Please sign in to post.
Rick Steves Holiday Sale: 20% Off Storewide

Oslo > Bergen > Tromso > Lofoten Islands in 7 full days?

Posted by on

I am in the very early stages of planning my trip to Norway, so far I have a flight booked from the US to Oslo for April 13-April 22, 2026.

The highlights that I would like to see are 1 day in Oslo, some of the fjords near Bergen (maybe Flam? I also am not set on seeing Bergen itself, just the fjord areas), and the Lofoten Islands (also possibly Tromso if travel to Lofoten Islands works better with traveling through Tromso). I would have 7 full days in Norway. Would seeing those highlights be possible and/or enjoyable in just 7 days? My travel preferences are seeing natural sights, spending time outdoors hiking, kayaking, taking photos, and eating good food. I was considering taking the train to the Bergen area, and then possibly flying up to Tromso, having a rental car in Lofoten area, and then flying back to Oslo for the flight home. Without diving into too much research, it already feels like trying to squeeze too much into too short of a trip, but would like to hear what more experienced folks know.

I am also considering changing my flight from the US to Tromso instead of Oslo, but am worried that having 7 full days in Tromso and Lofoten Islands area is too many days? I know it is insanely beautiful there and the weather in April is unpredictable so I'm sure I could fill the time with more research and building in padding in case of bad weather.

Any thoughts would be helpful :)

Posted by
1448 posts

IMO, 7 days would be a rush to accomplish that itinerary.

First, Norway will be transitioning from winter to spring in April. Expect daytime temps around 40-50f in Oslo and Bergen areas. Tromso and Lofoten Islands could be in the 30s f during the day.

Here's a link to a company that offers various activities throughout Norway, such as kayaking, hikes...

FjordTours

You can sort by location and season. Take a look to see what is offered in April.

Rather than taking the train directly from Oslo to Bergen, consider traveling on the Norway in a Nutshell route. You can purchase the package from the company linked above or you can DIY. This will give you wonderful mountain and waterfall views via trains and bus along with a cruise on the spectacular Naerøyfjord.

Posted by
1448 posts

I see you edited your post regarding your flights. Whatever itinerary you decide, consider booking flights into 1 city and return from another to save your limited time.

For example, fly US to Oslo, return Tromso to US, all on one ticket.

Posted by
57 posts

Thank you, jeanm! Yes the Norway in a Nutshell trip was something I was considering between Oslo and Bergen! Also great tip - I didn't realize I could book a multi-journey flight to avoid backtracking to Oslo. Flying US > Oslo and returning home from Tromso > US would save tons of time!

Posted by
4221 posts

it already feels like trying to squeeze too much into too short of a trip

Your feeling is correct. What is your top priority why you want to travel to Norway?

Posted by
57 posts

Thanks, mark! I think mentally I am planning two different trips (whoops) - a summer trip to the Fjords and a winter trip to Tromso. The current thing that I'm most excited about is snowy mountains in the arctic circle, so I think I'll plan to spend the trip in Tromso and the Lofoten Islands.

Add Reply

Please do not reply to violations of our Community Guidelines.