If you’ve ever dreamed of immersing yourself in Nordic elegance without constantly packing and unpacking, this 5-day luxury travel guide to Norway is for you. With just two main destinations, Oslo & Bergen, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of cultural exploration and serene natural beauty, all from a base of stylish, centrally located hotels.
Oslo: Where Culture Meets Cool (2 Nights)
Oslo is a city that effortlessly blends cutting-edge design with timeless natural beauty. We highly recommend staying at Sommerro House, one of the most exciting additions to Oslo’s luxury hotel scene.
Where to Stay: Sommerro House
Located in the upscale Frogner neighborhood, Sommerro House is Oslo’s first hotel with a rooftop bar and pool! This is an absolute treat if you visit in the summer, which we highly recommend you do. The Art Deco–inspired interiors, curated art collection, and warm service give this hotel a personality that feels both refined and welcoming. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail at TAK Oslo (the rooftop bar) or enjoying a massage in the wellness spa, you’ll feel like every detail has been thought of just for you. Its location is ideal too, just a short walk from the Royal Palace and close to tram and metro lines that make navigating Oslo a breeze. Overall, Oslo is a very compact and walkable city with charming neighborhoods that boast varying styles of architecture.
What to Do in Oslo
1. Oslo Fjord Scenic Boat Cruise
Start your Oslo experience with a relaxing cruise through the Oslo Fjord. These waters are lined with charming summer homes, wooded islands, and breathtaking scenery. This is a peaceful way to absorb the beauty of Norway’s capital.
2. Explore the Oslo Opera House
Trust me, you’ve never seen an opera house like this one! With its white marble façade sloping into the water, the Oslo Opera House invites you to climb on top for panoramic views (free to do!). But I do recommend taking a guided tour inside if you have time, or watch a world-class performance.
3. Alternative Culture & Street Food Tour with Osloway
To get a deeper, more local experience, join the Alternative Oslo Tour by Osloway. You’ll dive into the city’s vibrant street art scene and enjoy tastings of international and Norwegian street foods. This is perfect for adventurous palates, or those simply wanting to learn more about Norway through its food. A highlight was eating at Mathallen, a trendy food court in a beautiful neighborhood. We recommend taking this food tour on your first full day so you’ll know all the great places to eat and explore for the rest of your time in Oslo!
4. Sauna Time!
No Nordic trip is complete without a traditional sauna experience. We recommend KOK Oslo, a floating sauna on the fjord with jaw-dropping views. For a more grounded option, The Well is a luxurious wellness complex just outside the city too.
5. If the Weather’s Nice…
Stroll through Vigeland Park, the world’s largest sculpture park by a single artist. Over 200 granite and bronze sculptures by Gustav Vigeland decorate this tranquil, open-air gallery.
6. If It’s Raining…
Head indoors to The Munch Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of Edvard Munch’s work, including multiple versions of The Scream!
The Scenic Train from Oslo to Bergen
After two exciting days, trade the city buzz for epic landscapes by boarding the Oslo to Bergen train. This journey is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful and, trust me, it lives up to the hype! At just under 7 hours, this ride is anything but a slog. We highly recommend booking a private 6-person compartment even if you’re traveling solo or as a couple. The privacy, comfort, and ability to stretch out or play your own music make it feel like your own luxury suite on rails. As you glide through forests, glaciers, fjords, and mountain plateaus, you’ll pass charming villages like Geilo and Finse, Norway’s highest station. It’s the kind of journey you’ll remember long after your trip ends.
Bergen: Fjordside Elegance (3 Nights)
Nestled between seven mountains and the North Sea, Bergen is the perfect blend of natural beauty and historic charm. This colorful harbor town is very walkable and perfect for slow travel. You’ll want to stay somewhere that matches the charm, so we recommend Opus XVI.
Where to Stay: Opus XVI
Housed in a former bank building and run by relatives of composer Edvard Grieg, Opus XVI is a boutique hotel with grandeur and soul. Its prime location puts you steps from Bergen’s historic Bryggen Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Rooms are spacious and luxurious, with artful details and plush bedding. Breakfast is a true Nordic indulgence with smoked salmon, fresh pastries, and cloudberry preserves.
What to Do in Bergen
1. Fløyen Funicular Railway
Don’t miss the Fløibanen Funicular, which transports you to the top of Mount Fløyen in under 10 minutes. At the summit, enjoy sweeping views over the city and fjords. There are also easy hiking trails, a cozy café, and even a troll forest that kids (and adults!) love. This is a must-do in Bergen if the weather is behaving.
2. Walk Bergen’s Historic Streets
The city center is impossibly charming. Stroll through Bryggen, with its colorful, leaning wooden buildings that date back to the Hanseatic era. Peek into artisan workshops and boutique stores, and be sure to stop at Fish Me or Enhjørningen for fresh seafood.
3. Feast on Seafood
Speaking of, Bergen is a seafood lover’s paradise. Try the tasting menu at Bare, a Michelin-starred spot serving Norwegian fare with seasonal flair. Or go more casual with an oyster platter at Bryggeloftet & Stuene. For lunch, head to the Bergen Fish Market for salmon burgers and a glass of local cider. You really cannot go wrong with seafood here!
Day Trip: Nærøyfjord Tour with Fjordrive
While Bergen itself is unforgettable, we highly recommend spending one day on the Nærøyfjord Tour with Fjordrive—a journey straight out of a postcard. This full-day guided experience includes:
- A scenic drive through Voss and down the stunning Stalheimskleiva road
- A breathtaking fjord cruise on the UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord, one of the narrowest fjords in the world
- Time in Flåm, a charming village known for its picturesque setting
- And a ride on the world-famous Flåm Railway, one of the steepest and most dramatic train journeys on Earth
You’ll return to Bergen with your camera full and your heart full, too. It’s an absolute highlight and 100% worth your time and money. Fjordrive offers custom and private tours as well.
Final Thoughts…
This itinerary gives you a taste of everything Norway does best: design, culture, dramatic landscapes, and warm hospitality but without the stress of constant movement. With luxe accommodations like Sommerro House and Opus XVI, unforgettable train and fjord journeys, and just the right mix of adventure and relaxation, this 5-day guide is tailor-made for the modern luxury traveler. Skål to your next Scandinavian escape!
