Embark on a 16-day private journey through the breathtaking landscapes across Norway. This expert itinerary begins and ends in Oslo, guiding you through tranquil fjords, majestic glaciers, historic stave churches, and charming coastal towns. With a private driver-guide, you’ll travel at your own pace while enjoying local stories and insights about Norway’s most iconic attractions. From the orchards of Hardangerfjord to the peaks of Jotunheimen, this immersive experience offers the perfect blend of nature, history, and Nordic hospitality.
Our 16 Day Private Tour Itinerary
This 16-day itinerary is designed to give you a taste of what’s possible on a private tour. It’s a flexible starting point – we can provide the exact itinerary below, but our tour planners can also tailor every detail so you visit only the places and experiences that matter most to you.
Days 1 & 2: Arrive in Oslo & City Highlights
Day 3: Oslo to Åsgårdstrand & Heddal
Days 5 & 6: Lofthus – Hardangerfjord & Waterfalls
Day 13: Lom – Mountains & Stave Churches
Day 14: Jotunheimen National Park – Nature Day
Day 15: Return to Oslo via Gudbrandsdalen
Days 1 & 2: Arrive in Oslo & City Highlights
Begin your journey with a private transfer from Oslo Airport, followed by an introductory tour of the capital’s iconic landmarks. Explore the medieval Akershus Fortress, enjoy panoramic views from the Oslo Opera House, and relax along the scenic harbor promenade.
Get to know Oslo better on your second day with a mix of history, art, and modern city life. You’ll start with a guided visit to the Royal Palace grounds, where you can see the home of Norway’s royal family and enjoy the peaceful gardens. Then, head to Vigeland Sculpture Park, filled with over 200 statues designed to express a variety of human emotions and experiences.
At the MUNCH Museum, you’ll get to see some of Norway’s most famous art, including The Scream, in a bright, modern building right by the water. In the afternoon, finish with visits to two of the maritime museums on the Bygdøy Peninsula. Start at the Fram Museum, which tells the story of famous polar explorers, followed by the Kon-Tiki Museum, where you’ll learn about an incredible ocean journey by Thor Heyerdahl on a handmade raft.
Day 3: Oslo to Åsgårdstrand & Heddal
On your journey southwest from Oslo, stop in the coastal village of Åsgårdstrand, best known as the summer home of famed artist Edvard Munch. After visiting the MUNCH Museum in Oslo, learn more about the artist as you visit Much’s house, where he painted some of his most iconic works.
Your private guide will take you further inland to Heddal Stave Church, the largest and best-preserved stave church in Norway. Admire its Viking-like appearance before your guide leads you inside to examiner hand-painted biblical scenes and ancient runic inscriptions.
Finish with a tour at one of the oldest silver mines in Europe, the Kongsberg Silver Mines, where you’ll learn how silver was extracted centuries ago. Carry onto Rjukan, a picturesque town where you’ll be based for the next two nights.
Day 4: Rjukan
Spend the day exploring the best attractions in Rjukan, renowned for its alpine scenery and role in Norway’s industrial age.
Begin the day with a visit to the Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its groundbreaking hydroelectric developments. The highlight is the Vemork Hydroelectric Plant, once the world’s largest power plant.
Enjoy a tour of the Vemork Museum, where you’ll learn how Rjukan used nearby waterfalls to produce energy and the heroic WWII sabotage missions, which you may remember from the Hollywood movie “The Heroes of Telemark.”
In the afternoon, ride the Krossobanen cable car, which was built to provide workers and their families with access to sunlight during the dark winter months. You’ll enjoy sweeping views over the town and the breathtaking scenery of the Hardangervidda Plateau.
Finish the day traveling on the Gaustabanen funicular, a train journey that takes you inside the mountain up to near the summit of Gaustatoppen, one of Norway’s most iconic peaks
Days 5 & 6: Lofthus – Hardangerfjord & Waterfalls
Leave the mountains of Rjukan behind as your private driver-guide takes you along the Haukeli mountain pass before stopping at the majestic Latefossen Waterfall. This is one of Norway’s most accessible waterfalls, and you’ll get some amazing photographs and views of the twin waterfalls crashing down the cliffside.
Arrive in the tranquil village of Lofthus, where you’ll be based for the following two nights. Travel along the Hardanger Fruit Trail, stopping at a local cider farm to taste exclusive samples and learn about the traditional cider-making process.
Your guide will take you along the Buførevegen Trail through meadows and birch forests, stopping at the best vantage points for breathtaking views of the Hardangerfjord. Although the fjord views are incredible, you’ll also be able to admire the glacier peaks of the Folgefonna National Park in the distance.
Finish with a tour of the Norwegian Museum of Water Power and Industry, where, through interactive exhibits and stories from your private guide, you’ll learn about hydroelectric history and its important role in developing the region.
Days 7 & 8: Bergen
Leave the tranquil shores of Hardangerfjord behind on your way to the coastal city of Bergen. Your private guide will take you along Hardanger Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in Europe. The highlight of your journey is visiting Steinsdalsfossen Waterfall, a unique experience where you walk behind the cascading water without getting wet. It’s a surreal moment and one of the best photo opportunities on your private tour.
In Bergen, ride the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for sweeping views over the harbor, old town, and the surrounding fjords and islands. Enjoy a tour of the Hanseatic Museum, stepping inside a merchant’s house to learn what life was like for Hanseatic traders. Your guide will share more stories of the Hanseatic League as you explore the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf. It’s a sight to behold as you admire the colorful wooden buildings and explore the narrow alleys surrounding them.
Finish at Bergen’s famous outdoor fish market, where you can sample fresh catches of the day and try some regional delicacies.
Days 9 & 10: Balestrand
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Vikafjell mountains and a stop in Vik to explore the Hopperstad Stave Church before arriving in the beautiful fjord village of Balestrand.
Start with a trip to the Ciderhuset to sample handcrafted cider and wines, and then visit the Norwegian Travel and Tourism Museum, featuring fascinating exhibits on how Balestrand and Norway as a whole became a popular destination for early explorers.
Enjoy a drive through one of Norway’s most beautiful valleys en route to the Fjærland Glacier Museum. This is a fascinating experience that helps you discover how glaciers shaped the land and how they continue to change today. Following the museum, a short drive away is the Supphellebreen Glacier, where you can get up-close views of glacial ice. Finish the day with a guided glacier walk for an unforgettable experience walking along the ice.
Day 11 & 12: Gerainger
Travel along the beautiful Gaularfjellet National Tourist Route, also known as the “Waterfall Route,” as you pass a series of cascading rivers. You’ll spend two nights in Geiranger, one of Norway’s most iconic fjord destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy a luxury cruise through the Geirangerfjord, passing famous landmarks like the Seven Sisters, Bridal Veil, and Suitor waterfalls.
If you’re feeling adventurous, your private guide will lead you on a hike to the Skageflå Mountain Farm, offering breathtaking views of the fjord. You’ll then finish the day at the Norwegian Fjord Centre, where you can learn about the geology and history of the area.
Day 13: Lom – Mountains & Stave Churches
On day 13, relax in your luxury vehicle as your private guide takes you inland through some of Norway’s most breathtaking mountain terrain. Stop at the Dalsnibba Viewpoint, where you can admire the Geirangerfjord for the last time from a beautiful vantage point.
Arrive in Lom in the afternoon, starting with a visit to the historic Lom Stave Church. Admire the intricate wooden carvings and dragon-like roof beams while your guide shares insights into Norway’s early Christian history and Viking influences.
Visit the renowned Bakeries I Lom wood-fired bakery before finishing with a guided walk through the village, exploring local craft shops, and enjoying scenic river walks around the mountain town.
Day 14: Jotunheimen National Park – Nature Day
Spend your 14th day exploring one of Norway’s best national parks.
You’ll start the day at the Lom National Park Centre, interactive exhibits on glaciers, geology, wildlife, and hiking in the region, a perfect introduction to the day ahead.
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Sognefjell Road, a National Tourist Route with dramatic mountain and glacial views. Depending on your energy levels, your guide can lead you on a leisurely hike to glacier viewpoints.
Following your hike, take part in a whitewater rafting trip on one of Europe’s most popular rafting destinations, Sjoa River. Suitable for beginners, you’ll travel through narrow gorges and forested values, enjoying breathtaking views of the alpine landscape throughout.
Day 15: Return to Oslo via Gudbrandsdalen
Depart Lom and enjoy a scenic drive through the Gudbrandsdalen Valley, passing rolling green hills, rivers, and clusters of red farmhouses.
Stop in the picturesque town of Ringebu to break up the drive and enjoy a coffee in one of its charming cafes. Your guide will lead you to Ringebu Stave Church, a great vantage point for views of the Gudbrandsdalen Valley. Head inside the church and admire the 17th-century paintings and intricate wood carvings while your guide helps explain the pagan symbolism and Christian imagery.
In the afternoon, visit the Hunderfossen Family Park, where you can unwind on folklore-themed rides before your guide drops you to your Oslo accommodation in the evening.
Day 16: Departure From Oslo
Enjoy a leisurely morning after a busy two weeks of traveling and exploring some of the finest attractions around Norway. Your guide will tailor the remaining time to your travel plans and energy levels. Do some last-minute sightseeing before your private guide drops you back at Oslo airport for your flight home.
