mountain Lodge

Guided Hike: See this Small group, guided hike tour to ensure safety and accessibility from Stavanger.

If you are hiking without a tour, wake up early to avoid crowds and head to the Preikestolen trailhead, located near the village of Jørpeland. Parking and trailhead access are at Preikestolen Mountain Lodge. 

The trail gradually climbs through the forest with stone steps and viewpoints. As you reach closer to the top, you’ll be hiking across large stone outcroppings with views over the fjord. You can easily spend an hour at the top taking photos or climbing slightly higher to see the famous plateau from above.

Tip: Bring layers and a rain jacket. Even in summer, the change in altitude and wind at the top make it a lot chillier. I was there in August and needed a sweater.

Transportation Tip: If you are relying on public transport, there is a paid shuttle between Stavanger and Preikestolen between April and August. You can find their schedule and buy tickets here.

Afternoon: See Tau and Canoe in a Fjord

After hiking Preikestolen, make your way to the tiny town of Tau. Tau is a village right beside a hidden gem branch of Lysefjorden. It is only 20 km from Stavanger but feels completely immersed in the Norwegian countryside. 

Enjoy driving the scenic roads before heading to a hostel called Vaulali. They have a massive property with extraordinary views of the towering fjords and offer canoe rentals. In the main building, you can rent a canoe and then head out on the fjord lake to enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the water. You’ll likely have the whole lake to yourself. And no, you don’t need to be a guest there to rent a canoe.

Alternatively, you can tour the fjords aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) from Stavanger.

Evening: Dinner at Stavanger’s Wharf

After a full day of adventure, head to Stavanger’s wharf. The wharf has a long row of historic wooden houses on the waterfront. In the water, you’ll see fishing boats and even jellyfish! Appreciate the views and take some pictures before heading to one of the waterfront restaurants for dinner. Make sure to try some fresh seafood caught in town.

A few great options right on the wharf:

• Fisketorget – A local favorite for fresh seafood, this restaurant and market combo serves up everything from fish soup to grilled catch of the day with views of the harbor.
• Skagen Restaurant – Located in one of the historic wooden buildings on the waterfront, Skagen offers classic Norwegian dishes and a romantic setting.
• Tango – For something a little more upscale, Tango offers a seasonal tasting menu with views of the quay.

Day 2: Kjeragbolten Hike or a Lysefjorden Boat Tour

For Day 2 of your Norway itinerary, there are two options. You can either hike another of Norway’s big 3 hikes or rest your legs on a boat tour of Lysefjord instead.

Option 1: Hike to Kjeragbolten (Full Day)

Kjeragbolten is one of Norway’s most famous hikes, known for the giant boulder wedged between two cliffs. The rock is suspended 984 meters (3,228 feet) high in the air. The hike is challenging yet incredibly rewarding, the entire way. 

Travel Time from Stavanger: 2 hours by car each way. 

Hike Time: 6–8 hours round trip

Hike Distance: 11 km round trip. 

Difficulty: Challenging – steep inclines, scrambling, and exposed sections

Trailhead: Øygardstøl (Eagle’s Nest)

Guided Hike: This small-group tour offers a hands-on experience hiking to Kjerabolten.

To get there, leave Stavanger early and drive toward Lysebotn. The final stretch to Øygardstøl (the trailhead) is a winding mountain road that typically opens in late May and closes in October due to snow. Double-check conditions before you go.

While most activities in Norway are done rain or shine, Kjeragbolten actually gets dangerous in slippery conditions. If it is raining hard on the day you plan to go, I recommend opting for a backup hike at Reineknatun, see this guide to Stavanger for details. 

Option 2: Lysefjorden Boat Tour and Museum visit (Relaxed Half-Day)

If hiking Kjerag sounds a little too intense after hiking the day before, here is an alternative Day 2 suggestion for your one-week Norway itinerary.

Lysefjorden Boat Tour:

Experience the majesty of Lysefjorden by boat. Boat tours whip through the stunning fjord, taking visitors to the most scenic points. Like the bottom of Pulpit Rock or points where the cliffs seem to jut sky-high right out of the water. You’ll witness waterfalls, fjord-side towns and farms, and the occasional mountain goat. Tours typically last about 3.5 hours and include transport from Stavanger’s central harbor. 

Museums in Stavanger: 

If you spent the first half of your day on a boat tour, take the afternoon to explore more of Stavanger and its famous museums. Its best museums to visit include:

• Norwegian Canning Museum – It sounds strange, but this canning museum is one of the most popular attractions in Stavanger. You’ll learn about the canning industry that dominated in Stavanger between the 19th and 20th centuries, the lives of working-class Norwegians at the time, and the process for canning fresh fish.
• Viking House Museum – This museum uses VR to immerse tourists in Norway’s Viking age.
• Norwegian Petroleum Museum – This is arguably Stavanger’s most popular museum, built as a replica of a real oil platform. It’s great for learning about the petroleum industry in Norway, with interactive exhibits displaying ships, rigs with slides, and even an escape room that replicates a burning oil rig. 

Evening: Dinner at Fargegata (Øvre Holmegate)

For dinner, make your way to Fargegata, also known as Øvre Holmegate. This was my favourite street in Stavanger, known for its brightly coloured buildings, string lights, and numerous restaurants and bars. Many of the restaurants have outdoor patios on the street in summer to enjoy the ambiance.

Best Dinner Spots on Fargegata:

• Bøker og Børst – One of the hottest spots for craft beer and tapas. It has an incredible atmosphere, but if you’re in the mood for a big meal, I’d go somewhere else first. 
• Citra – A relaxed dining room with pizzas, risottos, pastas, and sandwiches. They have a nice outdoor patio for people-watching. 
• CIRKUS – A bar and pub that offers casual dining. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the local nightlife. ​

Day 3: Morning in Stavanger and Travel to Bergen

Today is a transition day between Stavanger and Bergen. The drive/bus ride between the two cities takes about 5 hours, so you’ll have some time beforehand to explore Stavanger.  

Morning: Sightseeing in Stavanger

Before leaving the city, spend the morning sightseeing at some of Stavanger’s top attractions: 

• Stavanger Cathedral (Domkirke) – Domkirke was built in the 12th century and is Norway’s oldest cathedral. It has Romanesque-Gothic architecture and is right in the city center. 
• Gamle Stavanger – Gamle is Stavanger’s old town. It is lined with white wooden houses, has cobbled streets, and features a few small galleries. It is really pretty to explore and take pictures of the flowers growing on the windowsills.
• The Pedestrian Streets around Skagen Street – These streets are adorable with tons of boutiques. The architecture of the buildings blends traditional Norwegian culture with modern twists. 
• Geoparken – An industrial area by the water with interesting art features turned playground. 

Midday: Travel from Stavanger to Bergen

If you don’t have a rental car, the quickest and easiest way to get to Bergen is by bus. The bus gets on two different ferries along the route, which was a surprise to me and a unique experience. Check this booking site for the 5 hour bus ride.

Evening: First Look at Bergen

Once you’ve arrived in Bergen and checked into your accommodation, head straight to Bryggen, the historic Hanseatic wharf. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most recognizable areas in Norway. It has colorful wooden buildings, narrow alleyways, and centuries of merchant history.

For dinner, check out one of these restaurants: 

• Bryggeloftet & Stuene – A classic, cozy spot serving traditional Norwegian cuisine with a great view of the water.
• Enhjørningen – A seafood-focused restaurant in one of Bryggen’s oldest buildings.
• Bare Vestland – More modern, offering seasonal Norwegian tapas and great cocktails.

Day 4: Bergen Sightseeing and Afternoon Fjord Tour 

Morning: Bergen Sightseeing 

Bergen’s center is very walkable, with many of its top attractions close to the harbor. Here are the best things to see in Bergen: 

• Bergenhus Fortress – A medieval stone complex, dating back to the 13th century. It once played a key role in Norway’s military history and is still a workplace for military personnel and civilians. The grounds are free to explore. 
• Bergen’s Fish Market – The market has served for hundreds of years and is a center for the city’s economy and social scene. Food stalls line the market hall with fresh seafood and also prepared food to purchase, like sandwiches, fish dishes, crab legs, and lobster. 

• Clarion Collection Hotel Tower – My favourite thing to do in Bergen, this hotel has a tower that stands high above Bryggen and the harbor with the best views in town. You don’t need to be a guest to access it, you just have to ask the hotel reception.
• The Hanseatic Museum – Located in the old buildings of Bryggen, this museum showcases the history of Bergen’s reigning merchant group that existed hundreds of years ago. The Hanseatic League used Bergen as their trading hub and played a huge role in Bergen’s current economy as one of the biggest trading centers in Northern Europe.

Afternoon: Sognefjord Boat Tour from Bergen

In the afternoon, it’s time for the main event: a fjord tour. Bergen is known as the gateway to the fjords because of the many different ways there are to see fjords nearby.

One of my favourite fjord experiences in Bergen was the boat cruise through Sognefjord. The tours leave right from Bergen’s harbor near Bryggen. The boat journeys along Bergen’s coastline, which is tiered with beautiful houses in the mountains. You’ll also pass small islands occupied by farms and some fantastic waterfalls. Eventually, you’ll be immersed in the narrow channels of the fjord with cliffs jutting out of the water. 

The tours last 3 hours and return you right back to Bergen’s center.

Day 5: The Vidden Hike Between Floyen and Ulriken

Your second full day in Bergen is about exploring the city’s best hiking trails. The Vidden Hike is a panoramic ridge walk that links 2 of Bergen’s most famous peaks: Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken. If you prefer, you can book a guided hike with a Norwegian guide.

Early Morning: Hike Up Mount Fløyen

If you are hiking by yourself, start your day early, ideally around 8:00 AM, by heading to the Fløibanen Funicular station. If you’re up for the challenge, skip the funicular and hike to the top. It’s about a 3 km climb that takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, winding through charming neighborhoods before transitioning into lush green forest.

The trail is well-marked and climbs steadily but isn’t overly strenuous. You’ll pass a few great lookout points on the way up. And once you reach the top of Mount Fløyen, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most iconic panoramic views over Bergen and its harbor.

There’s a café and toilets at the summit, so it’s a good place to fill your water bottle or grab a snack before continuing.

Mid-Day: The Vidden Hike (Mount Fløyen to Mount Ulriken)

Hiking Time: 5 hours (not including ascent/descent from Fløyen or Ulriken)

Hiking Length: 15 km 

Difficulty: Moderate. Mostly flat or rolling terrain, but long

Trail Conditions: Well-marked

From the top of Mount Fløyen, you’ll join the Vidden Trail, a 15 km hike across open highlands connecting Fløyen to Ulriken. This trail is what makes Bergen feel so special. You’ll hike ridge lines, past alpine lakes and dramatic drops, all while being able to see the city far below. For large portions of the hike, you won’t see anyone other than sheep. 

Be sure to pack water, snacks, layers, and good shoes. Bergen’s weather can shift quickly. Even in summer, it can get really windy and cold.

Late Afternoon: Descend Mount Ulriken via the Stairs or Cable Car

When you reach Mount Ulriken, you’ll be standing on Bergen’s highest peak at 643 meters. The view here is even wider than from Fløyen, with insane views over the entirety of Bergen. 

You have 2 options to descend:

• Hike Down: For the full experience, take the steep stair trail down to the Montana area. It’s roughly 1.8 km, but tough on the knees with hundreds of stone steps. It takes about 1.5 hours. If you’re struggling at this point, prepare to feel out of shape compared to the locals who run up and down the mountain for exercise. 
• Ulriken Cable Car: If your legs are done, take the Ulriken643 cable car down in just 5 minutes. After hiking up Mount Floyen and completing the Vidden hike, I was exhausted and wanted to cable car down, only to find it was closed! Make sure to check that in advance of going. 

Evening: Return to Bergen & Rest

After completing the hike, catch Bus #12 back to Bergen’s main station. Buses are frequent, and it’s a short 15–20 minute ride back into the heart of the city.

Day 6: Day-tripping to Fjords

With a third full day in Bergen as part of your Norway 7 day itinerary, it’s time to venture out day-tripping to nearby fjords. A short drive away is one of Norway’s most stunning fjords, Nærøyfjord, the town of Gudvangen, and the scenic Flam train ride. 

If you have rented a car, you can easily do this self-guided. Otherwise, you can book the famous Norway in a Nutshell tour to cover this route. See this highly rated tour option.

Stop 1: Gudvangen 

Gudvangen is a small town surrounded by glaciers, fjords, and mountain peaks. It is in a narrow section of the Naeroyfjord, which makes for excellent photos. If you started early, you can rent a kayak in the fjord or go on a hike on one of the short trails. There is also a Viking village nearby with reenactments, archery, axe throwing, and traditional Viking food. 

Stop 2: Take a Cruise Through Naeroyfjord

After sightseeing in Gudvangen, get on a boat in the harbor to tour through Naeroyfjord. This is a UNESCO-listed section of the larger Sognefjord system. It is also considered one of the most scenic in Norway, with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and beautiful villages on the shorelines.
The ride takes 2 hours to get to Flam, another beautiful fjord town between mountains. 

Stop 3: Flam and the Flam Railway

Grab a bite to eat in one of the small restaurants in Flam before boarding the famous Flam Railway. It is a historic train that winds through mountains over 20 km. You’ll ride through 20 tunnels that were carved by hand and some of the steepest standard-gauge railway tracks in the world. 

The train ride is about an hour and stops at Kjosfossen waterfall. The train has vintage-style cars and wide windows to enjoy the scenery. You’ll get off at Myrdal Station, which you guessed it, is another scenic town. 

Day 7: Final Day in Bergen

Morning: Breakfast at a Local Café

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at one of Bergen’s cozy cafés. Some of the best are: 

• Godt Brød (in Marken or Vestre Torggate) – Organic breads, pastries, and great coffee.
• Kaffemisjonen – Known for its high-quality brews and minimalist Scandinavian vibe. 
• Blom – Laid-back spot near Lille Lungegårdsvannet, great for people-watching and light bites.

Or if the weather is nice, grab a coffee and hang out in Lille Lungegardsvannet. It is a large park with a lake at its center, manicured lawns, and a water fountain. It is always busy with people and a great place to relax. 

Mid-Morning: Last-Minute Exploring or Shopping

• Depending on your departure time, use your last few hours to check off anything you might’ve missed. A few easy options within walking distance of the city center:
• Marken Street – Picturesque old streets with cobbled stones and wooden buildings. It is near the bus station and has great views of houses cascading up into Bergen’s mountains above. 
• Strandgaten – A shopping pedestrian street that runs west from the harbor, with a mix of local boutiques, bakeries, and design stores.

Afternoon: Head Back to Stavanger

After an incredible 7 days exploring Norway, make the final trip back to Stavanger, enjoying the coastal views along the way.

How to Get Around Norway

In general, renting a car is the easiest way to get around Norway. However, for this specific one-week Norway itinerary, public transportation is also a good option. 

Car Rental 

Driving in Norway provides greater flexibility and easier access to certain hikes like Preikestolen and Kjeragbolten. You won’t have to rely on start times with tours or public transportation routes, which gives you greater control of your itinerary. It also helps you escape some of the other tourists if you arrive before the tour buses do at certain sites.

Roads in Norway are well-maintained and driving is straightforward. If you are traveling to Norway in winter, I recommend having winter driving experience. 

Public Transportation

Public transportation is extensive in Norway, making it easy to use and get around between major attractions. For example, the bus route between Stavanger and Bergen is efficient, direct, and comfortable, with multiple departure times daily. You can find bus schedules and tickets on Norway’s bus website here.

With that being said, it can be more complicated to get to some of the individual sites near Stavanger using public transportation. You can use a mix of the two options below instead. 

Hitchhiking in Norway

Norway still gets a lot of hitchhikers because of its high safety levels. I had quite a few friends who opted to hitchhike their way to popular hikes like Preikestolen rather than paying for a taxi or a tour. The best way to hitchhike in Norway is to prepare a cardboard sign with the name of the place you are going to. 

Group Tours

If you can’t find public transportation to certain attractions and don’t want to hitchhike, you can find a guided tour that provides transport. The benefit of joining a tour is the ease of not handling the logistics and the added knowledge that comes from a local tour guide.

Useful Travel Tips for Norway

Before you depart for Norway, make sure to read all the essential tips for visiting to avoid surprises. 

1. Don’t underestimate the weather even in summer.
Norwegian weather is famously unpredictable. Even in July, you might get sunshine, fog, wind, and rain all in the same day. Always pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and good shoes. This packing list for Iceland may be useful for Norway summer as well.

2. Tap water is better than bottled.
Norwegian tap water is clean and safe to drink. Pack a reusable bottle to fill at your accommodation, public fountains, and even restaurants. 

3. You don’t need cash.
Credit card is accepted everywhere and occasionally, cash is not even accepted. I took out cash when I first arrived in Norway and struggled to spend it all. Even local bus fares rely on credit card payments on apps instead of cash to the driver. 

4. Download Norwegian-specific Weather Apps
At first, I used the weather apps I had already downloaded from home, just adjusted to Norwegian destinations. I found them wildly inaccurate. Some local friends advised me to get the Norwegian weather apps, and they often predicted rain and weather changes by the hour. One of the best websites you can use for checking the weather in Norway is yr.no.

Final Thoughts on the 7 Day Norway Itinerary 

Norway is one of those rare destinations where the landscapes live up to the hype and then some. The other country where the natural landscapes will wow you at every stop is to do the ring road itinerary around Iceland. With just one week in Norway, focusing on Stavanger and Bergen gives you a perfect mix of dramatic hikes, world-class fjords, and cultural charm without spending all your time in transit. I hope this one-week Norway itinerary helps you plan a trip that’s as seamless as it is scenic.

[This is a guest post by Hailey Briggs. Hailey is the owner of The Restless Adventurer, a travel blog that inspires those who find themselves restless in anticipation of their next adventure. She is a digital nomad who loves to trek up mountains, sleep in hammocks, and feels rejuvenated by uncertainty.]

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