Our 10-day Norway itinerary, carefully crafted by our local tour planning specialists, offers a delightful blend of iconic sights, hidden gems, and natural wonders in just ten days, accompanied by your own private driver-guide.
From Oslo’s royal avenues and Viking treasures to the deep valleys of Setesdal, the dramatic fjords of Stavanger and Haugesund, and the coastal charm of Bergen, each day combines heritage, nature, and personalized cultural encounters.
Whether you’re drawn to stave churches, fjord cruises, mountain trails, or historic harbor towns, this itinerary balances relaxation and discovery at every turn.
Destinations on Our 10-Day Norway Tour
Days 1–2: Oslo
Explore royal sites, Viking heritage, world-class museums, and waterfront architecture.
Days 3–4: Setesdal Valley
Journey inland through lush forests, waterfalls, traditional farms, and folk culture.
Days 5–6: Stavanger Region
Cruise Lysefjord, stroll Old Stavanger and discover colorful coastal villages.
Days 7–8: Haugesund and Ryfylke Coast
Visit Viking sites and hidden waterfalls and experience rural seaside life.
Days 8–10: Bergen
Dive into Hanseatic history, explore wooden alleys, take art walks, cruise fjord arms, and go island driving.
Day 1: Welcome to Oslo – Royal Icons, Parks, and Polar Legends
Begin your Norwegian journey with a day that combines historical significance, outdoor artistry, and polar exploration—all accompanied by your private driver-guide.
Private City Tour: Akershus Fortress, Parliament, Royal Palace
Your day begins with a sweeping private tour of Oslo’s most important civic and royal landmarks.
Explore Akershus Fortress, the medieval stronghold that guards the Oslofjord, where your guide shares stories of sieges, kings, and the WWII occupation. Continue past the Norwegian Parliament building (Stortinget) before reaching the grand Royal Palace.
This private tour takes you on a journey of how Norway’s monarchy evolved from medieval kingship to its current constitutional model in a fun and engaging manner.
Guided Walk through Frogner Park and Vigeland Sculptures
Next, enjoy a relaxed yet fascinating private walk through Frogner Park, home to the world’s largest collection of sculptures by a single artist.
Your guide will help you interpret Gustav Vigeland’s remarkable works—over 200 human figures depicting the cycle of life in expressive, often provocative forms. Stroll along the dramatic central axis of sculptures, fountains, and bridges, soaking in both artistic detail and broader commentary on humanity.
Visit Fram Museum Privately
Round out your day at the Fram Museum, located on the Bygdøy Peninsula.
Explore the original polar expedition ship Fram, preserved inside the museum’s angular walls. Your guide—an expert in Arctic history—will bring to life the stories of Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen, as well as their daring voyages through the ice.
Step inside the ship itself to experience how explorers braved some of the harshest conditions on Earth.
Day 2: Oslo – Art, Culture, and Hidden Histories
Oslo invites you into its layered cultural landscape—where striking contemporary spaces meet centuries-old traditions and where every corner tells a different story of Norway’s identity.
Private National Museum Tour (New Gallery with Munch’s Works)
Your journey begins within the soaring halls of the newly opened National Museum. Here, amidst the largest collection of art and design in Scandinavia, Edvard Munch’s The Scream shares space with romantic nationalists, radical modernists, and bold new voices in Nordic creativity.
With your expert guide leading the way, you’ll not just view masterpieces—you’ll uncover the narratives they carry about Norway’s evolving soul, from ancient myths to modern movements.
Private Guided Ferry to Bygdøy Museums: Kon-Tiki, Folk Museum
Crossing the Oslofjord by private ferry, the city briefly falls away behind you as you head toward the museum-rich enclave of Bygdøy.
This isn’t just a detour—it’s a portal. Step into the audacity of Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon-Tiki expedition, where bamboo rafts and wild dreams conquered oceans. Then, wander through the past at the Norwegian Folk Museum: a living tapestry of old farmsteads, turf-roofed homes, and a breathtaking medieval stave church.
As you move through this open-air heritage village, history breathes from every timber and cobblestone.
Visit a Historic Neighborhood Walk (Damstredet/Kvadraturen)
Later, return to the city, not through its boulevards but its backstreets—Meander through Damstredet, where brightly painted wooden houses and quiet gardens feel untouched by time.
In Kvadraturen, step into the architectural echo of a city rebuilt after the fire, filled with regal facades and hidden nooks. These lesser-known neighborhoods are steeped in the forgotten lives and whispered stories of old Christiania—brought vividly to life by your guide’s insight and intuition.
Day 3: Oslo to Setesdal Valley – Forests, Mountains, and Folk Traditions
Today, leave the capital behind and journey deep into Norway’s inland valleys—where ancient traditions and vast nature await.
Scenic Private Drive into the Forested Valleys
Your driver-guide will lead you westward from Oslo, transitioning quickly from city scenes to deep forests, mountain plateaus, and sparkling lakes.
Along the way, stop at scenic viewpoints to stretch your legs and learn about how geology and glaciation have shaped Norway’s inland landscapes. Pass rustic farmsteads and traditional summer pastures where cultural heritage still flourishes.
Visit Hovden’s Mountain Plateau with Local Nature Guide
Arriving at Hovden, a stunning mountain plateau, meet a local nature guide for an easy, private exploration.
Learn how the hardy subarctic plants and wildlife survive in this rugged environment, and enjoy sweeping views across the craggy landscapes of the Setesdal Highlands. Your guide will also share folk legends tied to the mountains—stories of trolls, mythical creatures, and ancient travelers.
Private Cultural Visit to Setesdal Folk Museum (Heirloom Culture, Folk Costumes)
In the afternoon, enjoy a private visit to the Setesdal Folk Museum, an outstanding institution that preserves Norway’s inland cultural traditions.
Walk among beautifully preserved log houses, storage lofts, and traditional saunas, and admire intricate folk costumes renowned for their vibrant colors and intricate embroidery.
Your museum guide will explain heirloom farming practices, ancient crafts, and the music and dance traditions that continue to define this proud valley community.
Day 4: Setesdal Traditions & Nature – Handicrafts, Hidden Waterfalls, and Living Culture
Immerse yourself in Setesdal’s vibrant traditions, meeting local artisans and hiking to natural gems off the beaten tourist path.
Private Visit to a Silver Jewelry Workshop (Setesdal’s Famous Handicraft)
In a quiet corner of Setesdal, a soft hum of craftsmanship fills the air.
Tucked behind the doors of a small, family-run silversmith workshop, generations of knowledge come to life in the hands of skilled artisans. Here, silver isn’t just metal—it’s memory. Intricate filigree designs, painstakingly shaped from strands no thicker than thread, become brooches and clasps that adorn Norway’s national costume, the bunad.
As you observe the silversmiths at work, stories emerge—of bridal dowries, of rituals passed through families, and of how these gleaming heirlooms still anchor identity in Norway’s most cherished traditions.
Private Hike to a Hidden Waterfall (Moderate, Guided)
From the rhythm of the jeweler’s bench to the hush of pine forests, your day flows seamlessly into the natural beauty surrounding Setesdal.
With a local guide leading the way, follow a gently climbing trail through alpine glades and moss-covered paths. Hidden within the folds of the valley lies a secluded waterfall—untouched, unmarked, and entirely yours to discover.
Private Farm Visit: Meet Farmers Maintaining Ancient Traditions
The afternoon brings you to a working farm where time slows, and the old ways still guide the present.
This is no museum but a living, breathing patch of heritage. Meet the farmers who tend hardy, ancient breeds and weave wool with techniques unchanged for centuries. Listen as the lilting notes of the Hardanger fiddle rise in the barn air, carrying echoes of past festivals and long winters.
Sharing stories over coffee or a slice of local flatbread, you’ll gain not only insight but connection—a sense of place shaped by rhythm, resilience, and community.
Day 5: Setesdal to Stavanger – From Valleys to Coastal Charm
Today’s drive takes you from the quiet inland valleys to the dramatic fjord-lined coast, blending natural beauty with preserved historic towns.
Private Drive Through Sirdal Mountains (Beautiful Off-the-Grid Drive)
Your driver-guide leads you on a breathtaking journey through the Sirdal Mountains, one of southern Norway’s most underappreciated regions.
Ascend through remote, rugged terrain where mountain lakes glisten under wide-open skies and hardy sheep graze on rocky outcrops.
Along the way, stop for photographs and learn about the ancient transhumance traditions—seasonal migrations—that once defined life in this region.
Visit Sogndalstrand: A Charming Preserved Coastal Village
Descend from the highlands and reach the idyllic fishing village of Sogndalstrand, where time seems to have paused in the 19th century.
Stroll along the colorful harbor with your guide, popping into small galleries, craft shops, and an old-fashioned general store. Discover how the town was revitalized through careful heritage preservation, and learn about the stories of maritime trade, shipwrecks, and the town’s vibrant artistic community today.
Arrive in Stavanger and Take a Private Old Town Walking Tour
Upon arriving in Stavanger, settle into Norway’s energy capital with a privately guided stroll through Gamle Stavanger—the best-preserved wooden old town in Europe.
Wander through winding alleys lined with whitewashed cottages and gardens bursting with roses. Your guide will share the history behind Stavanger’s transformation from a sleepy fishing village to an oil-fueled boomtown, weaving together centuries of urban life.
Day 6: Stavanger Region – Fjords, Exotic Gardens, and Maritime Innovation
On day 6, we have planned a perfect trio of stunning natural landscapes, surprising gardens, and engaging modern museums, all based around Stavanger.
Private Lysefjord Cruise
Board a private boat with your guide for an unforgettable cruise along the Lysefjord, one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords.
Glide beneath sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the legendary Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) towering 600 meters above the water. As you sail deeper into the fjord, your guide shares geological insights, local legends, and hidden viewpoints known only to insiders.
Private Tour of Flor & Fjære Tropical Island Gardens
Next, ferry out to Flor & Fjære, a privately owned garden island where colorful tropical flowers, exotic trees, and manicured landscapes defy Norway’s rugged climate.
Walk among vivid plantings with your horticultural guide, discovering how the owners transformed a barren island into a flourishing paradise. Pause for scenic views across the fjord and discover the fascinating story behind this unique project, which blends art, botany, and coastal resilience.
Guided Visit to the Norwegian Petroleum Museum (Super Engaging Modern Museum)
Return to Stavanger for a private visit to the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, one of Norway’s most innovative museums.
Through interactive exhibits and dramatic architecture, your guide will illuminate the story of Norway’s offshore oil industry—from its economic impact to environmental challenges and global energy debates.
Try a hands-on drilling simulator or walk inside a replica oil platform for a surprisingly dynamic and relevant experience.
Day 7: Stavanger to Haugesund/Ryfylke Region – Coastlines, Vikings, and Waterfalls
Today, you leave Stavanger’s bustling harbor behind and follow the wild Atlantic coastline northward, uncovering ancient Viking sites and stunning natural landscapes en route.
Private Drive Along Norway’s Atlantic Coast (Jæren Beaches and Ancient Stone Fences)
Your morning begins with a breathtaking drive along the Jæren coast, a stark and beautiful contrast to Norway’s famous fjords.
Here, the landscape opens up into flat, windswept beaches and lush farmland divided by centuries-old stone fences. Your private guide will explain how geology, farming traditions, and Viking maritime routes shaped this unique region.
You’ll stop at selected viewpoints along the beaches, where Atlantic breakers crash onto endless sands—a sight rare in fjord country.
Private Visit to Avaldsnes Viking Settlement and Church (Norway’s First King)
Arrive at Avaldsnes, often called the “birthplace of Norway.” Your guide brings to life the legends of King Harald Fairhair—the country’s first monarch—and explains how this strategic location once controlled the vital shipping lane known as the Karmsund.
Walk through the reconstructed Viking farm, see traditional longhouses, and visit the medieval St. Olav’s Church, built by King Håkon Håkonsson in the 13th century. With insider commentary, gain a richer appreciation for the area’s critical role in early Norwegian history.
Short Private Guided Hike to Langfoss Waterfall
End the day with a short, invigorating hike to Langfoss, a mighty waterfall that cascades 612 meters (over 2,000 feet) down the mountainside into Åkrafjord.
Your private guide will lead you along a scenic forest trail to prime viewpoints, sharing geological facts and local legends connected to the waterfall. Langfoss is often named one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world—and seeing it up close, roaring with raw power, is an unforgettable experience.
Day 8: Ryfylke to Bergen – Scenic Fjords, Historic Estates, and Coastal Arrival
Today, you cross westward from Ryfylke to Bergen, weaving together quiet ferry crossings, historic manor houses, and your first taste of Norway’s “Gateway to the Fjords.”
Scenic Ferry Crossing from Ryfylke to Bergen Region
Step aboard a local ferry and glide through a cinematic stretch of fjords, where slate-colored cliffs plunge into deep waters and weathered farms cling to forested hillsides.
With your guide nearby to share insight and stories, you’ll have time to absorb the rhythm of the crossing—and keep an eye out for sea eagles circling above or the flicker of porpoises just beneath the surface.
More than a scenic backdrop, this route reflects the lifeblood of coastal Norway, where ferries remain a vital thread between remote communities.
Private Visit to Baroniet Rosendal Manor House & Gardens (Small Castle + Roses)
Along the way, pause in the tranquil hamlet of Rosendal to explore a jewel of Norway’s aristocratic past.
Baroniet Rosendal, a petite manor house nestled between mountains and fjord, offers a glimpse into 17th-century nobility with its stately halls, heirloom furnishings, and quiet grandeur.
As you wander its rose-filled gardens and admire the Renaissance architecture, the estate’s layered history unfolds—from its days as a noble residence to its modern life as a cultural haven for concerts, exhibitions, and literary gatherings.
Arrival in Bergen: Private Introduction Tour of Wharf and Mount Fløyen Funicular
By late afternoon, the bustle of Bergen comes into view. With a private guide to welcome you, trace the cobbled paths of Bryggen Wharf. On this UNESCO World Heritage site, colorful Hanseatic warehouses lean into one another, echoing the city’s mercantile heyday.
Then ascend Mount Fløyen via funicular for a sweeping panorama of the city framed by fjords, forest, and sea. From this lofty perch, gain perspective on Bergen’s evolution—from Viking anchorage to trading powerhouse—before descending once more into the heartbeat of Norway’s western capital.
Day 9: Bergen’s Hidden Gems – Artistic Alleys, Stave Churches, and Fortress Walls
Today, you explore Bergen’s lesser-known corners, blending artistic creativity with reconstructed medieval heritage and historic fortifications overlooking the sea.
Private Art & Craft Walk: Galleries, Wooden Alleys, Boutique Shops
Begin your morning with a curated walk through Bergen’s quieter wooden neighborhoods beyond Bryggen.
Your guide will take you to hidden galleries, independent workshops, and artist-run boutiques tucked among narrow cobblestone alleys. Meet local artists and craftspeople who preserve Norwegian traditions through ceramics, jewelry, and printmaking.
Along the way, hear about Bergen’s thriving creative scene, shaped by its maritime heritage and isolated island culture.
Private Visit to Fantoft Stave Church Reconstruction
Next, visit the striking Fantoft Stave Church, a faithful reconstruction of the medieval original that was tragically lost to fire.
Your guide will explain the fascinating fusion of pagan Norse and Christian symbolism in the church’s architecture, from dragon-head carvings to steeply pitched roofs designed to withstand heavy snow.
Discover the history of stave churches across Norway and their significant role in preserving elements of Viking culture, even after the Christianization of the country.
Guided Bergenhus Fortress Tour (Coastal Defenses History)
Conclude the day with a private tour of Bergenhus Fortress, one of the oldest and best-preserved fortifications in Norway.
Stroll through stone halls once used by medieval kings and admire the commanding views over Bergen’s busy harbor. Your guide will bring the fortress’s military history to life—from Viking sea battles and Hanseatic skirmishes to World War II occupations—painting a vivid picture of Bergen’s importance as a maritime stronghold across the centuries.
Day 10: Coastal Charm & Hidden Fjords – Departure or Optional Extension
Your final day captures the maritime essence of western Norway with a relaxed yet enriching pace as you explore Bergen’s nearby islands and fjord landscapes.
Private Coastal Drive to Øygarden Islands: Fishing Culture and Ocean Panoramas
Set out westward from Bergen on a private journey into the wild beauty of the Øygarden archipelago—a scattered string of islands reaching toward the open North Sea.
As you travel across a network of bridges that connect these isolated coastal outposts, your driver-guide shares stories of the communities shaped by generations of seafaring, fishing, and life on the edge of the Atlantic.
Take the time to pause at striking viewpoints where the horizon dissolves into sea and sky and explore pockets of local history that reveal how these resilient villages have adapted from traditional fisheries to modern offshore industries.
Private Boat Trip to Discover Hidden Fjord Arms
From a small harbor in Øygarden, embark on a private boat trip through the lesser-known fjord arms that crisscross the coastal landscape.
With your guide and captain, glide past narrow inlets, rocky islets, and tiny red boathouses tucked into sheltered coves. Depending on the season, you may spot seabirds, seals, or even otters along the way.
Guided Walk Through Nordnes Neighborhood
Return to Bergen for a final private walking tour through Nordnes, one of the city’s most charming and colorful neighborhoods.
Wander narrow lanes lined with white-painted 18th- and 19th-century wooden houses, overflowing gardens, and quiet seaside promenades as your guide points out historic sites and hidden cafés and provides a gentle, reflective close to your Norwegian adventure.
From this peaceful peninsula, soak up your last views of Bergen’s harbor before your departure or optional journey extension deeper into the fjord country.
