For most of us mortals, Norway isn't a holiday we book on a random Tuesday afternoon. It's the DREAM trip. The one that waits on our bucket list until the stars, annual leaves and bank accounts finally align. Unless you're one of those lucky people who've already been there three or four times (if so, we need to have a word), it's probably a trip you've imagined for years.
Which is exactly why making every minute count becomes so important. But at the same time, you don't want to spend the entire holiday so quickly that Norway becomes a blur outside your coach window.
So, in the interest of getting the best of all worlds, I've picked two of our most popular Norway tour itineraries for you to compare. Both are based on actual longer Scandinavian journeys that our travellers experience. One is a 4-day Norway tour itinerary that introduces you to the country's biggest highlights, while the other gives you almost a week in Norway, allowing you to experience a much broader side of the country. If you're wondering whether a shorter stay is enough or whether it's worth stretching your journey a little longer, these two itineraries should make the decision much easier.
Our Recommended 4-Day Norway Itinerary
If this is your first visit to Scandinavia, this route does an excellent job in giving you a wonderful part of Norway without asking you to just stick to it. It slips beautifully into a larger Scandinavian journey as well, yet still manages to show you many of Norway's biggest highlights!
Sail Into Norway on Day 1
After travelling across the North Sea by ferry from Denmark, you'll arrive in Kristiansand before continuing along Norway's southern coastline towards Stavanger.
The drive itself is beautiful; small coastal towns start to appear, fishing harbours come and go, and the sights outside begin looking like the one you see on the internet when you search ‘Norway’. Once you reach Stavanger, stretch your legs at the hotel, but I’d say don’t spend the rest of the day indoors.
Walk down to the harbour instead, watching the colourful wooden houses around Gamle Stavanger, being in waterfront restaurants or just taking in the relaxed evening atmosphere…
Day 2: Stavanger to Bergen
The morning begins with the famous Swords in Rock monument before continuing north through one of the most scenic drives in the country! Expect tunnels that seem impossibly long, ferries gliding across fjords, bridges connecting tiny islands and enough scenery outside the coach window to give you run for some more phone storage.
By afternoon, you'll reach Bergen. Take the Fløibanen Funicular up Mount Fløyen and spend some time simply enjoying the stunning views before heading back down into the city.
Later, wander around Bryggen Wharf, explore the narrow lanes behind the colourful wooden buildings or stop at the famous Fish Market if you're feeling adventurous enough to try some fresh Norwegian seafood! Among shorter Norway itineraries from India, this day alone often becomes the highlight.
Day 3: Fjords, Waterfalls and One Very Long Tunnel
On day 3, you'll travel towards Sognefjord, the country's longest and deepest fjord, stopping at the beautiful Tvindefossen Waterfall before boarding a scenic fjord cruise between Gudvangen and Aurland!
Mountains rise almost vertically from the water, tiny farms cling to the hillsides and waterfalls appear almost every few minutes. After the cruise, you’ll continue through the Aurland Tunnel before stopping outside the beautiful Borgund Stave Church…
By evening, you'll arrive in Oslo. If you've still got some energy left, head towards the Opera House after dinner and watch the sunset over Oslofjord from its sloping marble roof to finish the day. For travellers on a Norway 4 day itinerary, this one is one to remember.
Day 4: Oslo Before Sweden Calls
Spend your morning discovering Norway's capital, best explored on a panoramic city tour. You'll pass the Royal Palace, the harbour, modern architecture and the remarkable sculptures inside Frogner Park before continuing onwards into Sweden.
It's a fitting finale because Oslo feels completely different from the fjord towns you've just visited. Modern, spacious and organised, it rounds off your Norwegian experience rather nicely before the Scandinavian journey continues.
Want More Than Four Days? Here's the Itinerary We'd Pick.
If this 4 day Norway itinerary leaves you wanting more, choosing a longer Norway 6 day travel itinerary lets you experience a side of the country that many first-time visitors never reach. Keep reading to see how it goes.
If you'd like help choosing the right Norway tour itinerary, or you'd simply prefer someone else to handle all the planning while you focus on enjoying the scenery, our destination experts would be delighted to help.
Our Recommended 6-Day Norway Itinerary
Cross Into Norway Through Røros on Day 1
Entering Norway through the forests and mountains is a beautiful start in itself. Before reaching Trondheim, stop in Røros, one of Norway's prettiest UNESCO-listed towns. Its colourful wooden buildings, old mining heritage and silent streets feel completely different from the larger Scandinavian capitals you've already visited.
By evening you'll arrive in Trondheim. If time permits after dinner, walk across the Old Town Bridge towards the colourful riverside warehouses, perhaps grab a Norwegian snack or drink!
Day 2 for Fjords, Islands and the Atlantic Road
Travel along Norway's rugged coastline, ferry across fjords, pass through Kristiansund and visit the beautiful Kvernes Stave Church before driving one of Europe's most famous roads!
The Atlantic Road isn't particularly long, to be honest. But it just happens to pack an absurd amount of scenery into every kilometre. Ocean on one side, tiny islands on the other and bridges that appear to float above the sea? You'll finish the day in Molde with a completely full camera roll.
Day 3: Geirangerfjord and Briksdal Glacier
The third day is no ordinary one. After crossing the Romsdal Fjord, continue towards the magnificent Geirangerfjord, arguably Norway's most famous fjord and a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Take time to admire the waterfalls, wander through the village or join an optional fjord cruise before continuing to Briksdal Glacier. If you're up for a walk, the hike towards the glacier is well worth the effort. If not, the electric troll cars do a perfectly respectable job. Have your dinner in Loen after what is arguably one of the finest sightseeing days you'll find in any Norway trip itinerary.
Day 4: Loen to Bergen
Another day, another spectacular drive. Mountain passes, winding roads, ferry crossings and fjord after fjord eventually lead you into Bergen. Here, ride the Fløibanen, then spend the evening exactly as Bergen deserves. Browse Bryggen Wharf, sample fresh seafood at the Fish Market or simply find a café overlooking the harbour and let the evening be at peace.
The Fifth Day: Hardangerfjord to Oslo
Leaving Bergen doesn't mean the scenery is over, it’s actually quite the opposite. As you cross the impressive Hardangerfjord Bridge, you will stop at Vøringsfossen Waterfall, one of Norway's tallest waterfalls, before travelling across high mountain plateaus towards Oslo! I don’t think words can do much justice to this day…
One Final Morning in Norway
Before boarding the overnight ferry to Copenhagen, spend the morning exploring Oslo with your guide. See Frogner Park, admire the Royal Palace, pass the Opera House and enjoy one last look at the Norwegian capital before sailing onwards. It's a good way to say goodbye.
Which Norway Itinerary Should You Choose?
If you're looking for a shorter introduction to the country while exploring Scandinavia as a whole, the four-day route delivers an excellent amalgam of fjords, cities and scenic drives.
If Norway has always been the main reason you're travelling north, the six-day Norway trip itinerary gives you a little more time. You'll cover much more ground, spend additional time among the fjords and get to know Norway a little better. Of course, if you'd rather spend ten or twelve days focusing almost entirely on Norway, our tailor-made holidays make that completely possible too.
Or, if you're still exploring possibilities, browse our wider collection of Norway tour packages from India and find the itinerary that suits your style of travel best.
