Welcome to our grand 28-day itinerary through Norway, carefully curated by our travel designers for those seeking a deeper connection to the country’s iconic landscapes, hidden gems, and cultural soul.
With your private driver-guide leading the way, you’ll move effortlessly from the historic streets of Oslo to the snow-capped fjords of Aurland, the Art Nouveau beauty of Ålesund, and the raw Arctic magic of the Lofoten Islands and Tromsø.
Every day blends tailored cultural experiences, breathtaking nature, and insider stories—crafted to match a relaxed yet enriching pace. This is Norway at its most authentic, luxurious, and unforgettable.
Destinations on Our 28-Day Norway Private Tour Itinerary
Days 1 – 4: Oslo:
Royal palaces, Viking treasures, modern art, sculpture parks, and urban forests.
Days 5 – 7: Telemark Region:
Mountain plateaus, stave churches, WWII heritage sites, and folk culture.
Days 8 – 11: Aurland & Flåm Region:
UNESCO fjords, snow roads, historic farms, and kayaking adventures.
Days 12 – 15: Bergen:
Hanseatic heritage, fjord cruises, street art, and hidden fishing villages.
Days 16 – 20: Nordfjord / Geiranger / Ålesund Region
Geirangerfjord, Trollstigen, glacier walks, and Art Nouveau cityscapes.
Days 21–25: Lofoten Islands
Dramatic coastlines, Viking history, Arctic beaches, and hidden fishing villages.
Days 26–28: Tromsø
Arctic cathedral visits, Northern Lights hunts, Sami culture, and fjord drives.
Day 1: Arrival & Old Town Oslo
Begin your Norway journey with a private walking tour through Oslo’s historic heart. Your guide will lead you past the Royal Palace, discussing the evolving role of the monarchy, before winding through the stately grounds toward Akershus Fortress.
As you explore the medieval fortress walls, enjoy sweeping views of the Oslofjord and learn about the capital’s defensive history.
Next, dive into Norway’s artistic treasures at the new National Museum, where a private art historian will guide you through masterpieces from Edvard Munch’s The Scream to contemporary Nordic art.
Finish your first day exploring Oslo’s Kvadraturen district, filled with 17th-century buildings, hidden courtyards, and small galleries that reveal the city’s earliest urban plan.
Day 2: Oslo’s Museum Island and Fjord Islands
Start your morning with a private tour of Bygdøy Peninsula, Oslo’s famed “Museum Island.”
Your guide will first walk you through the Viking Ship Museum or the new Museum of the Viking Age, where immaculately preserved longships stand as a testament to Norway’s seafaring ancestors. Continue to the Fram Museum, home to the legendary polar exploration ship, and hear incredible tales of Arctic endurance.
Afterward, stroll through the Norwegian Folk Museum, a living history site where wooden stave churches, rural farmsteads, and city homes recreate centuries of Norwegian life.
In the afternoon, board a private boat to explore Oslo’s fjord islands. Glide between green islets, small harbors, and quiet beaches while your guide shares local folklore, history, and natural wonders seldom seen by visitors.
Day 3: Oslo’s Modern Identity
Today focuses on the sleek, cutting-edge side of Oslo. Begin with an architectural highlights tour of the Oslo Opera House, with its striking glacier-like façade, and the Barcode District, a bold example of sustainable urban development.
Your private guide will discuss the symbolism behind Oslo’s rapid transformation into one of Europe’s most environmentally friendly capitals.
Next, visit the Astrup Fearnley Modern Art Museum, situated by the water’s edge.
Explore private collections that blend international icons with Nordic talent, all housed within a dramatic building designed by Renzo Piano.
End your day with a peaceful stroll through Oslo’s Botanical Gardens and the Natural History Museum, where your guide will highlight both indigenous flora and Norway’s geological history.
Day 4: Oslo’s Outdoor Adventures
This morning, your private driver-guide whisks you up into the hills overlooking Oslo for a visit to Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Ski Museum.
Learn about Norway’s passion for winter sports and climb to the top of the jump for breathtaking city and fjord views. Your guide will bring Norway’s Olympic history and national love for skiing to life.
Continue your adventure with a forest walk through Nordmarka, Oslo’s vast outdoor playground.
Wander quiet lakeside trails, listen for birdsong, and soak up the pristine Nordic wilderness just minutes from the capital.
Wrap up your day back in the city with a visit to Mathallen Oslo, the city’s lively food hall. Your guide will introduce you to local specialties, from smoked fish to handcrafted chocolates, offering a delicious window into Norwegian culinary traditions.
Day 5: Oslo to Telemark – Scenic Drives and Cultural Icons
On day 5 of our grand 28-day tour, we leave Oslo behind and set up base in Telemark, Norway’s largest ski region.
One of the day’s highlights is a visit to Heddal Stave Church—a towering wooden structure that has stood for centuries. With its dragon-headed gables and densely carved portals, the church speaks to a time when Norse beliefs met Christian ideals in symbolic and often surprising ways.
Your route brings you to Rjukan, a town with an unexpectedly global story. Tucked into a narrow valley beneath steep cliffs, it played a pivotal role in both early hydroelectric development and in the high-stakes wartime efforts to thwart Nazi nuclear ambitions. The town’s quiet streets and imposing mountains conceal layers of history that continue to resonate today.
Settle in for the night at a rural retreat near Mount Gaustatoppen.
Day 6: Exploring Telemark’s Mountains, WWII History, and Folk Traditions
Today, activities get underway about the Gaustabanen funicular inside Gaustatoppen Mountain.
Originally built for military purposes during the Cold War, this hidden railway climbs steeply within the mountain’s core. Emerging near the summit, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views across southern Norway—on a clear day, nearly one-sixth of the country can be seen from this vantage point.
Continue to one of Norway’s most important World War II sites: Vemork. With your private guide, tour the Heavy Water Sabotage Museum, located in the original hydroelectric plant.
In the afternoon, head into the heart of Telemark’s cultural traditions. In the mountain village of Rauland, known for its stronghold of folk arts, enjoy a walking exploration of outdoor sculptures, historic wooden buildings, and artisan workshops.
Day 7: Lakes, Valleys, and Rural Norway
Today offers a slower, immersive experience of Norway’s inland waters and valleys.
Start with a serene private boat tour across Lake Møsvatn, one of Norway’s highest and most prominent mountain lakes. Cruise past forested shores, isolated farms, and rocky outcroppings as your guide explains how these remote settlements adapted to life at altitude, facing harsh winters and isolated summers.
Next, descend into the spectacular Hardangervidda region, Europe’s most extensive mountain plateau.
Visit the Hardangervidda Nature Center, where interactive exhibits and multimedia storytelling explain the ecology, geology, and myths of this vast wilderness.
Your guide will tailor your visit to your interests, from reindeer migrations to the impacts of climate change on the plateau’s fragile environment.
On the return drive, stop at traditional farms where you can meet locals keeping alive ancient techniques of farming, spinning, and folk music.
Day 8: Scenic Transfer from Telemark to Aurland via Hardangerfjord
Today, you’ll leave the highlands behind and journey west toward Norway’s most iconic fjord landscapes. Set out with your private driver-guide through the stunning Hardangerfjord region, known as the “Orchard of Norway,” for its blossoming fruit trees in spring and rolling green hills in summer.
Pause at Vøringsfossen, one of Norway’s most celebrated waterfalls, where waters plunge nearly 600 feet into the Måbødalen valley below.
Follow your guide along safe walkways and viewpoints offering breathtaking perspectives of this mighty force of nature. The road winds dramatically through hairpin bends and cliffside tunnels, offering a constant stream of panoramic photo opportunities.
Arrive in the peaceful fjord village of Aurland by evening, where you’ll check into a cozy boutique hotel overlooking the tranquil waters of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the larger Sognefjord. Unpack, relax and soak in the views ahead of your fjord adventures.
Day 9: Nærøyfjord, Bakka Village, and Flåm Valley Adventures
A day of quintessential Norwegian fjord magic awaits. Start with a private boat cruise on the UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord, one of the narrowest and most dramatic fjord arms in the world.
With towering cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and tiny farms clinging to steep slopes, your guide will narrate stories of Viking routes, ancient farming practices, and legends that have shaped this timeless landscape.
Make a stop in Bakka, a tiny village at the fjord’s end with only a handful of residents. Visit the white wooden church that has stood watch over the valley since 1859 and enjoy the quietness of a place where time seems suspended.
In the afternoon, board the legendary Flåm Railway for a private guided journey. As the train climbs steeply through tunnels and past waterfalls, your guide will explain the feats of engineering that made this one of the world’s most spectacular railway lines. Disembark partway for a guided walk along Flåmsdalen Valley, a lush, winding gorge dotted with farms and river rapids.
Day 10: Artisan Villages and Fjordside Farms
Begin your day exploring Undredal, a picturesque fjord-side village famous for its stave church and world-class goat cheese.
Walk the narrow streets with your guide and meet local artisans who have kept alive age-old cheese-making traditions. Sampling the creamy, tangy brown goat cheese, an icon of Norwegian food heritage.
Next, head up to the Stegastein Viewpoint, perched dramatically 650 meters above Aurlandsfjord. Designed by a renowned Norwegian architect, this panoramic platform offers unrivaled views of the fjord and surrounding mountains.
Round out the day with a private visit to Otternes Historic Farm Cluster. These ancient hill farms, many of which date back to the 1700s, offer a glimpse into pre-industrial Norwegian life. Wander among turf-roofed barns and traditional farmhouses as your guide shares stories of the families who lived and farmed here for generations.
Day 11: Fjord Adventures and Ancient Churches
Today is all about immersing yourself in the fjord landscape through active and authentic experiences.
Begin the morning with a kayaking tour along the calm waters of the Aurlandsfjord or Nærøyfjord. Paddling quietly along the mirror-like surface, you’ll glide past waterfalls, small hamlets, and dramatic cliff faces.
Depending on your tastes, our travel designers will consult with you beforehand to determine the best experience for you, either casting a line for cod the traditional way or cruising in search of harbor seals stretched out on sun-warmed rocks.
Later, journey inland to Borgund Stave Church. Tucked into a valley and framed by steep forested hills, this 12th-century wooden church rises like something from myth—its tiered, dragon-crested roof guarding centuries of history.
Inside, your guide unpacks the layered symbolism of the carvings, pointing out Norse echoes hidden within Christian motifs.
Day 12: Scenic Transfer to Bergen via Fjord Waterfalls and Valleys
Today’s journey westward toward Bergen is a visual feast. Begin the drive with a stop at Tvindefossen, a picture-perfect waterfall cascading down a green, rocky slope. Your driver will recount the legends surrounding the falls, which were once believed to have rejuvenating properties.
Continue to the dramatic switchbacks of the Stalheimskleiva road, once one of the steepest roads in Northern Europe. Weather permitting, your driver will navigate the famous hairpin bends slowly, allowing for photographs and a real sense of the challenging terrain early travelers once faced.
Arriving in Bergen by late afternoon, enjoy a private orientation drive and short walking tour that introduces you to this historic maritime city. Stroll the harborfront, admire the colorful wooden houses, and breathe in the salty air that has defined Bergen’s relationship with the sea for centuries.
Day 13: Bergen’s Historic Icons and Panoramic Views
Our travel designers have dedicated day 13 to uncovering Bergen’s rich Hanseatic past and vibrant present.
Begin with a private walking tour through the historic Bryggen Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you wander through narrow alleyways between crooked timber buildings, your guide will reveal tales of medieval merchants, fire disasters, and the trading networks that once tied Bergen to the rest of Europe.
Move on to Bergenhus Fortress, one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in Norway.
Explore the formidable Rosenkrantz Tower and King Håkon’s Hall, grand remnants of Bergen’s significant political and military influence during the Middle Ages. Your guide will provide insight into the medieval court life and royal ceremonies that once filled these walls.
Conclude the day with a trip up Mount Fløyen. Whether you ascend by funicular or opt for a scenic hike, your reward is sweeping views over Bergen, its fjords, and the surrounding islands.
Day 14: Bergen’s Local Life and Hidden Treasures
Shift your focus from Bergen’s tourist icons to its lesser-known cultural corners.
We suggest a private guided visit to Troldhaugen, the former home of composer Edvard Grieg.
Wander through the charming villa, his lakeside composing hut, and the museum exhibits, learning about Grieg’s immense influence on Norway’s musical identity.
Later, wander into the quiet quarters of Sandviken and Skuteviken, where Bergen’s maritime past still lingers in the air. These hillside neighborhoods—often missed by the casual visitor—are a maze of narrow lanes and weathered white houses that once echoed with the sounds of shipbuilders’ hammers and bustling fish markets.
As you follow your guide through these lived-in streets, stories of herring fleets, sea captains, and coastal resilience begin to surface—layered into the woodwork, cobblestones, and salt-stained shutters of a community shaped by the sea.
Day 15: Fjord Cruising and Coastal Discovery
Your final day around Bergen delves deeper into the spectacular coastal landscape.
Board a private boat for a fjord cruise through the narrow channels leading to the Mostraumen Strait. With sheer mountains rising around you and waterfalls cascading directly into the fjord, this intimate cruise offers a chance to feel the immense scale and serenity of western Norway’s waterways.
After returning to land, continue your exploration inland with a visit to Osterøy, one of Norway’s largest inland islands.
Journey into hidden valleys and traditional farms where few tourists venture, discovering a way of life shaped by isolation and self-sufficiency. The lush hillsides and small communities here feel a world away from Bergen’s busy harbor.
Day 16: Bergen to Nordfjord – Scenic Fjordlands Journey
Today, you’ll embark on one of Norway’s most beautiful overland journeys, traveling from Bergen into the heart of Fjord country.
After an early departure, your private driver-guide will navigate a series of scenic ferry rides and spectacular coastal roads. Cross arms of the mighty Sognefjord by ferry, taking time to step out on deck and admire the mirror-like waters and distant peaks.
Continue your drive through lush valleys framed by soaring cliffs as you enter the Nordfjord region. Each bend in the road reveals another breathtaking landscape—green pastures, waterfalls tumbling down mountainsides, and occasional glimpses of glaciers clinging to distant slopes.
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your boutique accommodation near Loen, Stryn, or Geiranger, perfectly positioned for the days of fjord exploration ahead.
Day 17: Geiranger Magic – Fjords and Eagle Roads
Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the crown jewel of Norway’s fjordlands, and today, you’ll explore it by water and land.
Begin with a private RIB (rigid inflatable boat) safari, allowing you to glide close to waterfalls, abandoned cliffside farms, and the sheer rock faces that define this dramatic fjord. With your local guide, you’ll hear stories of isolated families who once farmed these vertical slopes and legends of the Seven Sisters waterfalls.
After the thrilling boat ride, ascend the Ørnesvingen, or Eagle Road, a steep series of switchbacks climbing high above the fjord.
From the top, take in panoramic views of the shimmering fjord far below—one of Norway’s most iconic vistas.
Day 18: Dramatic Drives and Deep Valleys
Prepare for a day of epic scenery as you drive the famous Trollstigen Road.
This engineering marvel twists up eleven hairpin bends with stunning photo opportunities at every turn. Your driver will find quiet pull-off points where you can safely step out and capture the soaring mountains, plunging waterfalls, and dramatic switchbacks of this unforgettable route.
Pause to explore Gudbrandsjuvet Gorge, where glacial waters have carved intricate formations into the rock. Walk along the glass-and-steel viewing platforms for a thrilling, up-close view of nature’s power.
Continue your scenic journey into Valldal, a fertile valley famous for its strawberries. Depending on the season, you might sample fresh berries from local farms or simply enjoy a stroll along the idyllic riverside paths surrounded by green fields and rugged peaks.
Day 19: Nordfjord Alpine Adventures
The Nordfjord region is where mountains meet glaciers in stunning harmony, and today, you’ll experience both up close.
Start with a ride up the Loen Skylift, one of the steepest cable cars in the world. Within minutes, you’ll be standing atop Mount Hoven, gazing over a 1,000-meter drop to the fjord below. Your private hiking guide will lead you on an easy-to-moderate alpine walk tailored to your interests and ability to take in even more spectacular views.
In the afternoon, choose between visiting the Kjenndalsbreen or Briksdal Glacier, both stunning remnants of Norway’s Ice Age legacy.
A guided walk brings you close to the icy blue tongues of the glaciers, with your guide explaining how climate and geology shape these living landscapes.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, an optional Via Ferrata (cabled climbing route) is available with full private guide support—an unforgettable way to safely scale the cliffs with a harness and helmet.
Day 20: Ålesund Coastal Exploration – Art Nouveau and Ocean Views
Today, you’ll swap alpine landscapes for the breezy coastal elegance of Ålesund.
Begin with a private walking tour through this seaside town’s uniquely beautiful Art Nouveau quarter, featuring whimsical turrets, colorful façades, and intricate stonework that make Ålesund so distinctive. Following a devastating fire in 1904, the city was largely rebuilt in this ornate architectural style.
Later, either hike or drive up to the Fjellstua Viewpoint atop Mount Aksla for panoramic views over the city’s archipelago of islands and waterways.
It’s the perfect vantage point to appreciate Ålesund’s island setting and the surrounding seascape. Round out the day with a private visit to Ålesund’s aquarium, one of the largest and most innovative in Northern Europe.
Focused on coastal marine life, the exhibits and outdoor pools offer an up-close look at Norway’s underwater world, providing a memorable contrast to your experiences on land.
Day 21: Arrival in the Lofoten Islands – Arctic Landscapes and Seaside Tranquility
This morning, fly from Ålesund to the majestic Lofoten Islands, where rugged mountains plunge straight into turquoise fjords.
Upon arrival, your private driver-guide will escort you to your accommodation—an authentic rorbu, a traditional fisherman’s cabin carefully restored for comfort. After settling in, take some time to breathe in the crisp Arctic air and marvel at the surrounding scenery.
As evening approaches, your guide will take you to one of Lofoten’s famed beaches: either Haukland or Uttakleiv. These white-sand shores, backed by towering peaks, glow in the late Arctic light. On a clear night, the low sun paints the landscape in vivid golds and reds—a truly magical welcome to Norway’s wild north.
Day 22: Iconic Villages and Fjord Adventures
Today, dive into the postcard-perfect villages that have made Lofoten famous.
Begin with a private guided visit to Reine, Hamnøy, and Sakrisøy. These three tiny fishing settlements cling to rocky islands, featuring red and yellow cabins reflected in the calm fjord waters.
Later, embark on a thrilling private RIB safari into the narrow Trollfjord.
Keep an eye out for sea eagles soaring above as you weave through towering cliffs and mirror-like waters. The legends of trolls and Norse mythology feel very much alive in this dramatic landscape.
Afterward, explore Nusfjord, one of Norway’s best-preserved fishing villages. Wander its historic docks, cod-drying racks, and colorful old buildings with your guide, bringing the stories of Arctic life to vivid life.
Day 23: Viking Roots and Arctic Arts
Step even deeper into history and culture today with a private experience at the Lofotr Viking Museum. Walk inside the massive reconstructed longhouse of a Viking chieftain, participate in hands-on activities like axe throwing or Viking feasts, and learn from your guide about the archaeological finds that unveiled Lofoten’s Viking past.
Continue your immersion into Arctic creativity with a visit to Galleri Espolin, where works by revered northern artist Kaare Espolin Johnson capture the soul of Norway’s north. Finally, spend the afternoon exploring Henningsvær, a lively harbor town filled with galleries, cafes, and sea captains’ homes. Your guide will highlight both its fishing traditions and its modern transformation into an artists’ haven.
Day 24: Hidden Beaches and Dramatic Peaks
Today is all about reaching Lofoten’s hidden corners.
Begin with a private guided hike up to Ryten Mountain, where sweeping views unfold over the stunning Kvalvika Beach, a remote crescent of sand nestled between mountains. The hike is moderate, and your guide will tailor the pace to your ability, offering insights into Arctic flora and geology along the way.
After descending, visit the serene Gimsøy Church, perched near the sea with sweeping coastal views. Then, explore the Eggum Coastal Trail, a beautifully rugged landscape where old German World War II installations now rust quietly among the rocks.
End the afternoon with a visit to the remote Uttakleiv lighthouse area, perfect for a peaceful walk or simply soaking in the endless Atlantic vistas.
Day 25: Sea, Peaks, and Island Legends
Spend your final full day in Lofoten exploring the southern islands of Å and Moskenesøy.
With your private guide, journey across scenic bridges and ferry routes to visit tiny fishing communities perched on the edge of the world. Stop in Å, where time seems to have paused in a living museum village, and listen to stories of cod fishing, whale hunting, and shipwrecks that shaped life here for centuries.
Throughout the day, your guide will weave in tales of Norse gods, maritime bravery, and the raw power of the surrounding sea.
Cap off your Arctic adventure with a final private sunset cruise through the fjords, gliding silently beneath the peaks as the low sun casts long shadows over the water. It’s a farewell fitting for one of the most beautiful regions on Earth.
Day 26: Arrival in Tromsø – Arctic Capital of the North
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a short flight north to Tromsø, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Arctic.”
Upon arrival, your private driver-guide will take you on an orientation tour of the city. Stroll along Tromsø’s charming harborfront lined with colorful houses, modern cafes, and historical warehouses.
Step into one of Tromsø’s most iconic structures, the Arctic Cathedral—a bold fusion of geometry and symbolism.
With its dramatic triangular silhouette echoing icebergs and the Northern Lights, this modernist landmark is more than a church; it’s a sculptural homage to the Arctic itself.
Inside, the vast stained-glass mosaic catches the northern light and scatters it in brilliant color across the quiet space, casting an atmosphere that’s both serene and otherworldly.
From there, cross into the world of Arctic science and storytelling at Polaria. Part museum, part aquarium, and part cinematic journey, this engaging center brings the Far North to life.
Watch bearded seals twist through the water just inches away, explore hands-on exhibits about climate and wildlife, and settle into a wraparound film experience that sweeps you over the icy expanse of Svalbard.
Day 27: Arctic Adventures and Sami Heritage
The raw grandeur of Arctic Norway takes center stage today, where soaring peaks meet fjords, and stories of the land stretch back thousands of years.
Follow a scenic route through dramatic coastal terrain as you make your way to Kvaløya, or Whale Island, with stops along the way to absorb sweeping views at Ersfjordbotn and other remote outlooks. Each pause becomes a chance to connect with the stark beauty of the north—your guide weaving in tales of geology, seafaring, and survival between land and sea.
A visit to a Sami cultural center provides a deeper understanding of the region’s indigenous heritage.
Engage with reindeer herders and traditional bearers who share their way of life, from ancient chants to the rhythms of seasonal migration. It’s a rare opportunity to hear firsthand how spiritual beliefs and nature remain deeply intertwined in Sami identity.
As night approaches, the experience shifts with the season. In the colder months, leave the city behind on a guided chase for the Northern Lights, where your guide reveals both the science and folklore behind this celestial phenomenon. During the endless days of summer, trade the chase for a midnight hike—traversing Arctic trails bathed in golden light long after the sun should have set.
Day 28: Farewell to the Arctic
Savor your final morning in Tromsø with some last leisurely explorations. Wander Tromsø’s colorful wooden streets, visit the Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden — the world’s northernmost botanical garden — or stop into the historic Mack Brewery, founded in 1877 and still a local favorite.
Afterward, your private driver will transfer you to Tromsø Airport for your departure flight. Whether heading home or onward to new adventures, you’ll leave with memories of Norway’s powerful landscapes, cultural richness, and warm Arctic hospitality still vivid in your mind.
