Welcome to Oslo, where Viking roots, modern design, and fjord-side charm blend seamlessly into one unforgettable adventure. For first-time travelers, getting around is a breeze: public transportation is clean, reliable, and extensive. Use the Ruter app for metro, tram, and ferry schedules. Norwegians love the outdoors, so pack comfortable walking shoes, dress in layers, and be prepared for sudden changes in weather. Credit and debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere—cash is rarely needed. Tap water is among the cleanest in the world, and tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service.
Day 1: Welcome to Oslo – Culture, Cafés, and Fjords
Start your morning at Tim Wendelboe, Oslo’s world-renowned coffee roastery in the Grünerløkka district—locals line up for their hand-brewed single-origin cups. Walk to the nearby Mathallen Food Hall for a Nordic brunch of open-faced sandwiches and salmon. Then take tram 12 to Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle offering panoramic views of the Oslofjord and insight into Norwegian history—fun fact: it’s still used for official state functions! Continue to Nobel Peace Center (short walk) to explore inspiring exhibits about peace prize laureates and global diplomacy. For dinner, head to Smalhans in St. Hanshaugen, a cozy, sustainable spot beloved by locals—opt for their “Krøsus” tasting menu. End your night with craft cocktails at Himkok, one of the world’s top 50 bars and hidden behind an unmarked door.
Day 2: Viking Ships, Royalty & Local Flavors
Have breakfast at Åpent Bakeri, known for sourdough and cinnamon buns. Then hop on ferry B9 to the Bygdøy Peninsula and explore the Viking Ship Museum (soon to reopen as the Museum of the Viking Age in 2026—check current status!). Also visit the nearby Fram Museum to board the famous polar ship used in Arctic exploration. For lunch, enjoy fjord views at Lanternen Restaurant. Return to the city and visit the Royal Palace and gardens. Fun fact: the King still lives here, and you can catch the daily guard change at 1:30 PM. In the evening, take a Taste of Oslo food tour for local eats like brunost (brown cheese), cured meats, and reindeer stew.
Day 3: Art, Architecture & Fjord Adventures
Fuel up with breakfast at Fuglen, a vintage café-meets-cocktail-bar by night. Walk to the Munch Museum to see "The Scream" and other works by Edvard Munch. Then stroll through the innovative Barcode Project and visit the nearby Oslo Opera House—climb to the roof for striking views. For lunch, try Kumi, a sustainable café serving vibrant Norwegian-Asian fusion dishes. In the afternoon, go kayaking on the Oslofjord with Mad Goats—a scenic and fun way to view the city from the water. Dine at Restaurant Rest, an upscale spot that turns food waste into artful fine dining. End with drinks at Bar Lardo, a hidden wine bar with local favorites.
Day 4: Holmenkollen Heights & Nordic Cuisine
Enjoy breakfast at Kaffebrenneriet, then take Metro Line 1 to Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower. Learn about 4,000 years of ski history and take in the incredible views from the top. Walk through the Nordmarka forest trails or opt for a guided forest hike for an adventure-filled morning. Return to the city for lunch at Vippa, a waterfront food hall with diverse, eco-friendly vendors. In the afternoon, take a Norwegian cooking class through Oslo Culinary Center, where you’ll make traditional dishes like fårikål and lefse. Dine at Arakataka, a trendy bistro with seasonal small plates, then sip natural wine at Territoriet for a laid-back evening.
Day 5: Parks, Hidden Gems & Departure to Bergen
Have a relaxing breakfast at Liebling, a cozy German-inspired café. Head to Frogner Park to explore Vigeland Sculpture Park, the world’s largest sculpture park by a single artist. Fun fact: it contains over 200 granite and bronze sculptures, including the famous Angry Boy. Then visit Damstredet & Telthusbakken, charming streets with colorful 18th-century wooden houses—perfect for photos. Enjoy lunch at Kafe Asylet, housed in a former asylum. If time allows, explore the National Museum, home to iconic Norwegian and international works. Catch an afternoon or evening train to Bergen—this 7-hour ride on the Bergen Railway is considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Have dinner onboard or grab take-away from Stockfleths before you go.
Day 6: Beautiful Bergen – A Day of Color, Culture & Coastline
Start with breakfast at Blom, a local favorite for strong coffee and cinnamon buns. Explore Bryggen Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of colorful Hanseatic buildings. Fun fact: Bryggen has survived multiple fires and still retains structures dating back to the 1700s. Visit the Hanseatic Museum for insight into life during the German trade era. Take the Fløibanen Funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for a panoramic view and optional hike. For lunch, try Pingvinen, known for hearty traditional Norwegian dishes. In the afternoon, join a seafood tasting tour at the Bergen Fish Market, sampling smoked salmon, shrimp, and whale meat. Dine at Colonialen 44, a contemporary Nordic restaurant. Finish with a drink at Altona Vinbar, Bergen’s oldest wine bar, tucked away in a historic cellar.
Day 7: Farewell Fjords & Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast at Godt Brød, a local organic bakery chain. If time allows, stroll Bergen’s streets or visit KODE Art Museums for works by Munch, Picasso, and more. Then head to Bergen Airport via the Flybussen or Bergen Light Rail.
Essential Travel Tips for Oslo (and Bergen)
Visa: Norway is part of the Schengen Zone; U.S. travelers can stay up to 90 days visa-free.
Footwear: Wear comfortable, waterproof walking shoes—cobblestones and unpredictable weather are common.
Health Precautions: No vaccines required. Healthcare is top-tier.
Water Safety: Tap water is clean and drinkable everywhere.
Mobile Apps: Download Ruter, Vy, Too Good To Go, Oslo Pass, and Google Translate.
Cultural Etiquette: Norwegians are reserved but polite. Respect queues and personal space.
Language: Norwegian is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
Public Behavior: Keep voices down in public spaces. No loud phone calls on public transit.
Transportation: Oslo has an excellent metro, tram, ferry, and bus network. Bergen is walkable with trams and buses.
Emergency Numbers: 112 (police), 113 (medical), 110 (fire).
Money: Credit/debit cards are accepted everywhere. No need for cash. Tipping is minimal.
Cultural Considerations: Sustainability is big—reuse, recycle, and respect nature.
Best Time to Visit: May–September for long days, sunshine, and fjord access.
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET, UTC+1); daylight saving from March to October.