The Lofoten archipelago is the epitome of Nordic beauty: jagged mountains rise from the The Lofoten archipelago is the epitome of Nordic beauty: jagged mountains rise from the sea, quaint fishing villages line the shores, and the Northern Lights frequently illuminate the night sky. Though it requires a flight and is on the pricier side, the experience is unforgettable. Highlights: Hike to Reinebringen for breathtaking panoramic views. Stroll through Henningsvær, a fishing village with an artsy edge. Paddle through the fjords on a kayak or embark on a fishing excursion. Stay in a traditional Rorbuer (fisherman’s cabin) for a truly immersive experience. We recommend staying at the unique cultural house, Trevarefabrikken: It's an old carpentry and cod-liver-oil factory in Norway’s Lofoten archipelago, is now prospering as a hospitality and cultural hub. Designed with London-based studio Jonathan Tuckey Design, the hotel has an ocean sauna, yoga studio, café and restaurant.
Embark on one of Norway’s most spectacular train rides to Finse, the country’s highest-altitude railway station, before hiking down to Hardangerfjorden, home to orchards, fjords, and centuries-old hotels. Suggested itinerary: - Take the train from Oslo to Finse—a journey as scenic as it is serene. - Hike around Hardangerjøkulen Glacier, an awe-inspiring landscape. - (Optional) Stay overnight at DNT Rembesdalseter, a simple but charming hikers' lodge. - Continue the hike down to Eidfjord, where you’ll board a ferry to the historic Utne Hotel. Enjoy the peaceful pace of fjord-side living.
For an authentic Norwegian outdoor experience, DNT cabins offer budget-friendly retreats for hikers and nature lovers. With over 590 locations across mountains, forests, and coasts, they provide a perfect escape into nature. Things to know: Some cabins operate on a shared basis, fostering a sense of camaraderie among hikers. If listed as “ubetjent” (unmanned), you’ll need a DNT membership for access. We have a key, but availability may vary—plan ahead. Our Recommended cabin stay: DNT Fønhuskoia – A hidden gem deep in the wilderness. We stayed here 2021. Do I have to book a place? Most cabins located in the mountains and in a cabin-to-cabin network will have the option of booking beds to book online Where can I get the DNT key? You can order the key in our online shop. How much does it cost to stay at the cabins? Unserviced DNT cabin costs from 250 to 330 kroner for accommodation (Between £17- £24 a night!) full serviced, its a bit more (accommodation, food, bedding & own room)
A 2-3 day trek across the famous Besseggen Ridge, this hike offers striking views of the vibrant turquoise Gjende Lake. It’s one of Norway’s most iconic hikes, yet remains accessible for most fitness levels. The Besseggen Ridge in Jotunheimen National Park is one of the most famous mountain hikes in Scandinavia. Why go? A rewarding yet manageable hike with postcard-perfect views. Cosy accommodations are available—just be sure to book early. Easily accessible from Oslo by train, followed by a short boat ride.
Steeped in maritime history, Bergen is a charming, rain-kissed city nestled between seven mountains and the sea. Though the locals have a reputation for being gruff, the setting more than compensates. Getting there: Four-hour train ride from Oslo—and one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. What not to miss: Bryggen, a UNESCO-listed Hanseatic wharf with colorful wooden houses. The funicular ride up Mount Fløyen for panoramic city views. The bustling Fish Market, where you can sample fresh seafood. Dinner with dose of history at Bergen’s oldest restaurant, Bryggen Tracteursted, a place where Norwegian and Hanseatic traditions collide.
For an unforgettable biking experience, take the train up to Rallarvegen National Park, rent a bike, and cycle through Norway’s longest fjord. Details: 50 km route, mostly downhill, making it accessible to most riders. Picture-perfect scenery at every turn. A variety of accommodation options along the way. Wild swimming in Olstappen Lake. The route skirts the southern tip and then runs along the western shore, where there are plenty of opportunities to wander down and take a dip with majestic hills rising all around. Climbing the Slettefjellvegen. The views back over your shoulder are probably the most spectacular of the entire journey. Waffles and hot chocolate from the Syndinstøga canteen. Bike Rental on Rallarvegen Haugastøl – Rent bikes and return them at Haugastøl, Finse, Myrdal, or Flåm. Bring your own helmet or buy one at Haugastøl. Finse – Rent or pick up pre-booked bikes, get repairs, and buy gear. Return bikes in Myrdal or Flåm. Tip: Check train schedules—stops limited.
Perhaps Norway’s most famous natural attraction, Trolltunga (Troll's tongue) is a dramatic rock ledge jutting out over a fjord. Though popular on social media, it’s well worth seeing in person—just be sure to set out early to avoid the crowds. The popular hike takes about 7 -12 hours depending on where you start from. What you need to know: A relatively short and easy hike to the viewpoint. Located several hours’ drive from Oslo, so plan accordingly. Bergen to Trolltunga: Starting from Bergen, we highly recommend that you head for Odda or Tyssedal the day before and stay overnight. It's also recommend that you stay locally the night after the tour because of how long and demanding the tour is. The trip from Bergen is roughly 150 km and the journey is an experience in itself. It takes you through Hardanger, Norway's orchard, and alongside the beautiful Hardangerfjord and into the Sørfjord. The drive from Bergen to Odda will take you about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Once the Viking capital of Norway, Trondheim exudes old-world charm. This vibrant university city, a 5-6 hour train ride from Oslo, blends history with modern Nordic culture. Top sights: Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s most revered church. The cobbled streets of Bakklandet, lined with cafés and boutiques. The Old Town Bridge, a gateway to stunning river views. Oppdal areas has many mountains and lakes, and is popular for walking near Trondheim.
If you’re staying near Oslo but still want a taste of Norway’s great outdoors, here are two excellent options: Røyrivannskoia A DNT cabin, just a 20-minute drive from Oslo, followed by a 5 km walk. Ideal for a short overnight getaway in nature. Asdøljuvet Nature Reserve A moderately challenging hike near Oslo. Features lush landscapes and spectacular waterfalls
The Well: Oslo’s Premier Spa Retreat For those seeking a refined respite from the city, The Well is Scandinavia’s largest and most meticulously designed spa, offering a world-class wellness experience just 15 minutes south of Oslo. Located in the serene forests of Sofiemyr, this expansive retreat blends Nordic sensibilities with global spa traditions, featuring 11 pools, 15 saunas and steam baths, a Japanese onsen, and a Turkish hammam. You can have lunch in the on site brassiere. Pricing & Access Day Pass: From NOK 625, offering full access from 10:00 to 22:00, including a robe, slippers, and towels. Evening Pass: From NOK 525, ideal for a post-work reset from 17:00 to 22:00. Frequent visitors may opt for a 10-visit pass, starting at NOK 5,495. Getting There Nestled at Kongeveien 65, Sofiemyr, The Well is a short drive from Oslo’s center by car or public transport.
If you plan to arrive in Oslo earlier in the week, why not get tickets to Norway’s biggest rock festival. 4 days of rock and metal - Muse is playing on Wednesday 25th, Green Day, Sex Pistols & Turbonegro playing on Thursday 26th (day before) 25-28 June 2025 📍Ekebergsletta, Oslo, Norway
- The Henie Onstad Kunstsenter in Høvikodden, known for its focus on modern and contemporary art is of our favourite fjord overlooking museum. - The National Museum (Nasjonalmuseet) in Oslo is Norway’s largest art institution, and during the last weekend of June 2025, The Pillars exhibition will be running from 7 September 2024 to 24 August 2025. - Kunstnernes Hus in Oslo, an artist-run museum showcasing Norwegian and international contemporary art. - The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art in Oslo, known for contemporary works by artists like Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons. - MUNCH in Oslo, dedicated to the works of Edvard Munch, including The Scream, will have ongoing exhibitions. - The Kistefos Museum in Jevnaker, combining contemporary art with an impressive sculpture park. (pictured)
Oslo Sauna Association is a non-profit association that runs saunas in Oslo at Sukkerbiten, Bademaschinen on Langkaia, and at Kroloftet in Svartdalen, Etterstad. Where are the saunas located? We have six locations. These are the three main locations: 1. Sukkerbiten (very central, beside the Munch Museum). This location has many saunas: Skarven, Anda, Havørnen, Havhesten, Måken, Albatrossen, Trosten, Tang, Tare and the sauna boat Ulka Curie. 2. Langkaia (equally central, with a view to the Opera House). Here you will find the saunas Bademaschinen 1 , Bademaschinen 2, Snipa, Rådhuset, Lundefuglen and Bispen. 3. Svarttrosten and Jurten are located at Kroloftet in Svartdalen. This is about 15 minutes with bus from central Oslo (close to Helsfyr, Etterstad and Brynseng). No swimming possibility.