Our Real-Deal Norway Itinerary: From City Strolls to Majestic Fjords

This trip was equal parts breathtaking, exhausting (hello, long train rides 🚆), and unforgettable. Norway hadn’t really been on our radar – no Pinterest boards or saved reels – but when a couple of friends floated the idea, we thought, why not…let’s do it! And I’m so glad we did, because it turned into one of the most memorable adventures we’ve taken.

✈️ Pre-Trip Rituals
Traveling internationally always kicks off with that early airport hustle, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll want to get to the airport at least 2.5–3 hours early (yes, even if you’re usually a “show up last minute” kind of traveler). One thing we always do to make it feel less chaotic: head to an airport lounge. The Chase Sapphire Lounge at Phoenix Sky Harbor is one of my favorites – it’s got comfy seating, good food, and a peaceful vibe before the madness of boarding. If you have an Amex or Chase card with lounge access perks, I highly recommend checking what’s available. It’s worth it.

🌍 The Norway Surprise
Norway wasn’t a destination we had been dreaming about – but it totally should’ve been. From dramatic fjords and jaw-dropping train rides to adorable towns, unexpected playground stops, and impromptu gelato breaks 🍦, this trip surprised us in the best ways.

So here it is: a real, day-by-day breakdown of our family’s Norway adventure – what we loved, what we’d skip, and what we’d absolutely recommend. No fluff. Just the good, the meh, and the “you can’t miss this” moments.

Let’s go. 💛


✨ Day 1: Arriving in Oslo & Settling In

Where we stayed: Grand Hotel Oslo 🏨

We landed in Oslo and kicked off our adventure by checking into the Grand Hotel Oslo – a classic, beautifully located hotel right in the heart of the city. If you’re traveling with a larger group, definitely book a private taxi transfer in advance (your hotel can help coordinate this). Trust me, it’s worth it after a long flight with luggage and kids in tow!

🛎️ Hotel Notes:
While the Grand Hotel is perfectly situated (literally steps away from Karl Johans Gate), the rooms are on the smaller side, and the lobby is compact – so if you’re with a bigger group, it might be tough to find a common hangout space. One challenge we ran into was getting connecting rooms, especially with three families and six rooms total. Pro tip: most hotels in Europe only allow 2 adults per room, so you’ll likely need to book two rooms for a family of four. Depending on your travel style, you might want to consider a nearby Airbnb if you’re staying longer or want more space.

✨ That said, if your priority is walkability (like us) and being close to the action, this location couldn’t be better.

🗺️ Easy Walks + Day One Exploring

After settling in, we hit the streets: Karl Johans Gate – This iconic boulevard is right outside the hotel and full of life, with shops, street performers, and great people-watching vibes.

🍽️ Dinner at Egon – This spot was casual and family-friendly.

🍦 Sweet treat stop at Paradis Gelateria – A cozy little spot for our first (of many!) gelato breaks. Highly recommend if you’re craving something cold and creamy after your flight.

We kept things light and low-key this first evening, just enough to stretch our legs, soak in the Oslo air, and get excited for the days ahead.


🖼️ Day 2: Oslo Museums, Markets & Waterfront Wandering

☀️ Morning: Pastries, Purpose & Perfect Coffee

We lucked out and stumbled across a local outdoor market for breakfast. The pastries were fresh and flaky, but what made this stop extra special was learning about the mission behind one of the vendors. The bakery sources grains from local farmers – even in the off-season – so they can keep earning year-round. We loved the story (and the cinnamon buns) so much that we made a mental note to visit their permanent shop on Karl Johans Gate for lunch later.

Pro Tip: Look out for local markets when traveling – great way to eat fresh and support the community!

☕ Coffee Stop
We wandered over to Stockfleths – and let me just say, this was hands-down the best coffee we had in Oslo. Bold, smooth, and perfectly cozy. The baristas were next-level, too—serving up beautiful latte art daily. One morning we even got a tiny bear in our cup (swipe below to see the cuteness 🐻). Total vibe!!
📍 Address: Karl Johans gate 25 (inngang, Lille Grensen, 0159 Oslo, Norway)

🥪 Lunch at Åpent Bakeri

Since we were already in love with the bakery’s mission, we made our way to Åpent Bakeri for lunch- and we’re so glad we did. Their egg + avocado sandwich was easily the best lunch we had in the city. Light, filling, and super fresh. The location also has outdoor seating, perfect for people-watching.


🏰 Afternoon: Palaces, Ferries & Museum-Hopping

After lunch, we walked toward the Royal Palace for some garden time and open space for the kids to roam around. It’s peaceful and has great photo spots with minimal crowds midday.

On our way to the ferry docks, we took a quick detour through Aker Brygge – a stunning waterfront promenade buzzing with life. Stylish restaurants spill out onto the streets, colorful art installations catch your eye, and locals and tourists alike soak up the sun on cozy terraces. If the weather’s nice, this stroll is an absolute must! Along the way, we passed the Nobel Peace Center – a striking building dedicated to peace and diplomacy and caught glimpses of the historic Akershus Fortress. The fortress truly shines from the water, so save your best views for the ferry ride over to the Bygdøy Peninsula.

Pro Tip: The ferry to the museums on Bygdøy Peninsula leaves from the Aker Brygge dock. You can buy tickets at the booth – either one-way or round-trip. If you’re planning to explore for a few hours, get a one-way ticket so you’re not tied to the last ferry (which leaves at 6 PM!).

🛶 Bygdøy Peninsula: Pick Your Museums

There’s a lot to see here, so choose your museums ahead of time depending on your interests and how much time you have. Here’s what we experienced:

If we had more time, we would’ve visited:

Museum Tip: Skip the Holocaust Center if your time is tight and focus on Viking or Fram museums for a deeper connection to Norwegian history and culture.

🍛 Dinner: Indian Flavors in Oslo

We were craving something cozy for dinner and ended up at Dea Peppern Gror, a great Indian restaurant not far from our hotel. The curries were flavorful, the naan was chef’s kiss, and the vibe was laid-back. Highly recommend!


🌆 Evening: Oslo Strolls & Fjord Prep

Oslo in the evening has this magical glow to it – Scandinavia’s “midnight sun” vibes. It doesn’t get fully dark in the summer, but the soft dusk lighting is so pretty for a walk. We strolled along the waterfront one more time before heading back to pack.

Pro Packing Tip:
Only pack a backpack or small duffel for your overnight fjord trip. You’ll be hopping on/off trains, buses, and boats—and trust me, you don’t want to drag a full suitcase through all that.


🚂 Day 3: The Iconic Journey to the Fjords

🌄 Morning: The Great Train Escape

Departure: 6:20 AM from Oslo Central Station
📍Train 1: Oslo → Myrdal (Bergen Railway)
📍Train 2: Myrdal → Flåm (Flåm Railway)

This was the big day – the one that Norway travel dreams are made of. But let’s be real: it started early and with a whole lot of train time.

The Bergen Railway from Oslo to Myrdal is stunning, with views that shift from cities to alpine villages to snow-capped peaks. But here’s where the day got a bit chaotic: the motion sickness hit hard. The constant winding, combined with sitting opposite to the direction of the train, made us a bit woozy.

Pro Tip: Always try to book forward-facing seats – especially on mountain routes. Even if you don’t normally get motion sick, the steep altitude changes and depth perception can throw you off.

Also, we learned the hard way: sit on the left side of the train (facing forward) for the best views. This would’ve made a huge difference for us!


🚂 Train 1: Oslo → Myrdal: A Journey Through Ecosystems

We boarded early and settled in beside the window for the Oslo → Myrdal leg of our journey – part of the famed Bergen Railway, Northern Europe’s highest standard-gauge line. This stretch from city to summit to fjordlands felt like four seasons in four hours – and it set the tone for the dramatic, unforgettable beauty of the journey ahead.

🚆 From City Streets to Snow-Capped Peaks

As the train pulled out of Oslo, we watched the city slowly fade—apartment buildings, tram lines, and that last bit of downtown buzz in the rearview. But within an hour, it felt like we had stepped into a completely different world.

We passed peaceful lakes hugged by tall pine and birch trees, the sunlight glinting off the water like something out of a movie. Then came the countryside—rolling hills, wide-open fields, and charming little villages that looked like they were plucked from a storybook.

And just when we thought the scenery couldn’t get better, we hit the valleys – sweeping views of places like Hallingdal and Gudbrandsdalen – with ski towns like Geilo making quiet appearances (yes, even in summer). Every 10 minutes felt like flipping the page in a new chapter of landscapes.

🌄 Into the Mountains: Power and Majesty

The train paused at Geilo, a gateway into mountain country, then pressed upward toward the legendary Hardangervidda Plateau. As we ascended, dense forests thinned into treeless tundra and snowy plains – a sudden aesthetic shift that felt like sliding into another world.

We passed near Finse, the highest point on the line at 1,222 m and a hotspot for polar explorers and film sets. Frozen lakes and ridged rock outcroppings surrounded us – the air crisp, the sky wide.

🌊 Descent to Myrdal: First Glimmers of Fjord Country

Once past the plateau, the descent began – valleys deepened, forests reappeared, and small mountain streams and waterfalls scattered the slopes. Spectacular lakes like Ustevatn mirrored rocky summits. Snow patches clung to cliffs even in summer, and trekkers with backpacks became common sights.

Finally, the train descended into deep green valleys dotted with farms and cozy mountain hamlets. Myrdal, where the route joins the epic Flåm Line, felt like the threshold between mountains and fjordland – ready for the next leg of our adventure.

Check out videos of our ride and views on my Instagram account @JalpaJourneys


🌿 Passenger Notes & Pro Tips


🚂 Train 2: Myrdal → Flåm (The Magical Descent)

🚂 Next Stop: The Flåm Railway

This leg was short, just 20 km, but hands down one of the most jaw-dropping train rides we’ve ever done. It honestly felt like something out of a fairytale: cascading waterfalls, misty cliffs, lush green valleys. And yes… I couldn’t help but get full-on DDLJ vibes. You know the ones – SRK running through the mountains, arms wide open. IYKYK.

As we pulled out of Myrdal Station, we immediately started descending through Norway’s stunning mountain terrain. The train winds its way down a steep gradient, hugging cliffsides and weaving through 20 hand-dug tunnels (yep, you read that right—twenty!). And the views? Unreal.

🌲 First came thick pine forests and quiet mountain lakes still clinging to patches of melting snow. We passed by charming little houses perched on hillsides, their red and yellow exteriors popping against the greenery.

💦 Then the waterfalls began…one after another. Some were off in the distance, cascading like ribbons down the cliffs, while others came so close you could feel the mist when you cracked open a window. There’s just something about mountain air and the sound of rushing water that resets your whole mood.

⛅️ The Kjosfossen Waterfall Stop: Mist, Music & Magic

Partway down, the train made a short stop at Kjosfossen, a massive waterfall that drops nearly 300 feet. It’s loud, powerful, and beautiful – especially with the wooden viewing platform that lets you step right into the spray.

But here’s the twist that makes this ride legendary: as the waterfall roars, a soft, haunting song begins to play through the speakers…and out from the rocks appears a woman in a flowing red dress, dancing in the mist. She’s meant to represent the Huldra, a mythical forest spirit from Norwegian folklore said to lure travelers with her beauty and song.

The moment was completely surreal – between the music, the fog, and the force of the falls, it felt like we were dropped into a live fairytale.

🌄 Final Stretch: Green Valleys & Fjord Views

As the train continued its descent, the scenery shifted once again – this time into lush, green valley floors surrounded by towering cliffs. We passed tiny hillside farms and picture-perfect bridges. And then, like a postcard coming to life, Flåm appeared in the distance – nestled by the water, calm and still, like it had been waiting for us all along.

This was easily one of our favorite parts of the entire trip. The scenery, the storytelling, the atmosphere – it was like checking off five landscapes in one ride. Snow, forest, waterfalls, valley, and fjord. Pure magic!!!


🎒 Travel Tips for this train ride:


📍Afternoon: Arrival in Flåm: Lunch was quick and delicious!

Rather than sit-down dining, we hit the local food trucks spot, which had way more flavor and shorter wait times than the main restaurant. Bonus: you can eat with a view of the fjord!

Food Tip: Go straight for the food trucks – great flavors, no fuss.

🚴‍♀️ E-Biking Through Flåm

Before our cruise, we had some free time and decided to explore the area by E-bike– HIGHLY recommend. You can rent bikes from a main shop in town, but there’s also a self-checkout app-based rental option that was faster, cheaper, and more flexible.

Bike Tip:
If you’re short on time, use the app-based rentals so you’re not locked into a two-hour minimum.

⛴️ Cruising Nærøyfjord – Norway’s Crown Jewel

We boarded our fjord cruise from Flåm → Gudvangen through the famous Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site and honestly, this was the moment that made the long trains, motion sickness, and early alarms all worth it!!!

What’s a fjord, anyway?
fjord is a deep, narrow sea inlet surrounded by steep cliffs, created by glacial erosion. Think: towering rock walls, cascading waterfalls, and water that looks like glass. It’s dramatic, it’s peaceful, and it’s completely unforgettable.

We sat at the front of the ship, which gave us panoramic views and easy access to the outdoor decks for photos. The breeze, the quiet, the scale of the cliffs – it almost feels otherworldly.

Cruise Tip:
Book the earlier departure if you’re not planning to explore Flåm much. That way, you’re not stuck waiting around, especially with kids.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to do the Norway in a Nutshell experience (like we did), book it a few months in advance to lock in the best departure times – those prime morning slots go fast! – Norway in a Nutshell


🛌 Evening: Gudvangen & Dreamy Fjord Views

📍Overnight: Gudvangen Fjordtell
We arrived in Gudvangen and checked into the Fjordtell, which was unlike any hotel we’ve stayed at. Think private apartment meets Scandinavian cabin – ours had a full kitchen, a cozy living area, a dining space, and a loft with two bedrooms. But the real showstopper? The floor-to-ceiling skylights looking out onto the fjord. Waterfalls. Pine forests. Just wow!!

Sleep Tip:
There’s no real “night” in summer – so if you need darkness to sleep, don’t forget your eye mask!

🍕 Dinner, Ice Cream & Chill Vibes

Dinner was relaxed and casual at Gudvangen Kafé & Bakeri, where we had some surprisingly good pizza (Norwegians know their comfort food). Afterwards, we grabbed late-night ice cream and hung out with our group in the hotel’s cozy lobby lounge.


🏔️ Day 4: Fjord Farewell + Back to Oslo

🌅 Morning: Slow Fjord Vibes & Norwegian Breakfast

We woke up to the serene beauty of Gudvangen Fjord, sunlight spilling over the cliffs, waterfalls trickling down in the distance, and that perfect morning calm. We grabbed coffee at GudvangenKafé & Bakeri and enjoyed our included breakfast at the hotel – Norwegian pancakes, eggs, fruit, and more. A solid start to the day.

Before leaving, we wandered around the fjord for some last photos and let the kids burn off energy at the local playground tucked right by the water. It felt slow and peaceful – something about the light here just makes everything look more magical. We really soaked in the calm and beauty!

🚌 Bus Ride: Gudvangen → Voss

This part of the trip is often seen as just a transfer, but honestly, the bus ride itself is a visual treat. The route winds through valleys and past waterfalls – you’ll want your camera (and your eyes) wide open.

Pro Tip:
Grab a window seat and keep your phones charged – the drive through Stalheimskleiva (one of Norway’s steepest roads) offers dramatic views of the valley that are postcard-level beautiful.

We stopped at Stalheim Viewpoint for some quick family pics – don’t skip this, the view is unreal.


🚡 Midday in Voss: Unexpected Adventures

Once in Voss, we had about 4.5 hours to explore – plenty of time for a mini-adventure. We grabbed a Familiebillett (family ticket) for the Voss Gondol, which took us up to Hangurstoppen.

At the top, the air was crisp and the views were expansive. There’s a short trail, swings, and panoramic viewpoints. The kids got their wiggles out, and we got one last alpine moment before heading back to city life.

Weather Tip:
It gets chilly at the top, even in June. Layers and light jackets are a must.

🍽️ Lunch + Local Sweets

Back down in Voss, we kept things simple with falafel and pizza from a local shop – quick, tasty, and satisfying. Then we stumbled upon a hidden gem:
🍬 Handlaget Munngodt, a tiny handmade candy shop where everything is crafted by the owner herself.

Snack Tip:
Pick up a few goodies to bring home – these make great gifts or late-night treats on the train.

🚆 Afternoon–Evening: The Long Ride Back

From Voss, we hopped back on the Bergen Line train (via Myrdal) to Oslo. It was a long ride – beautiful, but definitely one to prepare for with snacks, downloaded shows, and activities for the kids.

By the time we got into Oslo, it was evening and most restaurants were closed or closing. We lucked out with one kind soul at Los Tacos, who agreed to whip up something last-minute for our crew. Was it gourmet? Nope. Were we grateful? Absolutely.

Evening Tip:
If you’re arriving back in Oslo late, plan dinner ahead or grab something on the train – you don’t want to be stuck hungry when everything’s shut.


🇳🇴 Day 5: Last Day in Oslo – Slowing Down

☕️ Morning: One Last Oslo Foodie Loop

On our final day in Oslo, we circled back to some of our favorite spots because when you find a good coffee shop, you stick with it!

🚢 Scenic Fjord Cruise (But… Not Really?)

We had signed up for the Oslo Scenic Fjord Cruise with Audio Commentary, thinking it would be the perfect, peaceful wrap-up to our time in Norway, a last chance to soak in some iconic fjord views before heading to Sweden.

📝 Real Talk:
Honestly? It felt more like a leisurely boat ride through the harbor than a true fjord experience. The views were pleasant – calm waters, some little islands, sailboats floating by -but after experiencing the jaw-dropping cliffs and drama of Nærøyfjord, this one felt… a little underwhelming.

The audio guide was fine, but didn’t really pull us in and there wasn’t much storytelling or depth to it. We were hoping for that same sense of awe we felt back in Gudvangen, but it just didn’t deliver the same magic.

🌊 We realized something important:
We were definitely spoiled by the epic scale and wild beauty of the Gudvangen fjord cruise. That experience had us gliding through towering cliffs and misty waterfalls – it felt cinematic, even surreal. So by comparison, this Oslo cruise felt more like a relaxing ride around the bay.

💡 Would we recommend it?
If this is your only boat ride in Norway, and you have time to kill, sure, it’s a chill way to see the coastline. But if you’ve already done any of the big fjord cruises (especially Nærøyfjord), you can totally skip this one and spend the time doing something else in Oslo.

Grab a pastry, hit up a park, or just go for a long stroll along Aker Brygge instead. It’ll be just as scenic and probably more memorable.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Afternoon: Parks, Macarons & Play

After the cruise, we let the kids run free at a local park near the harbor – and honestly, it turned into one of the highlights of the day. Adults joined in too, climbing and laughing alongside the kids. It was that carefree, end-of-trip energy we all needed.

We then made a sweet stop at Mendels for macarons and coffee (a perfect little treat), before hopping on the tram for a casual ride around town, soaking in the last bits of Oslo.


🎨 Evening: Sculpture Gardens & Street Food

🌳 Vigeland Sculpture Park: A Chill, Sunny Evening

After a full day of exploring, we spent a long, relaxed evening at Vigeland Sculpture Park – and honestly, it was the perfect way to wind down. The park is massive and beautifully laid out, with wide open spaces, tree-lined paths, and more than 200 unique sculptures by Gustav Vigeland.

It’s imaginative, weird (in the best way), and full of places to snap great photos or just lie in the grass and let the kids run free. There’s something about the mix of art, humor, and quiet beauty that makes it such a special place.

One of our favorite moments? A few of us (yes, adults included) had a blast trying to recreate some of the sculptures – especially the more dramatic ones. 😂 The kids were all in, and we ended up laughing way more than expected. Definitely one of those spontaneous, joy-filled memories we’ll keep from the trip.

💛 If the sun’s out, this park is a must. Pack a few snacks, kick off your shoes, and let time slow down for a while.

For dinner, we headed to Oslo Street Food, where everyone found something they loved. My personal favorite? The vegan pasta from Tunco Noodles & Rice Bar, so flavorful and filling. With food stalls representing flavors from all over the world, it was the perfect way to wrap up our last night: full bellies and happy hearts.

✨ And just when we thought the night was winding down…

On our stroll back to the hotel, we stumbled upon a local street dance celebration – music pulsing, people laughing, and the kind of joyful energy you can’t ignore. So what did we do? We joined in, of course! We danced with strangers, tried to keep up with the moves, and soaked up every second of that spontaneous moment. It was one of those unplanned, unforgettable memories that you can’t script – just pure joy, Norwegian tunes, and dancing under the open sky.


🚄 Day 6: Goodbye Norway, Hello Sweden 🇸🇪

We made time for one last coffee run to our favorite spot and then wandered through the charming downtown streets for a bit of souvenir shopping – perfect little mementos to remember the magic of Norway.

🎺 Surprise Moment: We lucked out and caught the Royal Parade while out and about. The music, the marching—it felt like such a royal send-off. 👑✨

🍱 Lunch with a View

We scored a dreamy outdoor patio table at Sumo, right near the Royal Palace. The sun was shining, the vibe was perfect, and the food? SO good. We ordered fried rice, crispy wontons, potstickers, and cheesecake 🍰because why not end lunch on a sweet note?

We took our time, soaking in the palace views and enjoying one of our last leisurely meals in Norway.

🎒 Afternoon: Oslo → Stockholm

After lunch, we checked out of our hotel and headed to Oslo Central Station – part two of our adventure was calling!

🚄 We boarded the SJ High-Speed Train to Stockholm (~5 hours)

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re making this journey, book first class. The seats are roomier, quieter, and just all-around more comfortable – especially if you’re traveling with kids or luggage. We really wanted to experience “train life” for the first time, and it did not disappoint.

The ride itself was smooth and scenic, with rolling countryside views to lull us into vacation-mode daydreaming. The kids stayed entertained, the adults got to relax, and we officially crossed into Sweden!

🌃 Evening in Stockholm

We arrived in Stockholm and checked into Hotel Reisen in Gamla Stan, the heart of Old Town. 🏨 It’s got that classic European charm and is a perfect launchpad for exploring the city’s cobblestone streets and waterfront paths.

Dinner was low-key (most spots were closed by the time we got settled), so we hit up House of Burger 🍔and honestly, it hit the spot. Casual, tasty, and exactly what we needed to wrap up a big travel day.


✨ Final Thoughts + What We’d Do Differently

This trip was equal parts breathtakinggo-go-go, and a little chaotic (looking at you, 9-hour train rides 🚆). We saw and experienced so much in just a few days – but traveling with kids on a tightly packed schedule definitely came with its own set of challenges.

That said, Norway completely surprised us – in the best possible way. From the fjords to the cities, the pastries to the people, we left feeling wide-eyed and full-hearted. And yes, we’d absolutely go back – just with a slower pace and maybe a few fewer transfers.

One fun thing that happened along the way? The kids started keeping track of all the modes of transportation we used – and honestly, it turned into a little game we all got into. Here’s what made the list:
🛬 Plane
🚐 Van
🚆 Train
⛴️ Boat
🚲 Bike
🛴 Scooter
🚗 Car
🚊 Tram
🚌 Bus
🚶 Walking

Basically, we covered every possible way to move through a country – and then some.

🔁 What We’d Change Next Time


✈️ Pro Tips for Norway with Kids & Long Travel Days

✅ Train rides

✅ Fjord cruise

✅ Public transit is your friend

✅ Snacks are your travel superpower

✅ Plan play breaks


🎒 What to Pack for a Norway + Fjords Adventure

Norway’s weather is a bit like a moody toddler – it changes often, and quickly. Pack layers and plan for misty mornings, sunny afternoons, and sudden showers.

🧥 Clothing

🚂 For Train + Fjord Travel

👶 Kid Essentials

🇳🇴 Norway Itinerary Highlights – Summary

📍 Day 1 – Oslo Arrival & Evening Stroll


📍 Day 2 – Oslo Museums & Bygdøy Adventure


📍 Day 3 – Epic Fjord Day: Oslo → Flåm → Gudvangen


📍 Day 4 – Gudvangen → Voss → Oslo


📍 Day 5 – Oslo City Day


📍 Day 6 – Oslo → Stockholm by Train


Thanks for following along on this wild, scenic, sometimes sweaty, and always memory-making trip through Norway. Whether you’re planning your own adventure or just daydreaming of fjords and flaky pastries – I hope this guide made it feel a little more real, doable, and joyful. 💛

Since we’ve just arrived in Stockholm 🇸🇪 by train, stay tuned for the next blog where we dive into all things Sweden — from historic streets to cozy cafés and beyond. You won’t want to miss it!

🫶 Until next time – happy travels and soft landings!