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Norway Itinerary

A Midsummer adventure in the land of the fjords

Explore the unparalleled beauty of Norway with this amazing itinerary. Travel through snow-covered mountain passes and stand in awe atop the spectacular fjords. Whether you visit Norway in summer or in winter, prepare for scenic train routes with some of the most stunning views in Europe.

 

 

Click here or on the map to view this route in our Trip Planner.

Cities visited in this trip:

 

1. Stavanger

2. Oslo

3. Bergen

4. Trondheim

5. Bodo

 

For this itinerary we recommend:

  • Interrail Pass: Norway Pass
  • Travel days: 5 days within 1 month

1. Stavanger, Norway

Kick off your journey in the city of Stavanger, in the southwest of Norway. Explore the old town and check out Stavanger Cathedral, dating back to the year 1125. Then, take a trip to the nearby Lysefjord and enjoy the wonderful view from the Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen).

The Sørland Railway will carry you from Stavanger to Oslo through contrasting scenery, from green valleys to seaside views. Like most trains in Norway, it runs multiple times a day. You can also choose to travel by night, when sleeping compartments are added to the train.

The Pulpit Rock overlooking the Lysefjord

From Stavanger to Oslo

Travel time:

7h37m

Transfer:

0

Reservation needed:

  • Stavanger, Norway

    Stavanger

  • 7h 37m

    Reservation optional

  • Oslo

    Oslo S

2. Oslo, Norway

Norway’s capital Oslo has something to offer for every traveller. Have a look inside the Royal Palace or visit Oslo’s beautiful Opera House. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the paintings in the National Museum, while children (and everyone young at heart) can have a great day in the TusenFryd Amusement Park. For a bit of Viking history, make sure you visit the Viking Ship Museum.

The Bergen Railway between Oslo and Bergen is one of the most spectacular trains you’ll ever travel on. It brings you onto Europe’s largest mountain plateau, offering views of waterfalls, frozen lakes and herds of wild reindeer. Stop off in the mountain station of Myrdal for a trip on the scenic and steep Flåm Railway, all the way down to the beautiful Aurlandsfjord.

The Flåm Railway in summer

From Oslo to Bergen

Travel time:

6h45m

Transfer:

0

Reservation needed:

  • Oslo, Norway

    Oslo sentralstasjon/Oslo S

  • 6h 45m

    Reservation required

  • Bergen, Norway

    Bergen Stasjon

3. Bergen, Norway

Bergen is perhaps Norway's most charming city, located on the Byfjorden fjord and surrounded by 7 mountains. Take the cable car up to Mount Ulriken for a magnificent view of the area. Stroll along the wooden buildings in Bryggen for a trip back into history and pay a visit to the lively Fish Market.

Travel back to Oslo with the Bergen Railway and enjoy the lovely scenery once again. The next day, travel from Oslo to Trondheim on the magnificent Dovre Railway. It will take you through wetlands and mountain ranges, where muskoxen live and trolls are said to rule!

View on Bergen from Mount Ulriken

From Bergen to Trondheim

Travel time:

13h20m

Transfer:

1

Reservation needed:

2x

  • Bergen, Norway

    Bergen Stasjon

  • 6h 42m

    Reservation optional

  • Oslo, Norway

    Oslo sentralstasjon/Oslo S

  • 6h 38m

    Reservation optional

  • Trondheim, Norway

    Trondheim

4. Trondheim, Norway

Trondheim is the third-largest city in Norway, and served as its capital during the Viking Age. Today, it’s a pleasant student town with many summer festivals. In the old center, check out Nidaros Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace, now a museum. For a pleasant combination of history and beach relaxation, visit Munkholmen Island in the Trondheim fjord.

From Trondheim, the Nordland Railway will take you as far north as north goes: above the Arctic Circle. Due to the length of this journey, we advise you to travel by night. This will also allow you to see the midnight sun in summer and the breathtaking Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) in winter.

Colorful houses in Trondheim

From Trondheim to Bodo

Travel time:

9h35m

Transfer:

0

Reservation needed:

  • Trondheim, Norway

    Trondheim

  • 9h 35m

    Reservation optional

  • Bodo, Norway

    Bodo

5. Bodo, Norway

The town of Bodo is the northernmost station of the Nordland Railway. Nature is at its very best here and hikers can spend days in the region’s many nature reserves. Take a ferry to the Lofoten Islands, one of the best places in the world to see Aurora Borealis. Go cycling and rock-climbing in the mountains or set out to sea to catch a glimpse of killer whales.

If you’re looking to see more of Scandinavia, take a bus up to Narvik. From there, trains run into Sweden and all the way down to Stockholm. For an even more extended trip, you can choose to cross northern Sweden and travel onwards into Finland.

Aurora Borealis over the Lofoten Islands

Discover the beauty of Norway with Interrail!

 

Norway’s comfortable trains are run by the state-owned VY, and they’ll take you to every corner of the country, by day or night. You can travel this Norway itinerary with an Interrail Norway Pass, or discover all of Europe with the Interrail Global Pass.